Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, or ‘RAAC’, was invented in Sweden in the 1930s. It is a precast concrete material, reinforced with steel bars. Its manufacturing processes leave the concrete material filled with air bubbles, with the result that it weighs substantially less than other precast concrete. RAAC was used widely in Britain from the 1950s until the 1990s, particularly in the construction of flat roofs – though it was also used in floors and walls.
I write this with the sound of “Rescue Me” by Fontella Bass creating a Wigan Casino style all-nighter in my head, only with fewer high kicks, spins and amphetamines. If someone goes to the aid of another person to seek to save them from a dangerous situation (not necessarily at a northern soul nightclub) then they may be considered to be a rescuer. Can they, then, claim for psychiatric injury sustained as a result of their intervention, if they did not suffer physical harm?
This is a quick round up of recent decisions, where expenses were awarded against pursuers. Yes, it does happen and like waiting on the proverbial bus, more than one has turned up.
Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, or “RAAC”, has been hitting the headlines over the last few weeks. However, RAAC is nothing new, and neither are the concerns around the safety of buildings where it has been used in construction.
Technological startups are full of innovative ideas, but often short on cash to fund those ideas. The post-2008 economic crash gave rise to a new way to make up the financial shortfall. As financial institutions tightened their lending standards, tech startups grasped onto the concept of appealing to the general public for funding. The result was ‘crowdfunding’.
