Proposed legislation dealing with NHS claims could indirectly lead to increased targeting of the private sector by claims management companies, according to a leading claims specialist.
The NHS Redress Bill, currently in the House of Lords, aims at providing a "quick and appropriate" response to negligence claims under £20,000. It would settle them without litigation through the NHS Litigation Authority. This would agree awards and provide explanations and apologies to patients.
But AXA claims director David Williams said: "There are large numbers of claims farmers and claimant lawyers earning a good living from NHS claims.
"If the NHS Bill limits that, they may turn their attention to drumming up claims against private businesses."
' Lord Falconer, the Lord Chancellor, has said that the forthcoming Compensation Bill will look to stamp out the fears of a "compensation culture". He told MPs that activities such as school trips must continue, despite fears of litigation.
Falconer said that despite the compensation culture being a myth - as claims numbers were falling - there was a fear of litigation and this was preventing legitimate activities. He argued that "claims farmers" were raising expectations that easy money could be won.
Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
