Changes to bereavement and mental health law.

On 1 January 2008, statutory bereavement damages in England and Wales and Northern Ireland were increased from £10,000 to £11,800 for deaths occurring on or after this date. No doubt convincing statistical data could be produced to justify the increment of £1,800 at this point in time, but it remains a mean sum for a human life extinguished by negligence, gross or otherwise. The group of dependants who qualify for such an award has not been expanded.