- Legal Futures - https://www.legalfutures.co.uk -

Seconds Out – Round Two!

David Vine 2 [1]

David Vine, business development manager at Allianz Legal Protection

Here we go again. The Claimant Law Firm industry is facing another heavyweight challenge from Government. From fixed costs on Clinical Negligence cases (with suggestions ranging anywhere from £50k to £250k) and a rise in the small claims limit to £5k, to the restriction on general damages for Road Traffic Accident related ‘soft tissue’ injuries. It’s becoming like a journeyman heavyweight taking one punch too many from a more powerful champion.

At least this time the flabby journeyman’s team is in training and actually working together to formulate a fight strategy. The Government itself is taking some heavy punches, many of which are self–inflicted, and defendant law firms are suddenly realising they’re not as fighting fit as they first thought.

Many claimant law firms have needed to adapt and restructure following round one of LASPO, implementing business models and efficient processes to enable them to continue to provide support and representation for their customers. Professional representation will come at a cost for the claimant, but what is the alternative; litigant in person or the use of a Claims Management Company? I know who I’d rather stand toe to toe with to get the best result.

At Allianz Legal Protection [2] (ALP), we’ve been continually talking to our customers to understand what After the Event insurance might look like if further reforms are implemented. We firmly believe that ATE and BTE insurance will continue to play an important part in providing customers with Access to Justice.

In the same way the great Muhammed Ali would predict his success before a big fight, I would like to remind you of ALP’s own pronouncements prior to LASPO, round 1. At this time we publically believed there was a need for After the Event insurance, and were the only legal expenses insurer to publicly state this and be proved right.

ALP will continue to stand in the claimant corner, helping them gain access to justice. Sometimes the bully has to recognise that they need to consider who they are up against because they just might end up on the floor!

David Vine

Business Development Manager

Allianz Legal Protection