I write to comment on the item: ‘FOIL president: cut claimant lawyer fees’

The RTA claims process was introduced to reduce delays and costs in the system. It may do that, but it is far too early to determine how successful it will be. To even consider extending the process to other categories at this stage is extremely premature. The system is still in its infancy and must be properly tried, tested and carefully reviewed before any extension is contemplated. Tim Oliver’s comment that the system is already ‘well set up’ is very misleading.

As for his comments about third-party capture, it can never be right for the defending insurer to be its own judge and jury on what compensation is appropriate. The practice is not transparent, or properly regulated, and leaves injured people open to undersettlement and bad behaviour.

Denise Kitchener, chief executive, Association of Personal Injury Lawyers