October 2006

SHERIFF AWARDS OVER DOUBLE AN INSURANCE COMPANIES OFFER

On 1st June 2007 the Scots Law Times published the decision in the case of Mr Christopher Dickson who had pursued an action for compensation following a road accident in February 2005 near Leven.

He was left with permanent intermittent symptoms of pain and stiffness in his neck. Insurers acting for the driver responsible argued in Court that the case was only worth £1,700. Lawford Kidd Associate, Anne Mathie, appearing for Mr Dickson, told the Court an appropriate figure would be around £5,000 and the insurers offer was insufficient. The Sheriff agreed with Anne that £1,700 was insufficient and awarded £4,750 personal injury. This case illustrates again the need to instruct an accredited solicitor when faced with an insurer under-valuing a claim.