Tram project hit by wave of compensation claims
A Scottish tram project has been hit by a wave of
compensation claims totalling £16,000.
The multimillion pound construction to improve public transport in Edinburgh started in 2008 and the first of three phases is hoped to be completed during 2011. While certain compensation claims, such those for burst water mains, are not very surprising given the enormity of the project, others, like those for punctured bike tires and ripped jackets, have most likely raised a few eyebrows at the head office of tram firm TIE.
The project has had to pay out over 35 compensation claims since work started, with amounts ranging from £20 for a damaged jacket to £10,000 for a flooded cellar. Although the company revealed how much money they had paid and what for, they would not say who received the payouts.
However, it has been suggested that the £10,000 went to people affected by the construction works on Shandwick Place in the centre of town after work to move utility cables and pipes caused flooding last year.
Other compensation claims included £21.98 for a punctured bike tyre as well as £150 and £1,500 which were rewarded to two pedestrians, one of whom tripped on an uneven pavement, while the other suffered head injuries after falling over on a temporary walkway.
Tram project compensation...
In total, the tram project has paid compensation to 37 claimants since the start of the project in 2008. Lothians MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville remarked that the figure was unexpectedly low and suggested it reflected the fact that people did not know they could make a compensation claim.
She said: "I'm surprised that the figure is so low, given the number of complaints I have heard about cracks in walls, damage to gardens and flooding."
"I suspect there's much more to come now we know the project has many years still to run. It's important to ensure that TIE makes people aware that they may be entitled to compensation, because it may be that many people don't know that they have a right to claim."
...With more to come
It was reported earlier this year that residents of a tenement in Leith Walk had contacted surveyors after sizeable cracks started appearing in their walls while the work was going on.
Bob Cummins, head of health, safety and environment for the tram project, said: "It is recognised across all our partners that we all have responsibility for maximising a risk-free environment through our health and safety strategy. Public incidents and claims are always given the highest priority."
His comments are a reminder that anyone who has suffered an accident or injury in a situation where they are not at fault could be eligible for compensation. In this instance, the 37 claims made due to damage or injury caused by the tram project were handled by the contractor, Carillion, meaning theclaimants could get the compensation they deserved without the overall budget of the tram project being affected.
Despite the widespread opinion that we live in a 'compensation culture', Shirley-Anne Somerville's remark highlights the fact that a lot of people are still unaware when they might have a case for a compensation claim. For anyone is who is unsure, it is always best to seek legal advice – after all, it could really pay off.Updated on 30/06/2009