Report comment

The above article is ridiculously optimistic about the government's proposals. Firstly, any Claimant should have the basic right to present their own evidence in support of their case to the Court. The use of government panel medical experts denies them this opportunity. Secondly, anyone who thinks this is the end rather than the means to another more serious end is just fooling themselves. This is the first step towards removing Solicitors from the personal injury claim process altogether. Soon the Claimant will be referred by their insurer to the panel medical expert, who will complete a standardised tick-box medical report stating '3 / 6 / 12 months whiplash' etc. and there will then be a tariff of general damages awards for each type/duration of injury just like in a CICA claim, so Solicitors will not be needed. These proposals are therefore another nail in the coffin of both civil justice and the legal profession.