Into the lion's den
February 12, 2010
Posted by:Jonathan Wheeler
Monday this week found me in not so sunny Birmingham speaking to an invited audience of claims managers, social workers and insurers, talking about the claimant lawyer's perspective of running child abuse claims. I had been invited by Browne Jacobson, often our opposing solicitors in these cases, to speak at a meeting of their clients, and it was a golden opportunity to slay some dragons and debunk some myths. In particular I was telling them not to contest cases on time limits, to settle early and agree to interim payments to fund psychological treatment. I also emphasised the need for apology meetings and early disclosure of records. The best thing I think I can say is that my talk was politely received! But in the adversarial nature of our legal system it is always good - if sometimes a challenge - to get our views across to those on the other side.