Lawyers who get TEN times more than victims

[Still Waters]

Lawyers often pocket more of the money from NHS negligence payouts than the patients themselves, it has emerged.

Some legal firms are walking away with up to ten times as much in fees as the victims of poor hospital care receive in compensation.

In one staggering case of the so-called 'vulture culture', a law firm pocketed a massive 58 times more than the patient.

Experts say costs are spiralling because increasing numbers of cases are being taken to court by 'no-win, no-fee' solicitors, who even tout for business in A&E waiting rooms.

If they win, these 'ambulance chasing' lawyers ask the court for more in costs than would be paid in legal aid cases. This is to cover their extra risk.

Figures obtained by the Tories show that over the past five years, there have been 52,000 clinical negligence claims, costing the NHS more than £8billion.

But while the number of claims has increased by 12 per cent, the cost to taxpayers has soared by 157 per cent.

On an overall average, lawyers pocket £1 for every £2 awarded to victims.

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[itsnotoutthere]

I work for an architectural practice, & after many years experience we now have a shortlist of people we will no longer do work for :-

1) Lawyers/solicitors

2) Accountants

3) Pakistanis*

All the above seem to have a problem when it comes time to pay. Even though they know the cost beforehand & smile sweetly whilst the work is being done.

*(and before anyone says thats racist, it's not it's economics. We've done work for 8 clients of Pakistani origin & only one of those has paid his bill after having the work done)

Edited December 18, 2009 by itsnotoutthere