New rules to fix the costs of obtaining medical reports in low-value personal injury claims arising from road traffic accidents came into force on 1 October 2014. Minister for State Justice, Lord Faulks QC, believes that fixing costs for medical reports in whiplash claims is an integral step towards controlling litigation costs.
The new rules will mean that:
- The fee for the first report is to be fixed at £180.
- If recommended and justified by the initial expert a second report can be completed. Fixed costs for these include (£180) GP/physiotherapist, (£360) emergency consultant, and (£420) orthopaedic surgeon.
The cost of obtaining a further report from an expert not listed above is not fixed but any cost incurred must be justified.
Ontime Reports is well-equipped to face the new challenges this reform brings and despite the difficulties in creating meaningful medical reports for £180, the company will continue to offer an excellent service to its clients.