Is There a Compensation Culture in the UK?

In recent years, the personal injuries compensation sector has been viewed as highly controversial, with analysts debating about claims being made and ultimately the subsequent legal rulings, ranging from the serious to the downright bizarre.

As the number of accident claims increases, there is some concern amongst the British public that we are experiencing an emergence of a ‘compensation culture’ that was once previously accredited to the American legal system.

In light of this public concern, the industry has taken steps to dismiss the materialisation of a ‘compensation culture’ and help put any worries to bed regarding public anxiety over the rising cost of insurance.

Solicitors and insurers have been working in conjunction with each other to help draw up a new code of practice which seeks to allay public unhappiness with the status quo with regards to accident claims and personal injury. It was being hoped that a debate about the current code of practice would help reduce the cost of insurance and prevent consumers from facing lengthy delays following their initial claim.

As the personal injury and insurance sector adapts to the new code, the effectiveness will no doubt improve over time, leading to increases in customer satisfaction across the board.

Consumers may be sceptical of the movement, however healthy debate in relation to the current code and improvements that could be made proves that the industry is at least conscious of any existing difficulties.

+Richard Meggitt