One of the fascinating things about politics is politicians saying things when they really do not seem to know what they are talking about.
The latest nonsense (containing ‘no surprises’ – a wonderful euphemism for *Money for old rope*?) on the No win No Fee concept from Lord Young seems to predicate change which will leave us roughly where we are at the moment – a classic British fudge… but I could be wrong. Do, please, read this excellent Guardian article from Des Collins…
It is a curious business. People do get injured. A lot of people can’t afford lawyers. The No Win, No Fee concept gives people a chance of getting proper legal advice – and, yes, it may well lead to a few *chancers* gaming the system – and we should give some protection to those who do the *Good Samaritan* bit… but…… only up to a point – what if they actually cause more harm?
I shake my head in wonder and amazement…. I do hope they give Lord Young and his remarkable bow tie – something else to keep him occupied.
Ending the ‘compensation culture’ is not as simple as it seems
Guardian: Lord Young’s health and safety report shows that balancing the rights of defendants and claimants is a delicate business
I just loved this extract from Des Collins’ rather good article. Des Collins is a practising solicitor, so on that premise, I am more than happy to put forward the entirely radical idea that he may well know what he is talking about!
How and over what period are these recommendations to be implemented nationwide? Much of the primary legislation needed would find little favour with Brussels. Even if much of this were to reach the statute book, it is likely that the level of discretion which would remain with the courts would leave matters not wholly different from where they stand at present.
Lawyerwatch has some interesting points on this…
Some Common Sense on Compensation Culture
Lord Young’s report Common Sense and Common Safety is out. It speaks of a common sense approach to health and safety and takes the usual swings at greedy lawyers and claims management companies. Tempting as it is, I am not going to dissect the report line by line, instead I wanted to emphasise some points where Lord Young is plainly speaking sense. For my first point I draw you attention to page 19:“The problem of the compensation culture prevalent in society is, however, one of perception rather than reality.”
Young admits the compensation culture is not a reality on page 19!