This section applies where a right of action in respect of relevant personal injuries has been disposed of in the circumstances described in subsection (2).
The circumstances are that—
prior to the commencement of section 17A, an action of damages was brought in respect of the right of action ("the initial action"), and
the initial action was disposed of by the court—
by reason of section 17, or
in accordance with a relevant settlement.
A person may bring an action of damages in respect of the right of action despite the initial action previously having been disposed of (including by way of decree of absolvitor).
In this section—
personal injuries are "relevant personal injuries" if they were sustained in the circumstances described in paragraphs (b) and (c) of section 17A(1),
a settlement is a "relevant settlement" if—
it was agreed by the parties to the initial action,
the pursuer entered into it under the reasonable belief that the initial action was likely to be disposed of by the court by reason of section 17, and
any sum of money which it required the defender to pay to the pursuer, or to a person nominated by the pursuer, did not exceed the pursuer's expenses in connection with bringing and settling the initial action.
The condition in subsection (4)(b)(iii) is not met if the terms of the settlement indicate that the sum payable under it is or includes something other than reimbursement of the pursuer's expenses in connection with bringing and settling the initial action.