Paul M. Higgins Jr.

Higgins & Co principal Paul Higgins argued that the move was beneficial to the patient, as it ensures they are aware of their right to claim compensation in certain cases.

Paul M. Higgins, Jr.

President, Higgins Electric Supply, Inc., Norwich

Paul M. Higgins, Jr.

Paul HigginsPresidentHiggins Business Forms, Inc.

Paul Higgins, of Higgins and Co, says the scheme adds to the GP's role as a primary carer.
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Mr Higgins says: "Those rules are subject to very strict safeguards and requirements that not only have I got to adhere to as a solicitor, but also they are fairer, whether that is to a GP, or another party.
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Perhaps it is time Mr Higgins received a visit from a representative of The Law Society's Professional Ethics Guidance Team?

Story Submitted 26th August 2004

Mr. Paul M. Higgans, Jr.

Last week, Paul Higgins, principal of Birkenhead firm Higgins & Co, defended the newly permitted practice of offering payments to GPs who send patients on to him - a move that sparked condemnation from several medical professional bodies (see [2004] Gazette, 2 September, 5).

Paul Higgins, principal at Higgins & Co in Birkenhead, sent 600 letters to GP practices offering doctors £175 for each patient referred to him, in a practice slammed as ‘highly questionable on ethical grounds' by the British Medical Association (BMA).

The payments are permitted under solicitors' rules, following the Law Society Council's controversial decision to drop the ban on referral fees in March this year - which is now subject to a postal ballot of the profession.

Mr Higgins said: ‘I am saddened that the medical profession wants to take such a blinkered view, when the biggest winner would be the patient or client.Doctors regularly refer patients to a private surgeon, when they know that surgeon will be charging a fee for their services.'

He added: ‘I see clients every week who have been exposed to asbestos but their claims are statute-barred because too much time has passed.'