Legal
Zurich claims boss champions further RTA fixed cost reductions
Zurich’s casualty claims director believes reduced fixed recoverable costs for the Road Traffic Accident scheme could potentially be halved if a further consultation was to be given the go ahead.
Law Society: insurers’ propaganda will deny access to justice
The Law Society has warned the government that its proposals to increase the small claims limit in personal injury cases will deny access to justice to thousands of genuine accident victims.
BGL reshuffles senior team following a departure
BGL has appointed a new group director of intermediated and group director of legal services and business as Martin Overton steps down from the latter role.
Insurers set to benefit from Scottish PI courts
The introduction of specialised personal injury courts in Scotland will benefit insurers, according to Bill Speirs from BTO solicitors.
Law report: Television presenter not ‘in competition’ with former employer over event moderation work
This law report was contributed by law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Spanish construction: Unfinished business
The Spanish construction industry is in the doldrums with many building projects incomplete. How is this impacting the insurance industry? Edmund Tirbutt explains.
Law report: Mesothelioma victim entitled to full indemnity
This law report was contributed by law firm Berrymans Lace Mawer.
Judical review rejection paves the way for Jackson reforms
The High Court’s rejection of a judicial review into the road traffic accident personal injury fees scheme has cleared the road for the implementation of the remaining civil justice reforms, unless an appeal is lodged.
Scottish sheriff courts to handle PI cases worth up to £150 000
Scottish defendant lawyers have backed proposals to introduce a specialist court to handle personal injury cases in Scotland.
Editor's comment: Can’t we all just get along?
A mother’s word is often law. Both sides of whatever argument are heard, and then a ruling is made. Brief mutterings may ensue but these are quickly quashed and life goes on, hopefully in a more peaceful manner.
Market Moves: Ex-pro footballer among notable new recruits in busy week across industry
The past week produced an even recruitment spread across the industry, with the usual flurry of hires within the broking sector headed by two regional appointments at Bluefin. These were complemented by additions at firms representing the loss adjusting,…
ABI: young driver proposals could cut premiums by 20%
Teenagers' annual motor premiums could be cut by up to 15% if the government adopts proposals to improve young driver safety, according to the Association of British Insurers.
Your say: Investing in claims at the front end
The insurance industry has long since recognised that costs - and not necessarily damages - are the biggest thorn in its side, hence the campaigning against and efforts to combat disproportionate solicitor’s costs.
Insurer Arrow visits up 38% in 2012
Intensive regulatory inspections of insurers increased 38% last year according to figures from law firm Reynolds Porter Chamberlain.
Laspo to leave law firms at risk of negligence claims
The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act, due to take effect on 1 April 2013, will leave law firms at risk of professional negligence claims, warned Elite Insurance.
Claims Club: Senior NHS member blames claimant solicitors for hike in negligence cases
Heightened interest from claimant solicitors rather than a decline in standards is behind the significant rise in clinical negligence claims lodged against the National Health Service over the past three years.
North of the Border: The same rules of privilege apply
The extent of legal professional privilege was at issue when the Supreme Court considered the appeal in Prudential v Special Commissioner [2013].
Motor repairs: In need of repair
A recent investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches slammed the motor insurance industry for its approach to repairs. Can the sector come back from the criticism?
MoJ sets RTA fixed costs at £500
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that revised fixed recoverable costs for the Road Traffic Accident scheme will start at £500.
Social media cover launched by Arc Legal amid growing online defamation concerns
Arc Legal has become the latest firm to respond to the challenges posed by online defamation via social networking sites such as Twitter, by launching a social media defamation cover.
Indian watchdog hits SKS with Rs50 lakh fine
Shares in Indian finance firm SKS Microfinance fell 2.39% after it was fined Rs50 lakh by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority.
Post magazine – 21 February 2013
The latest issue of Post is now available to subscribers as a digital and interactive e-book.
Editor's comment: Welcome to Scotland
While Scotland is keen to encourage visitors by promoting its major selling points — such as the beautiful highland scenery, Edinburgh castle, the home of golf in St Andrews and the history of quality whisky making — it should beware of introducing a…
Consultation could see Scotland get different personal injury discount rate
Insurance and legal observers are considering the possibility that different discount rate for personal injury claims could be set in Scotland from the rest of the UK.