It has been confirmed by the Association of British Insurers that the personal injury protocol has been extended by another month due to the impact of the coronavirus and the Government imposed lockdown, meaning it will continue until 20th May 2020.
The protocol – named the ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19) Personal Injury Protocol’ – has been supported by nearly 450 signatories (335 law firms and 105 insurance companies).
The extension of the personal injury protocol means the following:
- The limitation periods for all personal injury claims are frozen. Additionally, claimants must co-operate and respond in a constructive manner to requests for an extension of time to file/serve a defence.
- For personal injury claims where a party has failed to act in accordance with the previous bullet point, they are to be escalated by way of a referral to a dedicated email or telephone hotline.
- References to the hotline will be monitored by senior members who will be able to make swift decisions as to whether the stance being taken should be adjusted in light of the current circumstances.
There will be another joint review of the personal injury protocol in the week commencing 13th May 2020.
APIL and FOIL best practice for mutual co-operation
In addition to the above information, The Association Of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and Forum of Insurance Lawyers (FOIL) have set out a list of best practices that they recommended their members consider and adopt during the current conditions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
This guidance can be found here.
How Nelsons can help
If you have any questions in relation to the subjects discussed in this article, please contact a member of our specialist Personal Injury team in Derby, Leicester or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.