If claims management companies were not a problem, there would be no need for the government to take action and introduce long overdue regulation (see [2006] Gazette, 13 April, 3). The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) has made no secret of its belief that the best route for injured people is to go to a solicitor direct. There is simply no need for claimants to deal with a middleman to process a claim - doing so may well generate unnecessary extra costs.

The association is well aware that consumers sometimes view solicitors as being unapproachable, and to this end its public information campaign will go some way to educating people about the benefits of seeking properly qualified legal advice, and where to find it.


Claims management companies add no value to the legal system and it is hoped the forthcoming regulation will clamp down on those who have, for far too long, been allowed to view injured people as nothing more than business opportunities.


Denise Kitchener, APIL chief executive, Nottingham