People often talk of “compensation culture” the idea that people are chasing claims for compensation. Of one particular concern is whiplash claims and this is why rules are being brought in to prevent bogus compensation claims. It is important to be aware of this as it affects anyone looking to claim compensation for a whiplash injury.
The new rules
One concern is that medical professionals were excessively charging for whiplash claim reports. Therefore the new rules have set the price at these reports to £180, down from up to £700.
The main reason these changes are being enforced is over concerns that people are making fraudulent claims. Furthermore, reducing the amount of claims has also helped to reduce insurance premiums with latest AA figures suggesting a reduction of around £120 in the last year.
Other measures also include:
• No doubling of “No win no fee” claims
• Referral fees banned
• Reduction in claims for uncontested claims (£1200 to £500)
• Banning cash or gift incentives for claims
• Naming firms under investigation
• Anyone who breaches rules around cold calling could be fined thousands of pounds
The problem
While it is important to drive down fraudulent claims there is always the risk that people who have made genuine claims could potentially suffer. Part of the problem is that whiplash is an injury that can occur days or even weeks after an accident has occurred.
This means that while there is the potential for abuse there is also the potential that someone who has had a genuine injury could be looked at with suspicion.
The solution
Regulation is important and it is vital that people receive fair compensation for any injuries that occur. What can be difficult is in proving that someone has received an injury. This is why it is vital that anyone representing you has the resources necessary to prove an injury is genuine and to show how much compensation is needed.
It is easy to lose sight of why people are compensated – if the accident is not their fault then it is also not their fault that they have missed on wages or have to make adjustments to cope with an injury. The compensation exists in order to allow them to get their lives back on track.
This is why we are committed to helping our clients – on the one hand we have people with the necessary specialist legal experience so that they know whether or not a claim will or won’t be contested, how much of a case you have and the likelihood of a positive verdict.
Equally we believe in being there for our clients, to provide support in what can often be a difficult and stressful time. People can be cynical about “emotional distress” but it is a very important aspect when it comes to being in an accident.
In short, we believe we not only have the means to help you get compensation but equally the ability to help you through the case and to get your life back on track. Please contact us today and we will be happy to discuss your circumstances in more detail.