Government plans to streamline claims processes echo Law Society proposals

Law Society proposals to streamline the personal injury claims process have been reflected in the Ministry of Justice's response to last year's consultation on Case Track Limits and the Claims Process for Personal Injury Claims.

Many of the proposals closely mirror those made in September 2006 by the Society in its publication 'Compensation: Fast and Fair', which proposed to streamline the current claims process for lower value personal injury claims.

Law Society president, Paul Marsh, says:

'We are delighted that the government's long awaited response to last year's consultation has now been published and that so many of the Law Society's proposals were taken on board by the government.'

'Solicitors will now be able to concentrate on streamlining their procedures for the benefit of claimants. It is in the interests of claimants to proceed with their claims through a solicitor. The new procedures in these proposals will assist with that process.'

'However, the new procedures will place considerable pressure on all parties to comply with the requirements and it will be important that the proposals are implemented in a way which is achievable by all concerned.'

'The Society will be working closely with the Ministry of Justice in order to develop the procedures which will be necessary for the new process.'

The main proposals include:

• no change in the small claims limits for personal injury or housing disrepair cases
• fast track limit to be increased to £25000 (for all claims)
• new streamlined procedure to apply to RTA claims up to £10,000 only
• defendants only allowed fifteen days to respond on liability issues with no right to an extension of time.

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