by Richard Craig
27 June 2011
Over £4m in compensation has been paid in the last two years for injuries suffered on Northern Ireland’s roads, an MLA has revealed.
The SDLP’s John Dallat, who received the information from the Department of Regional Development, said this matter needs to be addressed as the figure has risen by almost 20%.
Just under half the amount, £892,000, was paid out to individuals who claimed personal injury compensation for injuries sustained on footpaths. The rest of the amount was comprised of claims resulting from vehicle damage, through potholes etc.
Mr Dallat told UTV:
"These figures suggest that there is much still to be done.
"Clearly with over £4m pounds paid out in the last two years there is an urgent need to review the notion that nothing can be improved.
"It is totally inappropriate that the legal profession appears to be setting rates of compensation and fees largely in isolation from the public and private sector bodies which will have to bear these costs.
"It was said then and still applies that this is an unhealthy situation which must be revisited."