| A1. |
If approached by recovery agents peddling claims recovery service, an employee
should consider it carefully before disclosing any personal particulars, discussing
his employees' compensation case or signing any documents, so as to avoid being
taken advantage of and incurring unanticipated financial losses. The Department
of Justice holds that the activities of recovery agents may constitute offences
of champerty and maintenance, and the interests of the victims of personal injury
cases may be jeopardized as their legal rights to compensation may not be fully
protected. Recovery agents may draw up agreements with victims, requiring the
latter to share a substantial portion of the compensation recovered. Under the
laws of Hong Kong, unlawfully maintaining or sharing the benefits of legal proceedings
may constitute criminal offences, which are subject to a fine and up to seven
years' imprisonment on conviction. The injured in any accident, including work
accident and traffic accident, should seek proper legal advice, or assistance
from solicitors or relevant government departments such as the Legal Aid Department,
the Labour Department and the Social Welfare Department. Anyone who feels being
harassed should contact the Police immediately for assistance. |