Legal
Defendant ordered to pay costs in fraudulent whiplash case
A judge in Portsmouth has thrown out a case that involved a motorist trying to claim fraudulent damages for whiplash.
Blog Relentless portal-isation of claims has to stop now
With the ABI calling for an extension of the Industrial Disease Claims Portal, Emma Costin points out that the vast majority of claims are, in fact, too complex for the portal
Online dispute system to present industry with 'disruptive technology' challenge
The insurance industry should embrace the challenge of harnessing a new form of disruptive technology if an online dispute resolution system is rolled out to deal with low-value civil court cases in England and Wales.
Blog: Bullying and harassment workshop 2015
Solicitor Mariel Irvine discusses a recent seminar her firm ran for insurers and employers on the successful defence of bullying and harassment claims
Insurers quick to implement changes as wave of legislation arrives
Insurers have been quick off the mark to ensure their businesses comply with the Insurance Act before it comes into effect in August next year.
Lance Armstrong ordered to pay insurance company £6.5m
Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong has been ordered to pay insurance company SCA Promotions $10m (£6.5m) in damages, in what is thought to be the largest award of sanctions assessed against an individual in American judicial history.
Insurers ‘should not pay' vehicle excise charges for stolen cars
A solicitor specialising in accident litigation has told insurers that they are not to obliged to pay for some vehicle excise charges levied by Vehicle Enforcement and Ancillary Services.
Legal update: The effect of the Insurance Act
David Hertzell explains the significant changes on the horizon when the Insurance Act comes into force
ABI welcomes Supreme Court rebuff of Welsh asbestos plans
The Association of British Insurers has welcomed a Supreme Court Judgement denying the Welsh Assembly the right to bill insurers for the treatment costs of patients with asbestos-related illnesses.
IUA and LMA prepare guidance on Insurance Act changes
The International Underwriting Association and Lloyd’s Market Authority are working with legal specialists to prepare guidance on the impact of the incoming Insurance Act on their members.
Former DLA Piper lawyer joins Minter Ellison for Asia role
Australian law firm Minter Ellison has hired Will Harrison to lead its Asia and Western Australia insurance practice.
Aviva heralds 'fundamentally dishonest' crash for cash victory where fraud was not pleaded
Aviva has heralded a case that exposed phantom passengers and where the evidence led the judge to find the claim ‘fundamentally dishonest’, even though fraud was not specifically pleaded, as a clear warning to fraudsters.
Number of investors seeking Quindell class action tops 500
The number of disgruntled investors seeking to take legal action against insurance claims outsourcer Quindell has grown to 500 and counting, according to law firm Your Legal Friend.
Insurance Bill awaits royal assent after passing in Commons
The Insurance Bill passed unanimously in the House of Commons today (3 February) and is now only waiting for Royal Assent to become law.
Voluntary code mooted to tackle automatism loophole
Insurers should consider adopting a voluntary code to ensure injured policyholders are compensated even in situations where negligence cannot be established, according to the firm at the centre of an automatism loophole dispute.
Quindell assures market over ongoing sales talks
Insurance outsourcer Quindell has confirmed that talks to sell its legal services arm to Australian law firm Slater & Gordon are ongoing.
BLM re-elects Brown as senior partner
Insurance law firm BLM has re-elected Mike Brown as its senior partner for a further three years.
P&I club Thomas Miller unveils ABS
Thomas Miller has expanded its claims and consultancy services through the launch of an alternative business structure Thomas Miller Law.
Car renter trade body recruits Hill Dickinson for counter fraud drive
The British Vehicle Renting and Leasing Association has partnered with Hill Dickinson to tackle fraud in the self-drive hire sector.
Fundamental dishonesty clause criticised for 'unfairly targeting claimants'
Claimant legal bodies have slammed the non-amendment of the the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill clause
Timetable revealed for Scottish Court Reform
The Lord President, the head of the judiciary in Scotland, has announced the timetable for the implementation of the Courts Reform (Scotland) Act.
Legal Update: Ping-pong - it's not table tennis
Andrew Parker anticipates amendments to unfinished legislation as this parliament draws to a close
Claimant's fraudulent broken ankle story discredited on You Tube
A Newcastle man who almost swindled his local authority’s insurance company out of £17,000 after lying about how he broke his ankle has been sentenced to 200 hours of unpaid work.
Insurers warned against 'indiscriminate use' of fundamentally dishonest clause
Insurers will be advised to avoid “indiscriminate use of legislation” designed to strike out claims deemed fundamentally dishonest, according to a partner at defendant law firm BLM.