Keeping court documents closed to the press

  • Posted

Although most injury cases settle long before the doors of the court are reached, a large proportion require that proceedings be issued, whether to ensure that the three year limitation period is avoided or to put pressure on insurers who won’t address the issues in the case properly.

Court documents are generally public so the press are within their rights to keep an eye on issued cases and report the details. Many of our clients are worried that their stories will appear in the paper and cause them and their families stress and embarrassment.

We should reassure them. An application can be made to the Court that the file be closed to public scrutiny or restricted to certain applicants, although the press and others can apply to set that order aside.

Generally the Court will ensure the privacy of a Claimant if it is asked to do so. Although personal injury cases can make interesting stories, the interests of the injured party and their families must be properly considered.

There can be real advantages in involving the press, particularly if public pressure can ensure the circumstances of an accident do not reoccur. A carefully worded press release can be the best way to balance what can be conflicting goals.Our clients can be confident that we will consider these issues and address them in the way that best suits them.


    Close

    How can we help you?


    Please fill in the form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible or to speak to one of our experts call
    0330 404 0749





    I accept that my data will be held for the purpose of my enquiry in accordance with Ashtons
    Privacy Policy


    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    How can we help?

    If you have an enquiry or you would like to find out more about our services, why not contact us?