Increases in value of the limit of small claims

Government ministers have dropped plans to increase the small claims limit from £1,000 to £2,000 for employers’ liability, public liability and other personal injury claims. The exception to this limit is for road traffic accidents claims, where the cap will increase to £5,000 from 31 May 2021.

It has been confirmed that a new cap of £1,500 for employers’ liability, public liability and other personal injury claims has been postponed until after April 2022.

The consequence of these changes is that any claimant injured as a result of the negligence of another, other than in a road traffic accident, will still be able to recover legal costs as part of their claim – providing the compensation for their injuries exceeds £1,000. This limit increases to £1,500 after April 2022.

The announcement is welcomed as it represents a clear and significant step towards preserving access to justice for injured claimants.

However, it does perhaps pose the question as to why such a distinction is made between those unfortunate enough to be injured in a road traffic accident, as opposed to any other type of accident.

Should their entitlement to access paid legal advice really be any less?

Contact Ross Rowland to find out how he can help you with your personal injury claim, telephone 01227 763939.