Press Release

Draft Queen’s speech brings welcome news for injured and bereaved

14 May 2008

Hopes that the Government will finally introduce the bill which will reform the creaking coroners system were renewed today, following publication of the Draft Queen’s Speech.

John McQuater, vice president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) welcomed news that the Coroner and Death Certification Bill, which failed to make it onto the statute books despite being included in last year’s draft speech, had remained on the Government’s agenda.

“What we now need is for this bill to become law,” he said. “It will provide bereaved families with the assurance that a death has been properly investigated, and that lessons have been learned to prevent similar tragedies happening again, which is often the most important thing for families.”

The association also welcomed the new Draft Civil Law Reform Bill which, among other issues, aims to implement reforms on the law relating to damages.

“APIL has been calling for reform of the law on damages for a long time,” said John, “not least so they better reflect the public’s expectations of what damages – particularly bereavement damages – should be. We are heartened the Government has highlighted its importance by including it in this new draft bill.”

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