Personal injury solicitors are often the focus of criticism from the media, politicians and public alike; blamed for Britain's compensation culture, accused of ambulance-chasing, and condemned for exploiting both clients and the justice system. But do they really deserve this reputation? Or are all personal injury solicitors unfairly demonised because of the outlandish claims that are pursued by a few?
Compensation claims tend to be reported in the media in a highly emotive manner. Headlines encourage the reader to question the morality of both the claimant and the solicitor who champions their claim. As it goes, the more outlandish the claim then the greater coverage it receives.
Personal injury solicitors are commonly subject to even harsher criticism than claimants. They are perceived as profiting from the misfortunes of others and providing the means for absurd claims to come to court. What's more, they are considered to be enjoying lucrative business from both injury victims and the justice system.
Research into personal injury claims commissioned by The Association of British Insurers (ABI) will do little to counter this common perception. The report found that people making personal injury claims received more money and also more quickly when they handled their claim themselves. It was also stated in the report that solicitors unnecessarily prolonged the claims procedure and took a significant cut of the compensation money in the process.
Top political figures have waded into the debate, questioning Britain's compensation culture and the role personal injury solicitors play in this. In a speech whilst still Prime Minister, Tony Blair argued that in the instances of accident and injury that it is important to understand at times there is no one to blame.
Conservation MP David Davis is less diplomatic than the former Prime Minister in pointing the finger of blame at lawyers. And in a recent interview with a tabloid newspaper, Justice Secretary Jack Straw was equally outspoken in his disapproval of 'ambulance-chasing lawyers', vowing to fight every workplace compensation claim made within any service under his authority.
However, the poor reputation of personal injury solicitors - the natural result of abundant adverse publicity - is in danger of overshadowing the important function this sector of the legal service plays. If someone has suffered a personal injury and incurred physical or mental suffering, financial losses or significant lifestyle changes as a result, it is reasonable that they should be compensated. The law acknowledges this and is ready to support legitimate compensation claims; a good personal injury solicitor plays a vital role within this process.
For every 'ambulance-chasing lawyer' who views each new injury victims as a potential cash cow, there are an equal number of honest personal injury solicitors who serve a legitimate and important function. It is important to distinguish between the two when undertaking a compensation claim.
