3. Pre-Action Considerations: Protocols and Applications Flashcards
What is the purpose of the pre-action protocols?
To focus the parties on trying to settle the dispute without litigation early and clearly.
If litigation proceeds, it should be done clearly and with reasons.
Do protocols have the same status as Civil Procedure rules?
No, protocols are not rules
Where no specific protocol exists, what will the courts expect a litigant to follow?
Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct and Protocols.
Where a specific protocol applies, these provisions override the Practice Direction.
What does the Practice Direction require?
- Claimant should write to defendant with concise details of claim (Letter of claim)
- Defendant should respond within a reasonable time (14 days if straightforward case; no more than 3 months if complex) either accepting or rejecting the claim
- Parties should disclose key documents and engage in appropriate negotiations
- Court must give permission before an expert can be relied on
The personal injury protocol is primarily used for claims in what track, and what type of cases does it not apply to?
Fast track (value of up to £25,000 - the spirit of the protocol should be followed in higher value claims).
Does not apply to clinical negligence.
What is the pre-action protocol for PI claims?
1 - Claimant should write Letter of Notification to potential defendant giving brief details, to enable defendant to notify its insurer.
2 - Parties consider any rehabilitation needs (i.e. any ongoing medical and care needs) and how to address them.
3 - Claimant should write to defendant to give full details of the claim (Letter of Claim).
4 - Defendant to acknowledge Letter of Claim within 21 days.
5 - Defendant to investigate and send full Letter of Response within 3 months of letter acknowledging claim. If the defendant denies liability or quantum (or both) then…
6 - The parties should disclose key documents, engage in appropriate negotiations and make proposals for settlement. Claimant should send schedule of losses giving details of losses.
7 - Joint selection of quantum expert (i.e. medical expert), or claimant discloses report and defendant sends written questions.
What four things does the template letter of notification of claim under the personal injury protocol include?
- Summary of facts
- Details of injuries and impact on day to day life
- Hospital attended
- Indication of financial losses as known at this stage
Within what time frame should a defendant respond to a letter of claim under the personal injury protocol?
21 days
What is the option for the claimant if defendant does not respond to the letter of claim, and what is the option for the defendant if they do respond to the letter of claim?
D doesn’t respond: C can start proceedings
D does respond: D has three months to investigate the claim
How long does the defendant have to disagree with a list of suggested experts sent by the claimant?
14 days
If the protocol fails to achieve settlement, how long must the claimant wait before commencing proceedings, in order to allow defendant to make an offer? In what instance is this requirement to wait waived?
21 days.
Waived if the limitation period will expire imminently.
What are the consequences of not complying with a pre-action protocol?
The court will consider non-compliance when giving directions for the management of proceedings or when making orders for costs
Does the court have discretion to relieve a party of their obligation to comply with the protocols?
Yes
What are three situations where the court is unlikely to criticise issuing proceedings before compliance with a protocol?
- Where the end of the limitation period is close (parties should comply to the extent possible and apply for a stay)
- Where a court order is required to protect or preserve evidence of assets (need for urgency or element of surprise)
- Where there is concern the defendant may seek to issue proceedings in another country
What are the most likely consequences of failing to follow pre-action protocols?
- costs and interest – increasing the amount of costs / interest to be paid / decreasing the amount to be received.
- court may stay the proceedings until the relevant steps are taken (Practice Direction).
- court can ask for an explanation of non-compliance.
Court will consider the overall effect of the non-compliance on the other party and it is unlikely that sanctions will be imposed for minor infringements.