The Courts Act on Periodical Payment Orders came into force on 1 April 2005. From this date the Courts must consider whether Periodical Payments are appropriate (solicitors have a duty to inform personal injury clients about Periodical Payment Orders). And the Courts now have the power to impose them as part of a personal injury or clinical negligence settlement.

The measures, which apply to all cases involving future loss, are based around a claimant's needs not their wishes. They can apply irrespective of the value of the damages and can be implemented regardless of whether the individual parties agree.

The introduction of Periodical Payments is set to have a major impact on personal injury claims. More than ever, expert financial advice will be required to ensure that future financial needs are fully considered and that the award is structured in the most cost effective way.

Acting on behalf of both claimants and defendants, Frenkel Topping can help with:

• Evaluation of financial needs
• Structure of award
• Periodical payment vs lump sum analysis
• Case management conferences
• Annuity broking exercise
• Part 36 strategies
• Safeguarding state benefits

Periodical Payment reports Our range of services includes innovative reports, designed to provide guidance at key stages in a typical lifecycle. Click here for further information.