DWF commercial firm oppose proposals by the Scottish Law Commission (SLC) to extend the time limit on personal injury claims from three to five years. The reforms are intended to help those bringing claims for occupational diseases including asbestosis and mesothelioma, but Simon Denyer, DWF insurance partner, says “they are out of kilter with other developments which will have the effect of speeding up cases”.

The English Government has drawn up plans to speed up the settlement of personal injury claims. Under the new proposals, lawyers will have five days after being contacted by a claimant in which to notify insurers of a potential claim. Insurers will have 15 days in the case of a motor claim and 30 days for a workplace or public liability claim, to decide whether or not they are going to settle.