A Chance for Life Conference 2015 Are Commercial Demands the barrier to progressing transparency at the litigation/case management interface?

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1 A Chance for Life Conference 2015 Are Commercial Demands the barrier to progressing transparency at the litigation/case management interface?

2 Pour personnaliser le pied de page « Lieu - date »: Affichage / En-tête et pied de page Personnaliser la zone date et pieds de page, Cliquer sur appliquer partout Encombrement maximum du logotype depuis le bord inférieur droit de la page (logo placé à 2/3X du bord; X = logotype) 2 A Personal Perspective A word from our lawyers- the disclaimer : ‘Please note that any opinions presented in this talk are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of AXA UK Plc’ And the answer to the question is……? ‘The man from Del Monte, he say YES!’

3 Pour personnaliser le pied de page « Lieu - date »: Affichage / En-tête et pied de page Personnaliser la zone date et pieds de page, Cliquer sur appliquer partout Encombrement maximum du logotype depuis le bord inférieur droit de la page (logo placé à 2/3X du bord; X = logotype) 3 So why do I say ‘Yes?’ Case Managers ‘occupy unique status in the litigation process’ But litigation process is far from perfect Rehabilitation is a bit like the proverbial curate’s egg – good in parts and unpalatable in others Tight rope of conflicting interests to walk – or a failure to recognise there is just ONE interest?

4 Pour personnaliser le pied de page « Lieu - date »: Affichage / En-tête et pied de page Personnaliser la zone date et pieds de page, Cliquer sur appliquer partout Encombrement maximum du logotype depuis le bord inférieur droit de la page (logo placé à 2/3X du bord; X = logotype) 4 What is litigation all about? It is better to be a mouse in a cat's mouth than a man in a lawyer's hands. Spanish Proverb ‘The first thing we do. Let's kill all the lawyers.’ Henry VI Pt2 Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. As a peacemaker the lawyer has superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough.

5 Pour personnaliser le pied de page « Lieu - date »: Affichage / En-tête et pied de page Personnaliser la zone date et pieds de page, Cliquer sur appliquer partout Encombrement maximum du logotype depuis le bord inférieur droit de la page (logo placé à 2/3X du bord; X = logotype) 5 Explain yourself! WHO ‘Rehabilitation …. is a process aimed at enabling (disabled people) to reach and maintain their optimal physical, sensory, intellectual, psychological and social functional levels. Rehabilitation provides disabled people with the tools they need to attain independence and self-determination.’

6 Pour personnaliser le pied de page « Lieu - date »: Affichage / En-tête et pied de page Personnaliser la zone date et pieds de page, Cliquer sur appliquer partout Encombrement maximum du logotype depuis le bord inférieur droit de la page (logo placé à 2/3X du bord; X = logotype) 6 Issues As the funding party Insurers have a legitimate interest in the rehabilitative process That proposition is acknowledged by leading (claimant) counsel It is acknowledged that often insurers do not “get” rehab (even if they need it….!) But, increasingly my bug bears are: Rehabilitation can seem to foster dependence and not independence – is taking managed risks acceptable? Some case managers do not have the required expertise for a particular case Some case managers can allow themselves to be influenced to put in place gold plated care regimes Rarely prepared to challenge whether they are making a difference? Cost – and above inflation rises in hourly rate

7 Pour personnaliser le pied de page « Lieu - date »: Affichage / En-tête et pied de page Personnaliser la zone date et pieds de page, Cliquer sur appliquer partout Encombrement maximum du logotype depuis le bord inférieur droit de la page (logo placé à 2/3X du bord; X = logotype) 7 Observations Case Managers ‘unique status in litigation process’ – Be Independent! Claimant’s advocate – Act in client’s interests ‘…in order to obtain maximum benefit for the client…’ Claimant Solicitor – best interests of client = maximise damages and drag out the time line pre cost budgets? Does the case manager have an expectation of: Being retained post settlement? Receiving further work? Sometimes………in the lead up to a JSM, more expensive care regimes may be put in place. Why is that?

8 Pour personnaliser le pied de page « Lieu - date »: Affichage / En-tête et pied de page Personnaliser la zone date et pieds de page, Cliquer sur appliquer partout Encombrement maximum du logotype depuis le bord inférieur droit de la page (logo placé à 2/3X du bord; X = logotype) 8 Cost! Wright v Sullivan – 2005 ‘Mr Heaton, who appeared for the claimant, told us that English courts were now habitually including the cost of a clinical case manager in their damages awards. In the present case a claim was being made for £3,000 per annum on a full lifetime basis.’ And now………………? January 2015 – ‘maintenance’ figure - £7,538.46 250% increase Rivalling increase in cost of gold and oil! Comparisons (approx): GHR +20% RPI +35% Ave earnings +25%

9 Pour personnaliser le pied de page « Lieu - date »: Affichage / En-tête et pied de page Personnaliser la zone date et pieds de page, Cliquer sur appliquer partout Encombrement maximum du logotype depuis le bord inférieur droit de la page (logo placé à 2/3X du bord; X = logotype) 9 Conflicts and Commercial Imperatives Case management is a growth Industry As an industry it is unregulated Money ‘rich’ environment Foster Independence v Dependence - life is full of risks But fostering dependence = £ damages Conflicts Case Managers and therapy Case Management and Lawyers Claimant Lawyer – 400to 800 hours on reviewing records!

10 Pour personnaliser le pied de page « Lieu - date »: Affichage / En-tête et pied de page Personnaliser la zone date et pieds de page, Cliquer sur appliquer partout Encombrement maximum du logotype depuis le bord inférieur droit de la page (logo placé à 2/3X du bord; X = logotype) 10 The Future The Ronseal question – what does it say on the can? ‘ A process devoted to coordination, rehabilitation, care and support of people with complex, clinical needs, It aims to facilitate their independence and improve quality of life….’ There is a case for the better management of rehab – Isn’t that the role of case managers? The lawyers – ‘better to jaw, jaw than to war, war.’ Enter the Multi Track Code

11 Pour personnaliser le pied de page « Lieu - date »: Affichage / En-tête et pied de page Personnaliser la zone date et pieds de page, Cliquer sur appliquer partout Encombrement maximum du logotype depuis le bord inférieur droit de la page (logo placé à 2/3X du bord; X = logotype) 11 Son of Multi Track Code ‘ A Guide to the Conduct of Cases Involving Serious Injury’ APIL/FOIL/Insurer initiative Designed to create an environment that encourages collaborative behaviour Focus on: - Collaboration - Early notification - Dialogue - Rehabilitation - Case planning and review - Dispute resolution Working together = earlier settlement and better outcomes for all – especially the injured claimant!

12 Pour personnaliser le pied de page « Lieu - date »: Affichage / En-tête et pied de page Personnaliser la zone date et pieds de page, Cliquer sur appliquer partout Encombrement maximum du logotype depuis le bord inférieur droit de la page (logo placé à 2/3X du bord; X = logotype) 12 Personal Perspective Thank you for listening!