Families explore legal options following Our Lady's High bus crash

A prominent Scottish lawyer has confirmed legal proceedings are likely to follow last week's school bus crash in Cumbernauld.

Solicitor advocate Patrick McGuire, a partner in personal injury law firm Thompsons Solicitors, confirmed his company had received a number of enquiries from relatives of pupils who were aboard the bus which overturned outside Our Lady’s High School last Thursday. The bus had 44 pupils aboard and 26 of whom were taken to hospital although no serious injuries were sustained.

Mr McGuire said: “We have had a couple of calls now. It is obviously in the very early staged but at the same time the process as far as children and parents are concerned is very simple.

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“There is no doubt that the children will receive compensation although this is something that is likely a very small part of what is in the hearts and minds of people at this time.

“The main things to establish are issues like the wearing of seatbelts and the level of scrutiny employed and other actions or legislative improvements that can help prevent incidents like this in future.

“The law is certainly in the children’s favour with regard to incidents like this. There are high standards set for drivers and transport operators under the Road Traffic Act.”

Meanwhile, local SNP councillor Tom Johnston wants to see a safety barrier installed at the scene of the incident.

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He commented: “The pupils involved in the accident were from Abronhill, in the council ward I represent. Dowanfield Road, which leads to the school gates, is very steep and the bend at its foot is sharp, with a steep embankment directly on to the bend. This is where the bus toppled over and must be a hazard in icy or wet conditions. The case of a safety barrier seems clear to me and to others.”

A council spokesman declined to comment.