BIRMINGHAM, England, April 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Birmingham based solicitors DBS Law Ltd has signed up to support the campaign Access to Justice Action Group. AJAG is opposing proposed government reforms to the justice system which will severely limit the ability of accident victims from making legitimate claims against big business, local authorities and employers.
The Government is acting to change the regulations so that accident victims become liable for their legal costs when they win a case. At the moment costs are paid by the insurance company of the organisation responsible for the accident.
DBS law points out that while accident rates in the UK remain static the number of claims has fallen over the last ten years. The firm's market research reveals a number of reasons for this including fear of high legal costs, and the fear of taking on an employer or a big organisation. DBS law says the proposed reforms of "no win no fee" arrangements will make it even more daunting for accident victims to seek justice.
AJAG estimates that 1 in 4 cases that are currently successfully taken will not be run if the proposed changes are made. They also predict that claimants will lose up to a quarter of their compensation in legal costs.
DBS Law, Managing Director Rob Bhol, said, "There are already too many obstacles preventing members of the public making legitimate personal injury claims, unfounded perceptions about the personal cost is one of the biggest. The Government's proposed changes to the system will make the perception a reality and make the situation worse.
"The Government is caving into lobbying by the powerful insurance industry with this attack on no win no fee legal arrangements. The only beneficiaries of these changes will be big business who put their workers and the public in danger and of course the insurance companies and their shareholders."
DBS Law intends to ask all its clients and their families to sign up to the campaign and to lobby their MPs on the issue. The firm has also written to every MP in the West Midlands asking for their views on the proposals to restrict public access to justice. The MPs replies will be shared with the campaign group and with the firm's clients.
Note to editors: DBS Law Ltd operate Claim today Solicitors a national personal injury claims business.
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