Slip up: ambulance-chasing generally has a pretty bad image both within the legal profession and certainly among the wider public. So Obiter is not really sure what to make of this story from Association of Personal Injury Lawyers president Richard Langton. The Russell Jones & Walker partner was regaling guests with his formal speech at the association's annual president's dinner in London last week when he launched into this heart-warming tale. Apparently, Mr Langton's own mother had recently tripped and slipped on a paving stone near her home, causing injury. Of course she mentioned this to her son during one of his regular telephone calls. Mr Langton immediately swung into action, advising his mother that there was a potential claim, before personally dashing out &150; box Brownie in hand &150; to photograph the offending pavement himself. He then launched a highly effective strike on the local council, which settled a claim for his mother. And they say there is no compensation culture in Britain. Although on a serious note, Mr Langton also pointed out just how far the UK lags behind other cultures in getting back to work those who suffer serious injury. In the US the figure is 50%, it is 33% in Europe and a woeful 14% here. Perhaps there is an upside to the 'compensation culture' after all.