More on the Corby case...

This is the biggest case of toxic poisoning in the UK since thalidomide.
-Danielle Holliday, from Messrs Collins Solicitors, which handled the Corby case.

I found that there are quite a number of other stories celebrating the Corby victory. This story is worth reading as the decision could have far reaching impact.

Here is a run down of some of the stories and the angle they are taking on this issue.

1. UK Telegraph, 30th July 2009: Corby birth defect: Ten-year struggle ends in victory that echoes Erin Brockovich: Draws parellels with Erin Brockovitch and the thalidomide incident.

2. Guardian, 29th July 2009: 'I can't do some of the things other kids are doing. I can't run': Focuses on the tragedy of the deformity suffered by the children and the vindication this judgment brought them.

3. Independent, 29th July 2009: Cuts or rises: toxic claim 'will hit council tax payers': Plays out the council's side of the story, with the council trying to tell members of the public that their taxes will go to compensate the plaintiffs. Quotable quote: "All the evidence suggests it would have been cheaper to settle earlier than to pursue and defend the case. We have run up substantial legal costs. We've run up legal costs so far of £1.9 million - that is money we have already paid and budgeted."

4. New Statesman, 30th July 2009: Landmark ruling in birth defects case: Focuses on the legal aspects of the matter as a "landmark ruling", calling the case "the first case of its kind since the thalidomide scandal".

5. LocalGov, 30th July 2009: Corby lawyers urge rethink after contamination ruling: Tries to show the council's argument that this case could open the floodgates for other similar claims, against other councils carrying out reclamation works. The council's lawyers issued this statement: "This is a significant concern because the standard of care has been drawn very highly, and could cause a rethink of the way that reclamation is carried out in the UK." It sounds like they learned their lesson and have accepted the judgment. Yet they are considering appealing the decision.