Compensation Culture

[Coldicote]

Is the so-called 'compensation culture' getting out of control? It seems to me that many people make claims for compensation, just for the sake of getting money out of someone who has upset them and there is a widespread fear of being on the receiving end of a claim. Can any reader help to explain the law in general terms and do you agree with it?

[Ethel]

Oh yes - definitely so.

Everyone knows their rights, but forgets their responsibilities.

This is why there are totally ludicrous warnings on instructions - do not use microwave for drying your pet is a genuine example. Or when you buy hot take away food - caution, the contents may be hot.

At one time, we used to shrug and mentally kick ourselves if we got some very minor injury, now we look for monetary compensation.

I agree of course that where serious harm has been caused by another's negligence or stupidity, then compensation should be sought. But for minor incidents that is down to a lack of the injured persons common sense, then it is sheer greed.

And now we have people contriving accidents - putting themselves and others at serious risk - just to make a claim.

[Coldicote]

Interesting reply Ethel. It looks as though the legal profession has something to answer for - acting for clients making trivial or contrived claims. I wonder if others have experiences and /or suggestions to add to this discussion.

[Smurf Queen]

tort says u must put injured person back in the position they wouldve been in if theyd not been injured

i think personal injury lawyers wouldnt agree to work on a conditional fee if it woz a spurious claim as waste of time

no legal aid anymore 4 it - only for criminal housing and family

SQ xxx

[JRB]

I completely agree. I am always having to deal with people whose "friends" tell them to claim for compensation when the incident has involved only minor discomfort ie no medical expenses or time off work, no damage to clothes or possessions or loss of dignity, things impossible to quantify. One woman wanted to claim from her neighbours when she fell off their garden wall where she had been sitting during a BBQ. It turned out that the wall was only 3 feet high and she admitted to having had "several" glasses of wine! She was quite offended when I told her that I didn't think she had much chance of getting compensation as all she had was a sore bottom and she had felt foolish.