Damages in Employers' and Public Liability (EL/PL) claims are on an upward spiral, pushing up costs as a consequence.

Rising inflation means that the Judicial College guidelines for lower value general damages claims for pain, suffering and loss of amenity are quickly out of date and claimant solicitors are looking for higher damages.

We are starting to see the impact of inflation through settlements reported in the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) claims portal for claims under £25,000. After a period of continuity, from autumn 2022 there has been a relatively sharp increase in the average value of general damages paid, as can be seen in the graph below.