Legal
Fears rise as process reforms approach
Concerns are mounting that the imminent Ministry of Justice claims process reforms could encourage claims to be settled without medical evidence, creating significant exposures for solicitors and insurers.
MoJ defends itself over claims of "done deal"
The Ministry of Justice has defended its decision to shorten the response time for its defamation costs consultation paper after the Legal Expenses Insurance Group hit out at the "arbitrary reduction" last week.
44% in the dark on corporate manslaughter
A SURVEY by Allianz of brokers' awareness of the Corporate Manslaughter Act has revealed 44% are unaware of the penalties it proposes.
Fenchurch in Temple tie-up
New legal practice Fenchurch Law has agreed a deal with legal expenses insurer Temple Legal Protection to offer clients after-the-event policies on a delegated authority basis.
Quinn to appeal High Court ruling over information access
Quinn Direct is to appeal a High Court judgment from October 2009, which it claims relates to issues "central to the rights of insurers".
Commercial landlords warned over environmental liability
Cowens claims they could face claims for damages and be subjected to action from regulatory bodies for failing to address environmental safety, even if it is a tenant who is at fault.
View from the top - Lex Baugh: Is Jackson beneficial?
What are we to make of Lord Justice Jackson's proposals for civil litigation costs? Are they beneficial for the insurance industry? And what of the claimant?
Legal Expenses - Jackson Impact: Cheque mate
Would Lord Justice Jackson's recommendations on costs reform really decimate the after-the-event market? Veronica Cowan canvasses views from those affected.
Motor Claims 2010: Creating harmony
With the perfect scenario for vehicle replacement still a long way off, Brendan Keane examines whether recent developments are taking the industry towards it.
Motor Claims 2010: ABI calls for MoJ reforms co-operation
The Association of British Insurers has called on its members and the legal profession to work together to ensure the Ministry of Justice's new motor claims handling process is a success.
Motor Claims 2010: Insurers must plan for PPO increase
The insurance industry has been urged to put plans in place to manage an increase in injured claimants requesting periodical payment orders.
Credit-hire roundtable: Any lessons learnt?
With the tenth anniversary of Dimond v Lovell approaching, Post hosted a candid debate on the issues surrounding vehicle provision in motor claims. Jonathan Swift reports.
Halliwells fraud savings
Halliwells' fraud unit has claimed up-front investigations and case management have saved its insurance clients up to £13 for every pound spent on fees during 2009.
Publicity order for Act
Any organisation guilty of an offence under the Corporate Manslaughter Act is potentially liable to a publicity order, requiring it to publicise details of its conviction and sentence from this week.
Public Sector - Reserving: Emerging into the sun?
After the harsh winter, John O'Neill takes a look at the challenges facing local authorities in terms of reserving for future events. Is the outlook still bleak or is the sun on the horizon?
Public Sector - Road Maintenance: Smoothing things over
With a pothole being repaired every 33 seconds in England and Wales, Edward Murray reports on the issue of public liability claims concerning this road hazard.
News analysis: Scottish LIon - Sting in the tail
Although the Scottish Lion appeal was a victory for creditor democracy, many legal arguments over solvent schemes of arrangement remain to be settled. Tim Goodger and Ed Stanley explain how the judgment places a heavy burden on scheme administrators to…
Shakespeare boss in court
A former director of Shakespeare Underwriting has appeared in court in relation to charges of alleged fraud and making false statements, stemming back four years.
Legal firm welcomes "overdue" ELIB plan
Ian McFall, head of asbestos policy at Thompsons Solicitors, said: "We have said for many years that what is good enough for road traffic accident victims is good enough for the workers."
FSA "a lame duck" following CEO resignation, claims lawyer
Jonathan Davies, regulatory partner at City law firm Reynolds Porter Chamberlain, believes insurers should be worried by the news Hector Sants is to quit the FSA.
Scottish Lion appeal bid allowed
The Lords of the Scottish Appeal Court has allowed the appeal by Scottish Lion Insurance against the judgment of Lord Glennie on whether it would ever be fair for a court to sanction a solvent scheme in the face of creditor opposition.
Diabetes & Dangerous driving: Motor functions
With the number of people in the UK being diagnosed with diabetes increasing dramatically, Ian Bridge says insurers should alert their motor customers to be more aware of the legal implications.
Environmental liability update: Small impact?
With the Environmental Liability Directive finally becoming law in the UK last March, Alan Dobson examines whether its effect has been as hard hitting as predicted.