Over a five year period, Swansea Council has been made to pay out more than £800,000 over trips and falls that have been happening on its streets. People have been receiving an average of £4,055 for their accident claims.
According to the Llanelli Star, the Council has been keen to get a grip on the situation through improved highway maintenance. Council officers meticulously investigate each claim. In 2005, 249 claims were made. However, by 2008-2009 two hundred fewer claims were being pursued.
A spokesperson for Swansea Council argued:
“The continued investment and work in this area has had a positive effect on pavement conditions and, consequently, the number of claims received.”
This suggests that compensation claims for personal injury do not rise inexorably as a result of an evolving ‘compensation culture’. It seems that the level of claims is related to actual developments in the ‘real world.’
If councils can obtain sufficient resources and use them effectively they can reduce claims made against them for personal injury. When it comes to road standards, it is hard to disagree with the attitude of Swansea Council’s cabinet member John Hague. Mr Hague stated:
“Highway maintenance is an ongoing responsibility for us, and one that is a concern for everyone living and working in Swansea.”
If someone has an accident when using the public highway it is their right to make a claim if they are not at fault. However, most council tax payers do not want their money spent on accident. It makes sense, therefore, for councils to endeavour to follow Swansea Council’s example.
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