Why We Need to Keep Changing the Law

Lawyers don’t just argue on the existing laws, some campaign to make sure the laws are fair and relevant to modern society.

It is important that the law adapts to meet changing social needs and attitudes. Campaigning to change the law gives the general public a voice and a chance to support causes they believe in.  It also helps canvas views towards topical issues such as workplace safety or cleanliness of hospitals.

As lawyers who work closely with victims of industrial disease and work place accidents we are in a privileged position to see when the Justice System is not doing its job, and act on it.

In recent years, in partnership with Trade Unions and victim’s pressure groups, we have been able to successfully convince the government to widen the scope of relatives who can claim compensation when a loved one is negligently killed.

Now, correctly, the law recognizes that in many situations a close bond may exist between siblings or between grandparents and grandchildren.  These groups were previously ignored.

In relation to asbestos related cancer we have been successful in persuading government that victims should be compensated quickly in order that they may, at the very least, enjoy some financial comfort before their death.  Further, that these victims should not have to make the impossible choice over whether they OR their relatives should be compensated.

Only last year victims of pleural plaques were told they would get nothing in terms of redress for scarring on their lungs due to asbestos exposure. Campaigns have opened the eyes of the Scottish Parliament and they now realise that this is not acceptable.

Recent campaigns seeking public enquires into NHS blood contaminated with Hepatitis-C, and the forthcoming Stockline Inquiry show that even the Lord Advocate can be made to take action in the public interest if the right kind of pressure is applied.

Campaigns help ensure justice for victims, keep the law modern and accurately reflect the public’s concerns.

Wrongful Deaths

• Reform of wrongful deaths law is long overdue say Thompsons 

• New Bill aims to ease the burden on victims of wrongful deaths

Pleural Plaques

• Thompsons help pleural plaques victims have their say in court
• Campaigners Win Victory for Pleural Plaque Sufferers
• Thompsons Welcome New Law to Restore Justice to Victims of Pleural Plaques
• Thompsons praised as the Scottish Parliament debates pleural plaques
• Thompsons & Clydeside Action give evidence on Pleural Plaques

Civil Court Review

• Lord Gill's review on the Civil Court System in Scotland - A Civil Injustice