Fixed costs in medical negligence claims

The Government has finally issued a response to its consultation on fixing costs for medical negligence claims.

The aim, it appears, is to reduce the costs for the NHS.

Claimant’s personal injury solicitors and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) are needless to say disappointed at the response which appears to focus on the needs of the NHS to save costs, rather than the needs of patients who receive treatment.

APIL’s President, Brett Dixon, has stated:

“So called NHS never events – injuries which are serious and largely preventable – have stayed at the same level in the past 2 years.”

He continues:

“The urge to streamline costs and procedures must go hand in hand with a real systemic consistent reduction in avoidable injury.

Only then will the NHS become more efficient and only then will we see an end to the needless suffering of patients.”

This will inevitably also result in a saving on legal costs.

The Government’s attention appears to be on the wrong issue, dealing with the outcome rather than the cause of the problem.

If you are in any way concerned about the Government’s proposals which will have an impact on the numbers of claims which are being brought by claimants currently, please do not hesitate to contact Parisa Costigan on 01403 224608 or by email parisa.costigan@coolebevisllp.com