Presentation by Brenda Mitchell of Road Traffic Accident Law (Scotland) [RTAL(S)] to members of the British Horse Society Scotland at their Safety Conference at Blue Ridge Equestrian Centre, Falkirk
Travability’s Response to: ISSUES PAPER: AIRLINE TWO WHEELCHAIR POLICYBill Forrester
Given the importance of the growing Inclusive Tourism sector, Australia must have an air transport infrastructure that is equal to the best in the world in the way its treats travellers with a disability or run the risk at putting itself into a non competitive position as a world tourism destination. Given the significance of tourism as an economic driver to the country’s economy the issue of access to aviation services becomes a far bigger issue than the immediate turnaround cost to any particular airline or any given flight, if such a cost differential actually exists at all.
The blanket two wheelchair policy is out of touch with the policies adopted by our major tourism competitors and further out of touch with the practices of most of the countries of origin for our inbound international visitors.
The issue of wheelchair access and disability services is still being viewed as a compliance disability rights issue instead of from an enhance of the visitor experience for a major segment of a valuable export industry.
Complex Injury Cases and the role of rehabilitationRod Mitchell
Jodi Gordon, Partner at specialist law firm, Road Traffic Accident Law (Scotland) LLP, discusses the ever-evolving area of complex personal injury cases and the role of rehabilitation.
Cycling and Civil Law - your rights and responsibilities - Glasgow Clyde CollegeRod Mitchell
The specialist solicitors at Cycle Law Scotland deal with personal injury claims for injured cyclists across Scotland every day.
In this presentation, we cover the following:-
• Criminal v Civil Law.
• Common cycling incidents.
• Primary causes of cycling collisions.
• What to do in the event of a collision.
• The claims process and why it is important.
• Dealing with Insurers.
• The role of Police Scotland.
• The role of Specialists.
• Witnesses.
• Case Law and how we apply it.
• Preparing a case.
• The use of CCTV and Video footage.
• Valuing injury, damage and loss.
• Rehabilitation and why it is important.
• Damaged bike assessments.
• Case study examples.
• Video footage.
• Presumed liability and Road Share update.
Cycling collisions, compensation and Civil Law - your rights and responsibili...Rod Mitchell
Cycling collisions, compensation and Civil Law - your rights and responsibilities. Presentation and discussion with Jodi Gordon, specialist cycling Lawyer at Cycle Law Scotland.
Motorcycle Collisions, Compensation and Civil Law - Carron Valley MCCRod Mitchell
Brenda Mitchell, founder and Senior Partner at Motorcycle Law Scotland covers a range of topics including:-
Criminal v Civil Law.
Common motorcycle accident scenarios.
Fault, part-fault and non fault incidents.
Case Law.
Case studies.
Injuries and rehabilitation.
The claims process.
Valuing a claim.
The role of the Police.
Insurers.
Motorcycle Recovery and charges.
Accidents across the Border.
Accidents abroad.
Who pays?
Q&A
Travability’s Response to: ISSUES PAPER: AIRLINE TWO WHEELCHAIR POLICYBill Forrester
Given the importance of the growing Inclusive Tourism sector, Australia must have an air transport infrastructure that is equal to the best in the world in the way its treats travellers with a disability or run the risk at putting itself into a non competitive position as a world tourism destination. Given the significance of tourism as an economic driver to the country’s economy the issue of access to aviation services becomes a far bigger issue than the immediate turnaround cost to any particular airline or any given flight, if such a cost differential actually exists at all.
The blanket two wheelchair policy is out of touch with the policies adopted by our major tourism competitors and further out of touch with the practices of most of the countries of origin for our inbound international visitors.
The issue of wheelchair access and disability services is still being viewed as a compliance disability rights issue instead of from an enhance of the visitor experience for a major segment of a valuable export industry.
Complex Injury Cases and the role of rehabilitationRod Mitchell
Jodi Gordon, Partner at specialist law firm, Road Traffic Accident Law (Scotland) LLP, discusses the ever-evolving area of complex personal injury cases and the role of rehabilitation.
Cycling and Civil Law - your rights and responsibilities - Glasgow Clyde CollegeRod Mitchell
The specialist solicitors at Cycle Law Scotland deal with personal injury claims for injured cyclists across Scotland every day.
In this presentation, we cover the following:-
• Criminal v Civil Law.
• Common cycling incidents.
• Primary causes of cycling collisions.
• What to do in the event of a collision.
• The claims process and why it is important.
• Dealing with Insurers.
• The role of Police Scotland.
• The role of Specialists.
• Witnesses.
• Case Law and how we apply it.
• Preparing a case.
• The use of CCTV and Video footage.
• Valuing injury, damage and loss.
• Rehabilitation and why it is important.
• Damaged bike assessments.
• Case study examples.
• Video footage.
• Presumed liability and Road Share update.
Cycling collisions, compensation and Civil Law - your rights and responsibili...Rod Mitchell
Cycling collisions, compensation and Civil Law - your rights and responsibilities. Presentation and discussion with Jodi Gordon, specialist cycling Lawyer at Cycle Law Scotland.
Motorcycle Collisions, Compensation and Civil Law - Carron Valley MCCRod Mitchell
Brenda Mitchell, founder and Senior Partner at Motorcycle Law Scotland covers a range of topics including:-
Criminal v Civil Law.
Common motorcycle accident scenarios.
Fault, part-fault and non fault incidents.
Case Law.
Case studies.
Injuries and rehabilitation.
The claims process.
Valuing a claim.
The role of the Police.
Insurers.
Motorcycle Recovery and charges.
Accidents across the Border.
Accidents abroad.
Who pays?
Q&A
Cycling collisions, compensation and Civil Law - EDFOC 2019Rod Mitchell
Jodi covers the following topics:-
Criminal v Civil Law
Common cycling incidents
Primary causes of cycling collisions
What to do in the event of a collision
The claims process and why it is important
Dealing with Insurers
The role of Police Scotland
The role of Specialists
Witnesses
Law and how we apply it
Preparing a case
The use of CCTV and Video footage
Valuing injury, damage and loss
Rehabilitation and why it is important
bike assessments
Case study examples
Video footage
Presumed liability and Road Share update
Cycling and Civil Law - your rights and responsibilitiesRod Mitchell
Jodi presentation to Breeze ladies covers the following topics:
Criminal v Civil Law
Common Cycling Accidents
Dooring
Junctions
Roundabouts
Close passes
Road hazards
Potholes
Cycle Paths
Insurers
The role of the Police
Damages
The Claims process
Damaged bike assessments
Injuries and rehabilitation.
What if it happens to you?
Campaigning and Road Share campaign for presumed liability.
Motorcycle Collisions, compensation and Civil Law - Lothian and Borders Vinta...Rod Mitchell
Brenda Mitchell, founder and Senior Partner at Motorcycle Law Scotland covers a range of topics including:-
Criminal v Civil Law.
Common motorcycle accident scenarios.
Fault, part-fault and non fault incidents.
Case Law.
Case studies.
Injuries and rehabilitation.
The claims process.
Valuing a claim.
The role of the Police.
Insurers.
Motorcycle Recovery and charges.
Accidents across the Border.
Accidents abroad.
Who pays?
Road Traffic Collisions and Civil Law - Inverness IAM GroupRod Mitchell
Brenda Mitchell, founder and Senior Partner at Motorcycle Law Scotland covers a range of topics including:-
Criminal v Civil Law.
Common motorcycle accident scenarios.
Fault, part-fault and non fault incidents.
Case Law.
Case studies.
Injuries and rehabilitation.
The claims process.
Valuing a claim.
The role of the Police.
Insurers.
Motorcycle Recovery and charges.
Accidents across the Border.
Accidents abroad.
Who pays?
Road Traffic Collisions and Civil Law - D&G IAM GroupRod Mitchell
Brenda Mitchell, Senior partner and founder of Road Traffic Accident Law Scotland LLP covered a range of topics including:-
Criminal v Civil Law.
Common motorcycle accident scenarios.
Fault, part-fault and non-fault incidents.
Case Law - Motorcycle and Pedestrian.
Case studies.
Injuries and rehabilitation.
The claims process.
Valuing a claim.
The role of the Police.
Insurers.
Motorcycle Recovery and charges.
Accidents across the Border.
Accidents abroad.
Who pays?
Motorcycle Collisions, Compensation and Civil Law - Ayr Classic MCCRod Mitchell
Specialist Motorcycle Lawyer, Brenda Mitchell, covers a range of topics including:-
Criminal v Civil Law.
Common motorcycle accident scenarios.
Fault, part-fault and non fault incidents.
Case Law.
Case studies.
Injuries and rehabilitation.
The claims process.
Valuing a claim.
The role of the Police.
Insurers.
Motorcycle Recovery and charges.
Accidents across the Border.
Accidents abroad.
Who pays?
Brenda Mitchell, specialist motorcycle Lawyer covers:
Criminal v Civil Law.
Common motorcycle and motoring accident scenarios.
Fault, non-fault and part-fault incidents.
Case Law.
Case studies.
Injuries and rehabilitation.
The claims process.
Valuing a claim.
The role of the Police.
Insurers.
Motorbike Recovery and charges.
What to do in the event of an accident.
What if it happens to you?
Cycling Collisions, compensation and Civil Law - DCC - Feb 19Rod Mitchell
Specialist cycling Lawyer discusses
• Criminal v Civil Law.
• Common cycling incidents.
• Primary causes of cycling collisions.
• What to do in the event of a collision.
• The claims process and why it is important.
• Dealing with Insurers.
• The role of Police Scotland.
• The role of Specialists.
• Witnesses.
• Case Law and how we apply it.
• Preparing a case.
• The use of CCTV and Video footage.
• Valuing injury, damage and loss.
• Rehabilitation and why it is important.
• Damaged bike assessments.
• Case study examples.
• Video footage.
• Presumed liability and Road Share update.
Motorcycle collisions, compensation and Civil Law Rod Mitchell
Brenda Mitchell, founder and Senior Partner at Motorcycle Law Scotland covers:-
Criminal v Civil Law.
Common motorcycle accident scenarios.
Case Law.
Case studies.
Injuries and rehabilitation.
The claims process.
Valuing a claim.
The role of the Police.
Insurers.
Motorbike Recovery and charges.
MIB
No Win No Fee
'Cycling and Civil Law' presentation at Glasgow Caledonian UniversityRod Mitchell
• Criminal v Civil Law.
• Common cycling incidents.
• Primary causes of cycling collisions.
• What to do in the event of a collision.
• The claims process and why it is important.
• Dealing with Insurers.
• The role of Police Scotland.
• The role of Specialists.
• Witnesses.
• Case Law and how we apply it.
• Preparing a case.
• The use of CCTV and Video footage.
• Valuing injury, damage and loss.
• Rehabilitation and why it is important.
• Damaged bike assessments.
• Case study examples.
• Video footage.
• Presumed liability and Road Share update.
'Cycling and Civil Law' - Angus bike hub Rod Mitchell
This presentation covers:
• Criminal v Civil Law.
• Common cycling incidents.
• Primary causes of cycling collisions.
• What to do in the event of a collision.
• The claims process and why it is important.
• Dealing with Insurers.
• The role of Police Scotland.
• The role of Specialists.
• Witnesses.
• Case Law and how we apply it.
• Preparing a case.
• The use of CCTV and Video footage.
• Valuing injury, damage and loss.
• Rehabilitation and why it is important.
• Damaged bike assessments.
• Case study examples.
• Video footage.
• Presumed liability and Road Share update.
'Cycling and Civil Law' at Bike for Good in GlasgowRod Mitchell
Criminal v Civil Law.
• Common cycling incidents.
• Primary causes of cycling collisions.
• What to do in the event of a collision.
• The claims process and why it is important.
• Dealing with Insurers.
• The role of Police Scotland.
• The role of Specialists.
• Witnesses.
• Case Law and how we apply it.
• Preparing a case.
• The use of CCTV and Video footage.
• Valuing injury, damage and loss.
• Rehabilitation and why it is important.
• Damaged bike assessments.
• Case study examples.
• Video footage.
• Presumed liability and Road Share update.
Brenda Mitchell, founder and Senior Partner at Cycle Law Scotland, Scotland’s award-winning legal service dedicated to representing injured cyclists, discusses real cases studies, case law, common cycling accidents and explains what to do in the event of a collision.
Brenda Mitchell, founder and Senior Partner, Cycle Law Scotland presents cycling and Civil Law. She covers common cycling accidents | Case Law | Case studies and explains why presumed liability should be introduced in Civil law for road traffic collisions involving vulnerable road users (cyclists and pedestrians).
'We've got your back' - East Kilbride RoADAR GroupRod Mitchell
Brenda Mitchell, founder and Senior Partner at specialist motorcycling Law firm, Motorcycle Law Scotland discusses Civil Law | Case Law | Filtering | Rural Roads | Road Surface defects | What to do in the event of an accident | Legal Expense Protection | Compensation Claim process | Case Studies | Headcam footage | Insurers | Motor Insurer's Bureau
'Cycling and the Law' - St Andrews cycling communityRod Mitchell
Jodi Gordon, Associate Solicitor at specialist Law firm, Cycle Law Scotland, discusses common cycling accidents | sharing the road | Presumed Liability | Case Law | Case Studies | What to do in the event of an accident | Legal Expense Protection | Headcam footage | Insurers | Compensation Claim process
Scottish BMW Riders - 'We've got your back'Rod Mitchell
Brenda Mitchell, founder and Senior Partner at Motorcycle Law Scotland talks to members of the Scottish BMW Riders club about Civil Law, case law for filtering, rural roads and what to do in the event of a collision.
Cycling collisions, compensation and Civil Law - EDFOC 2019Rod Mitchell
Jodi covers the following topics:-
Criminal v Civil Law
Common cycling incidents
Primary causes of cycling collisions
What to do in the event of a collision
The claims process and why it is important
Dealing with Insurers
The role of Police Scotland
The role of Specialists
Witnesses
Law and how we apply it
Preparing a case
The use of CCTV and Video footage
Valuing injury, damage and loss
Rehabilitation and why it is important
bike assessments
Case study examples
Video footage
Presumed liability and Road Share update
Cycling and Civil Law - your rights and responsibilitiesRod Mitchell
Jodi presentation to Breeze ladies covers the following topics:
Criminal v Civil Law
Common Cycling Accidents
Dooring
Junctions
Roundabouts
Close passes
Road hazards
Potholes
Cycle Paths
Insurers
The role of the Police
Damages
The Claims process
Damaged bike assessments
Injuries and rehabilitation.
What if it happens to you?
Campaigning and Road Share campaign for presumed liability.
Motorcycle Collisions, compensation and Civil Law - Lothian and Borders Vinta...Rod Mitchell
Brenda Mitchell, founder and Senior Partner at Motorcycle Law Scotland covers a range of topics including:-
Criminal v Civil Law.
Common motorcycle accident scenarios.
Fault, part-fault and non fault incidents.
Case Law.
Case studies.
Injuries and rehabilitation.
The claims process.
Valuing a claim.
The role of the Police.
Insurers.
Motorcycle Recovery and charges.
Accidents across the Border.
Accidents abroad.
Who pays?
Road Traffic Collisions and Civil Law - Inverness IAM GroupRod Mitchell
Brenda Mitchell, founder and Senior Partner at Motorcycle Law Scotland covers a range of topics including:-
Criminal v Civil Law.
Common motorcycle accident scenarios.
Fault, part-fault and non fault incidents.
Case Law.
Case studies.
Injuries and rehabilitation.
The claims process.
Valuing a claim.
The role of the Police.
Insurers.
Motorcycle Recovery and charges.
Accidents across the Border.
Accidents abroad.
Who pays?
Road Traffic Collisions and Civil Law - D&G IAM GroupRod Mitchell
Brenda Mitchell, Senior partner and founder of Road Traffic Accident Law Scotland LLP covered a range of topics including:-
Criminal v Civil Law.
Common motorcycle accident scenarios.
Fault, part-fault and non-fault incidents.
Case Law - Motorcycle and Pedestrian.
Case studies.
Injuries and rehabilitation.
The claims process.
Valuing a claim.
The role of the Police.
Insurers.
Motorcycle Recovery and charges.
Accidents across the Border.
Accidents abroad.
Who pays?
Motorcycle Collisions, Compensation and Civil Law - Ayr Classic MCCRod Mitchell
Specialist Motorcycle Lawyer, Brenda Mitchell, covers a range of topics including:-
Criminal v Civil Law.
Common motorcycle accident scenarios.
Fault, part-fault and non fault incidents.
Case Law.
Case studies.
Injuries and rehabilitation.
The claims process.
Valuing a claim.
The role of the Police.
Insurers.
Motorcycle Recovery and charges.
Accidents across the Border.
Accidents abroad.
Who pays?
Brenda Mitchell, specialist motorcycle Lawyer covers:
Criminal v Civil Law.
Common motorcycle and motoring accident scenarios.
Fault, non-fault and part-fault incidents.
Case Law.
Case studies.
Injuries and rehabilitation.
The claims process.
Valuing a claim.
The role of the Police.
Insurers.
Motorbike Recovery and charges.
What to do in the event of an accident.
What if it happens to you?
Cycling Collisions, compensation and Civil Law - DCC - Feb 19Rod Mitchell
Specialist cycling Lawyer discusses
• Criminal v Civil Law.
• Common cycling incidents.
• Primary causes of cycling collisions.
• What to do in the event of a collision.
• The claims process and why it is important.
• Dealing with Insurers.
• The role of Police Scotland.
• The role of Specialists.
• Witnesses.
• Case Law and how we apply it.
• Preparing a case.
• The use of CCTV and Video footage.
• Valuing injury, damage and loss.
• Rehabilitation and why it is important.
• Damaged bike assessments.
• Case study examples.
• Video footage.
• Presumed liability and Road Share update.
Motorcycle collisions, compensation and Civil Law Rod Mitchell
Brenda Mitchell, founder and Senior Partner at Motorcycle Law Scotland covers:-
Criminal v Civil Law.
Common motorcycle accident scenarios.
Case Law.
Case studies.
Injuries and rehabilitation.
The claims process.
Valuing a claim.
The role of the Police.
Insurers.
Motorbike Recovery and charges.
MIB
No Win No Fee
'Cycling and Civil Law' presentation at Glasgow Caledonian UniversityRod Mitchell
• Criminal v Civil Law.
• Common cycling incidents.
• Primary causes of cycling collisions.
• What to do in the event of a collision.
• The claims process and why it is important.
• Dealing with Insurers.
• The role of Police Scotland.
• The role of Specialists.
• Witnesses.
• Case Law and how we apply it.
• Preparing a case.
• The use of CCTV and Video footage.
• Valuing injury, damage and loss.
• Rehabilitation and why it is important.
• Damaged bike assessments.
• Case study examples.
• Video footage.
• Presumed liability and Road Share update.
'Cycling and Civil Law' - Angus bike hub Rod Mitchell
This presentation covers:
• Criminal v Civil Law.
• Common cycling incidents.
• Primary causes of cycling collisions.
• What to do in the event of a collision.
• The claims process and why it is important.
• Dealing with Insurers.
• The role of Police Scotland.
• The role of Specialists.
• Witnesses.
• Case Law and how we apply it.
• Preparing a case.
• The use of CCTV and Video footage.
• Valuing injury, damage and loss.
• Rehabilitation and why it is important.
• Damaged bike assessments.
• Case study examples.
• Video footage.
• Presumed liability and Road Share update.
'Cycling and Civil Law' at Bike for Good in GlasgowRod Mitchell
Criminal v Civil Law.
• Common cycling incidents.
• Primary causes of cycling collisions.
• What to do in the event of a collision.
• The claims process and why it is important.
• Dealing with Insurers.
• The role of Police Scotland.
• The role of Specialists.
• Witnesses.
• Case Law and how we apply it.
• Preparing a case.
• The use of CCTV and Video footage.
• Valuing injury, damage and loss.
• Rehabilitation and why it is important.
• Damaged bike assessments.
• Case study examples.
• Video footage.
• Presumed liability and Road Share update.
Brenda Mitchell, founder and Senior Partner at Cycle Law Scotland, Scotland’s award-winning legal service dedicated to representing injured cyclists, discusses real cases studies, case law, common cycling accidents and explains what to do in the event of a collision.
Brenda Mitchell, founder and Senior Partner, Cycle Law Scotland presents cycling and Civil Law. She covers common cycling accidents | Case Law | Case studies and explains why presumed liability should be introduced in Civil law for road traffic collisions involving vulnerable road users (cyclists and pedestrians).
'We've got your back' - East Kilbride RoADAR GroupRod Mitchell
Brenda Mitchell, founder and Senior Partner at specialist motorcycling Law firm, Motorcycle Law Scotland discusses Civil Law | Case Law | Filtering | Rural Roads | Road Surface defects | What to do in the event of an accident | Legal Expense Protection | Compensation Claim process | Case Studies | Headcam footage | Insurers | Motor Insurer's Bureau
'Cycling and the Law' - St Andrews cycling communityRod Mitchell
Jodi Gordon, Associate Solicitor at specialist Law firm, Cycle Law Scotland, discusses common cycling accidents | sharing the road | Presumed Liability | Case Law | Case Studies | What to do in the event of an accident | Legal Expense Protection | Headcam footage | Insurers | Compensation Claim process
Scottish BMW Riders - 'We've got your back'Rod Mitchell
Brenda Mitchell, founder and Senior Partner at Motorcycle Law Scotland talks to members of the Scottish BMW Riders club about Civil Law, case law for filtering, rural roads and what to do in the event of a collision.
Synopsis On Annual General Meeting/Extra Ordinary General Meeting With Ordinary And Special Businesses And Ordinary And Special Resolutions with Companies (Postal Ballot) Regulations, 2018
Military Commissions details LtCol Thomas Jasper as Detailed Defense CounselThomas (Tom) Jasper
Military Commissions Trial Judiciary, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Notice of the Chief Defense Counsel's detailing of LtCol Thomas F. Jasper, Jr. USMC, as Detailed Defense Counsel for Abd Al Hadi Al-Iraqi on 6 August 2014 in the case of United States v. Hadi al Iraqi (10026)
Car Accident Injury Do I Have a Case....Knowyourright
Every year, thousands of Minnesotans are injured in car accidents. These injuries can be severe – even life-changing. Under Minnesota law, you can pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
In 2020, the Ministry of Home Affairs established a committee led by Prof. (Dr.) Ranbir Singh, former Vice Chancellor of National Law University (NLU), Delhi. This committee was tasked with reviewing the three codes of criminal law. The primary objective of the committee was to propose comprehensive reforms to the country’s criminal laws in a manner that is both principled and effective.
The committee’s focus was on ensuring the safety and security of individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole. Throughout its deliberations, the committee aimed to uphold constitutional values such as justice, dignity, and the intrinsic value of each individual. Their goal was to recommend amendments to the criminal laws that align with these values and priorities.
Subsequently, in February, the committee successfully submitted its recommendations regarding amendments to the criminal law. These recommendations are intended to serve as a foundation for enhancing the current legal framework, promoting safety and security, and upholding the constitutional principles of justice, dignity, and the inherent worth of every individual.
4. Highway Code: Rules for horse-riders
Rules 49 – 55
• Safety equipment
• Clothing
• Riding at night
• Where not to ride
5. Highway Code: Rules for drivers
'Be particularly careful of horse riders and horse drawn
vehicles especially when overtaking. Always pass wide and
slowly. Horse riders are often children, so take extra care
and remember riders may ride in double file when
escorting a young or inexperienced horse or rider. Look
out for horse riders' and horse drivers' signals and heed a
request to slow down or stop. Take great care and treat all
horses as a potential hazard; they can be unpredictable,
despite the efforts of their rider/driver'.
6. Horse related incidents
• 2015 Reported Incidents in Scotland
– Dog attacks (13)
– Road Traffic Incidents (18)
– Cycling related incidents (3)
• BHS Accident page
– http://www.bhs.org.uk/safety-and-
accidents/report-an-incident
9. Carryfast v Hack
R.63 of Highway code (1978) states: “Go slowly when driving past
animals. Give them plenty of room and be ready to stop if necessary. Do
not frighten the animals…..by revving your engine.”
12. Farrer-Sowerby v Stubbs
• Diminution in value
(£2000)
• Loss of Use + Enjoyment
• Veterinary Costs
• Additional stabling
Damages
‘But for’ rule
£6,075
15. Animals (Scotland) Act 1987
Provisions as to strict liability for injury or damage caused by animals.
(1)… a person shall be liable for any injury or damage caused by an animal if—
(a) at the time of the injury or damage complained of, he was a keeper of the
animal;
(b) the animal belongs to a species whose members generally are by virtue of their
physical attributes or habits likely (unless controlled or restrained) to injure
severely or kill persons or animals, or damage property to a material extent; and
(c) the injury or damage complained of is directly referable to such physical
attributes or habits.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (1)(b) above—
(a) dogs, and dangerous wild animals within the meaning of section 7(4) of the
Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, shall be deemed to be likely (unless controlled
or restrained) to injure severely or kill persons or animals by biting or otherwise
savaging, attacking or harrying;
18. In the present state of motor traffic, I am persuaded
that any civilized system of law should require, as a
matter of principle, that the person who uses this
dangerous instrument on the roads – dealing death and
destruction all around – should be liable to make
compensation to anyone who is killed or injured in
consequence of the use of it. There should be liability
without proof of fault. To require an injured person to
prove fault results in the gravest injustice to many
innocent persons who have not the wherewithal to
prove it.
Lord Denning - 1982
19. “The Court has consistently imposed
upon the drivers of cars a high
burden to reflect the fact that the car
is potentially a dangerous weapon.”
Destructive disparity (2003)
Lady Justice
Brenda Hale
The starting point is the Duty of Care. We all owe a duty of care to other road users and that is a common law duty to exercise reasonable care and not to expose others to harm by our actions. When considering a claim for compensation, you need to establish that a duty of care is owed, there has been a breach of that duty of care AND, as a result, a person has been injured. The important point is negligence. Negligence is established based upon the concept of balance of probability. Importantly, presumed liability does not do away with the concept of negligence. For a vulnerable road user to be compensated, there has to be a negligent act which resulted in the collision.
Many argue that compensation is wrong and out of control. Some even suggest we have a “compensation culture” yet as Sheriff Principal James Taylor stated in his Review Of Expenses and Funding of Civil Litigation in Scotland, “there is a different culture in Scotland“ and there is no evidence of a “compensation culture “ in Scotland.
The whole purpose behind an award of compensation is an attempt to put an injured individual back into the position they would have been in but for the accident.
To suggest that presumed liability will somehow turn Scots Law on its head is a complete nonsense. Principles of Scots Law are such that the individual has always been protected where the concept of harm is relevant. Take for example the Animal Scotland Act where a dog owner is strictly liable if his or her dog bites an individual.
The work place had strict liability until it was removed following upon Section 69 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Act. Before that and following introduction of strict liability in 1993, fatal accidents in the workplace were reduced from 1.3 per hundred thousand to 0.5 per hundred thousand over a 20 yr period.
The Consumer Protection Act extends strict liability to the manufacturer or supplier of defective goods. If an individual is injured as a result of a defective product, the manufacturer or supplier is strictly liable to compensate that individual. All these examples take into account harm and who brings most harm to a situation. Why then is it so difficult for us to understand that presumed liability recognises the concept of harm? Why can we not take that one small step forward?
Judges do take into account the aspect of blame worthiness. We seem to be half way there. For example, Lady Justice Brenda Hale stated, “the court has consistently imposed upon the drivers of cars a high burden to reflect the fact that the car is potentially a dangerous weapon”.
The imposition of liability affects how categories of actors respond to the risks they create. Liability acts as an incentive to exercise care. Presumed liability will have a positive affect not a negative one.