The civil justice system is changing at a rate never experienced before with Government proposed changes to the no win, no fee system and legal aid set to be implemented in April 2013. However, the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) amongst others has been lobbying for further talks before any action is taken and have welcomed the news released last month that the Government is to seek further consultation.

APIL Welcomes Consultation on Proposed No Win, No Fee Reforms

In a statement issued on the APIL website last week the president of APIL, David Bott, said:

“Policymakers need to be aware that extending the current system for road traffic accident cases, when that system still has serious technical and administrative flaws, will inevitably mean a further tilting of the playing field away from genuinely injured individuals in favour of big businesses and insurance companies.”

He, therefore, welcomed the news that the Government is seeking further advice before forcing the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill through parliament saying:

“Too much change, too quickly, would be reckless, and we hope that, in its ongoing consultation, the Government gets its priorities right and puts the needs of injured people first.”

The Law Society added its voice to the debate agreeing that: 'The delay will give a welcome breathing space for the Ministry of Justice to now properly consider the damaging effect these changes to 'no win, no fee' agreements will have on access to justice.”

Breens’ View on the Changes to No Win, No Fee Arrangements

Kirsty McKno, partner and head of Personal Injury at Breens is a member of APIL and has seen the devastating effects a road traffic accident or workplace injury can have on the victim.  It is therefore vital that access to justice is retained for the no-fault victim whether they be involved in a road traffic accident, work place accident or tripping accident and any changes to the no win, no fee system must be taken with the injured person in mind.

If you have been involved in a non-fault accident and wish to make a claim for personal injury visit:  www.breensonline.co.uk/site/for_individuals/services_personal_injury/

For more information on the work of APIL visit the Apil website

For further information on the work of The Law Society of England and Wales visit the Law Society website