THE COURTS TAKE A STAND AGAINST PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM FRAUDSTERS

April 18th, 2008 Hinchliffes

Two recent Court decisions indicate the firm position being taken to deter fraud in claims for personal injury compensation.

A scam to claim £100,000 from Plymouth Council was foiled when the fraudster received a 3 year prison sentence. Gordon Thomson decided to break the leg of his then girlfriend, Elizabeth Hingston, with the intention that she make a personal injury claim against the Council alleging that the injury was caused by a collapsed wall.

In an unrelated investigation it was discovered that solicitor, Thomas McGoldrick, having succeeded in winning substantial injury compensation on behalf of a disabled client, then stole £1.25 million of that compensation to pay debts accrued by his extravagant lifestyle. He received a 10 year prison sentence.

COMMENT:-

Anyone found to have been involved in fraud during any part of the claims process will suffer the wrath of the Courts.

Claimants who dishonestly exaggerate the extent of their injuries or who are untruthful about the accident circumstances should beware. However, those genuinely injured in an accident have every right to seek compensation.

When making claims it is vital to choose a firm of personal injury claim solicitors who have a good reputation and have sufficient competence and experience to handle the work. They are subject to professional regulation and covered by insurance, which means that full financial redress is available if the work is not handled correctly.

All firms of solicitors are required to make contributions to the Law Society’s Compensation Fund, which is made available in situations where things do go wrong. From this fund McGoldrick’s unfortunate victim will be reimbursed all of his losses. However, if his claim had not been conducted by a regulated firm of solicitors he may well have lost the money completely.

PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM SOLICITORS:-

If you have been injured in any type of accident, contact personal injury specialists Hinchliffes Solicitors for immediate legal advice, to find out if you are entitled to make claims for injury compensation. All cases are dealt with on a No Win – No Fee basis and successful Clients keep 100% of the compensation recovered.

Call now on 0800 138 1348 to speak direct to a personal injury lawyer or go to our Start Your Claim Now page to submit details of your personal injury claim online.