Claimant Chief warns doctors about whiplash panel

A chief in the claimant industry has warned doctors may not want to take part in a new panel for whiplash diagnosis.

Craig Budsworth, chairman of the motoring accidents society said at an annual conference that some medical experts may not sign up to reporting organisation MedCo.

The accreditation fees will be covered by doctors and the start-up fees are being funded by insurance experts within the industry. It is expected to be in action by the first half of 2014.

Medco is to be launched online by the end of November 2014. The association of British insurers has confirmed the Medco board will be led by an independent chair.

Budsworth said, "Experts are going to have to prove that they are capable of examining people with these types of injuries. This may well prove more problematic as experts may well say, "can't you read my full title?"

James Dalton, head of liability for ABI, said over the next coming months talks will confirm details of how the panel will operate.

He added, "Developing an IT system that randomly allocates independent and accredited medical experts to claimant lawyers is critically important in working towards the delivery of fundamental reform of the medico-legal reporting system."

If you have suffered from a personal injury, for example a whiplash injury, due to an accident that wasn't your fault, please do not hesitate to contact our Moston No Win No Fee Solicitors on 0161 492 0300.

Crumpsall Solicitors

Manchester