Call to join PI body

All sides to the personal injury war are being urged to join a new industry group that aims to promote common standards in accident compensation.

The Personal Injury Association (PIA) is being driven by the Blue Sky Group, which owns after-the-event insurer Accident Claim Protect and claims management company Compensation Helpline.

Preston law firm Anderson Eden and expert witness company eWitness are the other founding members.

Blue Sky's chief executive, David Hargreaves, said the PIA was approaching all the players in the market ahead of a launch meeting next month.

He is also to meet next week with Lord Chancellor's Department minister Baroness Scotland.

Earlier this month, Baroness Scotland called on claims management companies to unite and create a single voice for the industry (see [2003] Gazette, 13 February, 4).

The government is said to be considering regulating claims management companies.

Denis Whalley, senior partner of Anderson Eden, said he became involved through his firm's links with Blue Sky.

He said such an association was 'absolutely vital' as its work could help restore confidence.

'In the eyes of the public, anyone who deals with personal injury is discredited,' he said.

'The whole PI business has become a horrible mess.'

London law firm Mishcon de Reya advised on the formation of the PIA.

Neil Rose