PI lawyers slam lack of damages law reform progress

Personal injury lawyers have expressed bitter disappointment at the government’s decision not to press ahead with legislation to reform the law on damages.

The Queen’s Speech did not take forward draft Civil Law Reform Bill, which was consulted on earlier this year.

Muiris Lyons, president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, described the new government’s failure to commit to damages reform as a blow for injured people.

He said “The draft Civil Law Reform Bill had a lot of holes in it but it was, at least, a starting point for long overdue reform to the damages system in England and Wales.”

“It is bitterly disappointing that nothing will be done now until at least November, as it is injured people who will bear the brunt of any further failure to keep the law on damages up to date.”