April was a busy month for the compensation calendar, with many major stories breaking during the month. Here are our top 5.
- Victims of defective sofas win compensation
The Chinese leather sofa manufacturers used a chemical to cause health problems in their production of leather sofas. They will compensate those who have suffered from injuries in the range of PS1,250 to PS10,000.
- The Tories say they won’t ban Personal Injury lawyers from obtaining referral fees
Henry Billingham, Shadow Justice Minister, stated that a conservative government wouldn’t place a ban on personal injury referral fees. He claimed that law makers should be careful how they deal with the issue.
- Mace and Jones were hit with a massive PS60 million pound professional negligence claim
Mace & Jones Solicitors has been sued for professional negligence. The claim amounts to PS60 million. If the solicitors representing D Morgan, the claimant can submit a detailed accounting report to the courts by April 21st, relating to losses sustained due to the advice provided by the firm in relation to planning issues related to the Bold Heath Quarry project in 1992, the claim will move forward.
After Mr Justice Coulson, the judge presided over the case, the claimant was ordered to submit the report. This is due to the fact that there was no evidence in the original claim. An expert’s report was used to support the claim.
- Challenge made against new RTA process
Accident Compensation Solicitors Group plans to challenge the Ministry of Justice regarding the new road traffic accident claims (RTA) process. They claim that fixed costs used in the process are not based on adequate research about the true cost of running claims above PS10,000.
The scheme has been met with criticism and acceptance from various sections of the personal injury legal community. Some claim that the new process could severely damage small compensation firms. Claim Time’s emagazine has more information on this topic.
- Solicitors Regulations Society revises guidance for foreign lawyers
The Qualified Laywers Transfer Scheme, (QLTS), has been approved by the Legal Services Board (LSB). It was developed by the Solicitor’s Regulations Society. These alterations will ensure that solicitors outside the Commonwealth are treated equally to those from within it. However, all foreign applicants must pass an English test to gain acceptance.
To make way for a system that is based on practical evaluation, the experience requirement in the scheme will be removed. These much-delayed amendments will be in effect later this year, to appease those who viewed the original plans as anti diversity.