By John Kushnick, Legal Operations Director at Legal Futures Associate National Accident Law
As we approach the end of another dynamic year at National Accident Law, we’re taking the opportunity to reflect on some of our most notable strategies in the MOJ Portal and Litigation that have driven great success.
One key area of focus has been our work with Stage 3 hearings in the MOJ Portal.
In addition, our Litigation Team has demonstrated how effective preparation, sharp legal instincts, and a commitment to achieving the best outcomes for our clients can turn challenging cases into substantial wins.
Our view of Stage 3 hearings
Stage 3 hearings have become critical junctures in the personal injury claims process, providing an opportunity to challenge undervalued insurer offers and secure fair compensation for claimants. We’ve come to view Stage 3 hearings not as a procedural hurdle but as a strategic opportunity to advocate effectively for our clients and leverage fair and favorable settlements for our clients.
While many cases settle before reaching this stage, those that proceed to a Stage 3 hearing often involve disputes over the valuation of damages. Whether it’s a disagreement about pain and suffering or the level of financial losses incurred, the hearing allows us to present compelling evidence and argue for a fairer outcome and achieve better results for our clients.
Strategy in action: leveraging Stage 3 hearings
Over the past year, our MOJ team has been successful in identifying many cases where pursuing a Stage 3 hearing can secure better results than accepting an early settlement.
Our approach:
- Comprehensive case analysis: We thoroughly assess each case to identify its strengths, ensuring the evidence is clear, compelling, and supportive of the claim.
- Scrutinizing initial offers: We’re critical when evaluating the defendant’s early settlement offers, comparing them against the evidence to determine whether the offer accurately reflects the client’s losses.
- Evidence-driven decisions: We focus on gathering and presenting evidence that reinforces the client’s case. If evidence is lacking, we’ll reconsider whether Stage 3 is the right call or not.
- Proactive escalation: When a settlement offer falls short of what our client deserves, we’re prompt in escalating the case to a Stage 3 hearing.
By implementing this structured and proactive approach, we have achieved remarkable successes in 2024, ensuring significant increases in clients damages underlining the value of our strategy.
Our Litigation Team have also had an excellent year, driven by a pro-active approach to obtaining the best possible settlements for our clients.
2024 Litigation team highlights
David Griffiths: achieving resolution in a long-standing case
One of our proudest moments this year came from our David Griffiths, who secured a settlement of £242,000 for a case we’ve been handling since February 2021. The case involved complex injuries and a protracted negotiation process, but David’s persistence and strategic decisions ensured that the client received the full compensation they deserved.
In this case, David highlighted the value of staying the course when insurers offer inadequate settlements early on.
Mujahid Hameed: fighting for a pedestrian’s rights
Mujahid Hameed demonstrated exceptional diligence in securing £100,000 for a pedestrian who was struck while crossing the road. The client sustained multiple injuries, including fractures and soft tissue damage, which affected their ability to continue working as a warehouse operative.
By presenting detailed medical evidence and projecting future risks such as arthritis and mobility issues, Mujahid built a persuasive case that compelled the defendant to increase their offer significantly.
Adam McKessy: advocating for a severely injured client
Adam McKessy’s work on behalf of a client who suffered an amputation of the right lower leg and multiple other injuries reflects our commitment to client welfare. To date, Adam has secured over £30,000 in rehabilitation and treatment funds, with a final settlement still pending.
His ability to push defendant insurers for interim payments meant that the client received essential support while they awaited resolution. Adam continues to focus on a client-first approach to achieve meaningful results.
Alex Lyall: turning a challenge into a victory
A head-on collision between a car and a moped left Alex Lyall’s client unable to work as a care assistant. When early medical evidence cast doubt on the client’s future loss of earnings claim, Alex faced a difficult decision: accept a Part 36 offer of £150,000 or press forward for a higher settlement.
Alex’s decision to proceed paid off, as he ultimately secured £160,000 for the client. C arrying out a comprehensive risk assessment and thorough evidence review are the keys to maximising settlement outcomes.
Naomi Johnston: securing compensation amidst adversity
Naomi Johnston’s client, a cyclist hit from behind, faced significant physical and psychological challenges, including PTSD and the loss of their job.
Naomi’s diligent work resulted in a £127,000 settlement, which accounted for the client’s past and future care needs, as well as loss of earnings. This settlement has provided the client with much-needed financial stability as they navigate unrelated health challenges.
Looking ahead to 2025
As we look towards 2025, we’re committed to building on this momentum. Stage 3 hearings will remain a key focus area and we’re investing in further training and resources to strengthen our capabilities. Staying ahead of legal changes and trends and maintaining our client-first ethos will enable us to deliver even greater results for those we represent.
A note from the author
This year has been one of growth, learning, and achievement at National Accident Law. Our work in Stage 3 hearings has not only resulted in higher compensation amounts for our clients but has also reinforced the importance of strategic, client-focused advocacy.
As we move into 2025, we’re excited to continue championing the rights of injured people and sharing our insights with the wider legal community.
On behalf of everyone at National Accident Law, I extend my thanks to our dedicated Small Claims, MOJ Portal and Litigation teams, whose hard work and expertise have made these successes possible. Here’s to another year of making a real difference in the lives of our clients.
