Leeds lawyers “appalled” at claims industry stories

The firm, which launched a free independent service this year, to help accident victims get the compensation they’re entitled to, said the calls received by their Review My Claim team were a serious indictment of some sectors of the claims industry.

“I’ve worked in personal injury for more than 28 years and thought nothing could surprise me any more in terms of the bad practice from some quarters,” said Andrew Greenwood, partner and personal injury law expert at Emsleys.

“But we have been shocked and appalled at the sheer incompetency of the claims handling and claims settlements we have been asked to review.”

Among the latest cases dealt with from across the Yorkshire region by the Review My Claim team were:

• A client who was being pressured by her solicitors to accept £20,000 for a head injury received when she slipped and fell at work – the Review My Claim team secured a £65,000 settlement
• A client who was urged by her solicitor to accept an offer of £15,000 for injuries sustained in a road traffic accident, but received a settlement of £35,000 after the Review My Claim team reviewed her medical evidence
• A client who was seriously injured in a car crash and had her claim ‘statute barred’ when her solicitor missed the three year limitation period, leaving her unable to claim compensation. The Review My Claim team issued proceedings against the negligent solicitors and the client was compensated in full
• A client who was injured on defective steps in a bus station, but was told by his previous solicitors that they weren’t prepared to offer him a Conditional Fee Agreement.  Review My Claim took in the case and within 12 months the claim was settled for more than £3500

“It beggars belief that they’re getting away with such abysmal service,” said Andrew. “Many law firms and claims management companies are using unqualified and inexperienced claims handlers, who are incentivised to settle quickly. Genuine accident victims, who are suffering tremendous trauma, are being pressured into making quick decisions and accepting compensation which is nowhere near what they’re entitled to.”

Review My Claim has pledged to donate £10 to Yorkshire Air Ambulance and £10 to national charity SCARD (Support and Care After Road Death and injury) for every case it takes on.