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In a recent English case, a London sports club has pleaded guilty to section 1(1) of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, following the death of an 11-year-old girl who was taking part in a water sports activity in September 2010.

The Scottish legal profession is entering a brave new world which will eventually change the way in conveyancing is practised in Scotland beyond virtually all recognition.

During the first six months of 2013 the total compensation awarded to personal injury claimants in Ireland increased by 8.3% to €118million, according to a mid-year analysis undertaken by the Injuries Board.

We were recently instructed by Mr X following a road traffic accident where his stationary vehicle was struck by a third party who failed to stop at a roundabout. Mr X sustained shoulder, neck and psychological injuries as a result. Mr X’s previous solicitors obtained a report from a surgeon and valued his claim at around £1900.Mr X then instructed ourselves. On reviewing his case file we felt that further medical investigation was merited. We therefore instructed medical reports from our own chosen Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Consultant Psychologist. Having obtained these reports we then negotiated with the Road Traffic Insurers of the driver at fault and we were able to secure compensation for Mr X of £16,000
 
At Dallas McMillan we ensure each claim is handled by an experienced solicitor with considerable experience in personal injury claims.  This additional expertise can not only make the difference between winning and losing a claim but can also make the difference between not simply winning a claim and winning a claim so as to ensure the maximum possible amount of compensation is secured for the client.

A road safety charity has called on the Government to take action in the wake of new road traffic accident figures showing a 17% increase in drink drive deaths in Britain.

A package of proposals to change the system of expenses and funding of civil litigation has been unveiled following an independent review by the former Sheriff Principal of Glasgow and Strathkelvin, Sheriff Principal James Taylor.

Independent inspectors are being sent into 3 Lanarkshire hospitals due to concerns regarding mortality figures. Despite country-wide measures having been put in place concerns have been raised due figures published by the Scottish Government.

Labour MSP Patricia Ferguson has launched a consultation exercise over a proposed member’s bill to reform Scotland’s Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) System.

Personal injury victims who suffered brain damage as a result of their accident should ensure they seek the advice of a specialist personal injury solicitor who is experienced in the specific challenges their claims can bring, claims the Law Society of England and Wales.

Sufferers of a deadly industrial disease in England and Wales are to be supported by faster legal processes under proposals announced by Courts Minister Helen Grant.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched three consultations on changes to the content of Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs).

Proposals to create a National Confidential Forum (NCF), which will provide an opportunity for adults who were placed in institutional care as children to recount their experiences, including abuse, have been supported by the Health and Sport Committee.

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has welcomed the announcement in the Queen’s Speech that people with the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma in the UK will get more financial help under a package of measures in the Mesothelioma Bill. This will include support for up to 3,000 sufferers who currently go un-compensated, and a more streamlined system to speed up the claims process.

The UK Parliament has formally approved a new law that will amend the criminal liability of partnerships in Scotland. The Partnerships (Prosecution) (Scotland) Bill will now go forward for royal assent.

A leading hotel chain has been ordered to pay more than £200,000 in fines and costs after construction workers and guests were put at risk of asbestos exposure at a Kent hotel.

March 2013 saw the introduction of a volume safety limit for new portable music players such as iPods. New mobile phones and portable music players sold within the EU must now have a sound limit of 85 Decibels (dB). This is above the 80 dB which is regarded as the safe limit. This is similar to the volume of noise created by the noise of traffic or someone shouting. The 80dB limit was determined by the European Commission Assessment which concluded that 80dB was a safe level regardless of the length of time people were exposed to sound at this level.

The Scottish Human Rights Commission and CELCIS (Centre of Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland, University of Strathclyde) have hosted an InterAction event in Glasgow.

A golf competition ball spotter who was blinded in one eye after being struck by a golf ball is suing the professional golfer who struck the ball, reports the BBC.

The Ministry of Justice, the Scottish Government and the Department of Justice, Northern Ireland have jointly launched a consultation exercise over how the discount rate for personal injury compensation should be set.

An NHS Foundation Trust has been sentenced for safety failings after a vulnerable patient died following a fall from a first floor window of a hospital in Gillingham.