HMCTS have confirmed that they have expanded their pilot digital service to allow claimant solicitors to issue Part 7 personal injury claims online, as part of the response to the coronavirus outbreak.

The service will operate under the existing Practice Direction PD51S, and will act as an alternative to posting an N1 claim form to the County Court Money Claims Centre (CCMCC). Claimant firms who sign up to the pilot will be able to:

  • Issue part 7 proceedings in the County Court for a personal injury claim
  • Instantly calculate and pay the issue fee using fee account
  • Download the sealed claim form to be served on the defendant

HMCTS have confirmed that those claimants who use the service will be provided with the claim number and claim form ready to allow service on the defendant.

As the claimant will still be required to serve the claim form on the defendant or their nominated legal representative via the agreed method of service, therefore, there should be no tangible impact on defendant representatives and insurers.

The remainder of the process will continue on paper and the ongoing management of the case will then progress as usual.

HMCTS indicated earlier this year that as the pilot progresses, additional tasks and functions will be introduced such as the filing of defences, receipt of directions orders, the uploading of statements and medical evidence, and the provision of listing questionnaire information.

We continue to liaise with HMCTS regarding the introduction of functions for defendants and their representatives, and will provide updates in due course.

Originally published April 30, 2020

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