A new alliance intended to speed up the handling of personal injury claims has been launched by a group of 60 specialist claimant law firms across the country.

LawAlliance, established by firms including Bristol-based Lyons Davidson and Pictons in Luton, will work with 'neutral' claims resolution specialist InterResolve to provide advice and representation to claimants under InterResolve's bodily injury claims scheme. The move could cut claimants' costs by up to 80%, it has been suggested.


Member firms will operate under contractually agreed arrangements with InterResolve, participating insurers including Allianz Cornhill, employers and public bodies, with fixed fees in all cases and no referral fees.


The arrangements - the product of lengthy negotiations between InterResolve and ten firms on the LawAlliance solicitors steering committee - can be used for all employers' liability, public liability and Road Traffic Act cases.


Chris Lodge, chairman of the committee and partner at Kent firm Andrew Gardner Partnership, said: 'We believe that the scheme provides the answer to many of the problems facing the industry and provides an excellent new deal for claimants seeking fair compensation.


'It's a good way of combating the perceived compensation culture, enables early treatment and rehabilitation, keeps a lid on costs and is simple and transparent. For lawyers it is good because you don't have to fund any disbursements.'


The scheme is open to any firm that is a member of the Motor Accident Solicitors Society, the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, or the Law Society's personal injury panel.