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Miller Samuel Hill Brown Solicitors Blog

From time to time we will post news articles and announcements relating to the firm and to various legal issues that may be of interest to you.

Scottish Government Introduces Damages Bill

The Scottish Government has published new legislation that it says will create a clearer, fairer and more credible way of setting of the personal injury discount rate for damages claims

The personal injury (PI) discount rate is used to help calculate lump sum compensation to cover future losses such as future salary losses or future care costs in personal injury cases.

The Damages Bill, which has now been introduced in the Scottish Parliament, addresses concerns that the current process for setting PI discount rate lacks transparency and has not been reviewed frequently enough – with the most recent change resulting in a substantial shift to the rate.

Subject to Parliament’s approval, the Bill will:

  • Put in place a new methodology for calculating the discount rate which should be applied to such losses
  • Require the discount rate to be reviewed by the Government Actuary every three years
  • Give courts in Scotland the powers to impose periodical payment orders for future financial loss

“This legislation is part of our wider programme of civil law reform which aims to ensure the system keeps pace with modern Scotland and the needs of its people,” explained Minister for Legal Affairs Annabelle Ewing. “While the number of people affected by the discount rate is relatively small, we know that those cases tend to involve catastrophic injury with little prospect of the individual’s full recovery. That is why it is so important the law determining how the discount rate is set is clear, fair, transparent and credible.”

Personal Injury Lawyers Glasgow

Regardless of how injury or illness occurs, we are well equipped to help. With over 30 years’ experience in this field we are able to guide our clients through the process of making a claim, securing the best result as quickly as possible. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.

Lockdown-easing dates: A rocky road ahead

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