LETTER : Making motorists pay the NHS
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I refer to Yvette Cooper's article "Hit-and-run attack on the public" (13 December). The Law Commission was concerned that a wrongdoer is better off injuring someone poor than someone rich enough to afford private medical insurance. The wrongdoer (or in practice his insurer) will pay for the private health care after a road accident; he will not contribute to the medical attention a poorer person receives in the NHS.
Ms Cooper is, of course, right to say that the proposal is concerned with shifting resources. The Law Commission's argument is that the cost of a legal wrong should be borne by the wrongdoer (and if he is insured, by his insurer), and not by us all. The Law Commission's proposal is predicated on a victim's existing cause of action. The NHS's clawback from the wrongdoer would operate only when the victim has won his case. It is wrong to suggest that the proposal will lead to a US-style litigation culture.
WILLIAM SMITH
London W14
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments