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29/01/2010

Scott Rees Partner Becomes MASS Co-ordinator

Scott Rees’ Marketing Partner, David Byrne, has been elected as a regional co-ordinator for the Motor Accident Solicitors Society (MASS).

David is now regional co-ordinator for the Merseyside branch of MASS which is a national association of solicitors representing the victims of road traffic accidents.

He explained: “The role of MASS is to promote the highest standards of legal services for motor accident claims and I will be representing the views and opinions of MASS members from Merseyside.

“This is a very interesting time to be involved with MASS, particularly in view of the Government’s reforms for fast tracking road traffic accident claims due to start in April, and the possible implications of Lord Jackson’s review of civil costs.”

MASS has more than 170 member firms throughout the UK, and is regularly consulted by the Ministry of Justice, the Law Society and the Civil Justice Council.

MASS is currently involved with a number of campaigns, including raising awareness among consumers about the dangers of accepting quick compensation pay-outs after being involved in an accident that was not their fault.

David explained: “MASS launched a national campaign to warn consumers about the risks of accepting compensation settlements too quickly, before they have had the chance to seek independent legal advice and understand the full extent of their injuries and losses.

“The scenario is known as ‘third party capture’ and it is where the insurance firm contacts the claimant directly to settle their client’s claim. There is a danger that in the long term, the claimant will find themselves under-compensated, and not all losses will have been taken into consideration.

“In some cases people have accepted settlements before the full extent of their injuries is known and later find themselves with long term medical problems without adequate financial recompense.

“Clearly, for people suffering financial hardship it is very tempting to receive the compensation as quickly as possible, however they could also be storing up problems for the future, and, it is very difficult to reopen a claim once it has been settled.”

For more consumer information and advice about third party capture visit www.mass.org.uk or visit the Financial Services Authority website www.fsa.gov.uk and check out the Moneymadeclear information sheet.