Jackson Review
Lord Justice Jackson set to have operation
The judiciary has released a statement that Jackson, who has been appointed to lead a review into the costs of civil litigation, will be undergoing an operation for cancer.
Personal injury firms feel pinch as pressure to consolidate intensifies
The sudden demise of Manchester-based personal injury law firm Donns, with ongoing cases sold on and all staff made redundant, has been hailed as a portent of market shake-up and consolidation, with other firms set to be swallowed up.
A winning combination: interview with Paulino Fajardo and David Pollitt
Davies Arnold Cooper and Beachcroft merged in late 2011 under the DAC Beachcroft banner. Paulino Fajardo and David Pollitt discuss the tie-up and their plans for the future.
Medics to tell MPs their reports add value
The British Medical Association and medical reporting firm Premex Group will today tell MPs on the All Party Parliamentary Group on Insurance & Financial Services that medical reports help the personal injury claims process.
Motor claims: Senior Labour MP dismisses LASPO as a ‘Christmas Tree’ Bill
The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill has been criticised for limiting access to justice for poorer claimants and disguising the abuses of insurers and claims management companies as a compensation culture.
RTA Portal extension divides opinion due to lack of clarity and timescales
ABI welcomes changes but industry raises concerns over timescale for implementation.
Child abuse claims: Victims facing uphill battle for compensation
Local authority, church and legal expenses insurers have a role to play in sexual abuse litigation. However, government reform and a recent legal ruling may see this change.
Jackson delay must not allow dilution
Law firm Kennedys has urged the government not to let the delayed timetable for implementation of Lord Justice Jackson’s proposals on reform of civil litigation allow the proposals to be watered down.
Your say: Compensation needs to change
The allegation that the Association of British Insurers is maintaining an “attack on injury victims” would be laughable if it wasn’t so offensive.
North of the border: An update on costs
The Taylor review seeks views on a wide range of topics affecting Scotland, says Caroline Cassidy.
Review of the year - General insurance: Regulatory dramas
2011, a year dominated by regulatory and legislative change, could yet prove to be a landmark 12 months for the insurance industry.
View from the top: Embrace the post-Jackson world
The Jackson reforms present a real opportunity. As we await the Ministry of Justice consultation response, let’s be optimistic and assume full implementation next year at sustainable costs levels with real incentives to keep cases ‘on track’.
Interview - Don Clarke: Ready for the reforms
Incoming Foil president Don Clarke is all set to tackle the challenges ahead as he prepares to lead insurance lawyers through legal reform not seen in generations.
Justice Bill clears the Commons
The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill has been voted through by 306 votes to 228.
Interview - Konsta & Payton: Let's get together
The high-profile merger of Clyde & Co and Barlow Lyde & Gilbert has impacted the legal and insurance industries. Michael Payton and Simon Konsta explain the differences.
Top 100 UK insurers supplement: Referral fees roundtable: The hot potato
With barely a day going by without another opinion voiced on the adverse effects of referral fees, our panel of industry experts debated their contribution to cost inflation and the bigger issues*
Comment - Civil litigation: You’re part of the problem
When the insurance industry launches a campaign to reform our “broken civil litigation system” it predictably wheels out dodgy statistics – including that complete nonsense of a report from Frontier Economics again — and dubious ‘facts’. It conveniently…
Referral fee ban will not reduce car insurance premiums
In response to the ban on referral fees, Stephen Lewis, CEO of Zurich's UK general insurance business, has said that this one element will not in itself create a car insurance market where consumers will see “dramatic” premium reductions.
News analysis: Personal injury lawyers on the defensive over litigation claims
Allegations of inflated legal claims cost submissions have found backing from insurers
Abbey to grow in legal consultancy
Abbey Protection will grow from an insurer to more of a consultancy firm with the liberation of the solicitor market. It will increase the 70 lawyers it employs and target its 350 000 SME customers to provide a wide range of legal services direct.
Abbey profits rise despite ATE drop
Legal and professional fees insurer Abbey Protection has announced half year results showing revenue and pre-tax profit up 6% with revenue at £18.3m (H1 2010: £17.3) and pre-tax profit at £5.0m (£4.7m).
Lawyers target insurers through fraudulent claims
Solicitors practice Cost Advocates has warned of a growing trend of claimant lawyers submitting costs for personal injury claims.
Foil warns MP on civil justice reform
City insurance lawyers group the Forum of Insurance Lawyers has warned MPs planning to reform civil litigation costs not to “go soft” and be swayed by those arguing against change.
Working party formed to solve costs policy issues
A team of lawyers from different disciplines are to sit on the new Civil Justice Council working party to find practical solutions in three areas of costs policy identified in Lord Justice Jackson’s civil litigation costs review.