Module 3 of the public inquiry has a healthcare focus and includes use of the private sector during the pandemic. A virtual and streamed preliminary hearing is scheduled for 28 February 2023.

The private sector is using technology to assist the NHS with post-Covid-19 waiting lists and wider resource issues.

The government plans to introduce a Transport Bill this year which is likely to propose legislation to allow the use of private e-scooters on public roads (currently illegal).

Defendants may soon be able to enforce their costs against a claimant’s costs or damages obtained pursuant to a settlement.

The government’s response to the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority’s 2022 consultation on the future shape of clinical trials is awaited.

The courts’ appetite for making findings of fundamental dishonesty and to give custodial sentences on committal applications, shows no sign of waning.

The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has issued a call for evidence to inform the decision-making process for its next PIDR review (due to be completed by July 2024).

While the focus to date has been on the NHS (where the cost of Covid-19 related claims is estimated to be over £1 billion), private surgeons could face claims as well.

The cost of care claims on higher value cases rose in 2022. With a limited number of carers and upward pressure on hourly rates (in part fuelled by the cost of living crisis) this trend is likely to continue into 2023.

In our annual Forward View we look at some of the key topics for the year ahead ranging from the consultation on the discount rate and claims for provisional damages to the Covid-19 Inquiry and claims against private surgeons.

Claims by elite rugby players for neurological impairments alleged to arise from repetitive concussive and sub-concussive blows to the head, are gathering pace.

In this insight we consider tree upcoming court decisions and the impacts of those decisions on the medical malpractice and casualty insurance professionals.