I had an accident at work and have been thinking about contacting a claims management company. I'm a bit nervous in case I am not happy with the way they deal with my case - are these companies regulated and can I complain to anyone if something goes wrong?
Claims management companies are companies which act as intermediaries for people claiming compensation: they often approach people who may want to make a claim, sometimes offering 'no win, no fee' agreements.
The Government has recognised that many people have not always had a fair deal when using the services of these companies, and so has passed the Compensation Act. The Act covers compensation claims for personal injury, criminal injuries compensation, employment matters, housing disrepair, financial products and industrial injury disablement benefits.
Since April 2007 it has been an offence to provide claims management services without authorisation, or exemption. Claims management companies will be regulated and they must have a formal complaints procedure. The Department for Constitutional Affairs is acting as regulator to claims management companies.
You can now search on the claims management website,
www.claimsregulation.gov.uk to make sure a company who approaches you or who you are thinking of using are authorised, as well as funding further information. You can also access information at www.adviceguide.org.uk or contact Sudbury CAB.
This article is intended as a guide only. Please do not rely on this guide for advice in your personal situation. If you have any specific concerns or questions about how the rules could help you, then the Sudbury and District Citizens Advice Bureau may be able to help.
The Citizens Advice service is a network of independent charities that helps people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing advice and information and influencing policymakers.
The advice provided by Citizens Advice is free, independent, confidential and impartial and open to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
Sudbury and District Citizens' Advice Bureau, Belle Vue, Newton Road, Sudbury CO10 2RG, telephone 01787 374671, fax: 01787 881564, email:
contact@sudburycab.org.uk. Further information on other debt, welfare and consumer issues can be found on
www.adviceguide.org.uk.
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