Accident damages increased

A specially constituted Court of Appeal hearing has ruled that the level of damages awarded for pain, suffering and loss of amenity in many personal injury cases should be increased. Although unions have welcomed the ruling, which will mean a maximum rise of a third in awards for the worst injuries, there was some disappointment that the increase will be introduced using a taper, with no rise for awards currently below £10,000.

General secretary of manufacturing, science and finance union MSF Roger Lyons said: "The Court of Appeal's judgement is great news for all working people in England and Wales. However, this judgement will only affect a very small number of cases - those injuries of the most serious nature - and MSF's campaign for greater compensation for pain and suffering will continue until such time as all benefit from this judgement".

Heil v Rankin (2000) The Times Law Reports 24 March 2000.