What might it mean for you?

Introduction of fixed fees in clinical negligence claims has stalled. 
Health Minister Ben Gummer is said to have written to the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) acknowledging that the delay in publication of its consultation, meant the implementation timetable of 1st October 2016 was not achievable. Nevertheless, a new timetable is expected to be set, although the plans have not yet been announced.

What does this mean for practitioners?
Work can continue as normal whilst the consultation takes place but clearly the introduction is only delayed. This delay will allow all practitioners time to assess their practice and structure, then plan appropriately so as to respond to any changes. Indeed, Law Society Chief Executive Catherine Dixon said ‘We have always stated that any new regime involving fixed costs for clinical negligence cases should enable practitioners to appropriately plan and implement any changes.  We suggested 18 months as a minimum from when the changes are agreed.’ As no-one can be sure that we will be given this long; practitioners need to be thinking ahead now.

For further information regarding the above or any costs related topic, please do not hesitate to contact Aestima.