Government Unveils the Civil Liability Bill Introducing Whiplash Reforms and Changes to the Discount Rate

The Justice Secretary David Gauke has unveiled the Civil Liability Bill to Parliament.  The bill includes reforms to clampdown on whiplash claims as well as changes to the way the personal injury discount rate is calculated for serious injuries.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit is the government’s flagship reform of the benefits system.  Universal Credit was introduced to simplify the benefit system but has proved to be unpopular with many.  In this article we consider the implications for defendants and insurers who are responsible for re-paying social security benefits paid as a result of an accident, injury or disease.

Forbes shortlisted for the Post Insurance Awards

We are pleased to announce that the Forbes Insurance Department has been shortlisted for the Insurance Post Claims Award in the strongly contested category of Insurance Law Firm of the Year for work in fraud and social care.

These Awards celebrate the achievements and progress made by the leading professionals in the Insurance sector.

Chris Booth, Joint Head of the Insurance Team at Forbes commented that "In this last year, we have worked hard to build on the successes of previous years and have continued to strive for excellence in the service we offer to our clients. We are naturally delighted to have been acknowledged for our work in the fraud sector and in social care. This nomination also recognises our positive working culture and our commitment to staff engagement and retention."

The awards ceremony is to be held on Thursday 21st June at the Royal Garden Hotel in London.

Regulatory Roundup

• Health & Safety Fine for Tree Climbing Fall
• Tata Steel fined £1.4m after death of worker
• Poundstretcher Fined Over £1m After Pleading Guilty to 24 Heath and Safety Offences
• Contractors Fined After Tenant Falls through Balcony
• Housing association fined after exposing employees to Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
• Unregistered Gas Fitter Jailed

Forbes at Trial: Experienced Highways Inspector Wins the Day!

Bailey v Warrington Borough Council and United Utilities Water Limited
St Helens CC – District Judge Simister

The Claimant alleged that she was walking along the pavement when she tripped on a defect in the pavement where a United Utilities stop tap grid cover was located.