CAA has welcomed new laws which will end lengthy legal wrangling over damages claims. The Damages (Scotland) Bill, introduced by Bill Butler MSP, improves rights to damages in respect of personal injuries and wrongful death. CAA was present at the Scottish Parliament to see the Bill Passed unanimously by MSP’s.
The Damages (Scotland) Act will overhaul the current system and provide a fair level of compensation in cases of wrongful death without the need for unnecessarily long and distressing court cases. The changes will benefits hundreds of people across Scotland each year.
Annette Smith, Secretary of CAA, said: “We have backed these proposals from the outset and this act will be of very real benefit to hundreds of people each year.”
Frank Maguire of Thompsons Solicitors, who helped draft the new Act, explained the practical impact the new Act will have on victims and their loved ones:
“It sweeps away what has, up till now, been the law’s anachronistic and sexist view of society, based on an outdated stereo-type of the man as the breadwinner and the woman as the housewife.”
“The new legislation also means families will no longer have details of their income and expenditure scrutinised and argued over in court in their darkest hour.”
