It’s impossible to turn on the news without some talk of Brexit and what this means for different aspects of life and work in the UK. Much of the talk at the moment is about what will happen after the UK leaves the EU on 31st October, whether that be with or without a deal. What is not discussed so frequently is what effect leaving the EU may have on aspects of current UK personal injury law.
Brexit and personal injury law
Much of the legal framework that offers protection to those unlucky enough to suffer a personal injury as a result of someone else’s negligence originate from EU directives. EU directives are legal acts which require every EU member state to uphold a certain law and incorporate it into the national legal framework by a particular deadline.
Some people claim that as much as 70% of UK law can be linked back to EU directives. Much of this has a direct effect on the UK, meaning that there does not need to be a corresponding UK law in order for it to be upheld. This could mean that leaving the EU – and therefore no longer being bound by these laws – could leave large gaps in current legislation and potentially make it much harder for people to pursue a personal injury claim.
Health and safety claims
One key piece of legislation in respect of personal injury law is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which ensures that workplaces across the EU meet certain minimum standards. Various other regulations stem from this Act, including the duty for employers to ensure that the workplace does not expose an employee to risks that could result in an accident.
It’s not just about health and safety at work either; The Consumer Protection Act of 1987 was intended to improve product safety standards, safeguarding buyers against the purchase of faulty goods and services across the EU.
Travel claims
Another important consideration relates to claims for personal injuries resulting from accidents whilst on holiday. At present, EU directives protect victims of road traffic accidents caused by uninsured or untraced drivers that take place whilst they are on holiday in the EU. Following Brexit, it may no longer be as straightforward to pursue such claims from the UK.
Personal injury claims advice
There would only be widespread change if the UK Government acted to repeal existing EU laws affecting personal injury claims. While this is unlikely to occur directly after October 31st, we will be keeping a close eye on how things develop here at Mackrell and Thomas Solicitors. If you have any questions or concerns about how your claim might be affected, our expert team are here to help.
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"You have dealt with my claim to the best of your ability for which I am grateful and would not hesitate to recommend your firm to those who may need legal assistance. Once again, thank you for all your efforts and kind assistance in this matter" - Ms Q - Whiston
Ms D in Huyton received £3,000.00 after a tripping accident and said “I would highly recommend Mark Hunter and his personal injury claims staff, they were wonderful throughout my case”.
Mr T in Stockbridge Village said “Brilliant service, kept in contact throughout whole process of claim, service was 100% and I would definitely use Mackrell & Thomas again”.
Mrs C in Huyton received over £3,500.00 after a road traffic accident and said “I would recommend your firm to anybody involved in an accident because of the personal service I received and being kept informed every step of the way”.
Mr B in Knotty Ash, Liverpool was unhappy with the firm of Solicitors he originally instructed and then used Mackrell & Thomas. He received over £26,000.00 after an accident at work and said “I felt very safe and secure with the advice and the people that were dealing with the case. All the service was very good”.
“The service was very good from start to finish, polite and friendly staff, always happy to help with any queries, received regular updates by letter and email and most importantly the Solicitor was always available to speak to” – Mr C in Liverpool.
Mrs C in West Derby, Liverpool received £3,000.00 after a road traffic accident. She said “everything was dealt with in a fast and efficient way, no complications at all and always responded quickly to any questions I had”.
Mr C in Croxteth Park, Liverpool said “friendly and personal service from all staff, good communication, update of claim always available and Solicitor readily available to speak to if required”.
Miss S in Stockbridge Village, Liverpool said “friendly and professional local Solicitors, everything explained and kept up to date at all times”.
Mrs B in West Derby in Liverpool was very happy with our service and said “I found my Solicitor very knowledgeable and confident in the service he provided. The receptionist was friendly and always had a smile to greet you”.