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Daily Record
4 days ago
- Daily Record
The hidden risks of public transport and what you can do if you're injured
Public transport is a unique mode of transport as you, the passenger, put your life in the hands of a total stranger, writes David Nellaney, Partner at Digby Brown. What provides assurance is the knowledge that the person in control of the vehicle - be it a taxi, bus, ferry, plane or train - is a professional. They are trained, licensed and insured to a high standard to deliver a reliable and safe service. Arguably, they should be safer than any other mode of transport as they are also more likely to be vigilant, follow speed limits more strictly, and handle the vehicle smoothly. And yet, over the last year or so, it feels like there's been a rise in public transport accidents, especially bus and coach accidents. In March this year, the M8 ground to a halt after a bus crashed near the junction 30 turn off at Bishopton. In December 2024, there were two bus crashes within days of each other - and both involved low bridges. The first saw a double-decker collide with a railway bridge on Cook Street in Glasgow, then five days later, another struck a low bridge on Culzean Crescent in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire. Both incidents left multiple people injured, many of whom needed hospital treatment. In Paisley last year, five people were injured after a single-decker ploughed into a block of flats. Similarly, homeowners in Airth near Falkirk were injured after a coach left the road and smashed into a row of houses. To be fair, it's not just buses. All modes of public transport have their risks, and as we've seen in the past, accidents can happen anywhere. Last summer, Digby Brown settled claims for passengers of the ferry MV Alfred after it ran aground on an uninhabited island near Orkney. We also helped Ayr man Stephen McIntyre after he was struck by a taxi that crossed into his side of the road. And families affected by the Stonehaven rail disaster turned to Digby Brown for help where we recovered more than £1million for those affected. Whether you are on a bus, taxi, train, ferry or plane, it is the duty of those in control of these modes of transport to ensure your safety. We know professional drivers don't set out to injure people. But through our experience, the sad reality is that most crashes are the result of human error. If a mechanical fault arises that impacts safety they should stop, not continue and hope for the best while hoping to deal with it later. If there's torrential rain or wind, then those in charge should slow down or stop entirely - simply plodding on and blaming the bad weather if things go wrong isn't good enough. This was confirmed in another legal win for Digby Brown when we helped 17 people recover compensation after their coach was blown over in high winds near Loch Lomond. And when it comes to buses and low bridges… well, the driver is ultimately responsible for driving to the road conditions and responding to hazards that lie ahead. Blaming a sat nav or a route diversion is no excuse. The precise circumstances of incidents are nearly always different, but what remains constant is that if you were injured as a result of someone else's negligence, then you have rights. When you use public transport, you are a passenger in a vehicle, and other people are responsible for your safety. So, with a public transport claim or passenger injury claim, a solicitor will look to recover all relevant details, just like any other accident claim: Having as much information and evidence as possible helps build a clear, thorough and accurate picture that can strengthen your case and secure a fair result.
The Independent
06-05-2025
- The Independent
Six-figure damages agreed over boarding school abuse claims
A man who claims he was abused at a private boarding school has reached an out-of-court settlement for a six-figure sum in damages. Angus Bell claimed he suffered in a 'madhouse of violence and psychological abuse' at Loretto School in Musselburgh, East Lothian in the 1990s. A civil trial, thought to be the first in Scotland involving pupil-on-pupil abuse, had been due to take place at the Court of Session in Edinburgh in early June. However, Digby Brown Solicitors, representing Mr Bell, said an out of court settlement for a six-figure sum has now been reached. Loretto School said that, in the school now, child protection, wellbeing and the happiness of all pupils is its 'top priority'. Mr Bell, who is in his 40s and lives in Canada, said the abuse he suffered was 'life-changing' and previously described it as 'a cross between The Purge and The Running Man'. Speaking after the settlement was reached, Mr Bell, who has waived his right to anonymity, said: 'I entered Loretto as a tiny, defenceless, 10-year-old boy. 'I endured eight years of abuse, 34 years of post traumatic stress disorder, four and a half years of legal battle and, in the end, that little boy beat the system.' Loretto was one of a number of boarding schools investigated by the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), which found that some children suffered abuse there. Pete Richardson, Head of Loretto School, said: 'We can confirm that the matter has been resolved in terms agreed with Mr Bell. 'Whilst we do not intend to comment on the detail of matters raised by Mr Bell, what has been averred in the court action is not congruent with our understanding of the experience of others at Loretto at that time. 'The whole question of behaviours in Loretto over the years has been considered in detail by SCAI. 'We continue to support the work of SCAI and, where wrongdoing has been recognised in the past, we have made an unreserved apology – we would encourage anyone with an interest in this matter to look at the excellent work done by SCAI. 'In the Loretto of today, child protection, wellbeing and the happiness of all pupils is our top priority.' The SCAI, which aims to raise public awareness of the abuse of children in care, is considering evidence up to December 17 2014, and which is within the living memory of any person who suffered abuse. Richard Pitts, partner at Digby Brown, who led Mr Bell's legal action, said: 'Angus has been strong, calm and resilient throughout his entire journey and I commend him for what he has been able to do because he has not just secured justice for himself – in all likelihood he has opened the doors to help others get the outcome they deserve, too.'
The Herald Scotland
06-05-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Six-figure damages agreed over boarding school abuse claims
A civil trial, thought to be the first in Scotland involving pupil-on-pupil abuse, had been due to take place at the Court of Session in Edinburgh in early June. However, Digby Brown Solicitors, representing Mr Bell, said an out of court settlement for a six-figure sum has now been reached. Loretto School said that, in the school now, child protection, wellbeing and the happiness of all pupils is its 'top priority'. READ MORE: 'I was in flight mode. Now I'm in fight mode' Loretto pupil lifts anonymity to sue elite school for £1million NEIL MACKAY'S BIG READ: 'It was like Lord of the Flies' - Horrific accounts of abuse could be boarding schools' 'MeToo' moment Mr Bell, who is in his 40s and lives in Canada, said the abuse he suffered was 'life-changing' and previously described it as 'a cross between The Purge and The Running Man'. Speaking after the settlement was reached, Mr Bell, who has waived his right to anonymity, said: 'I entered Loretto as a tiny, defenceless, 10-year-old boy. 'I endured eight years of abuse, 34 years of post traumatic stress disorder, four and a half years of legal battle and, in the end, that little boy beat the system.' Loretto was one of a number of boarding schools investigated by the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), which found that some children suffered abuse there. Pete Richardson, Head of Loretto School, said: 'We can confirm that the matter has been resolved in terms agreed with Mr Bell. Angus Bell took legal action 'Whilst we do not intend to comment on the detail of matters raised by Mr Bell, what has been averred in the court action is not congruent with our understanding of the experience of others at Loretto at that time. 'The whole question of behaviours in Loretto over the years has been considered in detail by SCAI. 'We continue to support the work of SCAI and, where wrongdoing has been recognised in the past, we have made an unreserved apology – we would encourage anyone with an interest in this matter to look at the excellent work done by SCAI. 'In the Loretto of today, child protection, wellbeing and the happiness of all pupils is our top priority.' The SCAI, which aims to raise public awareness of the abuse of children in care, is considering evidence up to December 17 2014, and which is within the living memory of any person who suffered abuse. Richard Pitts, partner at Digby Brown, who led Mr Bell's legal action, said: 'Angus has been strong, calm and resilient throughout his entire journey and I commend him for what he has been able to do because he has not just secured justice for himself – in all likelihood he has opened the doors to help others get the outcome they deserve, too.'
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
Six-figure damages agreed over boarding school abuse claims
A man who claims he was abused at a private boarding school has reached an out-of-court settlement for a six-figure sum in damages. Angus Bell claimed he suffered in a 'madhouse of violence and psychological abuse' at Loretto School in Musselburgh, East Lothian in the 1990s. A civil trial, thought to be the first in Scotland involving pupil-on-pupil abuse, had been due to take place at the Court of Session in Edinburgh in early June. However, Digby Brown Solicitors, representing Mr Bell, said an out of court settlement for a six-figure sum has now been reached. Loretto School said that, in the school now, child protection, wellbeing and the happiness of all pupils is its 'top priority'. ADVERTISEMENT Mr Bell, who is in his 40s and lives in Canada, said the abuse he suffered was 'life-changing' and previously described it as 'a cross between The Purge and The Running Man'. Speaking after the settlement was reached, Mr Bell, who has waived his right to anonymity, said: 'I entered Loretto as a tiny, defenceless, 10-year-old boy. 'I endured eight years of abuse, 34 years of post traumatic stress disorder, four and a half years of legal battle and, in the end, that little boy beat the system.' Loretto was one of a number of boarding schools investigated by the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI), which found that some children suffered abuse there. Pete Richardson, Head of Loretto School, said: 'We can confirm that the matter has been resolved in terms agreed with Mr Bell. ADVERTISEMENT 'Whilst we do not intend to comment on the detail of matters raised by Mr Bell, what has been averred in the court action is not congruent with our understanding of the experience of others at Loretto at that time. 'The whole question of behaviours in Loretto over the years has been considered in detail by SCAI. 'We continue to support the work of SCAI and, where wrongdoing has been recognised in the past, we have made an unreserved apology – we would encourage anyone with an interest in this matter to look at the excellent work done by SCAI. 'In the Loretto of today, child protection, wellbeing and the happiness of all pupils is our top priority.' The SCAI, which aims to raise public awareness of the abuse of children in care, is considering evidence up to December 17 2014, and which is within the living memory of any person who suffered abuse. Richard Pitts, partner at Digby Brown, who led Mr Bell's legal action, said: 'Angus has been strong, calm and resilient throughout his entire journey and I commend him for what he has been able to do because he has not just secured justice for himself – in all likelihood he has opened the doors to help others get the outcome they deserve, too.'
Edinburgh Reporter
06-05-2025
- Edinburgh Reporter
Loretto School abuse survivor settles landmark legal case
A former boarding school pupil has secured a landmark legal victory after suing Loretto School for historic abuse. Angus Bell, 44, launched a legal action over claims he was repeatedly attacked at the plush secondary school in Musselburgh, East Lothian. The Scot, who now lives in Canada, alleged to being repeatedly assaulted for eight years and teachers knew about it and either failed to intervene or took steps to cover it up. A civil trial – believed to be the first involving pupil-on-pupil abuse – was set for early June with 12 former pupils and four former teachers lined up to provide damning testimonies. But last week Loretto School bosses agreed to end the action via an out of court settlement for a six-figure sum. A vindicated Angus said: 'The school knew abuse was happening and all too often chose to look the other way and at no point has Loretto contacted me to apologise – not even after I gave evidence at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry. 'But finally outsiders know what happened within those walls. Finally the school has been held to account. 'The daily abuse I suffered at Loretto, from eight years of unchecked, harrowing peer-on-peer assaults, has been life changing. 'I want to give special thanks to those who had the courage to support me. Particular praise must go to English teacher David Stock, whose career was terminated for confronting the Loretto authorities about the widespread culture of physical, sexual and psychological abuse in 1991. 'There is still much work to be done and I will continue to support fellow survivors as it is vital the truth continues to be heard so current and future generations of children are protected.' The legal challenge against Loretto first came to light in November 2023. At the time Angus revealed he had been sexually and emotionally abused by older pupils during the 1990s. He also gave accounts of extreme violence including kids set on fire, pupils beaten with hockey sticks and cricket bats daily, others whipped with belts, waterboarding in toilets and being thrown down stairs. At the time Angus likened every day to being 'a cross between The Purge and The Running Man – it was eight years in Hell.' Richard Pitts, Partner at Digby Brown, led the legal action against Loretto School. He said: 'The treatment depicted at Loretto was horrific – in my years as an abuse solicitor it's among some of the worst accounts of violence and depravity I've ever heard of. 'Angus has been strong, calm and resilient throughout his entire journey and I commend him for what he has been able to do because he has not just secured justice for himself – in all likelihood he has opened the doors to help others get the outcome they deserve too.' Pete Richardson, Head of Loretto School said: 'We can confirm that the matter has been resolved in terms agreed with Mr Bell. 'Whilst we do not intend to comment on the detail of matters raised by Mr Bell, what has been averred in the Court action is not congruent with our understanding of the experience of others at Loretto at that time. 'The whole question of behaviours in Loretto over the years has been considered in detail by SCAI. 'We continue to support the work of SCAI and, where wrongdoing has been recognised in the past, we have made an unreserved apology – we would encourage anyone with an interest in this matter to look at the excellent work done by SCAI. 'In the Loretto of today, child protection, wellbeing and the happiness of all pupils is our top priority.' Like this: Like Related
