Government proposals to reform low value personal injury claims
In November 2016, the Ministry of Justice launched a consultation with proposals to remove or restrict the right to general damages for minor soft tissue claims, and to transfer personal injury claims with a value of £5,000 for pain, suffering and loss of amenity (‘general’ damages) to the small claims court.
The Government responded to the consultation, and confirmed that the small claims court limit would increase to £5,000 for road traffic accident claims, and to £2,000 for all other personal injury claims.
Proposals to introduce a tariff of compensation for general damages for minor soft tissue claims were also included in the Prisons and Courts Bill. APIL's briefing on that Bill can be read here.
Following the announcement of the general election, the Prisons and Courts Bill has been dropped by the Government as there would not have been enough time for the Bill to be passed into law. Before the Bill was dropped it was being examined by MPs at committee stage, and APIL vice president Brett Dixon gave evidence to the committee at the end of March. That evidence session can be viewed here.