One of this year's biggest personal injury stories is likely to be the creation of independent medical panels. This month, we report on the formation of an MOJ working group that's the hottest ticket in town.
Not since Prime Minister
David Cameron's Valentine 's Day 2012 'Whiplash Summit' at Number
10 has there been so many column inches devoted to the issue of who
will be sitting in on the latest policy think tank on personal
injury.
The Ministry of Justice's cross-industry Working Group
charged with establishing the remit of medical panels and reducing
bogus whiplash claims, has had insurers and lawyers placing their
hats in the ring this month, all of whom are keen to influence
proceedings. At the heart of things is the desire to iron out plans
for Independent Medical Panels before the summer
recess in July.
According to reports, insurers were particularly keen to register
their interest in joining the Working Group, so that they can
oppose an idea floated by Apil and Mass that the medical panels
should preside solely over road traffic accident whiplash claims
valued up to £5000.
The Association of British Insurers promptly got in on the debate
and suggested a system that mirrors the RTA portal, covering cases
of up to £25 000. However, Mike Curley, head of claims assurance at
RSA, appeared to be keen on a compromise otherwise the timetable
could be scuppered: "The focus over the next few months must be to
work with everyone involved to see what we can achieve," he said.
"The minister has been clear that we should not, at this stage, get
hung up on defining the scope of any scheme."