Wrongful death compensation Bill passed in Scotland

Proposals from a Member of the Scottish Parliament to simplify the wrongful deaths compensation system have been backed by politicians across Scotland.

Labour MSP Bill Butler argued that current legislation is far 'too complex' and has become 'inaccurate.' As a result, he has proposed the Damages Bill, which has now passed the final parliamentary stage. It has been slightly amended to allow for exemptions to be attached to the 25 per cent deduction for victim's families' living expenses.

If the new law is written into statute, it could allow victim's relatives to avoid the trauma of having to attend court hearings when liability has already been admitted.

Mr Butler told gathered MSPs in the Scottish Parliament, "On average 30 people die (every year) in Scotland in workplace accidents. In 2008, 272 people died on Scottish roads.

"It is generally accepted that wrongful death cases are among the most difficult and anxious cases with which personal injury practitioners deal. Cases tend to be hard fought by insurers and defenders which can mean that they take longer to resolve," he added.

Mr Butler went on to say that, alongside dealing with the bereavement, victim's families also have to contend with the financial hardship and the 'unknown and often daunting legal process.'