header-logo header-logo

Personal injury update: 17 March 2023

17 March 2023 / Vijay Ganapathy
Issue: 8017 / Categories: Features , Personal injury , Costs , Damages
printer mail-detail
114797
Vijay Ganapathy reflects on the pros and cons of QOCS reform, and highlights developments in the courts on whiplash claims and unsafe exposure
  • The reform of the qualified one-way costs shifting (QOCS) rules has extended the scope of costs recovery for defendants.
  • A recent case has provided reassurance on non-tariff injuries in mixed injury cases.
  • The court has also dealt with the scope of an employer’s duty in a case involving historic asbestos exposure.

Following the last update (‘Personal injury: lessons from 2022’, 172 NLJ 8006, pp11-12), the courts have handed down judgments in cases involving some important issues. In addition, a topic that is occupying many practitioners’ minds presently is the reform of the qualified one-way costs shifting (QOCS) rules which come into effect on 6 April 2023.

Changing the QOCS

As mentioned in the previous update, some of the main aims of QOCS were to deal with litigation costs which Lord Jackson considered were ‘disproportionate’ and to encourage access to justice for claimants. The latter was achieved by ensuring claimants would not

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ career profile: Liz McGrath KC

NLJ career profile: Liz McGrath KC

A good book, a glass of chilled Albarino, and being creative for pleasure help Liz McGrath balance the rigours of complex bundles and being Head of Chambers

Burges Salmon—Matthew Hancock-Jones

Burges Salmon—Matthew Hancock-Jones

Firm welcomes director in its financial services financial regulatory team

New Square Chambers—Alexander Farara

New Square Chambers—Alexander Farara

Chambers welcomes new member

NEWS

Law school partners with charity to give free assistance to litigants in need

Magic circle firms, in-house legal departments and litigation firms alike are embracing more flexible ways to manage surges of workloads, the success of Flex Legal has shown

Magic circle firms, in-house legal departments and litigation firms alike are embracing more flexible ways to manage surges of workloads, the success of Flex Legal has shown

Walkers and runners will take in some of London’s finest views at the 16th annual charity event

Law school partners with charity to give free assistance to litigants in need

back-to-top-scroll