The agreement, which emphasises the importance of efficient communications between the two, usually opposing, sides, is the joint initiative of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and the Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL). It sets out measures to accept service and evidence by email, and agreeing to use a form of video conferencing for medical examinations when appropriate.
Both Apil and
FOIL recommend that practitioners are minded to consent to requests for
extensions. They also ask that, where possible, parties exchange their costs
budgets.
‘These are
unprecedented times and both APIL and FOIL want to ensure that cases run smoothly
across the UK so far as possible,’ said Gordon Dalyell, APIL president.
‘Our members
told us their concerns about remote working and how they might adapt to the new
way in which the courts are operating. Defendants are also going to have their
own difficulties. Both organisations feel it is important to do what they can
to help to resolve these issues together.’
Anthony Baker,
FOIL president said: ‘During such difficult times it is testament to the
collaborative nature of both sides of the industry that FOIL and APIL can work
closely together to agree a best practice guidance document.
‘Following
this joint guidance where possible will be of benefit to all and hopefully
ensure that we can navigate these choppy waters with understanding and cooperation
at the forefront of what we do.’
The guidance
can be found on the FOIL website at www.foil.org.uk.
It is on the APIL website at: www.apil.org.uk
