CORPORATIONS CAN AFFORD IT ??? (Compensation culture)

Member Name: jingles

Product:	Compensation culture
Date:	16/10/01 (51 review reads)
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I have read the other opinions in this category with interest. Why? Well l suppose if it were not for this compensation culture so prevalent in Northern Ireland l would probably be out of a job! NO l am not an ambulance-chasing lawyer, so put your claws away! I work for a company who are constantly being sued – l work with the realms of the construction industry – l investigate these claims made.

My company, have undertaken major construction work through out Belfast, Londonderry and other arts and parts of the province. We are what’s know as a public utility and because we have carried out such works on the footways and carriageways we are the statutory undertaker, therefore even though we employ indemnifying contractors, liability ultimately lies at our feet.

People will sue for tripping on the footpath or roadway or over street furniture. Some are genuine some are bogus. The amounts of claims flowing into our offices are phenomenal. People will sue for a stubbed toe or a grazed knee – the injuries (to me anyway) seem pitiful. These claims annoy me. I think people who have had their lives disrupted in a major way have every right to make such claims for damages – but those with a sore big toe – now come on!

We all have a duty of care and should a company (or person for that matter) fail to meet this care, then the victim does have the right to take legal action. Some are of the opinion when suing a faceless corporation that “Sure they can afford it” “ They’ve got insurance”. Yes we do have insurance so to that extent you are right, and if you have bona fide injuries go ahead, but what about the individuals who end up as an unemployment statistic due to such knock on effects? Like my friend and colleague Janice for instance? Yes we are all facing job threats – not solely due to insurance claims of course not, the down turn in the market is 90% to blame,
but the rising insurance premiums sure ain’t helping!

In N Ireland the majority of plaintiff’s are legally aided. Solicitors don’t care win loose or draw – fees are still paid. Barristers don’t care – his fees are paid too. Insurance companies are generally faced with damages and costs, but hey they can bump up your insurance. It’s you and l Mr and Mrs Tax payer that fund this claim culture.

Claims direct and the rest of that mob all state – No Win- No Fee on adverts. One word of warning though – l have heard horror stories. Awards of £5000 given but only £500 received after fees or in case a claim is unsuccessful insurance is required to be taken out and paid for by the plaintiff.

We are becoming Americanised – disclaimers are evident everywhere. Its all “Just In Case”. People are scared to help “Just In Case” - there’s no trust anymore. It’s sad that society is so money conscious that you will not help a person lying in the street just incase he sues you.

Heather

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