Compensation
Stephenson (by his Deputy and litigation friend, Victoria Treacy) v First-Tier Tribunal (Social Entitlement Chamber) [2025] EWCA Civ 1160
The Court of Appeal, Civil Division, dismissed the appellant’s, Dominic Stephenson’s, appeal concerning the interpretation and application of para 42(b) of the 2001 Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. The court held that Dominic Stephenson’s need for accommodation adaptations and related costs for the Court of Protection were attributable to his pre-existing conditions rather than the manslaughter of his mother. The court ruled that such costs were not compensable under ‘other resultant losses’ in para 42(b), as they did not result from the loss of parental services caused by the crime. Additionally, the interpretation that these losses must directly result from the loss of parental services was upheld without any error of law in the previous tribunals’ judgments.
Costs
Reeves v Frain (aka Simon Kevin Reeves aka Bill Reeves) and another [2025] EWHC 2311 (KB)
The King’s Bench Division ruled on a costs appeal concerning the enforceability of two damages-based agreements (DBAs) between the appellants and their solicitors in probate proceedings.
