No-win no-fee payouts news
10/12/2009

Solicitors drawn into slip and trip claim debate

No-win no-fee payouts for slips and trips in the Wigan area are the seventh highest in the Greater Manchester, according to official figures.

Despite criticism that the no-win no-fee payout bill is unacceptably high (£426,000 last year), Wigan council officials have been eager to stress that Wigan Borough is the second largest authority in Greater Manchester, with the second largest network of roads and pavements.

A council spokesperson comments, "The comparatively low figures reflect the fact that the council has a vigorous monitoring and maintenance system to ensure its footways are safe and accessible.

"All claims against the council are treated fairly and while we deal robustly with fraudulent claims, we will pay compensation for those genuinely injured."

However, these comments are unlikely to pacify the Taxpayers' Alliance. A spokesperson from the group commented, "These compensation payouts are sky high and will be of great concern to taxpayers."

A personal injury solicitor from a leading Manchester firm dismissed concerns about the no-win no-fee payouts, saying, "Judges are very good at seeing through fraudulent or spurious claims. The reality is these payouts are to people who have had serious injuries which they have taken a long time to recover from."