Third party litigation funding “does nothing” for ordinary consumers, according to new research.
A study by Oxford and Lincoln universities, published this week, looks at whether third party litigation funding could give people with limited means greater access to justice for civil claims.
Preliminary findings show that most of the claims levels are in excess of £100,000, which exclude ordinary consumers.
Principal investigator, Dr Christopher Hodges, of Oxford University, says: “Our research shows that litigation funding currently benefits SME companies in accessing justice.
“This new form of funding has revealed an unknown area of demand for enforcement of civil law. Ensuring that small companies are able to claim when they are commercially disadvantaged, such as where contracts or licensing agreements are breached, is important for maintaining a healthy economy.”