Law Society criticises changes to personal injury claims

The Law Society recently raised concerns over proposals to increase the small claims limit for personal injury claims to £5,000.

The proposals, originally announced in the Autumn Statement, would also put an end to compensation payments for “minor” soft tissue injuries arising from road traffic accidents.

The Government has said that the new rules are designed to curb whiplash claims, which it has been claimed cost in the region of £2billion each year.

A consultation is set to take place this year.

In the meantime, the Law Society has criticised the proposals, fearing that measures brought in to stop fraudulent claims will in actual fact affect many people who have suffered genuine injuries.

President Jonathan Smithers said: “The Law Society is gravely concerned that these proposals will completely undermine the right of ordinary citizens to receive full and proper compensation from those that have injured them through negligence.

“Personal injury claims, even lower value claims, can include serious injuries arising from the fault of an employer or other road traffic accidents where legal rights can be very complex and the injuries caused debilitating. A new limit of £5000 will mean personal injuries including facial scarring would be considered as ‘small claims’. This is totally unacceptable.”

For advice on personal injury claims, please contact James Millar Craig.