The market leaders' debate focuses on the personal injury claims process and the government's proposals for reform. This is an intermediate level course.

The government plans to overhaul the personal injury compensation system to save millions of days spent on legal wrangling and hundreds of millions of pounds. The issue is controversial, although all stakeholders do seem to agree that the current system does not always deliver for claimants.

In July 2008, the government published its proposals, following a lengthy consultation period. These set out a new, faster claims process for road traffic accident claims under £10,000, as well as raising the fast-track limit for all claims to £25,000.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has stated “The system is too slow, riddled with high legal costs and undervalues rehabilitation ultimately failing many claimants”. It said the new proposals “failed to grasp the need for radical reform”.

The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) has argued that the answer to claims process reform lies in the insurers own hands, by admitting liability early and having made those admissions sticking to them. They also state that what is needed is a system focussed entirely on benefiting injured people and not just about cost cutting for insurers.

The information in this video podcast represented the legal position when it was recorded on 23 April 2008.

This video podcast explores in detail the personal injury claims process and features contributions from some of the leading experts involved in this field. It will be of interest to anyone wanting to know more about the discussions around reforming the process from the perspective of policy makers, claimants and defendants.

The video and linked interviews last for 78 minutes. It will take you a further 20 minutes to complete the questionnaire. You will need to get 50 per cent of the questions right to gain your CPD.

The debate is chaired by Lord Falconer, former Lord Chancellor. The interviews are with ITN’s Jon Gilbert. The questions are set by Louise Restell.

Learning outcomes

After listening to the programme, you will understand:

• What claimants want from the process and whether the current system delivers this
• What is included in the government's reform proposals
• What the reforms would mean for claimants, insurers and lawyers
• How insurers and lawyers would adapt to the changes
• The role of medical interventions and rehabilitation in the process
• The role of after-the-event insurance and referral fees
• How the Irish PIAB system is working and whether it could apply here