header-logo header-logo

Backlash on whiplash

13 November 2014 / Chris Pamplin
Issue: 7630 / Categories: Features , Expert Witness , Profession
printer mail-detail
pamplin

Chris Pamplin looks at recent moves by the Ministry of Justice to control the whiplash claims industry & MROs

The UK has long been dubbed the whiplash capital of the world, and both the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the insurance industry have increased their efforts to quell the number of fraudulent claims that are proving a drain on the court system, insurers and those who pay a high price for their motor insurance, at least that is the reason they say they are acting.

So far as experts are concerned, the issues that have come under scrutiny include the level of fees charged for medical reports on soft tissue injuries and the quality and independence, or otherwise, of those experts commissioned to provide them. The independence of experts in this field has also been questioned in relation to the work carried out by medico-legal reporting organisations (MROs) and their occasionally overly close connections with the solicitors who instruct them.

Of course, in these frugal times, the MoJ is unlikely to miss an opportunity to make savings. As highlighted in the government’s Whiplash

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

Gateley Legal—Sam Meiklejohn

Gateley Legal—Sam Meiklejohn Premium Content

Partner appointment in firm’s equity capital markets team

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

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

back-to-top-scroll