MAPS Medical Reporting has responded to an academic’s call for an overhaul of the claims process before the government presses ahead with plans to increase the small claims limit from £1,000 to £5,000.
Reacting to comments made by Cardiff Law School academic Annette Morris at the Westminster Legal Policy Forum that ministers must ‘adapt’ the claims system and portal to handle litigants in person (LiP) before considering raising the small claims limit, David Stothard, director of MAPS Medical Reporting says that for LiPs not to struggle with the claims process would require a complete overhaul of the system.
The intervention follows confirmation from Justice Secretary David Lidington that the current government intends to proceed with a proposed Civil Liability Bill, which would see a 100% increase in the small claims limit for all non-road traffic-related personal injury cases and a fivefold increase in the limit for road accident cases.
“The idea of a system able to withstand thousands of lay people bringing forward claims up to the value of £5,000 – some of which would be medically complex – without help from qualified solicitors or professional medical witnesses who are capable of producing comprehensive medico-legal reports, takes quite a leap of imagination. It is incredibly ambitious, bordering on fanciful.” commented Mr Stothard.
“It’s extremely questionable if there is the political will for the substantial investment required and without it the likely outcome is chaos and gross unfairness. An implementation date of April 2019 as is currently being mooted by commentators is starting to look somewhat unlikely.
“Selecting and appointing appropriate medical experts and procuring accurate medico-legal reports are essential to lodging a claim and getting the best outcome for injured people. As a solicitor-led company with vast experience of the personal injury sector, we want the best out-come for our clients.”
How MAPS Medical Reporting can help
MAPS Medical Reporting provides quick access to reputable experts and high quality, specialist medical and medico legal reports to provide its customers with robust medical evidence to expedite both treatment services for the victim and the claims process. Contact us to find out more about how we can support you.