We have written to the Minister of Justice & Equality and Minister of Health seeking the introduction of mechanisms that:
- Speed up the process for considering a claim (and apply financial penalties for unreasonable delays)
- Dismiss claims at an earlier stage when it is not supported by an expert opinion
- Make it easier to challenge unreasonable legal costs
- Place a greater emphasis on mediation for claims and complaints.
There is little in the litigation process that encourages the easy resolution of cases. This protracted process can have a significant impact on the final cost of settling a claim as it means legal bills continue to mount and compensation awards often increase in size. The cost of settling a claim that should have been resolved in 2011, for example, can be significantly greater to settle in 2014.