Public see PI claimants as ‘money-grabbers’

7th, March 2008

A study commissioned by a law firm has shown that many respondents believe that the UK is heading into the grip of a USA-style claim culture and that claimants are financial motivated.

The research, conducted by The Leadership Factor and commissioned by law firm Russell Jones and Walker asked respondents under what circumstances they would take legal action and what would prevent them from doing so.

They found that 81% of respondents believe the UK is heading into the grip of a USA-style claim culture and 53 per cent of respondents believed claimants are financially motivated rather than unfortunate victims. This figure rose to 60 per cent in Yorkshire and the North East.

Despite this, those surveyed would consider taking legal action if their health was seriously damaged or affected long term. In those circumstances 86 per cent would sue their employer; 90 per cent would sue a the NHS or their local council; and 86 per cent would sue a school, college or university if their child’s health was seriously affected. Yet, 63 per cent felt that time and expense are a significant barrier to bringing a case.

Simon Allen, partner and Head of Personal Injury at RJW said:

“Access to justice is a basic human right, but unfortunately in recent years compensation claims for personal injury have come to be regarded as something of a cash cow. This negativity towards claimants has created a significant barrier to justice,” says Simon Allen.

“A huge amount of money has been spent over the last decade on trying to communicate the process of making a claim when you have been involved in an incident. There is clearly some way to go, not only in educating the public on the process – which shouldn’t be time consuming or expensive – but also in changing third party opinion of those who do claim. “

Public see PI claimants as ‘money-grabbers’

A study commissioned by a law firm has shown that many respondents believe that the UK is heading into the grip of a USA-style claim culture and that claimants are financial motivated.

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