PPI Radio Ad Banned for Using Scare Tactics

Without fail, every time we switch the radio on, our ears will be filled with the words “PPI” and “claims”, and not without good reason – you should reclaim what’s rightfully yours, it’s your money.

But what about when companies take it too far to get your attention?

PPI specialists Payment Protection Partnership recently took it a little too far, warning listeners that their “time is running out” to claim. 

The ad went on to ask “£2,000? £4,000? Just how much are you costing yourself…You could be in line for thousands, but only if you claim in time.”

Of course, this may have been somewhat over amplifying and the advertising watchdog, ASA, has banned the campaign for using scare tactics by “overstating the urgency for referring a complaint through PPP”.

In truth, although the banks are now pushing the FSA to set a deadline, this is not likely affect claimants until next summer, at the earliest. 

There is currently no deadline for claiming for mis-sold PPI, as PPI Claimline will tell you. And, even if you don’t have your paperwork, any reputable claims company (such as the aforementioned) will find it all for you.

So, if you had the scarers put on you after hearing that ad, fear not. There is no urgency to reclaim…although those few thousands you’re entitled to would be nice! 

Cerebral palsy sufferer keeps NHS payout

A Leeds family are celebrating after winning an appeal court hearing brought by the NHS. The case in my view illustrates all that is wrong with the approach taken by the NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA) when defending claims against the medical profession.

Nathan Popple was awarded compensation of £5.5m by the High Court after he suffered devastating brain injuries during his birth. Now 14, Nathan developed cerebral palsy and severe disabilities. He cannot speak and must be fed through a tube as he is unable to swallow. However our friends at the NHSLA appealed the decision, telling the Court of Appeal that the brain damage occurred “some time remote from delivery” in the last three days of the labour. At the appeal court rejected this argument tank goodness.

Nathan now lives with his mother Beryl Sanderson and her partner in the Cookridge area of Leeds and they claimed to have spent most of the last decade, firstly trying to get the compensation they felt they were owed from Birmingham Women’s Hospital, and then fighting to keep it in the light of the case going to the Court of Appeal. 

For all the negative press that lawyers receive for pursuing such claims, it is entirely appropriate that the NHSLA are brought to account for adopting such an aggressive and in the end futile defence to an already complex injury claim.

Living and working as I do in Leeds, I am very pleased that justice prevailed for this local family.