Civil Law Statistics in Scotland

Scotland's Chief Statistician has published Civil Law Statistics in Scotland, 2011-12. This presents statistics on the civil business of the Court of Session and sheriff courts in Scotland in 2011-12, together with some wider, contextual information about the extent of civil problems in Scotland.

With regard to personal injury cases, the statistics show that:

• There were 7,792 personal injury cases initiated in the civil courts during 2011-12, a decrease of 15% compared to 2010-11.
• The majority of these related to road traffic accidents (59%) and a further fifth related to accidents at work (22%).
• Personal injury cases accounted for 76% of business in the General Department of the Court of Session.

The statistics also show that:

• The number of damages cases initiated in the civil courts during 2011-12 decreased by 11% to 3,684.
• The majority of damages cases (64%) were initiated under small claims procedure.