As Dan Pink notes in his 2018 book, When (The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing), by some estimates, about half the people in a typical marathon are taking part in a marathon for the first time. Another thing that links many first-time marathoners, as it turns out, is age. A scientific paper published in 2014 concludes that people search for meaning when they approach a new decade in chronological age. At certain ages, we are inspired to greater self-reflection than at others. Adults often examine their lives for existential meaning when they approach a new decade in age (29, 39, 49 etc.) – which can lead to behaviour that suggests an ongoing search for meaning. Exercising more intensely, with a view to participating in a marathon, is one example of such behaviour. This phenomenon was of interest to me because I completed my first marathon in 2017 – at the age of 49. It seems that reaching the end of a decade in life can shake up our thinking, directing what we do and how we Continue Reading
Why you might be surprised who qualifies as a cohabitee (more people than you’d expect)
In modern society, cohabitation is an increasingly popular family structure. As one aspect of the response to this change, the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 was enacted to provide particular limited rights to cohabiting couples. On the breakdown of their relationship within their lifetimes, a former cohabitee has the chance to make a claim for financial provision from his or her former partner. On the death of one of them – provided they did not leave a will – the survivor can make a claim for financial provision from the deceased’s estate. The time limit for a “separation” claim is one year from the date of separation and, for a “death” claim, only 6 months. These time limits are very short indeed and they cannot be extended. As a sort of public information drive, we have a poster we often display outside our offices which summarises the time limit for death claims. If a cohabitee dies as the result of an accident which is due to the fault or breach of duty of Continue Reading
How we help you at Moray Claims
In the video below, Peter Brash of Moray Claims and Grigor & Young explains how we can help you with advice in relation to a possible personal injury claim, especially if you are in Moray. We recommend all injured people to get advice as soon as possible from a local, specialist solicitor. By doing that, you'll be clear about your rights and be in a position to get proper access to justice should you choose to go down the route of making a compensation claim. You need to speak to someone who is not only knowledgeable and experienced, but independent and definitely on your side. The insurers on the other side of your potential claim fit the "well-informed" bit but they're principally looking after the interests of their shareholders and not your interests, despite what they may tell you. In the video, Peter explains why "local is best", in our view. Early advice from a solicitor will set you off on the right track, with the best chance of avoiding all the pitfalls. And Continue Reading
If you were not wearing a cycle helmet can you still claim for personal injury?
The law in the UK does not require pedal cyclists to wear a helmet. What this means is that you won’t be stopped by the police if you fail to wear a cycle helmet. You won’t be prosecuted under the criminal law. On the other hand, Rule 59 of the Highway Code categorises cyclists as vulnerable road users and advises that cyclists ‘should wear a cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations, is the correct size and securely fastened’. The Highway Code is relevant to both criminal and civil law. Claims for personal injury compensation are civil claims for damages, so the Highway Code is relevant. Many cyclists ride without a helmet. Only just over a third of cyclists using major urban roads wore cycle helmets, according to research findings of the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory in 2008. Equivalent research in Germany apparently showed that only 11 % of cyclists in towns and cities wear a cycle helmet. Cycle helmets have to comply with a European standard. This Continue Reading