New code for serious injury

Personal injury lawyers and insurers have joined forces to produce a new code on catastrophic injury claims. The Guide to the Conduct of Cases Involving Serious Injury launched this week with the backing of 12 major insurers and 40 law firms. Those who sign up to the code commit themselves to speedy resolution of liability, early access to rehabilitation, and proportionate costs. Deborah Evans, chief executive of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, says: “It puts the injured person at the heart of the process.” Laurence Besemer of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers says: “I hope that this pragmatic and consensual approach can be used in other areas of dispute resolution where more work needs to be done.”