Sheriff court ‘overhaul’ needed

Sheriff courts could buckle under the strain of a flood of personal injury cases unless safeguards are introduced, lawyers have warned.

According to the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), a combination of court closures and Government plans to move thousands of cases from the Court of Session will cause delays and pressure in the sheriff courts unless there is significant improvement and investment in court staff, technology and procedures.

The warning came in APIL’s response to the Government’s consultation on the Courts Reform (Scotland) Bill which has just closed.

In addition, APIL has recommended the creation of two specialist personal injury courts rather than the single specialist court proposed by the Government, to help ease the burden.

APIL has also raised concerns about the prospect of injured people being dealt with under a new form of simplified procedure for cases valued under £5,000.

For legal advice on these issues or any other legal problems you may have, please complete our online enquiry form or call us on 0141 221 1919.