“Fixed recoverable costs delay is another step backwards”

31 July 2017
News
01 January 0001
Volume 31 · Issue 6

Commenting on the postponement of the government’s decision on its consultation on capping fixed recoverable costs in clinical negligence cases, Chris Kenny, chief executive of MDDUS, said, “Almost three years have passed since the government said they were going to take urgent steps to halt the runaway increase in claimant costs in medical negligence cases. But words have not been matched by deeds and today’s non-announcement is another step backwards.

“Patients, professionals and taxpayers alike are paying – and will continue to pay – the price for this wholly avoidable planning blight.

“If government is really serious about reducing the cost and stress burdens of unjustified litigation on the NHS, then it needs a joined-up approach on tort reform, the discount rate and the consequent need for GP reimbursement to account for increased indemnity costs. A robust cap in cases of up to £250,000 in value is an essential part of that programme. There is no case for further delay.”