Latest Expert Witness News

GPs say most personal injury claims are exaggerated

A recent survey among 250 GPs conducted by a leading insurance company indicate that 92% of them feel that patients personal injuries are exaggerated when making an insurance claim, with neck injuries particularly whiplash the most commonly exaggerated claim.

It is expected that insurance companies will carry out a more covert surveillance in high value personal injury claims where they suspect the nature and extent of the injuries sustained have been exagerated or fraudulently stated.

Surveillance is legally permitted in public places but not in the injured party's own home.

The court decides if surveillance evidence will be permitted, but it is the duty of both the claimant's and defendant's lawyers to ensure that the claim is genuine before reaching court and that the court's time is not wasted.

Video surveillance evidence must be of good quality, presented in chronological order and supported by a statement and written log from the investigating agent. Defendants need to comply with all requirements when filming, otherwise the evidence will be deemed inadmissible and incur court costs.

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