The Law Society has joined forces with claimant groups to present a united front against government proposals for personal injury reforms.

The representative body has formed an alliance with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and Motor Accident Solicitors Society to oppose the planned changes.

The Treasury announced last November it wants to scrap general damages for minor soft-tissue injuries and increase the small claims limit to £5,000 for personal injury claims. The proposals are subject to a forthcoming consultation which could be published within weeks.

While the profession waits to see details of the reforms, the alliance has appointed economic consultant Compass Lexecon to look for data and information to argue its case.

A Law Society spokesman said: ‘We believe the best way to deal with fraud is to target the fraudsters – not to restrict people’s legal rights which will penalise honest claimants who have been genuinely injured and have legitimate claims.

‘The aim of the strategic alliance is simple – it is about safeguarding the public interest. We will do this by ensuring that ordinary people can still claim for the injuries they suffer through no fault of their own.’

The alliance has said it wants to ensure the increase in the small claims limit is in line with inflation.

Among the topics covered by the commissioned report will be the impact of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act in 2013. Analysts will also study the effects of other initiatives such as the claims portal and MedCo, the scheme for ensuring independent whiplash diagnosis.

The report will also look into the effect on the economy through reduced tax revenue, as well as the impact on the NHS and government’s ability to recover social security compensation.

Alliance members have met regularly and have also had talks with insurers and defendant solicitors about the best way to proceed.