by Saqib Khan | Jun 15, 2023 | Personal injury
In the United Kingdom, the medical legal agencies play an important role in ensuring that patients receive fair and just compensation when they are injured as a result of medical malpractice. These agencies are responsible for investigating claims, assessing the extent of injuries, and determining the amount of compensation that should be paid.
However, there have been concerns about the effectiveness of these agencies, particularly in cases where patients have suffered serious harm or even death as a result of medical errors. Some have argued that the agencies are too slow to respond, too bureaucratic, and too focused on protecting the interests of healthcare providers rather than the rights of patients.
In response to these concerns, the UK government has taken steps to increase its intervention and consultations with the medical legal agencies. One of the most significant of these steps was the establishment of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review in 2018. This review was tasked with examining the safety of certain medical devices, as well as the response of the medical legal agencies to cases involving these devices.
The review’s findings were damning. It found that many patients had suffered serious harm as a result of the use of certain medical devices, and that the medical legal agencies had been slow to respond to these cases. The review also found that the agencies were often overly focused on protecting healthcare providers, and that they did not always put the interests of patients first.
As a result of these findings, the UK government has committed to a number of changes aimed at improving the functioning of the medical legal agencies. One of the most important of these changes has been the establishment of a new system of compensation for victims of medical malpractice. This system will be overseen by an independent body, and will be designed to ensure that patients receive fair and just compensation when they are injured as a result of medical errors.
The government has also committed to improving the transparency and accountability of the medical legal agencies. This will involve making more information about their activities and decision-making processes publicly available, as well as giving patients a greater say in how their cases are handled.
Overall, the UK government’s increased intervention and consultations with the medical legal agencies are a welcome development. They demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that patients receive fair and just compensation when they are injured as a result of medical errors, and to improving the functioning of the agencies responsible for delivering this compensation. However, much remains to be done to ensure that patients receive the support and protection they deserve, and that the medical legal agencies are truly focused on serving their needs.
If you wish to know more about medico-legal agencies, please call one of our Personal Injury Litigation solicitors on 0161 850 9911.
by Saqib Khan | May 28, 2023 | Personal injury
Recently, the UK government introduced a new whiplash tariff as part of their Civil Liability Act. This tariff is intended to reduce the number of fraudulent whiplash claims made each year, which is believed to contribute to higher insurance premiums for drivers.
Under the new tariff, compensation for whiplash injuries sustained in car accidents will be capped at £4,000 for injuries lasting up to two years, and £3,600 for injuries lasting up to 18 months. This is a significant reduction from previous compensation rates, which could be as high as £5,000 or more.
The government has stated that the tariff is designed to ensure that genuine whiplash victims receive fair compensation while reducing the incentive for fraudulent claims. The aim is to create a more balanced system that benefits both claimants and insurers, ultimately leading to lower premiums for drivers.
Critics of the tariff have argued that it could deter genuine claimants from seeking compensation and lead to a reduction in the quality of medical care provided. They also suggest that the cap on compensation could be unfair to those who suffer long-term or severe injuries as a result of whiplash.
Despite these concerns, the government is moving forward with the new tariff1. It remains to be seen how effective the tariff will be in reducing fraudulent claims and lowering insurance premiums, and how it will impact genuine claimants.
Overall, the introduction of the whiplash tariff is a significant development in the UK’s compensation system for car accidents. It reflects the government’s efforts to strike a balance between the needs of claimants and insurers, and highlights the ongoing debate around the role of compensation in promoting fairness and reducing fraud.
Please call us to discuss this or any other personal injury issues. Our conveyancing department would be happy to speak to you during working hours on 0161 850 9911 or at personalinjury@khanmather.co.uk
by Helen Penney | Mar 24, 2023 | Personal injury
Being involved in a road traffic accident can be a traumatic experience, not just physically but emotionally as well. If you have been injured in a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim.
Here is a step-by-step guide to making a personal injury claim after having a road traffic accident:
Step 1: Seek medical attention. If you have been injured in a road traffic accident, it is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it is important to get checked out to ensure that there are no underlying issues. Additionally, seeking medical attention will also provide documentation of your injuries, which can be useful in your personal injury claim.
Step 2: Gather evidence. Gathering evidence is crucial when making a personal injury claim. Take photos of the scene of the accident, including any damage to the vehicles involved, and the area where the accident took place. Make sure to collect the contact and insurance information of the other party(s) involved in the accident. Additionally, it is a good idea to take note of any witnesses who may have seen the accident occur.
Step 3: Contact one of our personal injury solicitors. Once you have sought medical attention and gathered evidence, it is time to contact us. One of our trained solicitors can help you determine if you have a valid claim and can guide you through the claims process.
Step 4: Submit your claim. Your solicitor will assist you in submitting your claim to the at-fault party’s insurance company. The claim will include information about the accident, your injuries, and details of the compensation you are seeking.
Step 5: Settlement negotiations. After your claim has been submitted, the at-fault party’s insurance company will likely contact your instructed solicitor to negotiate a settlement. Your solicitor will work with you to determine an appropriate settlement amount based on your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and any other associated damages.
Step 6: Court proceedings. If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your case may go to court. Your solicitor will represent you in court and argue your case in front of a judge or jury. It is important to note that most personal injury claims are settled outside of court, but it is still important to have a solicitor who is experienced in court proceedings which all of our solicitors are.
In conclusion, if you have been injured in a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim for compensation. By following these steps and seeking the guidance of one of our personal injury solicitors, you can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Call 0161 850 9911 and speak to one of our Personal Injury solicitors now.
