Tort tactics: an empirical study of personal injury litigation strategies. (22nd November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lewis, Richard
• Is Part Of: Legal studies. Volume 37:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 162
• Page End: 185
• Publication Date: 2016-11-22
• Subjects: Law -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Law -- Periodicals; 340.05
• DOI: 10.1111/lest.12138
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-3875

Abstract

Abstract : This paper reveals some of the tactics that lawyers may use when conducting personal injury litigation. The research is empirically based by being drawn from structured interviews with a cross‐section of practitioners. This qualitative evidence helps to place the rules of tort in a wider context and suggests that tactical considerations may affect the outcome of individual cases irrespective of their legal merits. A range of strategies are considered here to illustrate how they may be used at different points during the litigation. In addition, the paper updates our understanding of the compensation system by considering the practitioners' responses in the light of the major changes made to this area of practice in recent years. It reveals how negotiation tactics have developed since research in this area was last carried out. Overall, the paper adds to a very limited literature dealing with negotiation and settlement of personal injury claims in the UK.