An arguable lack of special legislative provisions that address what should happen to family pets...
Settlements in personal injury claims can include amounts for psychological as well as physical injuries, as demonstrated by a case in which a pedestrian obtained significant damages after she was hit by a motorbike.
The accident happened on a busy street. The woman was helped up from the road and taken to hospital. Fortunately, the motorbike was not travelling at a high speed and the woman suffered only relatively minor physical injuries, from which she made a fairly good recovery. However, she experienced ongoing psychological symptoms. She found it difficult to return to full-time work and her income was significantly reduced.
After she sought compensation, evidence was obtained from a clinical psychologist, who made recommendations for therapy that would be likely to help her come to terms with the accident and resume her pre-accident lifestyle.
Liability for the accident was not disputed and, following negotiations, a settlement of more than £25,000 was agreed.