Lawyers criticise personal injury report

The UK’s largest firm of personal injury lawyers has today hit back at a report claiming that people are more successful in seeking compensation without solicitors.

Irwin Mitchell said the Association of British Insurers’ report, which found that people who did not instruct solicitors were on average awarded more compensation in a quicker time than those who did, was "highly suspicious."

Colin Ettinger, a partner at Irwin Mitchell and former president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, said: "We would like to have a chance to see the methodology and the evidence behind these statistics to ensure their credibility."

The ABI report analysed 90,000 personal injury claims ranging from £1,000 to £25,000 and found that claimants who did not use a solicitor were on average awarded £289 more than those who did. Those choosing not to take legal advice also received their money 95 days sooner.

But Mr Ettinger pointed out that it was in the insurance industry’s interest for personal injury claimants not to use lawyers.

"The Insurance industry is beholden to shareholders and as such it has been keen to manage costs down for some time. If they can cut out the legal costs they are often forced to pay, in order for individuals to pursue their legitimate claims, they will increase their profits," he said.

source: TimesOnline.co.uk (Last Updated: Wednesday, 12th July, 2006)

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