A High Court judge has expressed scepticism whether the insurance industry will pass on to customers the benefits from expected cuts in personal injury damages awards.
Mr Justice Bernard Barton was among a number of judges who had raised concerns about the guidelines, particularly aimed at reducing damages for minor personal injuries, which were adopted last weekend by a majority of judges.
In an address marking his final day as a High Court judge, Mr Justice Barton noted the insurance industry, having campaigned for an end to juries hearing personal injury cases, had not passed on savings to consumers.
He wondered whether the industry was “building a case” against passing on award reductions resulting from the new guidelines.