| Several Claims Management companies (which are no | | | | The Law Society governs all solicitors and they must |
| longer operating) were the pioneers of this apparent | | | | clearly set out their terms of engagement and advise |
| "Compensation Culture", enticing people to make | | | | the client on the likely success of their claim. Claims |
| injury compensation claims that had little or no chance | | | | Management companies (such as the two that are |
| of success. Once the claim was on paper, it could be | | | | no longer operating) are not officially regulated and, |
| packaged up and sold to an unsuspecting solicitor and | | | | consequently, have come in for a great deal of |
| the client could be signed up to a credit agreement | | | | criticism recently. Like most things in life, there are |
| that would ultimately cost them a lot of money, | | | | some terrific companies that provide a very good |
| often more than the settlement itself. The only | | | | service, and there are some that should be avoided |
| people who made money were the claims companies. | | | | at all costs. |
| Since the demise of these particular companies, the | | | | Claims Management companies will ultimately become |
| level of claims has actually dropped. | | | | regulated and this will have a very positive affect on |
| Regardless of all the hype, we need to ask ourselves | | | | the industry. Until that time, it is best for claimants to |
| a few simple questions. Are people who have | | | | consult the Claims Standards Council who are a |
| genuinely been injured entitled to reasonable | | | | voluntary regulator, and chose a company from their |
| compensation? Of course they are. Does everyone | | | | members list. These companies clearly outline their |
| who is entitled to compensation actually get it? The | | | | service and costs (if any) and will give sound advice. |
| answer is a definite NO! It is believed that 70% of | | | | In summary, the level of claims in the UK is not out |
| people who were injured as a result of an accident | | | | of control but the balance is wrong. Many people |
| do not make a claim. Of those that do claim, | | | | who should claim don't, and many unworthy claims |
| settlements are usually modest. The vast majority | | | | that will ultimately fail are still being submitted. The |
| are under £10,000 - hardly life changing! | | | | answer is to encourage more genuine victims to |
| Members of the public need to be aware of their | | | | claim, and to politely advise those with little or no |
| rights and need to be able to get good advice from | | | | chance of success, not to proceed with a claim. This |
| honest and trustworthy sources. These sources are | | | | can only be achieved through education of the public |
| solicitors or quality Claims Management companies. | | | | and professional advice from the industry. |