Source: https://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/code-of-conduct/guidance/warning-notices/Holiday-sickness-claims--Warning-notice.page
Timestamp: 2017-10-23 20:52:04
Document Index: 606804837

Matched Legal Cases: ['UKPC ', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1']

SRA | Warning notice: Holiday Sickness claims | Solicitors Regulation Authority
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While this document does not form part of the SRA Handbook, we may have regard to it when exercising its regulatory functions.
Genuine claims for holiday sickness can of course be pursued, but we are concerned that claims are being submitted without proper analysis of the evidence or understanding of the legal position.
We are investigating more than a dozen firms in connection with holiday claims, including over potentially improper links with claims management companies and payment for referrals of holiday sickness claims. We are also seeing firms pursuing claims without the proper instructions of claimants.
Holiday claims provide an example of our concern that some law firms fail to engage properly, or sometimes at all, with the merits of their clients’ cases. This is of particular concern where there is evidence to suggest that the claim is false or dubious in some way. We are clear in our view that lawyers should not bring cases, or continue with them, where there is a serious concern about the honesty or reliability of the evidence.
...it will always be difficult (indeed, very difficult) to prove that an illness is a consequence of food or drink which was not of a satisfactory quality, unless there is cogent evidence that others have been similarly affected and alternative explanations would have to be excluded."
We have also seen failures to ensure that all documentary evidence is collated and analysed. We have seen highly improper advice to clients to delete evidence.
A narrow approach to this by the firm is liable to be treated as ‘turning a blind eye’ which of course can lead to dishonesty findings. In Barlow Clowes v Eurotrust [2005] UKPC 37 it was noted that a dishonest state of mind "may consist in suspicion combined with a conscious decision not to make inquiries which might result in knowledge".
An example of this might be allegations that claims are being generated or co-ordinated by organised criminals, as we have seen in ‘cash for crash’ cases. Law firms cannot simply ignore such allegations and nor can they simply assert that they consider them unproved or unfounded. They must engage properly with them and bear in mind their duty to the administration of justice.
Firms who conduct cases which demonstrate one or more of these features may face regulatory action for breach of our Principles.
We expect that all those regulated by us comply with the Principles and Outcomes of the SRA Handbook 2011. We expect that law firms and solicitors do not conduct fraudulent or questionable cases and that all costs charged to a client are explained, agreed and set at a reasonable rate.
Principle 1: Uphold the rule of law and the proper administration of justice.
You have obligations not only to clients but also to the court and to third parties with whom you have dealings on your clients' behalf (Part 1 – SRA Principles para 2.5).
Principle 2: Act with integrity.
Personal integrity is central to your role as the client's trusted adviser and should characterise all your professional dealings with clients, the court, other lawyers and the public (Part 1 – SRA Principles para 2.6).
You should always act in good faith and do your best for each of your clients (Part 1 – SRA Principles para 2.8).
You should provide a proper standard of client care and of work. This would include exercising competence, skill and diligence, and taking into account the individual needs and circumstances of each client (Part 1 – SRA Principles para 2.9).
Members of the public should be able to place their trust in you. Any behaviour either within or outside your professional practice which undermines this trust damages not only you, but also the ability of the legal profession as a whole to serve society (Part 1 – SRA Principles para 2.11).
I B (11.8) demanding anything for yourself or on behalf of your client that is not legally recoverable.
For guidance on conduct issues, contact the Professional Ethics Guidance Team