Exchange Chambers in Leeds has launched an independent adjudication service for personal injury claims, in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
The new initiative will effectively act as an alternative to the court service at a time when claims cannot be processed through the traditional court system as quickly as before. It enables claimants and defendants to opt out of the court system and to seek a resolution via a quicker and potentially less expensive alternative.
Leeds-based barristers championing the initiative include Paul Kirtley, Pankaj Madan (pictured) and Simon Ross.
The launch of the new service follows on from Exchange Chambers running a similar service pre-Covid-19 when the set’s personal injury barristers acted as assessors in private determinations on stage 3-style assessments of damages and determinations of costs.
Exchange Chambers also has a number of barristers who hold part-time judicial positions, making it well-placed to provide an independent and cost-effective service, facilitating swift resolution for all parties.
The service operates through virtual face-to-face technology, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business. It covers small claims and fast-track trials, disposal hearings, stage 3 hearings, applications and procedural disputes, multi-track trials, appeals and costs disputes.
Madan was involved in last month’s successful conclusion to a joint settlement meeting using virtual face-to-face technology, drawing to a close the case of a young man who had suffered a severe brain injury in a road traffic accident that was complicated by the introduction of lockdown measures.
