Compensation culture: 'Don't we teach our kids about responsibility?'

Published on Wednesday 1 July 2009 09:32

THE compensation culture which has been out of hand for many years in America seems to be getting an unfortunate grip this side of the Atlantic.

We knew things were getting bad when inmates of HM prisons – some guilty of terrible crimes – were able to get legal aid to sue the authorities over the loss of their "human rights".

Usually using European legislation, prisoners have scooped thousands of pounds after complaining about the likes of "slopping-out". A disgusting practice, granted – but how did such payouts make the victims of these criminals, and their families, feel?

The creep of compensation claims continues into everyday life too. This week a Rod Stewart fan won 12,700 after being left concussed by a signed football the singer had kicked into the crowd at a Dublin concert. He's been doing that for 20 years, so it is hard to see how this bit of fan interaction can have taken her by surprise.

Now, as we report today, the four Lothian councils have had to pay out 125,000 in compensation after accidents or loss or damage to personal property in schools. Most people affected seem to have been pupils, though some may have been parents or other visitors.

Some pupils did suffer serious injury and perhaps did deserve some payment – if the council was at fault. But it is hard to feel sorry for those who had to claim for a torn pair of trousers, for paint on a jacket or because they lost a mobile phone.

Don't we teach our kids about personal responsibility and taking care of their own property these days? And where do their parents think the money comes from to recompense them for their "losses"? In most cases, probably not from insurers if excess payments are involved, or if passing on the cost would increase premiums.

No, payouts will usually come from council coffers – and therefore ultimately from council taxpayers. That in turn means less money for council services, including the very schools that claimants' children attend.

Some people should get compensation, especially when they suffer injury caused by the stupidity or actions of others.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority paid out 230 million to people who suffered violent crimes last year – a rise of 42.5m on 2007. Those people are true victims and deserve compensation. But convicted criminals who have to suffer a few indignities in their cells do not.

And neither do those who cannot take care of their own clothes and property on school grounds.