Forthcoming Ministry of Justice reforms….

18th February 2020

Will affect the Employers and Public Liability claims process and associated costs.

The forthcoming reforms include:-

Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 and other costs reforms effective
1st April 2013

New Ministry of Justice scheme for Employers Liability and Public Liability injury claims in England and Wales for claims £1,000 to £25,000 possibly effective July 2013 but to be confirmed

Claims notification and correspondence through an online electronic portal from claimants solicitors to Insurer directly. There remains a risk of direct notification to a policyholder.

Tighter timescales for acknowledging claim notification and communicating liability decision. Existing – 21 days to acknowledge Letter of Claim and 90 workings days to communicate on liability.

Admissions must be in full with no contributory negligence or fraud alleged.

Lower fixed costs for claims that remain in the portal. Higher predictive costs regime for claims that drop out of the portal.