Guidelines discrepancy could see insurers' costs skyrocket

A legal firm has warned that inconsistencies in guidelines for personal injury settlements could slow the judicial system down, and heap further costs upon both insurers and insureds.

The Judicial Studies Board Guidelines (JSB) are used by courts and legal practitioners to assess the damages in personal injury cases, but a perceived lack of rationale in coming to these conclusions has caused concern in legal circles.

Simon Robinson, insurance industry partner at Midlands-based Browne Jacobson,