Free legal advice cuts a 'danger to civil justice'

A personal injury specialist has spoken out to say that the government's cuts to free legal advice put civil justice in danger.

Stuart Henderson, a managing partner at a law firm, wrote for the Lawyer that this move by the authorities is an attack on justice that could see thousands of people with injuries lose out.

He said that the Legal Aid, ¬Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill will harm vulnerable members of society.

According to Mr Henderson, affected parties will include children with brain injuries who have been left with severe disabilities as a result of errors and need care throughout their lives.

"The government claims these children - and other victims now excluded from the legal aid system - can instead rely on no-win, no-fee ¬agreements. But at the same time, the government is destroying that system by taking forward many of the proposals of Lord Justice Jackson," he said.

In April, Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust, which now belongs to the Aneurin Bevan Health Board, agreed to pay injury compensation to eight-year-old Callum Davies after he was brain damaged at birth.

Published by Hannah Carr