It always helps to win an argument if you are able to occupy the moral high ground. You would think therefore that lawyers acting for people injured by others negligence would have a head start when trying to defeat government proposals to change the way personal injury claims are dealt with.
Regrettably, however, that is not proving to be the case. To understand why one need only examine the way the profession has developed in years of deregulation. The hard sell tactics through tacky advertising, the offering of cash and other incentives to accident victims and the unlawful trade in personal information has damaged the profession and ultimately it is helping to create conditions less favourable to those whom the lawyers are supposed to protect.
Despite its best endeavours the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers has found its task of moderating government reforms an uphill struggle.
Despite its best endeavours the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers has found its task of moderating government reforms an uphill struggle.
There are many lawyers who fight hard to protect and advance the rights of people who have suffered serious injuries through no fault of their own. It is a great shame this important work is becoming obscured.
Accident victims have been let down by the government and a share of the blame must go to the SRA for allowing this situation to develop, but the profession must also look to itself.
Many in the profession are justifiably dismayed at the government's heavy handed approach but attempting to raise a challenge in the current environment is like asking David to fight Goliath without the slingshot.
An edited version of this article appeared in the legal section of the Daily Post on 5th April 2012 and can be read here:- http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/ldpbusiness/business-local/2012/04/05/opinion-richard-edwards-on-why-lawyers-are-struggling-to-combat-reforms-to-personal-injury-claims-99623-30693817/
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