More than half of the UK’s adults have been cold-called or texted by claims firms in the past three years, research has suggested.

A survey of almost 2,000 adults by market researchers consumerintelligence.com also found that 78% of people are concerned by a ‘growing compensation culture’ in the UK.

The research suggested that 6% of adults have used no-win no-fee solicitors or claims firms in the past three years, with more than a quarter (28%) left disappointed with the outcome of their case.

A fifth of those left disappointed received a lower payout than they expected.

Consumerintelligence.com managing director Ian Hughes said: ‘Access to justice is an important principle and no-win no-fee solicitors can play an important role.

'But the clear message from our research is that people believe it has gone too far.

‘It is striking that 28% who have used the firms have been left disappointed, either by losing or by not receiving the compensation they expected.’

Car insurance accidents were the biggest source of no-win no-fee claims (48%).