Claim Time Solicitors Today's Blogs

£21k compensation for supermarket worker

30/12/2011 18:52:44

According to reports, after slipping on a broken egg, a supermarket worker has been awarded £21,000 in compensation.

The accident occurred in March 2007 when Irene Heslop was working as a bakery assistant at Asda. She was walking through the warehouse when she slipped on a broken egg that was on the concrete floor.

The fall resulted in a serious injury, fracturing her spine. The injury has rendered her unable to work and thereby, a supermarket accident claim against her employer was made by her.

According to reports, Mrs Heslop received £21,000 in compensation after a settlement.

£21k compensation for supermarket worker

30/12/2011 18:52:40

According to reports, after slipping on a broken egg, a supermarket worker has been awarded £21,000 in compensation.

The accident occurred in March 2007 when Irene Heslop was working as a bakery assistant at Asda. She was walking through the warehouse when she slipped on a broken egg that was on the concrete floor.

The fall resulted in a serious injury, fracturing her spine. The injury has rendered her unable to work and thereby, a supermarket accident claim against her employer was made by her.

According to reports, Mrs Heslop received £21,000 in compensation after a settlement.

£1m compensation sought by after karting accident

30/12/2011 18:26:25

A compensation up to £1million is being sought by a woman who was injured in an accident at go-karting venue.

The incident took place when Julie Markie was working as a school teacher and was on a school trip with a group of pupils. They were visiting an indoor karting venue operated by the firm Driveflight under the trading name Kartstart.

According to reports, in order to check on one of her pupils Mrs Markie had gone to the trackside when another pupil exited the race track at speed. Mrs Markie was caused serious injury when the kart entered the pit area.

As a consequence of the accident, Mrs Markie suffered an injury to her foot which has left her with a scar and a limp, along with a mild brain injury and post traumatic stress disorder.

Now, the reports claim that she is seeking accident compensation from the karting company who she blames for the accident.

The case is expected to be heard some time next year.

Riot compensation chaos lamented by Croydon MP

30/12/2011 18:14:07

According to a Croydon MP, there is disarray in compensation for riot hit businesses and tenants.

Lack of idea on compensation administration under the Riot Act for the Home Office was discovered by Malcolm Wicks, MP for Croydon North.

In August, he visited two victims in his constituency, which was ravaged by rioters.

“The speed at which the claims are being processed would embarrass a self-respecting snail.It is unacceptable that my constituents are being left in financial crisis due to the woeful way in which the claims are being handled.Despite the riots being central to Home Office responsibility, it is clear that the Home Secretary has no idea whatsoever how claims under the Riot Act are being dealt with or how many people have received compensation. It is a shambles,” said Mr Wicks.

In order to remind Prime Minister, David Cameron, of the promises he has made in order to secure the desperately needed compensation for the victims of Croydon’s riots, a letter has been written by Mr Wicks.

Compensation claim made by car technician

28/12/2011 16:32:48

A car accident compensation claim is to be made by a car technician who was rendered paralysed from the neck down after being crashing a high performance Ferrari 348 TS.

The accident occurred when Stephen Harris, 31, employed as a car technician at the Ferrari Centre in Maidstone, Kent, lost control of the high performance super car he was test driving and careered into another vehicle.

Consequently, serious personal injury was suffered by Mr. Harris in the accident which has rendered it necessary to have round the clock care after being paralysed from the neck down.

A claim for compensation has been launched by Mr. Harris has now launched against his former employers, claiming that they were negligent by allowing him to test drive high performance vehicles on the open road.

The case is expected to be heard at court next year.

£37,000 compensation for horse rider

28/12/2011 15:34:41

A personal injury compensation award of £37,000 has been awarded to a rider after she broke her back when she was thrown off from her horse.

The accident occurred when Ceri Tonkinson, from Dinas Powys, in South Wales, was riding a horse which had only recently been ‘broken in’, when it was startled by a horse ridden by Stephen Davies, an employee of Penarth’s Downside Riding School.

According to Mrs. Tonkinson, she had tried to persuade Mr. Davies not to overtake her, as her horse had become unsettled but her pleas were ignored and as Mr. Davies passed, her horse reared up and threw Mrs. Tonkinson to the ground injuring her badly.

As a consequence of the accident, Mrs. Tonkinson, broke her back and pelvis and was rendered unable to ride for long periods, due to the pain that continiues to torment her.

For her injuries, claim for personal injury compensation was launched by Mrs. Tonkinson against Mr. Davies and has been was awarded £37,000 in damages at Cardiff County Court.

Probe into £2bn a year motor claims market by OFT

18/12/2011 10:40:25

A probe into £2billion worth a year of car insurance claims has been launched by Watchdogs.

An alarm about a surge in premiums, which have shot up more than 20% since 2009 has led to the Office of Fair Trading’s investigation

A jump in personal injury claims and fraud has been termed as the cause by insurers. After an accident, the OFT’s “market study” is looking at hefty bills from garages and car-hire firms.

If, after a crash, one of the drivers accepts blame (or they are proved at fault) their insurer normally pays the other person’s repair bill, and often the cost of a courtesy car while their vehicle is in the garage.

However, according to the OFT it’s possible insurers are being hit with over-the-top claims for both.

Permission granted to cyclist for seeking damages

18/12/2011 10:21:17

Reports claim that a significant head injury was suffered by Joseph Malasi after a collision with a taxi in Bedford in September 2007 and he subsequently launched legal action against driver Maqsood Ahmad.

The claim was disputed by Mr Ahmad who said that he was drving within the prescribed limit and Mr Malasi was also to blame as he decided to skip a red light.

Terming that will only be eligible for 20 per cent of the value of this claim, Judge Richard Seymour at the High Court has now ruled that the 23-year-old can seek damages against the driver's insurers.

Seven-figure compensation sum awarded to machinist

18/12/2011 10:04:18

Following a serious accident at work, a machine operator has been awarded a seven figure personal injury compensation.

The accident took place in October 2008, when brain damage was sustained by Christopher Kaye while working on a building site in Sheffield for demolition firm Euro Dismantling Services.

The 57-year-old was injured when a piece of equipment hit him in the face while he changed the grapple attachment on an excavator and his employer - an international firm which was established in 1994 - has admitted 90 per cent liability.

As a consequence, lump sum of damages worth £1.75 million, as well as annual instalments of £135,000 for the rest of his life, have been awarded to Mr Kaye, meaning a total of £4.2 million is expected to be received by him.

Compensation claim made by Prince Harry car crash photographer

18/12/2011 09:53:12

A claim for car accident compensation has been launched by a photographer who suffered serious personal injury after being run over by an unmarked police car, believed to be transporting Prince Harry.

The accident occurred outside the Beaufort club in Knightsbridge when Tony Margiocchi ,54, an ex-policeman and former soldier, was hit by a Ford Galaxy people carrier, as he waited with other members of the press for the Prince, who had been at the exclusive West End club celebrating England’s win over France in the six nations rugby tournament.

As a consequence of the accident, Mr. Margiocchi suffered a broken leg in the incident and tore his Achilles tendon. The severity of the injuries rendered him bed-ridden for months and unable to return to work.

For his injuries and loss of earning, a claim for personal injury compensation has been launched by him against the Metropolitan Police Force.

Mum seeks personal injury compensation

18/12/2011 09:12:51

A claim for accident compensation is being made by a mother from Gwent for her six year old son, after he suffered serious personal injury when a dry stone wall collapsed on top of him.

The accident took place close to the Jim Owen Park in the Gwent village, where Harley Chivers, from Cwmtillery, was playing with his friends on Brookside Row, when one of the youngsters pulled a stone from the wall, causing it to collapse on top of Harley.

The reports claim that in the incident Harley suffered a nasty head wound which needed to be glued. Besides, he also required stitches to his lip and knee and after his front teeth were pushed backwards by the falling debris, his jaw bone was chipped.

Consequently, against Blaenau Gwent council, his mother Claire Hockey has now launched a claim for personal injury compensation on her son’s behalf.

Engineer wins compensation after injuring eyes

18/12/2011 08:29:27

A claim for industrial compensation has been won by a Hampshire drainage engineer after being almost blinded in an accident at work.

The incident took place when Trevor Watson, 42, of Brighton Road, in Gosport, was employed by Farlington company, Freeflow Drains Ltd and was instructed to take his vehicle to Howes Precision Hydraulics in Fareham, in order to repair a problem with the jetting system.

According to the reports, the accident took place when during repairs Mr. Watson was struck in the face by an out of control hose, which caused a deep wound underneath his right eye and severely affected his vision, as a consequence.

In order to repair his retina and damaged iris, Mr. Watson had to endure painful eye surgery and will now have to use eye drops for the rest of his life.

After launching a claim for accident at work compensation Mr. Watson has now been awarded an undisclosed amount of compensation, which he accepted in an out of court settlement.

£2,000 in compensation won by woman after biting oven chip

18/12/2011 08:13:05

A compensation of over £2,000 was awarded to a woman from Leeds, after she bit into a rock hard object embedded in an oven chip.

The incident occurred when Susan Stapylton, 61, from Richmond Hill, in Leeds, West Yorkshire, was tucking in to a plate of Aunt Bessie’s oven chips when she bit into the foreign object, causing a filling to fall out.

According to reports, the woman’s filling, which was in a double wisdom tooth and had only been fitted a few days earlier, and as she was awaiting an operation to remove nasal polyps, which had affected her ability to breathe properly through her nose, these cannot be immediately replaced.

Initially, Mrs. Stapylton was offered a £5 voucher by Heinz the owners of the Aunt Bessie brand, but was eventually awarded £2,000 after seeking legal advice.

Personal injury compensation for elderly woman

18/12/2011 07:58:18

Personal injury compensation is to be received by a Southampton elderly lady after suffering injury in a fall in Santa’s grotto.

The accident occurred when Joan Dufosse,73, from Hedge End, in Southampton, was visiting Santa at his grotto in the Selfridges store on Oxford Street, along with her two granddaughters.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Dufosse tripped over a stray Christmas bauble, which had fallen from a nearby Christmas tree, as they prepared to have their photograph taken and was sent crashing to the floor.

As a consequence, the elderly lady was rushed to hospital after fracturing her thigh in the fall and a major surgery was taken to insert a plate and screws to repair her damaged leg.

The elderly lady has launched a personal injury compensation claim against event management company Melbry Events Ltd, who were responsible for the grotto.

Revision of personal injury compensation sought by woman

10/12/2011 17:17:30

Re opening of a case involving a traffic accident has been requested by a Lancashire woman, who was awarded £12,500 personal injury compensation for the same.

According to the reports, Joanne Dunhill, 51, from Ashton-in-Makerfield, in Wigan, received £12,500 in motorcycle accident compensation after she was run-over by a motorcycle as she attempted to cross the A635 Doncaster Road, in Barnsley and suffered injuries, as a consequence.

However, this initial payment, which was awarded in 2003, is deemed void by her legal team as according to them Miss Dunhill lacked the legal capacity to make an informed decision when accepting the offer, due to the nature of her head injuries.

Her legal team are now taking the case to the Court of Appeal, the legal team is arguing that the £12,500 awarded to Miss Dunhill was ‘chickenfeed’ and the extent of her injuries demanded the compensation in the region of £2.2 million.

On her part, Miss Dunhill stated that she was pressurized into accepting the compensation.

The decision in the case is pending.

Revision of personal injury compensation sought by woman

10/12/2011 17:17:28

Re opening of a case involving a traffic accident has been requested by a Lancashire woman, who was awarded £12,500 personal injury compensation for the same.

On her part, Miss Dunhill stated that she was pressurized into accepting the compensation.

The decision in the case is pending.

Man claims personal injury compensation after dog shooting

09/12/2011 17:20:01

A claim for personal injury compensation has been made by a man injured in a bizarre shooting incident.

The incident took place when Ivan Pearce was struck in the neck by a ricochet from a police firearm, which smashed through his front window of the room where he was sitting.

Two dogs, a Rottweiler and an American bulldog puppy, which had escaped from a nearby property, were terrorising members of the public on the fateful day and police were called in to intervene.

The ten stone Rottweiler had already attacked and hospitalised a local man and a police officer was shot dead by a police marksman but Mr. Pearce was injured in the process and has now launched a claim for personal injury compensation against the Cheshire police force.

Burnt woman seeks compensation

03/12/2011 16:47:38

A claim for medical negiligence compensation has been launched by an eighty three year old woman after suffering serious burn injuries during a routine operation.

According to reports, in order to have the battery on her pace-maker replaced, Joyce Hardingham,a pensioner had been admitted to the Wythenshawe Hospital, in Southmoor Road, Manchester, for a routine operation.

However during surgery disinfecting fluid, which had been used to sterilise the area being worked on ignited due to a spark from the equipment being used and led to a ‘substantial’ fire.

The incident resulted in serious injury to Mrs. Hardingham and proved so harrowing that one of the nurses in attendance required immediate trauma counselling.

The responsibility for the accident has been acknowledged by the University Hospital of South Manchester Trust and the trust has now apologized to Mrs. Hardingham and her family.

A claim for medical negiligence compensation has been made, following the admission of liability.

Personal injury claim by Deputy Lord Mayor

03/12/2011 16:30:49

Personal injury compensation is being sought by a deputy lord mayor afate he was injured at a community festival when a garden chair he was sitting on collapsed.

The incident took place when John Campbell, labour councillor and deputy lord mayor of Sheffield, was invited to open the Lowedges Festival, organised by the Greenhill and Bradway Tenants’ and Residents’ Association.

However, the mayor allegedly suffered personal injury when before the opening ceremony Mr. Campbell sat down on a garden chair at Greenhill tenants’ hall, situated on Gervais Road, which couldn’t bear his weight and collapsed.

According to reports, a claim for personal injury compensation has been launched by Mr. Campbell, against the Tenants’ and Residents’ Association (TARA).

£9 Million Compensation awarded to woman

03/12/2011 16:18:23

A road accident package worth more than £9 million has been awarded to a young woman who when she was seven years old suffered serious brain injuries after being struck by a car.

During the January of 1996, the victim of the accident Leigh Ann Blinkthorn, from Norfolk, now twenty three years old, met with the accident when she was hit by a car as she attempted to cross the A1064 in Filby.

As a consequence of the accident, the victim suffered life threatening injuries, putting her in deep coma. Extent of her injuries has now made her dependent on around the clock supervision from two carers.

Eleven years after the insurers of the driver involved were found liable, a compensation settlement has now been arrived at.

A compensation package of £2,875,000 lump sum which will be followed by tax free, index linked annual payments of £191,758 to cover the cost of her extensive care needs for the rest of her life has now been awarded to Ms. Blinkthorn.

Mum claims compensation after daughter's injury

27/11/2011 17:24:47

A claim for accident compensation has been launched by a South Tyneside mother, after her daughter sustained injuries when she tripped over a pothole on her way home from school.

Single mum Donna Taylor,33, from Biddick Hall in South Shields, whose eight year old daughter Levy suffered bruising and swelling after her trip, claims that South Tyneside Council had been made cognizant of dangerous potholes but had failed to take any remedial action.

After seeking legal advice Ms Taylor is now seeking compensation from the council, claiming that they had been negligent by not filling in the potholes.

Claiming the negligence of unattended potholes on the part of council, Ms Taylor is now seeking compensation from the council.

£500,000 compensation claim by policewoman

27/11/2011 17:16:35

A car crash compensation claim worth half a million pounds is to be made by an ex-policewoman who was seriously injured when the squad car she was travelling in was involved in a road traffic accident.

Jocelyn Lyons, 34, from Armagh, in Northern Ireland, was a front seat passenger in the police car, which crashed into another vehicle as it responded to an emergency call.

According to reports, Miss Lyons, who was a probationary constable in the Kent police force and had been with the force for less than a year, had suffered serious injuries not enabling her to continue her services and is now making a claim for more than £500,000 in compensation.

While accepting the responsibility for the accident, Kent police force argues that Miss Lyons mental state was already vulnerable before the accident.

Couple wins compensation for negligence

27/11/2011 17:07:21

Medical negligence compensation has been awarded to a Staffordshire couple, after their baby nearly choked on a six inch tube, which the hospital staff was negligent to remove.

Now a healthy four year old, Owen Thomas, the couple’s child was fitted with an endotracheal tube after his birth at the Stafford Hospital, in order to ease the breathing after complications during his delivery.

Owen’s mother, Clare Thomas was alarmed when ten days after the birth her baby began turning blue and appeared to be choking. A six inch long PVC tube popped out of his mouth after she slapped him on the back.

Mrs Thomas and her husband Kevin, of New Hall Street, in Cannock, launched a claim for medical negligence compensation against the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, claiming that Owen’s life was periled by the negligence of the hospital.

The family won thecase and has been awarded a five figure sum in damages, although the exact amount has not been revealed.

New website launched by Setfords Solicitors

27/11/2011 16:41:21

For providing the customers with a wealth of legal information and lending them advice for legal troubles, a brand new website (www.setfords.co.uk) was recently launched by Setfords Solicitors.

The website provides a premise for their team of experienced solicitors to offer legal advice on a wide range of business areas. Many legal issues are tended, like buying or selling a business, commercial property, needing advice on intellectual property, needing to clear up an issue regarding employment law, etc.

Besides, family law, personal injury, residential, and wills and probate also constitute the services offered by Setfords.

The recently announced website offers a number of legal guides for you to download, allowing you to read up on various legal matters.

Elderly woman claims personal injury compensation

27/11/2011 16:12:33

After tripping on an uneven pavement and consequently, suffering serious personal injury, A Hull grandmother is to claim compensation from her local council.

As a consequence of the accident, Jean Stephenson, 58, from the Ings Road estate, in East Hull, was hospitalised for two days after tripping over a drain lid, which was sunk four inches below pavement level.

Suffering serious injury Mrs Stephenson, broke bones in both of her hands and fractured her elbow in the fall, she also suffered a black eye and is now reliant on carers to help her get dressed, eat and wash.

According to Mrs Stephenson, the objective of her legal action is to ‘wake up’ the council so that an attempt is taken to improve the area.

Fraud prone whiplash compensation system

11/11/2011 18:14:09

According to three-quarters of healthcare professionals, the current system of compensation for whiplash is prone to fraud.

Widespread skepticism about the process of claiming after accidents was revealed by a survey of more than 500 GPs, physiotherapists and consultants.

Almost 90% believe some whiplash claims could be given a different label, a further 47% of GPs providing medical reports in personal injury believe the system encourages diagnosis for maximum gain.

The survey follows justice secretary Jack Straw’s comment that whiplash diagnoses are delivered by ‘third-rate doctors, in the pay of claims management companies or personal injury lawyers’.

However, commissioned by three leading insurers and rehabilitation provider HCML, the survey suggests that doctors believe they are constrained by regulations.

Personal injury claim after laderfall

11/11/2011 18:05:13

After falling from a ladder at Turnberry hotel and golf club, a man is making a personal injury claim.

The incident occurred when Peter McCloy was working as a starter at the golf resort in the build up to the 2009 golf Open Championship. Along with the assistance of a colleague He had been asked to fix a net on the first tee of the course.

The colleague left him alone to complete the work after fetching a metal ladder for McCloy to use. The accident took place when he was stood on the ladder to undertake the job, the frame slipped and he fell 10 foot to the ground below.

As a consequence of the accident, Mr McCloy – who is a former goalkeeper for Glasgow Rangers Football Club – suffered serious injury in the fall, breaking a bone in his shoulder. Although, a surgery was undertaken to fix the break, he has been rendered with limited movement in the joint and is prone to develop arthritis.

He is reportedly seeking £50,000 in damages for his injuries from the exclusive golf resort.

Fall from stairs leads to compensation

11/11/2011 17:46:24

A man who suffered serious head injury after falling down the steps of a hotel is making claims for compensation.

The concerned person, David Atherley whilst visiting his partner at the Clock Tower Hotel in Exeter was injured. Kris Lee-Hewings, his partner, was assistant manager at the hotel, and was staying in an on-site flat.

The accident took place at the end of the night on November 29th, 2009 when they were returning to the flat. On reaching the top of the six steps outside the flat, David slipped and hit his head on concrete.

As a consequence of the incident, he suffered a serious head injury, leaving him with permanent disabilities. Immediately after the fall, he underwent emergency surgery to remove a piece of his skull. The surgery left him with a metal plate fitted. Along with memory and concentration problems, the injury has rendered him incapacitated for work.

According to reports, he is seeking compensation for his injuries from the hotel. His legal team is arguing that the stairs – which were part of a fire escape – should have been fitted with a handrail. Besides, the team maintains that that lighting on the steps was not operational.

Personal injury compensation awarded to obese woman

11/11/2011 06:57:47

Compensation has been awarded to an obese woman, after getting injured when a toilet seat collapsed under her weight.

The unnamed woman became a victim of the accident while working for Birmingham City Council. An amount of £1,750 in personal injury compensation was received by her for her injuries.

According to the reports, the claim is just 1 of 274 successful compensation claims made by staff against Birmingham City Council during the last five years. With settlements totalling £4.9 million pounds, this resulted in more compensation being paid out than any other local authority.

A Freedom of Information request revealed figures which included some of the following claims. A staff member claimed £1,100 compensation after their big toe was broken when a table fell upon it. £3,250 were received by another staff member after tripping on a path that was deemed to be defective.

Motorcyclist seeks personal injury compensation

11/11/2011 06:48:55

Compensation is being sought by a motorcyclist who was rendered handicapped from injuries suffered in a road traffic accident.

The accident took place in October 2008, when Nerys Pearce was travelling on her motorbike along Uxbridge Road in Feltham. A collision with a car driven by Sharen Miles occurred in the incident.

The collision took place when Miss Miles’ car allegedly pulled out into the road attempting to turn right through traffic. However, the collision is believed to be caused when she pulled out in front of Miss Pearce’s travelling motorbike.

As a consequence of the accident, Miss Pearce was seriously injured, damaging her right arm and left leg. Complex regional pain syndrome in her legs resulted from the injury. Causing her severe pain she was left dependant on the use of a wheelchair for mobility.

According to the reports, her battle for compensation is continuing. Miss Miles held 75% responsible for the accident after pulling out into the road when it was unsafe, when the liability of the accident was decided. However, the two parties have not yet agreed on a suitable compensation settlement figure.

Egg smash accident victim gets compensation

10/11/2011 18:14:19

Compensation has been awarded to a man injured in an accident involving thousands of eggs.

Back in 2008 when the accident happened to Phil Stacy he was working as a lorry driver at the time, and was on a pick-up at a Devon farm.

Using a manual pump on a forklift, the 60 year old was trying to load 600kg of eggs onto the back of his lorry. pulling the eggs in, he slipped on the dirty lorry floor and fell.

In the incident, thousands of eggs were smashed and as a consequence, Mr Stacy suffered a shoulder injury.

The accident rendered him with a ruptured shoulder injury to this date, and incapacitated him from working.

For his injuries, a compensation claim was made against the company and a lengthy legal battle has resulted in his claim being successful, claim reports.

Compensation claim for medical negligence

10/11/2011 17:45:06

Medical negligence compensation is sought from the Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust by a father of a six year old girl, who had to have both her legs amputated.

Suffering from septicaemic shock, coagulopathy (a bleeding disorder) and multi organ failure, Miki Lin Gao was only ten months old when she had to be admitted to the Peterborough District Hospital.

Amputation of both was deemed as the only resort for her after her serious condition.

Now, it is being claimed by her father Hou Chun Lin that her daughter was not admitted on time by the staff at the hospital and for this alleged negligence he is making a compensation claim on her behalf.

However, her condition the following morning worsened, but the hospital was reluctant to admit her. It was at the third attempt that the girl was admitted and subsequently, diagnosed with septicaemic shock and multi-organ failure which led directly to the amputations.

The writ states that timely intervention in her case could have resulted in her full recovery.

X ray blunder results in compensation claim

10/11/2011 16:40:07

A six figure compensation pay out was won by a Tameside man left with permanent spinal damage after being mistakenly diagonised when he was a schoolboy.

After complaining paralysis like symptoms in his neck when he was twelve years old, Liam Careless, 23, of Stalybridge, was taken by his mum Karen Roberts to the accident and emergency department of the Tameside Hospital.

Liam was later discharged with just a neck collar after an X ray, however it was revealed after suffering four years of shooting pains and numbness that Liam was suffering with spinal cord compression and thereby, the initial x-ray had been misinterpreted.

As a consequence, he now suffers constant pain and finds walking has become difficult for him as he also suffers from lack of balance resulting in regular trips and falls.

After discovering that condition would have been better if there had been no misinterpretation in his initial complaint, a medical negligence claim against the Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust was made by him.

An undisclosed six figure sum was awarded to him in an out of court settlement, helping pay for his future care and rehabilitation.

Food factory fined after worker suffers personal injury

29/10/2011 17:18:33

After serious personal injury was suffered by a female employee when her arm was dragged into a potato blanching machine, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted a Wigan food processing company.

The accident occurred when the unnamed twenty two year old from Platt Bridge was employed at Bakkavor Foods Ltd, at their site on Dobson Park Way in Ince, when her arm became caught in-between a roller and a conveyor belt, on the unguarded potato machine.

As a consequence of the accident, the female hygiene worker was kept her away from work for eight months after suffering a dislocated elbow and a broken arm in the incident.

It was revealed by an investigation by the HSE that the machine was not adequately guarded and employees regularly cleaned rollers while they were still rotating.

Consequently, a fine of £10,000 was awarded to Bakkavor Foods Ltd, of West Marsh Road, Spalding, in Lincolnshire. Furthermore, they ordered to pay court costs totalling £2,026, after admitting a breach of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, at Trafford Magistrates’ Court.

Firm fined for hazardous exposure

29/10/2011 17:09:02

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted a South Tyneside manufacturing firm on the grounds of exposing workers to potentially hazardous fumes.

HSE inspectors visited Variable Message Signs Ltd, of Monkton Business Park, in Hebburn after concerns were raised by them about the way the company was controlling the potential risk of workers developing occupational asthma.

It was brought to the notice of South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, that engineers at the company were using rosin based solder flux, during repair work, and fumes given off by this particular solder have been proven to be a significant factor in the development of occupational asthma.

An investigation by the HSE revealed that employees often worked with the solder for up to four hours a day, without a proper system in place to extract the potentially dangerous vapours.

£5,000 fine was awarded to the Variable Message Signs Ltd and after admitting three breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act, following a successful prosecution by the HSE at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court , they were ordered to pay court costs totalling £4,291.25.

$1.1M in North Palm Beach acquired by personal injury lawyer

29/10/2011 17:01:59

On Aug. 31, a three-bedroom, three-bath home at 11680 Lake Shore Place in North Palm Beach from Ivor T. Rozowsky and Kathleen Rozowsky for $1,114,262 was bought by Sean J. Greene and Jodi R. Greene.

In Jan. 2003, the Rozowskys paid $1.165 million for the property. The 3,213-square-foot home in Juno Ridge was built in 1965. It is part of the Hidden Keys subdivision.

A partner at the law firm Steinger, Iscoe & Greene, which has locations in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Port St. Lucie, Miami and Okeechobee, Greene specializes in wrongful death, personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home malpractice, and product liability cases.

He has a B.S. in finance from the University of Central Florida in Orlando and a J.D. from St. Thomas University in Miami.

GBP 75 million in compensation claims paid by councils

29/10/2011 16:56:14

GBP 75 million in compensation for personal injury claims has been paid out by the councils in the past 5 years according to the data released under the Freedom of Information Act.

Charles Hadfield, General Manager at Personal Injury Group, commented: "For a personal injury claim to result in a pay out to the claimant, the defendant, in this case the councils, either have to concede negligence or it has to have been found they were negligent in court. So the problem is really down to council failure to avoid preventable accidents and injuries."

Furthermore, the amount each council has paid out was also made available. Spending GBP 4.9 million in the five year period, Brighton Council was the hardest hit by compensation claims,. Manchester City Council paid out GBP 2.6 million in compensation over the same period.

£200,000 in compensation claims paid by council

29/10/2011 16:50:29

More than £200,000 as personal injury compensation has been paid by the councils across the North East to pupils and teachers injured in the regions schools.

For slips, trips and falls pupils have received compensation amounts ranging from £50 up to £23,000 over the last two years, revealed a freedom of information request.

Over £6,000 was awarded to a Newcastle pupil after slipping on stairs and a student who was accidentally hit in the face with a bat was given just over £11,500. Furthermore, £6,200 was paid to a pupil who fell from a climbing frame and £11,500 was awarded after a fall on a slippery floor.

A pupil who cut his foot on a tile was awarded a compensation of £7,000 by a school in Northumberland, while £2,500 was awarded to a pupil injured when a rope swing snapped in North Tyneside.

Schools could never be ‘accident free zones’, claimed a spokesperson from Newcastle City Council adding that compensation was paid if the council was found to be liable but unfounded claims would always be defended.

£46,000 in compensation claims paid by police in Bedfordshire

29/10/2011 16:42:15

It is revealed by a freedom of request that a total of £45,894 in accident at work compensation has been paid by the Bedfordshire Police Force to employees injured while on duty.

A female Priority Crime Officer, who received £10,000 after she fell and hit her head after the back of her office chair snapped was the recipient of the largest payment.

Other successful claims included £5,000 paid to an officer who slipped on a wet toilet floor and a crime investigation officer was awarded £7,300 after falling down stairs when a handrail collapsed.

£4,875 were received by a Public Protection Officer after burning his hand while away on a training course at a RAF base , while an Emergency Response Officer who put his hand through a glass pane when responding to a 999 call was given £2,052 as compensation.

The force’s insurers always investigated the Work related accidents, after considering each case on an individual basis, said a spokesperson for the Bedfordshire Police.

Compensation for car crash victim

29/10/2011 16:34:29

After a car crash resulted in the death of their son, a Bicester family has been paid compensation.

The accident took place last October when Neil Webb, pictured, of Spruce Drive, Bicester, was a passenger in Ryan Naylor’s Citroen Saxo when it crashed head-on with a BMW in Ardley.

As a consequence, the 19-year-old suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. After admitting causing death by dangerous driving , Naylor, 21, of Ardley Road, Fewcott, was jailed for 32 months at Oxford Crown Court.

The amount of the compensation claim has not been released.

Neil’s dad Jeff, an Oxfordshire firefighter, said that Neil was a popular boy who lived life to the full and the compensation can’t make up for the loss of their son.

“It will cover the costs of his funeral – something we never planned for,” he added.

£300,000 compensation claim in road traffic accident

29/10/2011 16:28:05

A personal injury compensation award of £300,000 has been won by a Blackburn farther of two after being run over in his home town.

Serious brain injuries were sustained by Zahid Hussain when a silver Volvo ran into him.

As a consequence Hussain was left with life threatening condition with four fractures to his skull and a swelling on the brain.

The accident resulted in Mr Hussain awarded personal injury compensation after the car driver's insurance company came to a compromise with Mr Hussein's family.

Mr Hussain's family settled out of court to avoid a potentially costly trial even as the lawyers for the claimant were set to argue that the driver of the car was entirely to blame for the accident.

Worker suffers personal injury, company fined

29/10/2011 16:17:19

After an employee lost two fingers in an accident at work, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has executed an animal feed producer based in Lancashire

The accident occurred when, the unnamed forty seven year old workerwas working for Dugdale Nutrition Ltd, at their factory in Clitheroe and was attempting to clear a blockage in machinery which was located on the third floor of the premises,

Unfortunately a co-worker, who was situated in the plants control room on the ground floor of the building, switched the machine on.

As a consequence, the injured worker lost two of his fingers in the accident .Fllowing the incident, an investigation was conducted by the HSE which revealed that the worker on the third floor had failed to isolate the machine and was allowed access to the machines moving parts because a safety guard was not fixed in place.

A fine of £7,000 was asked from Dugdale Nutrition Ltd, of Bellman Mill in Salthill , besides a total of £3,614 in court costs, after admitting two breaches of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, at Accrington Magistrates’ Court.

Food business fined after two personal injuries

28/10/2011 17:15:14

A total of £230,000 has been awarded as fine to a major European food business following two incidents at its Suffolk factory.

The accident which took place at 2 Sisters Food Group left Shaun Alexander without four fingers, a thumb and half a palm, while Malcolm Raven had his arm broken because of the failure of the company to fit a by-pass devise to machinery.

Julie Jarvey, Health and Safety Executive inspector, called both incidents "wholly avoidable", and the result of a "lack of proper training, inadequate assessment of risks, absence of working practice and effective measures stopping access to dangerous equipment".

Poultry, fish, chilled, bakery and frozen goods to the retail, food service and food manufacturing sectors are the services offered by2 Sisters Food Group .

For the offence involving Shaun Alexander the company was awarded a fine of £90,000 and £140,000 for the incident involving Malcolm Raven.

Builder suffers personal injury

22/10/2011 05:20:07

Serious personal injury was suffered by a self employed builder after he was crushed between the arms of a brick clamp attached to a lorry loader.

In order to assist lorry driver Mark Pratten in positioning his crane, so he could pick up building materials which were situated awkwardly behind an eight foot wall, Peter Hoy, 47, had clambered onto the roof of a cabin.

The accident occurred when Mr. Pratten attempted to give Mr. Hoy a lift using the grab of his crane, for getting down quickly from the cabin, however as Mr. Hoy positioned himself between the arms of the brick clamp, the lorry driver inadvertently pressed the machines clamp button causing Mr. Hoy to be crushed.

As a consequence, Mr. Hoy’s pelvis was fractured in the incident and he also suffered internal damage.

The resulting injuries are so severe that he has not, as yet been able to return to work.

The incident was investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and it was revealed that Mark Pratten, 53, had acted inappropriately by trying to lift a fellow worker with the brick clamp, being fully aware that it was not suitable for the task.

Consequently, after admitting a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act, Mark Pratten, of Radstock was fined £1,500 and ordered to pay £1,000 in court costs.

Addition of staff physician announced by personal injury law firm

22/10/2011 05:09:37

Expanding their services and staffing, the Law Offices of Edward A. Smith, owners of AutoAccident.com have decided to include a medical doctor.

CEO Edward A. Smith explained: "Our law firm handles cases involving serious accidents and personal injury. In many of these cases, such as spiral cord injury, we rely on doctors and other health professionals to assess the prognosis of our clients, and to perform a thorough physical examination."

However, in many cases, as they do not have access to all of the client's prior medical records a complete history of injured clients is not possessed by examining physicians.

Additionally, insurance companies often hire what they call "Independent Medical Examiners" who are really hired consultants whose objective is to damage the injured party's case rather than to help reveal the truth. More often than not, innocent victims are prevented by these biased examiners from getting fair compensation for legitimate injury claims.

In order to make sure his firm's clients receive a thorough review of their medical history, Smith hired an on-staff, expert doctor. This move alleviates common insurance practice of distorting a victim's past medical history in an effort to deny fair compensation.

Smith said: "Cases like these require a medical doctor to lead the way in determining that the full medical history is thoroughly and accurately reviewed and that defense doctors do not take advantage.”

Disgraced peer makes compensation claim

22/10/2011 04:58:32

Legal action against Essex Police has been threatened by the disgraced former leader of Essex County Council Lord Hanningfield over his "unlawful arrest".

In September, he was held at home for connection with cash claims made while he was in charge at County Hall, which followed his early release from jail after nine weeks for parliamentary expenses fraud related to his work as a Conservative peer of the realm.

The lawyers of the accused sought £3,000 for unlawful arrest and detention and £1,500 for trespass in relation to the latest investigation in a "letter before claim" to Essex Police.

In July, on the charges of falsely claiming £14,000 while he was a Conservative peer in the House of Lords, Lord Hanningfield, whose real name is Paul White, was jailed for nine months.

The former pig farmer, from West Hanningfield, had claimed expenses for overnight stays in London when he was not in the capital.

His arrest from home was deemed unlawful by his lawyers because officers entered his home without a search warrant.

It is stated in the letter before claim that the reasons given for the arrest were unclear and also seeks compensation costs of £2,000.

Until January 18, Lord Hanningfield remains on police bail.

Winterbourne View compensation claims funding approved

22/10/2011 04:35:04

In order to meet the multi-party compensation claim by families of people who live at Winterbourne View public funding has received approval.

In June, after the BBC Panorama programme revealed adult patients with severe learning difficulties being physically and mentally abused, the private hospital in Hambrook was closed.

The revelations led to public outcry and sparked numerous policy reviews and independent investigations.

Hospital owners Castlebeck apologized unreservedly for the abuse and 13 staff were arrested and remain on bail.

The relatives were told public funding would be used to set up the logistics of a multi-party claim at a meeting with specialist lawyers Foot Anstey in Bristol.

Bodily injury claims topped by North West

22/10/2011 04:26:10

According to the results of the research conducted by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries for private car insurance claims involving bodily injury, North West of England is the leading hot spot.

The research revealed that in 2010 there were 43% of third party claims in the region involving bodily injury as compared to the North East Scotland the figure was only 13%.

The findings also revealed that claims hot spot areas matched areas with the highest concentration and activity of claims management companies.

More claims management companies were equivalent to more personal injury claims, the research stated.

The lowest proportion of private motor insurance claims involving injury to third parties was found in Scotland. In Scotland's central belt, 20% of claims involved a claim for injury as compared to a UK average of 29%.

35k compensation to be claimed by couple

15/10/2011 18:37:03

A compensation claim of £35,000 is to be claimed by a family as holiday compensation after their holiday in Lanzarote was ruined when their two small children caught a nasty stomach bug.

Five year old Emily Scotland and her one year old brother Charlie were struck down with the crippling stomach bug cryptosporidiosis, which is a parasitic infection which can be spread by using hotel swimming pools.

According to reports, tour operator First Choice is to face a compensation claim of £35,000 from the unhappy parents, Roddy and Julie.

Julie, 32, has claimed that her five year old daughter was doubled over with excruciating stomach pains after contracting the sickness and diarrhoea bug, her brother also showed similar but less severe symptoms.

Flamingo Beach Holiday Village in Playa Blanca was the place of stay for the family and according to reviews on the travel web site TripAdvisor, other holiday makers at the resort also suffered with the same illness.

The family had had an extraordinarily bad experience and the bug is of a particularly nasty strain which can leave lasting complications, stated a spokesperson from the Scotland’s legal team.

On the other hand, comment on the legal action was declined by a by a spokesperson from First Choice but he did state that the Holiday Village at Flamingo Beach was a popular resort, which scored highly in customer satisfaction reports.

Fraud in compensation claim by family

15/10/2011 11:13:48

The husband and daughter of a woman who lied about the extent of her injuries after she was hit by a bus in order to claim £1.5m in compensation, have been found guilty of contempt of court.

After the accident that took place in November 2005, a claim for personal injuries against Brighton and Hove Bus Company by Thereza Daoud, 55, but it was revealed by investigations that she had exaggerated her injuries.

It was revealed that the husband, Nabil Tadrous, 63 and daughter, Sherihan Brooks, 30, of the injured woman had presented false pictures to medical experts that exaggerated Daoud's disabilities following the accident.

"It is an extremely rare case because it is one of the few occasions where contempt of court proceedings have been pursued in a Civil Court and also as the case only related to the witnesses involved and not to the claimant herself,” said Mark Whittaker, a partner at DWF, the law firm that took action on behalf of the Brighton and Hove Bus Company.

"Defendants and their insurers have had their fill of dealing with grossly exaggerated claims. This is the latest in a series of cases where those involved in lying about the extent of a claimant's injuries have faced criminal sanctions. Times are tough enough for transport companies, the last thing they need is to be defrauded. It's a welcome outcome for the client and a stern warning for fraudsters," he added.

The exaggeration in injury claims was revealed by video evidence filmed over 26 months that showed Daoud struggling on a walking frame at a surgery on London's Harley Street for a medical examination - despite being spotted earlier walking without an aid. Furthermore, the injury claims were weakened by footage of her celebrating her daughter's wedding, shopping, and going to the local salon despite claiming she was struggling with substantial mobility issues.

A settlement of £40 000 down from the original £1.5m, was agreed upon by Daoud after the revelations of the surveillance were disclosed. However, the money was not received by her as it was used towards paying the bus company's legal fees.

Compensation claim withdrawn by exonerated person

08/10/2011 09:58:44

After spending nearly four decades in prison, a West Park man whose convictions were overturned won't be seeking compensation from the state after all.

The petition of seeking $1.9 million compensation for the 38 years he spent in state prison following his conviction in a 1969 rape and robbery in North Miami has been withdrawn by fifty seven year old Barney Brown.

After finding that the accused man was tried twice for the same crime which led to his wrongful imprisonment he was exonerated by a Miami judge in September 2008.

After his release which was secured by his lawyers in 2008, a compensation claim was made by Mr. Brown who claimed his innocence.

Sept. 26, Brown withdrew his petition for compensation but did not give any reason and left the door open to seeking payment again. But prosecutors say the law authorizing compensation for the wrongfully incarcerated sets time limits that have already passed.

Man injured in scaffolding fall awarded compensation

08/10/2011 08:11:29

A multi million pound compensation award has been won by a builder who was seriously injured in a fall from height.

The victim, a thirty eight year old whose name is withheld for legal reasons, fell from unsecured scaffolding down eighty meters while working on the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle.

As a consequence, the accident left the victim with shattered legs and a life changing head injuries, which have left him permanently disabled.

The victim was awarded a multi-million pound compensation package from the building giant’s insurers, after he launched a construction site accident claim against his employers Laing O’Rourke Construction Ltd.

Following an initial payment of £2 million, the man will then receive yearly indexed linked payments to cover his overall care costs, for the rest of his life.

£750,000 compensation claim for eye damage made by golfer

08/10/2011 07:45:28

A claim of £750,000 as sports injury compensation is to be made by a novice golfer who injured his eye after being struck by a stray golf ball.

As a consequence of the accident, Anthony Phee, 44, of Sale, in Manchester had to have his damaged eye removed after it was struck by a golf ball while he was walking along a path between the sixth and seventh tee at the Niddry Castle golf club.

For the damages that resulted out of the accident, a compensation claim for £750,000 is now launched by Mr. Phee against the golf club and golfer James Gordon who fired the offending shot.

The court case continues while the liability for the accident remains an issue.

£54,000 compensation awarded to rugby player

07/10/2011 19:54:49

Sports injury compensation amounting to £54,000 has been awarded to an ex-rugby player who suffered a serious and disabling fracture to his right kneecap.

When the incident occurred Jack Sutton, 20, from Mountsorrel, Loughborough, in Leicestershire, was just sixteen years old and was playing in a pre-season training game for Syston Rugby Club’s, under seventeen team.

A career destroying injury was received by Mr. Sutton as he scored a try for the Leicestershire rugby club.

A broken plastic marker, which was hidden in the lush grass and protruded roughly half an inch out from the turf, caused fracture to his knee as Mr. Sutton went over the try line during the game.

Consequently, launched a sports injury compensation claim against Syston Rugby Football Club Ltd, of Queniborough, Leicestershire, was launched by Mr. Sutton which claimed that the club had been negligent by not conducting an adequate pitch inspection prior to the game, a claim which the rugby club denied.

However, Milton Keynes County Court approved the claim and awarded Mr. Sutton £54,000 in damages.

£7 million compensation awarded to brain damaged boy

07/10/2011 19:15:13

Birth injury compensation amounting to almost £7 million has been agreed by Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust to a boy left with serious brain damage.

The boy whose name was undeclared is now seven years old and was starved of oxygen during his birth at the Ipswich hospital. As a consequence, the boy suffered serious brain injuries and is now left with cerebral palsy and dystonia and suffers from impaired speech and learning difficulties.

The negligence of the hospital was held responsible for the injury before the High Court.

Accepting liability for the accident, Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust has agreed to pay birth injury compensation totalling £6.94 million to the victim.

£900,000 compensation awarded to boy after leg amputation

07/10/2011 19:04:22

Medical negligence compensation of £900,000 was awarded to a six year old boy from Warwickshire after his left leg had to be amputated.

The parents of the boy were told that his left leg would have to be amputated just below the knee when he was just three weeks old.

Claiming that the negligence of medical staff costed their son Leo Ison, from Bedworth, his leg, Fiona and Ian Ison have launched a medical negligence compensation claim against Leicester’s Glenfield Hospital.

£900,000 in compensation was awarded to the family from the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, who were not represented in court.

Rise in the frequency of workers compensation claim

07/10/2011 18:24:23

A research by NCCI Holdings Inc. has revealed that a sudden halt in the trend of decreasing frequency of workers compensation claims may have been caused by several Great Recession factors.

In its brief research NCCI said that in mid-2009 modest increases in employment since the recession formally ended and workers possibly being less fearful of losing their jobs for filing claims may have contributed to a 3% rise in the frequency of lost-time claims during accident year 2010.

There was a decline of 4.3% on average since 1990 in the frequency of compensation claims, prior to 2010, and the only increases occurred in 1994 and 1997.

The rating and research organization said that reductions in claim frequency have been a major bright spot for workers compensation, with injury rates falling a total of 56.4% from 1990 through 2009.

NCCI further noted that claims frequency gets a push by increase in employment because new hires generally file more claims than longer-term employees.

Personal injury compensation awarded to abestos victim’s family

07/10/2011 18:10:18

A personal injury compensation of £318,000 has been awarded to the widow and family of a victim of asbestosis.

A complaint was lodged for compensation claim by sixty nine year old Elizabeth Wolff, from Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire after her husband William, 66, died from mesothelioma in March 2007.

With just one year into his retirement the victim was diagnosed with terminal disease. He died seven months later.

Personal injury lawyers familiar with the case say that responsibility has been admitted by the contractor Weir Construction Ltd for exposing Wolff to the deadly airborne fibres while he was employed by the construction firm.

The widow was granted £258,520 personal injury compensation, including £65,000 for the suffering her husband experienced by the judge.

Wolff’s three daughters were also given compensation awards for £52,317, with an additional £7,084 being awarded to the single granddaughter of the couple.

Compensation sought by Palestinian activist

01/10/2011 16:50:41

According to the ruling of the high court, compensation claim is entitled for a Palestinian activist who was unlawfully detained on the orders of home secretary, Theresa May.

The entry of Sheikh Raed Salah, 52, the leader of the Islamic Movement in Israel, into the country despite being banned has come as the latest embarrassment for the government.

It has emerged that the activist was not informed about his banned status by anybody and even a Heathrow immigration officer who scanned his passport didn’t notice a live alert to exclude him.

The activist was three days later arrested by the police and was informed about his status.

A deportation notice was served to him by the home secretary.

After obtaining bail in July, Salah is appealing against the decision to deport him in separate proceedings before an immigration tribunal which continues next week.

Furthermore, Salah is seeking damages for illegal detention citing that he was confined without any legal grounds.

No compensation claim for riots damage by Sainsbury's

01/10/2011 16:34:42

In order to make sure that police is not deprived to the money to protect high streets, Sainsbury’s has waived off the compensation claim of £1 million for the London riots.

Riots have affected the grocer’s 29 stores in the capital as they were either damaged by

hooligans or were forced to down shutters early to keep them safe from the hands of the rampaging mobs.

As the count of compensation unfolds, the Met police are facing a £200 million bill from businesses attacked during four days of mayhem last month.

A compensation claim of about £2 million is sought by JD Sports after 16 of its stores fell to the wrath of the marauding mobs and about £700,000 of its stock was looted.

However, Sainsbury’s said that it did not want to burden the police with additional compensation.

Compensation bill faced by Met as count for damages increases

01/10/2011 16:25:31

Metropolitan Police has been charged with a £750,000 compensation claim by Transport for London for the riot damage.

Firms affected by the riots in August have claimed a bill of £200m from the Met.

Among the firms the biggest claim of one of the biggest claims is £5.2m from TfL.

Damages to the firm included £2.5m in fares and another £2.7m in repair bills including the double decker bus set alight in Croydon and the damage to lines and resulting service cancellation on the Croydon Tramlink.

A spokesman for Tfl said it would have to absorb the lost fares but was still able to claim some money as part of the Riot Act.

The Act makes the liability to pay for damage to buildings and their contents which have occurred in the course of a riot in London (excluding the City of London) on the Metropolitan Police Authority.

Besides, injury, destruction or stealing, to houses, shops and other buildings or their contents caused by any person involved in a riot.

As its investigation in the matter proceeds, Met expects to run up further costs from the riots which resulted in 3,300 offences being reported across 28 boroughs after disorder was sparked by the police shooting of Mark Duggan in Tottenham.

Peter Hendy, TfL commissioner, warned that with the emergence of full exyent of damage the bill for the damages might increase.

Compensation to pupils injured on school trips revealed

25/09/2011 06:12:01

New figures reveal that thousands of pounds in compensation have been paid by two Scottish councils for pupils injured on school trips.

The compensation amount was paid most by the Highland Council during the two financial years April 2009 to March 2011, with £2,363.16 and £3,950.45 forked out respectively.

Likewise, during the periods of 2009/10 and 2010/11, Edinburgh City Council paid out £404.19 and £194.79, respectively. The council, which had nine successful claims against it during the period, had one claim in 2010/11 still outstanding.

Data supplied after freedom of information requests reveals that in total, £6,912 was paid by the two councils, although, information on the types of injuries or age of the children were not supplied.

There were 21 successful claims during the financial years April 2009 to March 2011 against four councils in Scotland.

Worker suffers personal injury, company fined

25/09/2011 06:02:57

After a work accident resulted in the injury to a worker who worker fell from scaffolding, a refrigeration company has been fined.

When the accident took place October last year, Charles Howie was employed by Spark’s Mechanical Services Ltd. He was directed to work on a job at Iceberg Ltd’s factory.

His responsibilities involved removing two refrigeration units that were attached to the ceiling of the premises. The units were held up with 8 bolts into the ceiling. Using a scaffolding tower to get up to ceiling height, Mr Howie had removed four of these.

However, despite removing four bolts, a fork lift truck was not supporting the unit, and one of the remaining four bolts failed which caused the unit to fall onto the scaffold tower, and as a result, Mr Howie was knocked nearly 3 metres to the ground below.

As a consequence, he fractured five ribs, and suffered a collapsed lung. He took five months to recover, which kept him off work.

The company was prosecuted by the HSE for failing to ensure the right equipment and safe system of work.

A fine of £10,000 was awarded this week to the Spark’s Mechanical Services Ltd.

£250,000 compensation payment for accident victim

25/09/2011 05:03:29

A £250,000 interim compensation payment has relieved from hospital a woman, who was left ninety nine percent paralysed after being knocked down by a hit and run driver.

The accident took place when Megumi Wilson, 26, struck by an uninsured driver as she crossed Wye Bridge Street and suffered catastrophic injuries, in Monmouth and spent the last five years in hospital because of the round the clock care she requires.

The accused driver, John Dummett, of Gloucestershire, evaded the scene of accident and tried to dispose of the evidence by burning his car. Consequently, he is serving a prison sentence.

For the last five years, Ms Wilson has been a permanent fixture at the Rookwood Hospital in Llandaff, Cardiff and despite being fully aware of her surroundings, she can only communicate by blinking her eyelids.

The victim is now seeking uninsured driver compensation from the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB), an organisation set up to compensate innocent victims of drivers who do not have insurance, for her injuries.

An interim payment of £250,000 which will enable Megumi to leave hospital and be cared for privately at home in Monmout has been approved by a High Court Judge , although, the claim, estimated to run into millions of pounds, is yet to be settled.

Personal injury suffered by blind man

25/09/2011 04:44:26

Legal action for getting injured by an overhanging branch is being considered by a blind Coventry man, after injuring his eye.

The accident took place in Cox Street, close to the city centre’s bus station, and as a consequence, Mohammed Mansha, 51, of Foleshill, in Coventry, had to receive hospital treatment.

The victim told a newspaper that he had only recently started to venture out on his own and this accident had been a major blow to his confidence.

According to the claims of Mr. Mansha the bushes along Cox Street adjacent to the National Express bus depot, had become over-grown and over-hanging branches were causing an obstruction to pedestrians, and the branch that damaged his eye was at head height and he couldn’t see it while walking.

For treatment of his injury, Mr. Mansha attended the Hillfields walk-in medical centre where he was advised to attend the specialist eye unit at the University Hospital in Walsgrave, and was diagnosed with a ‘grazed eye’.

A letter of complaint to National Express, accompanied with photographs of the offending branches has been sent by Mr. Mansha and legal action has been threatened by him if the bus company doesn’t rectify the issue.

Injured pensioner to claim compensation

24/09/2011 20:34:30

A claim for compensation is made by a pensioner against a driver and bus operator, after an accident in which he injured his right leg which was amputated. Arriva.

The accident occurred when Edwin George, 88, of Wembley, a veteran of the 2nd World War, had his right foot seriously crushed after being involved in a collision with the bus on a pedestrian crossing in College Road, Harrow.

Due to the severity of his injuries resulting from the accident, his leg was amputated just below the knee.

According to reports, Mr. George has claimed that the accident was catastrophic for him as he had to rely on his daughter and her husband after the accident.

The bus operator and their driver Mannivald Himma now face a bus accident compensation claim from the pensioner.

£300k compensation claim by motorbike pillion passenger

24/09/2011 20:24:51

£300,000 in personal injury compensation is sought by a motorbike pillion passenger after being involved in a serious accident.

The accident took place in June last year when Nathan Atkins was just 12 years old. He was riding as a pillion passenger on his father’s motorbike as they travelled along Oxhey Lane near Watford. Unfortunately, they collided   with a Ford Fiesta and in the accident, Nathan suffering serious injury.

Consequently, he was rushed to hospital unconscious and put on a ventilator. He had suffered a head injury that was causing him post traumatic amnesia. Although, the boy had a good recovery, he has been left with cognitive problems that result in difficulties with memory, attention and fatigue.

Now, the Watford Observer is reporting that with the help of his step-mum, Nathan is making a motorbike accident compensation claim for over £300,000 against the insurers of the Ford Fiesta.

Unique case of compensation claim

23/09/2011 13:14:38

A four figure sum in compensation was awarded to a Yorkshire schoolboy who became the victim of a classroom bully.

The victim, Jed Winfindale, 13, was attacked in his classroom at the Maltby Comprehensive School near Rotherham, by a bully who hit him on the head several times.was hit several times on the head by the bully, who was armed with.

The bully was armed with a wooden drawing board and consequently, Jed suffered injuries to both his arm and shoulder in an effort to defend himself against the assault. Because of the sustained injuries the victim was admitted to the hospital.

Stacey Winfindale, 37, mother of the victim was horrified to learn that the boy who attacked her son was only given a suspension of two days as punishment, despite previous disruptive incidents in the past and so decided to take legal action.

She told newspapers that in her effort she was not concerned about money and only wanted to make a stand against the education authorities.

After Rotherham Council’s education authority admitted liability for the incident, it made Jed one of the first pupils to be awarded compensation for being bullied.

Personal injury suffered by toddler

23/09/2011 12:53:56

A streetlight resulted in the personal injury to a small child who was hit on the head by part of a streetlight being fixed by an engineer.

The accident took place as Taahyra Kasham, a toddler was being pushed in her pram by her mother Rajna, and the streetlight engineer dropped a reflector, which he was removing from the top of the lamppost. Crashing down onto the baby’s pram, the reflector hit Taahyra on the head.

The mother was fortunate to escape the injury but the toddler was injured and required stitches.

According to the revelations of the investigation carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), twenty five year old streetlight operative Joseph Parker, had failed to erect a temporary barrier around the lamppost which would have safely segregated pedestrians from the work area.

Living in Romford, Essex at the time of the accident admitting a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act, at the City of London Magistrates’ Court, Mr. Parker was fined £2,250 he was also ordered to pay court costs totalling £2,888.

The prosecuting HSE inspector accused Mr. Parker of causing distress and Injury by disregarding the health and safety regulations.

£3 million personal injury compensation awarded to woman

23/09/2011 11:43:09

London’s High Court awarded £3 million in taxi accident compensation to a Teesside woman.

The accident occurred when, Vicki Hart, 22, was just a fourteen year old schoolgirl, and was knocked down by a taxi as she tried to cross Rectory Lane, in Guisborough.

Consequently, horrendous injuries resulted from the accident with Vicki’s skull fractured and her neck broken, besides suffering a blood clot on the brain which would later cause her to suffer a major stroke.

Witnessing the injuries the doctors feared that the teenager may lose her life but the teenager defied all the odds to survive. However, profound disabilities have resulted which now requires round the clock care and support.

As a consequence, a compensation claim was made against the driver’s insurers and the family was approved a £3 Million compensation package at the High Court in London.

£3m' cost can be incurred by change in compensation laws

23/09/2011 10:10:54

According to one legal services firm, frontline NHS services in Lincolnshire will be affected by the proposed change in compensation laws.

According to the National Accident Helpline patients will be deterred from claiming compensation by the legislation to curb the use of "no win, no fee" offers.

As a consequence, the change will result in up to £3 million being spent on compensation, rather than hospital services in the county, according to the organization.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request to the Department of Health by the organization obtained this figure.

It revealed that Lincolnshire NHS trusts claimed the £3 million sum in legal aid in the past financial year.

£1.89 million were claimed by the United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust (ULHT), with Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust claiming the remainder.

According to the National Accident Helpline, in the next year, anywhere up to this figure could be spent on care for patients, who would have previously had the costs covered by compensation claims.

'Grubby' personal injury industry

17/09/2011 17:30:28

Former justice secretary Jack Straw told MPs that NHS hospitals are making money by charging "ambulance chasing" lawyers fees to advertise in accident and emergency departments,.

As he attacked the "grubby" personal injury claims industry, he said 70 trusts had been paid a total of £2 million over the past five years.

Mr Straw revealed proposals to clamp down on the compensation culture which he said had led to soaring motor insurance premiums.

By promising to ban the payment of referral fees in personal injury cases, the Government has already accepted one of his key demands.

Mr Straw said: "In the last year alone there has been a 40% increase in the average premiums paid by Britain's motorists to insure their cars. The principal factor behind these rocketing premiums has been a extraordinary increase in both the number and value of claims for personal injuries."

However the number of accidents had decreased and the increase had been "artificially generated by a new industry, unheard of 20 years ago, a claims industry with, I'm afraid, the complicity of the insurance companies themselves".

He accused claims management companies, personal injury lawyers, credit hire companies and vehicle recovery firms of building a "lucrative and self-serving merry-go-round" with information about people involved in accidents passed between them in the hope of securing a payout.

Schoolgirl awarded personal injury compensation

17/09/2011 17:20:50

Serious personal injury was narrowly avoided by a thirteen year old schoolgirl, after she fell a distance of four metres from a fairground attraction.

The youngster who asked not to be named, was a passenger on the ‘Cliffhanger Miami Trip’ ride at the annual Copmanthorpe Carnival, in York, when a restraint bar malfunctioned causing her to slip out of her seat and plunge four metres to the concrete floor below.

Fortunately, the young girl suffered relatively minor injuries but was taken to hospital as a precaution, where she was treated for cuts, bruises and abrasions.

Twenty eight year old fairground attendant, Terry Reynolds, of Dewsbury, had been informed about the dodgy restraint bar by a previous passenger, who narrowly escaped a similar fate after managing to hold the bar down with the assistance of some of her friends, according to an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Admitting a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act Mr. Reynolds of Showman’s Ground, received a three year conditional discharge and was ordered to pay the young girl £750 in personal injury compensation.

After the court hearing a HSE inspector stated that ‘it beggared belief’ that the attendant failed to check the restraint despite being warned about the faulty safety device by another fairground visitor.

£1,000 compensation awarded to girl blinded in egg prank

17/09/2011 16:50:14

After an egg prank went seriously wrong A Sunderland man has been forced to pay £1,000 in criminal injury compensation   to a schoolgirl.

Jay Gomes, 18, of Grindon Gardens, had purchased a carton of eggs with the sole intention of throwing them at passers by as he drove around Sunderland’s streets.

Unfortunately, one of his victims, a thirteen year old schoolgirl, who could not be named due to legal reasons, was hit in the eye with such force that her vision is now seriously impaired.

Newcastle Crown Court was told that the girl was walking along with friends when she felt the sudden impact of the egg, which appeared to be thrown from an approaching car.

After the incident, she required hospital treatment to remove fragments of egg shell from her eye and was told that her vision would be permanently affected. The teenager is now frightened of going out in case something similar happens to her again.

Pleading guilty to a charge of causing actual bodily harm, Gomes was sentenced to thirty six weeks in prison, which was suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to complete two hundred hours of unpaid work and was given a curfew between the hours of 7.30pm and 6am, which will last four months, he was also ordered to pay the girl £1,000 in criminal injury compensation.

£100,000 compensation claim for botched operation

17/09/2011 16:39:43

£100,000 in medical negligence compensation has been awarded to a Coventry grandmother, after a routine hip operation went drastically wrong.

Maggie Peabody, 51, of Wood End, was admitted to the St Cross Hospital in Rugby, for routine hip surgery after developing osteoarthritis, claim reports.

At the hospital Maggie was informed that the operation was very straightforward and the surgeon had performed it thousands of times before. However, following surgery the mother of four was informed that her sciatic nerve had accidentally been severed during the operation.

Mrs. Peabody realized, after the effects of the anesthetic wore off, that she had no feeling in her right leg, a condition which she has been informed could prove to be permanent.

Following the incident, Mrs. Peabody took legal advice and made a claim for medical negligence compensation against the UHCW NHS Trust and was awarded £100,000 in damages, which will help pay for adapted accommodation and future care costs.

The NHS Trust, following an investigation, concluded that the hospitals standard of care had fallen well below the expected standard.

The surgeon responsible is no longer employed by the UHCW NHS Trust.

Compensation claim by poor dental work

17/09/2011 16:12:53

Dental negligence compensation is being considered as claim by a Somerset woman, after her dentist extracted the wrong tooth and then tried to re-plant it two hours later, after retrieving it from a medical waste bin.

Kim Green, 41, attended the ADP dental practice, near her home in Wellington, Somerset, suffering with intense pain caused by a rotting tooth that had become infected.

Rookie dentist Justin George treated her and mistakenly pulled out a perfectly healthy tooth instead of the rotten one.

On returning home, Mrs. Green quickly realized the mistake and contacted the practise, who summoned her back for more surgery, after telling her the tooth could be retrieved and re-planted.

That evening Mrs. Green was in so much pain that she had to be admitted to the Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, for emergency treatment to remove both the infected tooth and the re-planted one.

According to reports, Mrs. Green said that the hospital dental surgeon was ‘appalled’, when she had explained what had happened and immediately reported Dr. Green to the local health authority and General Dental Council, who promptly suspended him from his duties.

After being informed that her extracted tooth had been retrieved from a medical waste bin which contained bloodied tissues, saliva wipes and needles that had been used on a number of other patients, Mrs. Green is now seeking dental negligence compensation.

Mrs. Green, as a precautionary measure, has had to suffer the trauma of blood tests and a course of anti hepatitis injections.

Dr. George remains on suspension pending a disciplinary hearing.

Compensation culture opposition formed

17/09/2011 16:01:33

Calling for an overhaul of the claims system, a group representing the UK’s insurers has attacked the ‘no win, no fee’ compensation culture.

To form the Consortium for Compensation Reform, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has joined forces with a number of companies including supermarket Asda, insurer Lloyd’s of London and catalogue chain Argos.

The consortium claims the growth in “spurious and exaggerated” personal injury claims, which grew in number by 72 per cent between 2002 and 2010, has resulted in higher costs for consumers, local authorities and the NHS.

The consortium’s calls come nearly three months after the Government pledged to tackle the compensation culture through its Legal Aid Bill.

As insurers themselves have come under fire for selling customers’ details to claims firms in return for high referral fees, the move may come as a surprise to some.

ABI’s director general, Otto Thoresen, said the civil litigation system is failing too many genuine claimants.

He said: “Compensators, such as insurers, retailers and local authorities, are committed to paying genuine claimants as quickly as possible. But too often this happens despite the system, not because of it.

“People can get more money quicker by claiming directly from insurers, but ambulance chasing lawyers can still manipulate the system.”

The UK’s compensation laws have seen higher insurance premiums for UK consumers, who pay £2.7m a day to claimant lawyers through motor insurance premiums, says the consoritum. The NHS paid out more than £257m in lawyers’ fees as a result of claims, which impacts taxpayers, the consortium added.

In a report on tackling the compensation culture, the ABI said the Government needs to stop aggressive activities of some firms that lead to unsolicited text messages and cold calls urging customers to claim.

The ease by which fraudulent whiplash claims are made and the selling of personal information of potential injury cases also need to be addressed, it said.

Lloyd’s of London general counsel, Sean McGovern, said Britain should not follow the US, where excessive litigation costs stifle economic growth.

“Insurers are committed to paying valid claims, but steps need to be taken to stop the further growth of a compensation culture in the UK. The costs of a litigious culture aren’t just borne by insurers but are a cost to society as a whole,” said Mr. McGovern.

Lawyers reacted angrily to the report, saying that claims the country is in the grip of a “compensation culture” are a myth.

£300,000 compensation claimed by widower

16/09/2011 17:51:20

A claim for more than £300,000 in road traffic accident compensation is to be made by a Berkshire widower, whose wife was run over and killed by a texting driver.

John Lyon, 71, from Maidenhead, lost his wife Christine, after she was involved in a car accident while walking along Forbury Road, in Reading.

According to reports, Keisha Bianca Wall, who was just eighteen years old at the time of the incident, was convicted of a charge of dangerous driving and is currently serving her sentence at a young offenders institute in Ashford, Middlesex.

Her mother Constance Wall who is a qualified driving instructor was a passenger in the Suzuki Jimny Jeep driven by her daughter but escaped prosecution after charges against her were dropped.

Miss Wall was negligent and paid no attention to the safety of herself or other road users as she was busy using her mobile phone at the time of the collision, claims a High Court writ issued by Mr. Lyons.

Disabled Mr. Lyon who was married for forty two years and totally dependent on his wife for care, is claiming damages thought to be in excess of £300,000.

Reduction of victim compensation fund

16/09/2011 17:46:02

To help victims of crime get compensation for their injuries, the government has cut the budget available.

This year, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme will have £10m less, a cut of about 5%.

An unpublished report from the largest victims' organisation, Victim Support, seen by the BBC, says there is already a "financial time-bomb" in the scheme.

The forecast for this year's budget "would provide sufficient funding", said the Ministry of Justice.

On the future of the scheme, the government intends to hold a consultation run by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, in the autumn.

Depending on the severity of the injury to victims of crime, the authority can make awards from £1,000 to £500,000. Last year, more than 60,000 people applied for compensation.

The decision to cut the budget from £211m to £201m comes despite Justice Secretary Ken Clarke telling Parliament last year that "it simply has not received adequate funding in each year's budget to keep up with the level of claims".

David Hines, chairman of the National Victims Association, said he was furious at the funding cut.

"It's an outrage," he told BBC Radio 4's PM programme.

"Quite frankly it should be increased by £200m and decent payouts made to the victims of homicide and victims of serious crime."

£8m in compensation for Cornwall care abuse victims

16/09/2011 17:39:08

In Cornwall, adults with learning disabilities at the centre of a care abuse case will receive about £8m in compensation.

After 165 former residents of Falmouth's Budock Hospital claimed compensation for failings including physical abuse, the High Court made the decision.

The claim was brought against the former Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust.

The money would help towards "putting things right", said the current Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

The allegations included physical assault, emotional and verbal abuse and a failure to provide adequate programmes of care and assessment.

The case dated back to 2006 when a highly critical report forced the resignation of three senior officials, said the solicitors who represented many of the involved families.

The total includes the £1.5m settlement of financial claims agreed earlier this year.

The financial settlement related to historic allegations that residents' money was misappropriated to pay for services that Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust should have funded.

The claim was brought against the former Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust, but the current Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said the payout would not affect the service it provided.

Injury claim referrals ban could lead to drop in cost of car insurance

16/09/2011 17:28:25

In an attempt to curb the rising cost of car insurance, the government has revealed plans to investigate and possibly seek a ban on referral fees for personal injury claims.

Year on year, annual car insurance premiums have been rising at a rate of as much a 40% every 12 months. The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has revealed plans to investigate car insurance in the UK with this in mind, and will reveal their findings in December. Further action will be taken by the official body, if they find the industry has been operating in a non competitive way.

Of late, the most interesting development is the government’s plans to tackle referral costs which it feels is having a direct effect on the rising cost of car insurance. Often motorists who have been involved in an accident are encouraged to make a claim on a “no win no fee” basis. The claim is then passed between a management company, insurance company and lawyer who charge each other for the claim referral, with the lawyers recovering their costs from the losing defendant. The upshot being that honest motorists are being hit with higher premiums to cover the cost of the high number of personal injury claims being made.

Successful effort by the government in their bid to put a stop to “no win no fee” claims, is likely to lead to a decrease in the number of personal injury claims being made, helping to put an end to the compensation culture and the year on year increases in the cost of car insurance.

£5,000 compensation paid to customer left looking like a 'scarecrow' by hair salon

16/09/2011 17:22:06

After a disastrous hair treatment left her looking like a ‘scarecrow’, a young woman has received £5,250 in compensation.

Twenty seven year old Charlotte Jones, was left with a burning scalp and straw-like hair after she paid £60 to have her brunette locks bleached blonde.

She says she spent 11 hours in the Nottingham salon, and received five separate bleaching treatments after the first one turned her hair bright orange.

Charlotte was tried to convince by the trainee who botched the hairdo that the treatment was a success.

But it was so bad that Charlotte had to wear a hat for three months and became a social recluse.

She says her hair began to fall out in clumps, and a follicle specialist advised her to shave her head and re-grow her locks from scratch.
Consequently, the salon, '28 for Girls and Boys', was sued by her and she has now received a £5,250 out-of-court settlement after a long legal battle.

An administrator at Nottingham Trent University, Charlotte, decided to get a makeover in August 2009 after she broke up with her boyfriend of nine years.

“After going through the break-up I decided that as blondes were meant to have more fun I'd dye my glossy brown locks at a local salon,” Charlotte said.

Charlotte further added: ‘I'd never coloured my hair before and spent a fortune on keeping it in immaculate condition. So I arranged several consultations and carefully chose a salon I thought I could trust.

'But it turned out I really chose the wrong one. The first time they bleached my hair it turned ginger they then tried to rectify it by bleaching my locks a further four times.

'Eleven hours later my scalp was stinging viciously but the pain was nothing compared to the horror I felt when I saw the finished result.

'My luscious locks were now frazzled and straw-like. I looked like a scarecrow. I felt as if I'd been in a terrible car smash.

'My mum, who used to be a hairdresser, then came into the salon and was completely stunned at what they had done to me.

'I sought an apology and the salon manager admitted my hairdresser was a trainee and uninsured. But they even tried to pretend my hair looked good.'

The salon has now accepted full liability for Charlotte's botched haircut.

Years of wait for toxic waste victims for compensation

10/09/2011 18:56:12

The economic compensation they were promised has not still been received by thousands of victims affected by toxic waste dumping in 2006 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire's commercial capital.

Benedetta Lacey, special advisor on corporate accountability at Amnesty International, said: "There is a complete lack of transparency as to what happened to the millions of dollars which should have been paid out by the government compensation scheme."

Toxic waste from a tanker chartered by the international commodities trading firm Trafigura Beheer BV affected more than 100,000 people, who sought medical attention for a range of health problems, according to a United Nations report published in 2009. The incident has been linked to the deaths of 15 people.

Trafigura, since 2007, has paid 260 million dollars in several payouts, but much of the money remains unaccounted for and thousands of victims still have not received any economic compensation that would, if paid, be equal in some cases to a year's worth of wages.

"It is unacceptable that so many people who were affected by the dumping have not received the compensation money they are entitled to," Amnesty International said in a press release. "President Ouattara's government must act decisively to show that corruption and misappropriation of funds will not be tolerated."

Trafigura entered into a settlement agreement with the government of Côte d'Ivoire under which the company paid 195 million dollars, in February 2007.

By the Ivorian government's own figures, 95,000 victims should have received compensation, Lacey told IPS. "However, the government compensation process was never completed and an enquiry into the compensation process which was opened under the previous government was never concluded," Lacey said.

Trafigura made a full and final payment of 20 million dollars to the Ivorian government to pay for additional cleanup costs, in April 2008.

30,000 Ivorians filed a lawsuit in Britain seeking damages for personal injury, a year after that. An out-of-court settlement was reached and Trafigura made a payment of 45 million dollars. However, six thousand people never received any of that money.

A local group claiming to represent the victims and calling itself the National Coordination of Toxic Waste Victims of Côte d'Ivoire (CNVDT-CI) was in charge of distributing the money. The head of CNVDT-CI is now reported to have disappeared and there is no further indication as to when the remaining compensation will be paid out.

"We have been informed that a criminal complaint has just been lodged in the Ivorian courts against CNVDT-CI and we hope that this will deliver justice for the victims," Lacey said.

Amnesty International is now calling on the new government to ensure that "the missing millions are located as a matter of priority and the distribution process gets up and running to pay out to the remaining 6,000 who are still waiting for the money," Lacey told IPS, calling for the money to be accounted for and paid out.

Representative of a group of victims living next to the Akouedo dumpsite, Geneviève Diallo, said that five years after the incident, 300 people in the area still had not received their compensation.

ABI compensation culture claim hit back by pressure group

10/09/2011 18:37:00

The Association of British Insurers’ (ABI) call for reform of Britain’s compensation culture laws has been slammed by the Access to Justice Action Group (Ajag).

The move comes in repsonse to the ABI's report, Tackling the Compensation Culture : The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill, which has called for action to tackle the aggressive activities of some claims management firms and measures be taken on fraudulent whiplash claims and referral fees for personal injury cases.

Arguing that 23% of road accident victims do not bother to claim and only 52% claim for an accident at work, even when they each know another person is to blame, Ajag co-ordinator Andrew Dismore claimed that there was no such thing as a compensation culture.

He said that while the ABI routinely alleged fraud, the proven number of cases was comparatively small. He cited the Experian Fraud Index which he argued confirmed the real figures: only 12 in every 10,000 applications and claims counted as fraud.

The government's proposals, promoted by the ABI, would affect access to justice for up to 600,000 people a year, he added.

Legislation to tackle compensation culture supported by Airmic

10/09/2011 18:26:22

Through The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill, Airmic said it strongly supports plans to tackle the compensation culture for personal injury.

Currently before parliament, the draft legislation would implement some of the Jackson recommendations for streamlining the compensation system.

Airmic technical director Paul Hopkin said: “The proposed reforms would make it more difficult to make spurious and exaggerated claims whilst enabling genuine claimants to receive payment more quickly. By reducing the amount of time and money spent on the legal system, it would also help to control the cost of insurance.”

Airmic is a signatory to the paper ‘Tackling the Compensation Culture: the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders’ Bill’ published today by the Association of British Insurers.

No win no fee PPI compensation claims in the UK and Leicester

10/09/2011 18:19:22

Even when they were not in a situation to ever be able to claim on it, payment Protection Insurance (PPI) has been sold to millions of borrowers alongside loans. While some customers found their PPI policies useful, a vast percentage of those with PPI policies have found to have had them wrongly sold by their banks.

To compensate clients who had policies mis-sold to them, industry regulators have pressurised banks, and the outcome of the judicial review confirmed that the responsibility fell to the banks to ensure that compensation was given to wronged consumers. The result is that the banks are now facing substantial costs in order to meet their legal responsibilities.

According to estimates, over 10 billion Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) policies have been sold and as many as 30 million policy holders have a claim for compensation.

Dressage rider seeks personal injury compensation

10/09/2011 18:11:31

After his legs were crushed in a devastating car accident, a talented up-and-coming dressage rider is seeking compensation.

In January 2009, Sonnar Murray-Brown was involved in the accident near Stockbridge. He was the passenger in a Renault Clio driven by former friend Lee Harris. Mr Harris lost control of the vehicle, causing it to hit another vehicle head-on.

In the crash, Mr Murray-Brown suffered life-changing injuries as his legs were crushed. His right knee and thigh were shattered, whilst he also suffered an injury to his left leg.

Mr Brown underwent major surgery, but has been left with one leg shorter than the other. He faces the prospect of having more operations, and has had to give up dressage riding at the highest level. Before the accident, the talented rider looked destined to represent Great Britain.

The driver, Mr Harris, was convicted of driving without due care and attention in regards to the incident, and is now the subject of a compensation claim from Mr Murray-Brown, according to reports.

Last week, a writ issued at the High Court in London stated that he is seeking compensation of over £300,000 for his injuries. As well as ending his riding career, the injury looks set to halt his plans to work as a horse trainer, with the prognosis on his leg injury described as “uncertain”.

Man claims compensation after bus crashes with Hovis lorry

10/09/2011 17:22:00

A man is seeking compensation after being injured when a Hovis lorry crashed into a bus.

According to reports, David Horsfield was the passenger on the double-decker bus when the accident happened in December 2009. The bus was travelling around Fitzalan Square in Sheffield city centre when a lorry owned by the Hovis company crashed into it.

In the impact, Mr Horsfield was knocked to the floor and suffered serious injuries. He fractured his neck, and was rushed to hospital, where he remained for six months. The injury he suffered to his neck has left him partially paralysed.

Mr Horsfield is seeking compensation from Rank Hovis McDougall Group, the operators of the lorry, according to reports. An London, in papers submitted at the High Court his representatives argue that the lorry driver failed to give way, and drove into the bus’s path.

After the lorry driver was convicted of driving without due care and attention in regards to the incident, Rank Hovis McDougall Group admitted liability for the accident. The driver was fined £2,000.

However, the papers have been submitted at court, as the two sides cannot agree on a suitable compensation settlement amount for thebus accident injury claim. Mr Horsfield’s care needs, specialist equipment and adapted accommodation will be paid by the settlement.

£5.75m negligence compensation paid by Welsh health board

10/09/2011 17:13:47

After negligence by medical staff, a Welsh health board has paid out £5.75million in compensation.

Hywel Dda Health Board paid out £5.75m in compensation since April 2008 after they made a Freedom of Information request, according to figures reported by the Western Telegraph.

13 claims against the health board were successful, resulting in settlements totalling £1,465,663, in the financial year 2008/09. The following year the figure had risen to £1,906,519, but the number of successful claims had also risen sharply to 31.

The figures for the last financial year saw £1,458,616 split between 25 successful claimants. £926,177 has already been awarded in compensation from the health board since April this year.

£5.75m negligence compensation paid by Welsh health board

10/09/2011 16:58:07

After negligence by medical staff, a Welsh health board has paid out £5.75million in compensation.

Hywel Dda Health Board paid out £5.75m in compensation since April 2008 after they made a Freedom of Information request, according to figures reported by the Western Telegraph.

13 claims against the health board were successful, resulting in settlements totalling £1,465,663, in the financial year 2008/09. The following year the figure had risen to £1,906,519, but the number of successful claims had also risen sharply to 31.

The figures for the last financial year saw £1,458,616 split between 25 successful claimants. £926,177 has already been awarded in compensation from the health board since April this year.

£300,000 compensation claim made by bus passenger

10/09/2011 16:44:27

After an accident involving a left him partially disabled, A Sheffield man is seeking personal injury compensation of at least £300,000.

David Horsfield, 68, of Wincobank, in Sheffield, was attempting to get off the bus in Sheffield’s city centre, when the vehicle was involved in a collision with a Hovis lorry.

Mr Horsfield suffered a serious neck fracture in the incident, which has left the pensioner partially paralysed, claim reports.

Following the accident, Mr Horsfield had to endure six months of hospital treatment initially at the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield and later at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital’s specialised spinal unit.

Mr Horsfield is now pursuing a road accident claim against the Rank Hovis McDougall Group, after their driver was found guilty of driving without due care and attention and fined £2,000 following an appearance at Sheffield magistrate’s court.

Liability for the accident has already been accepted by the Solicitors representing the company; however the opposing sides have not been able to agree on how much compensation Mr. Horsfield should receive.

His home following the incident, Mr. Horsfield was forced to leave and now resides at the Roman Ridge Extra Care Scheme, in Wincobank, where he is cared for by two carers for five days per week seven hours a day.

Top judge emphasizes the ban on controversial £10,000 referral fees

10/09/2011 16:34:05

According to one of the country’s most senior judges, insurance companies are selling customer details to “no win, no fee” lawyers for as much as £10,000.

Lord Justice Jackson, the man who conducted a major review of civil litigation, accused those who sell the information as “middlemen who add no value” to the regime. He said the controversial practice should be banned.

Lord Justice is the latest high profile figure to criticise so-called “referral fees” where claims management companies, insurance firms, trade unions and others sell details of injury victims to lawyers who then encourage them to claim compensation.

Earlier this year following an investigation by Jack Straw, the practice was revealed the former Labour Justice Secretary, who said the cost of personal injury claims had doubled to £14 billion in 10 years.

The Government has said it is “sympathetic” to the idea of a ban but has not made any formal moves to do so.

Lord Jackson, who last year made 109 recommendations for a radical shake-up of civil litigation and the no win no fee system, said in some high value cases the referral fee can be at least £10,000.

They can account for half of the costs awarded in a successful claim, in low value cases.

“In the context of personal injury litigation, one consequence of the recoverability regime is that there is now far too much money swirling around in the system.This has led to a progressive escalation of the referral fees which lawyers pay to get a share of the business.Thus the beneficiaries are not the accident victims, but usually the referrers and (when no referral fee is paid) the lawyers,” he said In a speech in Cambridge.

He said that market forces compel personal injury solicitors to hand over a large part of the costs they receive to claims management companies, insurers and others.

Furthermore, Lord Justice Jackson accused the Law Society of representing the interests of compensation lawyers over the public in a joint campaign against planned cuts to civil legal aid and his proposed reform of civil litigation.

Man seeks compensation for crash from car manufacturer

10/09/2011 16:19:06

Compensation from the car manufacturer Caterham, is being sought by a man who blames it for a crash at the Nurburgring in Germany.

Back in April 2009, Shaun Cumbers was the passenger in his friend’s sports car as they travelled around the Nurburgring race circuit in Germany. The vehicle being driven was a Caterham 7 Superlight R500, a British made sports car that is capable of doing 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds and has a top speed of 150mph.

To test their vehicles, the Nurburgring circuit is used by car companies around the world. It also has numerous days when the 12 mile long track is open to the public to take their cars around for a small fee.

The driver lost control of the vehicle, and it spun into a crash barrier, as they were travelling around the circuit . Mr Cumbers suffered serious injuries in the crash, including a closed subdural haematoma which is a traumatic brain injury.

According to reports, the man is seeking compensation for his injuries from the manufacturers of the vehicle, Caterham Cars Ltd. In papers submitted at the High Court, it is argued that an oil hose failed, causing oil to leak and spin the car when it touched the wheels. The manufacturer sold a defective product, as the oil hose was lower than the engine block, causing it to scrape along the ground, argue the papers. Mr Cumbers is looking for compensation of over £300,000 if he gets successful in this case.

£15,000 compensation awarded to school employee after falling off toilet

04/09/2011 06:33:32

After falling from a toilet bowl she was standing on, while attempting to open a window, a school clerical assistant has been awarded over £15,000 in personal injury compensation.

Marie Wallace, 64, suffered a severe foot injury, in the accident and had to endure surgery for fractures and a detached Achilles tendon, from which she has not fully recovered.

At a court of appeal, Mrs. Wallace was awarded £15,900 in compensation after a judge originally decided that the school worker should not have attempted the dangerous manoeuvre in the first place.

However this decision was overruled by the appeal judge, who decided that the city council had breached health and safety regulations by not providing Mrs. Wallace with a pole, with which to reach the high window.

The diminutive Mrs. Wallace was attempting to open the window in order to ventilate the cubicle, as she did not want to leave it in a disagreeable condition for the next occupant, the court was told.

The original amount of compensation had been assessed at £31,800 but the judges ruled that Mrs. Wallace was equally to blame for the accident and had contributed significantly to her own injuries.

A pole has now been made available in the ladies toilets, following the incident.

£21,000 compensation due to poor lighting won by office worker

04/09/2011 06:28:10

An employee, who complained that fluorescent lighting in her office triggered her migraine attacks, has been awarded £21,000 in damages after winning her claim for compensation.

Genevieve Bove, 48, of Moss, in Wrexham, was forced to quit her job, after her repeated requests to change the harsh fluorescent lighting, which were causing her crippling headaches, were ignored by bosses.

Ms. Bove was working at the headquarters of the charitable organisation, the Association of Voluntary Organisations (AVOW) based in Wrexham, who were accused of failing to monitor the behaviour of paid officials at the establishment by an employment tribunal.

Charity chief John Gallanders, repeatedly ignored Ms. Bove’s request and even engineered a meeting with her to discuss her disability discrimination claim, in an office containing lights which he was aware would trigger her migraine attacks, told the tribunal.

Afterwards, Ms. Bove launched an official grievance against her boss with the charity’s trustees but this was not handled correctly and led to Ms. Bove being awarded £21,177 in compensation, for constructive dismissal and disability discrimination.

After the hearing Ms. Bove stated that the whole experience had made her feel ill, adding that the situation was totally unnecessary and that replacement lights could have been fitted for just a few pounds.

£15,000 compensation awarded to magician after severing tendon

04/09/2011 06:23:01

After medics failed to notice a severed tendon in his hand, a popular close up magician has been awarded £15,000 in medical negligence compensation.

Kyle Summers, 40, from Burbage, near Hinckley in Leicestershire, thought his career had come to an abrupt end, after a cup shattered in his hand while he was washing up.

The reports claim that the broken china cut deep into his thumb and required stitches at the George Eliot Hospital, where his hand was also x-rayed to make sure none of the shattered fragments had lodged under his skin.

Unfortunately hospital staff failed to notice that Mr. Summers had severed a tendon, leaving the illusionist unable to move his thumb, which had a major impact on his ability to work as a professional magician.

Not realizing that his notes incorrectly stated that his tendon was intact, his local GP and a physiotherapist assumed that Mr. Summers problem thumb was due to swelling.

It wasn’t until six weeks later that the true nature of the problem was diagnosed, by which time the tendon had deteriorated beyond repair.

It was only after suffering two painful operations and months of physiotherapy that Kyle was able to return to his chosen vocation.

A claim for medical negligence compensation against the George Eliot NHS Trust was made by Kyle, and was awarded £15,000 in an out of court settlement.

Compensation claim over ship circumcision by former sailor

04/09/2011 06:16:21

A former sailor who was circumcised by a ship's doctor and allegedly suffered ridicule from his shipmates is seeking compensation almost 40 years after the operation.

According to evidence to a tribunal, he woke during the operation and had to be physically restrained while it was completed.

It was claimed that the attendant holding him down then joked his foreskin would make good fish bait.

The Melbourne man, 56, is seeking a $28,600 a year defence force pension because he claims his severe depression that emerged after the circumcision was caused by his defence service.

The Repatriation Commission rejected his claim, despite its own expert diagnosing the man, known only as DZLG, as suffering a "generalised anxiety disorder" because of the ridicule after the operation.

However, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal ruled the commission was wrong and recommended the man be given a pension.

The tribunal was told that the man was 19 when he was posted on HMAS Sydney in 1973 and attended sick bay with a sore penis.

He had expected to receive an antiseptic cream but instead was circumcised and he told the tribunal the operation "just happened" and he had no time to object.

A medical attendant "held the removed foreskin in tongs and joked about using it for fishing", he said.

The man fainted and spent four days in sick bay, then his shipmates started taunting him.

''Jokes were made referring to the size of his penis . . . he was called names," the tribunal found.

The tribunal found that when he transferred to another ship the taunts continued and he became depressed, alienated and lonely.

His lawyer, Greg Isolani of KCI Lawyers, said the bullying affected the sailor for the rest of his life, leaving him a "shattered man".

He said it was "extremely disappointing" that the Department of Veterans' Affairs forced him to appeal to a tribunal.

£50,000 compensation for slips, trips and falls paid by council

04/09/2011 06:08:13

People injured by slips, trips and falls on the streets of Sheffield have been awarded more than £50,000 in personal injury compensation by a South Yorkshire council.

Sheffield City Council, paid compensation totalling £50,032.80 to people injured because of the poor condition of the city’s roads, pavements and other public places, revealed a A freedom of information request by the Star newspaper .

£11,250, was the largest single award paid out over the twelve month period , which was awarded to a claimant who fractured their hip and wrist after slipping and falling over loose tarmac.

Breaks and fractures accounted for compensation claims of £24,438.80 being paid to a total of five claimants, while cuts, bruises and abrasions resulted in compensation totalling £9,235 being awarded to ten members of the public.

Several small claims were resolved with payments of £250 for damage to a toe nail and £370 being paid to a disabled person who fell from their wheelchair, after hitting a pothole.

Adding that the majority of successful claims were usually settled out of court, Senior Claims Officer Bob Andrew stated that an estimated seventy percent of claims against the council were rejected.

A council spokesman stated that councillors were committed to improving the condition of Sheffield’s road and pavement network.

Over 1,500 workers' compensation claims filed

18/08/2011 18:57:13

According to a tally by a local labor bureau, as of Wednesday, over 1,500 applications for workers' compensation have been filed over people who died or went missing at work during the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in the three worst-hit prefectures.

Among them, approval has already been given for insurance benefits to be paid in 1,305 cases, equivalent to about one third of payments made nationwide in fiscal 2010, which ended March 31. The number of payments to be made is almost certain to become the largest ever for a single natural disaster in Japan.

This compares to the 67 cases of compensation payments made in the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake that devastated Kobe and its vicinity, and 10 cases following the 2004 quake that struck the Chuetsu area in Niigata Prefecture.

1,005 applications were made in Miyagi Prefecture, almost all by family members of workers who died or went missing in the tsunami, according to the Miyagi labor bureau . Also, 399 were filed in Iwate Prefecture and 131 in Fukushima Prefecture. Numbers are expected to rise further.

Once approved, the families will each receive a 3 million yen special payment, in addition to pension and other benefits.

In summer months, workers compensation claims peak

18/08/2011 18:48:47

According to an analysis of Travelers' claims data, from June through September, workers compensation claims at small businesses are at their peak. Lower back strains and other back-related injuries and injuries from slips, trips and falls are the most common, and workers under 30 years old comprise almost one third of those sustaining on-the-job injuries.

Marc Schmittlein, President and Chief Executive Officer, Travelers Small Commercial said : "This year marks the 100th anniversary of workers compensation insurance and Travelers continues to help business owners keep employees safe and healthy by encouraging them to adopt key risk management techniques. By taking even small steps, businesses can enhance employee health and manage the costs associated with workers' injuries."

Travelers Risk Control professionals recommend the following risk management tips to help business owners:

-- Sound Hiring Practices -- Summer is a particularly high traffic time for many businesses and hiring new full- and part-time employees is a common way business owners meet the increased demand. Businesses need to evaluate current hiring practices when recruiting new employees, especially considering that, on average, employees in their first year on the job have a higher incidence of injuries than those with more tenure. Making workplace safety part of the screening process is therefore paramount. Employers should inquire about a prospective employee's attitude toward safety issues during the hiring process.

-- Orientation and Training -- Regardless of the background or experience of an employee, it is critical that business owners orient and train all employees in safe work practices and procedures. Safety training of any sort should include: a focus on emergency procedures; a review of safe work practices; a reminder about required personal protective equipment; and a review of employee protocol should an accident occur. The formality of the training will vary based on the complexity of the task.

-- Active Supervision -- Promoting safe work practices through active supervision is a key component of mitigating workers compensation risks. Reinforcing the fact that the safety practices and procedures in place will protect employees is an important responsibility for all small business owners. Remembering to keep feedback upbeat and positive also promotes a productive and safe environment.

Legal aid offered by Coffee morning in Crewe

18/08/2011 18:08:27

On Friday, August 19, a Coffee morning, offering free legal advice, will be held in Crewe.

Organized by Poole Alcock Solicitors, the event will advise on matters relating to asbestosis and other industrial illnesses, personal injury, wills, lasting powers of attorney and conveyancing services.

Coffee will served from 9.30am to 12.30pm at Crosville Social Club, in Chester Street.

All proceeds will be donated to St Luke’s Hospice, in Winsford, whose staff will also be on hand to offer hospice information.

Company fined for crush injury to worker

18/08/2011 17:55:04

Following a number of safety failings, after one of its workers suffered severe wrist injuries in an accident at work, A Cardiff based metal roofing company have been fined .

Darren Gillard, 42, was using a piece of machinery on the production line at Euro Clad Ltd, who make metal roof panels, in April 2010. The machine positions wooden blocks underneath the packs of roof panels.

Some of the blocks in the machine became jammed and with the machine still in automatic mode, Mr Gillard proceeded to enter the enclosure. To free the jammed blocks, he reached underneath the machine, however once he did so the machine started up again crushing his wrist between the blocks and the frame.

After undergoing three operations to insert a metal plate into his wrist and skin grafts to treat severe skin abrasions, the Euro Clad employee was off work for four months.

In Court it was heard that the two meter high perimeter fence surrounding the machine had a broken interlocked gate, which enabled employees to gain access to the enclosure without properly making the machine safe to work on.

For failing to ensure that the correct measure had been taken when accessing dangerous pieces of machinery, the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) prosecuted Euro Clad Ltd and fined £20,000 with £6,000 costs after the investigation into the accident at work, found that the gate has been tampered with and tied open.

Cyclist to pursue road traffic injury claim

18/08/2011 17:48:09

A cyclist who has been seriously injured in a hit and run accident, is pursuing a claim for compensation after receiving a letter from the driver who caused the accident.

Peter Vaughan, sixty three year old cyclist and classic car enthusiast in October 2010, had his holiday cut short as he was cycling to his son’s house in Dublin and got hit from behind by a car which left the scene of the accident.

Mr Vaughan was found unconscious at the side of the road and an ambulance was called by a neighbor that rushed him to hospital where it found he had multiple injuries.

The cyclist suffered serious injuries including multiple leg fractures which he needed an operation on and is still wearing a metal frame, eye and shoulder injuries and injuries to his kidney, claim reports.

Mr Vaughan is starting to recover from his injuries, although, he has to use crutches to help him walk and is now seeking compensation for his injuries, so that the money received can help pay towards any rehabilitation he may require.

Work injury claim after worker severs fingers

18/08/2011 17:40:28

A pork products production company has been fined for an accident at work in which an employee seriously injures two fingers in a mixing machine.

In December 2009, the accident at work happened at Tulip Ltd. A sixty year old employee was working on the production line looking after one of the mixing machines, when he noticed a piece of blue plastic inside the mix, as he was adding some seasoning.

The employee proceeded to reach into the mixing bowl to pull out the piece of plastic, however in doing so lost his index and middle finger and severed his ring finger.

The Tulip employee was off work for ten months and had to endure several operations. When he returned to work he was unable to do the same job as he had loss of nerve endings his damaged fingers.

In an investigation carried out by the Health and Safety Executive, into the accident at Tulip Ltd revealed that the mixing machine was unguarded and should an electronic gate had been in place on the access step, they would have prevented the mixer from running as the seasoning was added.

Tulip pleading guilty to the charges of breaching the health and safety regulations and were fined £16,000 and ordered to pay £4,076 for costs.

Accident at work kills engineer

18/08/2011 17:32:13

A satellite installations engineer has been killed after he fell from a roof top whilst carrying out an installation for Foxtel Ltd.

In 2008 Foxtel engineer Noel Corbin, 29, from Croydon, was working on a satellite dish on the roof of a four storey house in London when he fell around 44 foot onto the patio at the side of the property, causing fatal head injuries.

In court it was heard that the Foxtel engineer had accessed the roof via a dormer window to work on a satellite on the roofs apex at the property and was seen working on another dish on a flat part of roof. It is believed from evidence seen in the report carried out by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) that he fell from the flat roof or whilst walking across the sloping roof.

The engineer was not supplied with the proper equipment to safely carry out the work at height on large properties, found the investigation by the HSE. If he would have been it could have prevented such an accident, which tragically ended the engineer’s career and life.

Teenager paid personal injury compensation after being shot with air rifle

18/08/2011 17:26:18

Personal injury compensation has been received by a teenager who was shot with an air rifle whilst out camping with friends.

The seventeen year old who was injured, had been our camping at a playing field with his friends when he was approached by two men dressed in camouflage, once of which was carrying an air rifle.

As the teen was approached he, and was told by the two men to watch out for “dangerous people like us” and felt something hit the back of his leg.

After checking his leg he found a pellet embedded in the back of his knee which he removed.

The injury, relatively minor, could have been far worse, and the teen has been left with permanent scarring.

It was heard in court that the attacker, had previous convictions for being drunk and disorderly, criminal damage and assault. After this incident the shooter was told that if he carried on being reckless and violent towards others that he would end up in custody.

He was given 180 hours of community service, a twelve month suspended community order and made to was personal injury compensation of £200 to the teenager.

Personal injury compensation sought by barmaid

18/08/2011 17:14:17

Personal injury compensation is sought by a barmaid who was injured after a gas explosion, which left her trapped under the rubble.

In January 2009, a gas explosion ripped through the Drumtochty Arms Hotel just as it was completing a £750,000 refurbishment carried out by Instant Catering Maintenance, injuring three people, claim reports.

Barmaid, Danielle aged twenty six at the time of the explosion, was left buried beneath the rubble and suffered injuries including three broken ribs, a broken vertebra, breastbone and thumb and a collapsed lung.

Although lucky to be alive, Danielle feels that the injury to her back will affect her for the rest of her life and is on prescription painkillers to enable her to sleep and get on with her life.

In the blast, Danielle was one of three people injured and is seeking personal injury compensation against the hotel management and Instant Catering Maintenance.

Compensation sought by Cookley sacked employee

18/08/2011 17:07:38

Compensation for sex discrimination is being sought by a Cookely assistant chief manager who said she was dismissed by a Bromsgrove catering firm after complaining about health and safety breaches.

Stephanie Morrison, of Woodlands Road, Cookley, sought permission at a Birmingham Employment Tribunal preliminary hearing to go ahead with her compensation claim against Class Catering Services Ltd, of Weston Hall Road, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove.

During her employment of just over six months at the firm, Miss Morrison alleged she was bullied and sexually harassed and discriminated.

Class Catering was said to be the supplier of high quality meals to school and organisations.

She was dismissed for making disclosures, in the public interest, about alleged health and safety breaches by the firm, alleged Miss Morrison.

Details of the alleged breaches and sex discrimination claims were not revealed.

Representing the firm, Elizabeth Hodgetts, opposed the sex discrimination claim and said the firm denied the allegations.

Miss Morrison was told that some of her claims had been made past the tribunal’s three-month deadline and that she could not make a claim for unfair dismissal because she had not been employed for a year or more.

Miss Morrison could go ahead with her claim for sex discrimination, said Tribunal Judge Shirley Woffenden .

The full hearing is to be held next year with at least six witnesses attending.

A landmark ruling in personal injury compensation

12/08/2011 18:03:42

A recent Court of Appeal ruling where a mother was awarded more than half of her ex-husband's compensation from a personal injury claim could pave the way for a new trend of claimants opting for periodical payments over lump sums of compensation.

In 1998, Kevin Mansfield was involved in a road traffic accident. He lost a leg in the accident and suffered spinal injuries. He made a personal injury claim and received damages of £500,000. Five years later, he met his now ex-wife and they went on to have twins but subsequently split up in 2008. Mrs Mansfield, as part of the divorce proceedings, claimed that she was entitled to a share of her ex-husband's personal injury compensation.

Despite the payout pre-dating the marriage, the Court of Appeal ruled at the end of last month that the £500,000 compensation award should be regarded as an asset of the family. The court ordered that Mrs Mansfield was entitled to £285,000 for the benefit of herself and her two children.

Measures to curb ‘compensation culture’ called by Axa insurance boss

12/08/2011 17:46:31

UK society is “drifting into a compensation culture” the boss of insurance giant Axa today warned as the company announced “strong” half-year results.

Axa, which employs 15,000 people across the UK, including more than 1,000 at its Ipswich offices, said the group’s underlying earnings had “improved significantly” in 2011 - but called for measures to curb the problem, which it said was sending up motor premiums.

It had become the first - and so far the only - insurer to unilaterally ban referral fees in a bid to curtail market practices which fuel the ‘compensation culture’, and therefore increases in motor premiums, said the insurer.

Axa UK and Ireland group chief executive Paul Evans called for a “radical steps”, including a review of the fixed fees earned by personal injury lawyers.

Paul Evans said: “There seems to be no question that UK society is drifting into a compensation culture, encouraged by an industry of claims management firms and personal injury lawyers that has formed to profit from road traffic accidents.”

“Indeed, in some regions of the UK, the frequency of personal injury claims is more than double the level we see in the Republic of Ireland, where these practices are yet to take hold.

“AXA remains the only insurer to have banned referral fees and whilst we welcome signals that the Government is minded to impose a market-wide ban on referral fees, they are a symptom – not the cause – of the increase in personal injury claims.

“We believe more radical steps are needed. Firstly, a robust review of the fixed fees earned by personal injury lawyers. The fixed fees under the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) Portal are quite obviously too high at £1,200 given they allow an average referral fee of around £800 to be paid and still generate sufficient profit.”

The near doubling in claims management firms between 2008 and 2010 stood as “testament to the level of profitability available” from personal injury work, he said.

“Logic suggests that a reduced standard fixed fee in the region of £400 would still allow personal injury lawyers to earn reasonable profits,” he argued.

To drive out fraudulent claim, he called for an increase in the burden of proof for whiplash and a comprehensive medical evaluation of muscle damage as it was these incidents, he said, which were driving the increase in claims, causing motor premiums to rise.

“Such an evaluation will help deepen our understanding of minor soft tissue injuries – and provide the basis for better diagnosis – so that those who are injured by the negligent acts of others receive the timely and fair compensation they are due – and spurious claims can be filtered out and rejected without incurring unnecessary cost,” he said.

The group said its wealth management, healthcare and general insurance was on track to deliver “strong, profitable growth”, with UK direct personal insurance revenues rising by 22%, taking total UK and Ireland revenues to £2billion.

Mr Evans said that sustained growth and improved profitability across each of the UK and Ireland operations against a backdrop of challenging conditions showed the benefits of the reorganisation which the group underwent in late 2010.

Mine gets clearance over truck injury claims

12/08/2011 17:15:38

A mining company and senior site supervisor have been found not guilty over claims of workplace OH&S breaches following a truck incident which seriously injured the driver.

According to reports, the case has now been finalized after four years.

In 2007, the accident occurred when truck driver Dave Jessup was travelling along an access ramp at Vale’s former Broadlea coal mine near Moranbah, his truck crashed and overturned.

Jessup suffered multiple fractures to his leg and broke his neck.

Broadlea Coal Management and site supervisor Darren Carpenter were both charged, and pleaded not guilty.

Witnesses stated during the trail that Carpenter was focused on safety in all his duties, and held weekly safety meetings.

Jessup said that he had worked at the site for five weeks after completing an induction course, during which he was taught pre-start safety checks and how to maintain log books.

However, he said that despite the induction course he had never carried out pre-start checks nor kept up to date log books. Furthermore, he also admitted that he was not wearing a seat belt.

Industrial Magistrate Dwyer ruled that “the injuries to Mr Jessup were not caused by the contravention of any obligations by Broadlea Coal or Mr Carpenter under the Coal Mining Health and Safety Act.”

The Broadlea coal mine was closed in 2009.

$10 million in compensation claims against Olympic National Park over hiker’s death

12/08/2011 17:08:09

$10,022,700 Wrongful death and personal injury claims have been made against Olympic National Park over the death of Bob Boardman, and a full-blown lawsuit may be imminent, according to his estate's lawyer.

Personal injury lawyer John Messina of Tacoma said: “We are intending to file a wrongful death suit.”

He said the park is liable for Boardman's death.

“Negligence is the basis,” he said Friday. “Our goal is to seek justice in this case and wake up the park system.”

So far, three claims were made. They are from Boardman's estate; his widow, Susan Chadd of Port Angeles; and her son, Jacob Haverfield, Messina said, and were made as a prelude to likely filing the lawsuit against the park in federal District Court in Tacoma.

Park officials would not comment on the claims, said Barb Maynes, park spokeswoman.

On May 1, the claims were served on park Superintendent Karen Gustin Messina said.

Boardman, 63, of Port Angeles was fatally gored by a 370-pound mountain goat while hiking on Klahhane Ridge with Chadd and their friend Pat Willits, also of Port Angeles, on the afternoon of Oct. 16.

“I feel like they weren't protecting people and the ecosystem, and I feel that on the day of the accident, they responded very poorly to our calls for help,” Chadd said in an interview.

According to Chief Park Ranger Colin Smith, the mountain goat had a history of “aggressive behavior.”

According to park reports, Boardman had not acted aggressively toward the animal,.

According to park ranger reports of the incident, the mountain goat, which severed Boardman's artery, stood over Boardman for about 30 minutes, making it impossible for Chadd to reach him.

The reports said that Boardman likely died within five minutes of being gored .

Chadd said the park was “very irresponsible” by suggesting that throwing rocks would ward off the animal that killed her husband.

The wrongful death claims include $5 million for Boardman's estate, $3 million for Chadd and $2 million for Haverfield.

£6.6m compensation for disabled boy

12/08/2011 17:00:11

A compensation package worth around £6.6m has been awarded to a boy who was left with profound disabilities as a result of medical negligence during his birth.

In 2004, Leo Whiten, now aged seven, was left with severe brain damage as a result of his delivery at London's St George's Hospital. He suffered "catastrophic injuries" during the birth, and will require others to care for him for the rest of his life.

For personal injury and financial losses sustained as a result of the negligent management of his mother's labour and his birth, Leo, from Tooting in south-west London, claimed damages against the St George's Healthcare NHS Trust.

At the High Court, Mrs Justice Swift, who assessed the various sums to be paid, said the experts agreed that Leo "will always be totally dependent on the care of others for all his daily activities".

She added: "He will never be able to live independently, will not be capable of any form of employment and will never have the necessary mental capacity to be able to manage his own affairs."

In September 2005, breach of duty was admitted said the judge, and in March 2006 "the defendant further admitted that its breach of duty had caused the claimant's injury".

Leo was the first child of Simon Whiten, now aged 42, and Samantha Nowell, now 33. At the time of his birth they both had "well-paid employment". Leo has limited mobility and cannot stand or walk unaided. He can vocalise, but has no "functional speech".

"Despite his profound disabilities, it is clear that he is a very engaging and generally happy child who is socially aware and thoroughly enjoys the company and attention of adults and other children," said Mrs Justice Swift, giving her ruling in London.

The compensation award includes a lump sum of £2.7m, while most of the damages will be in the form of annual payments to ensure care for Leo for the rest of his life.

Builder suffers personal injury after falling off unguarded staircase

05/08/2011 18:58:46

In an accident at work A builder was injured after falling off an unguarded staircase.

In November 2009, David Tourish was working on the building of a new house when the accident occurred. He was employed by the company Walker Group Ltd, and was asked to help a colleague to lift some doors up a temporary staircase.

To prevent anyone from falling down it, this staircase had a gap between the landing and the outside wall that was protected by a guardrail. However, this guardrail had been removed two days before the accident, to allow another worker to fit plasterboard to the wall. The guardrail was not replaced when this work was completed.

As Mr Tourish and his colleague were carrying one of the doors up the staircase, he accidentally stepped off the landing and fell through the unguarded gap to the floor below. He suffered personal injury in the event including bruised kidneys and broken ribs.

The site manager should have realised the unguarded staircase posed a risk to workers, and ensured a safer way of working, concluded an investigation.

The HSE took the firm to court for breaking work at height regulations, and they were fined £8,000.

Woman suffers personal injury at work

05/08/2011 18:47:43

In a work accident involving a roller machine, a woman had three of her fingers severed .

In January 2009, Cheryl Bridge suffered the terrible accident at paper tablecloth manufacturer Emboss Ltd. She was attempting to clean a set of large printer rollers, using a cloth while the machine was still running. The cleaning cloth became caught between the two rollers, and she tried to free it with her hand.

Unfortunately, her hand was pulled into the two rollers, and she suffered serious injuries to her fingers. The injury left her with the little finger on her right hand amputated, and the index finger and ring finger on the same hand amputated below the second joint.

The guard on the machine that protects the rollers was not in use at the time of the accident, and that the correct procedure for cleaning the rollers was rarely followed in the factory, found an investigation by the HSE. This involved using a spatula rather than a cloth, and stopping the machine in stages rather than running in it at full speed.

The company pleaded guilty to breaking health and safety regulation. At Liverpool Crown Court this week, they were fined £30,000.

From Staffordshire NHS Trust, 17 families get negligence compensation

05/08/2011 18:42:17

Medical negligence compensation from Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust has been received by 17 families.

According to BBC, the total compensation amount for these 17 cases is £173,000. It has been awarded to patients or relatives of patients who suffered at the hands of sub-standard medical care.

These payments come on the back of Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust paying out compensation of over £1million in 98 cases, due to the scandal hit Stafford Hospital. The claims were made by those who had suffered from unacceptable nursing care.

In 2009, Stafford Hospital was the subject of a Healthcare Commission report that concluded that more patients died there than was to be expected between the period of 2005 and 2008. Reports estimate the figure of patients affected, to be somewhere between 400 and 1200.

The Chief Executive of Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust, after settling these latest cases, offered sincere apologies to those affected, and stressed they had made improvements to the levels of care given. Finally, it was insisted that all efforts would be put into making sure all improvements were sustained.

On behalf of individual NHS Trusts, the compensation money is paid out by the NHS Litigation Authority.

Work related accidents numbers in Lancashire highlighted by personal injury solicitors

05/08/2011 18:36:53

There over 10,000 injuries in the workplace were reported due to slips and trips, estimated to cost businesses a total of £521,000,000, last year.

In majority of cases, these types of accidents could easily be prevented if the correct action has been taken by the employer.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in Jan 2011, released a plea to employers to make health and safety a priority going forward.

In 2010, more than 300 work related incidents occurred across the North West each week, an annual total of 16,385 people being injured or resulting in fatal accidents, according to the Health and Safety Executive .

In 2010 the Health and Safety Executive prosecuted North West firms for 100 breaches for health and safety legislation, taking action against hundreds of businesses by issuing them with Prohibition and Improvement Notices.

Many people who have suffered a work related injury go onto seek the legal advice and guidance from a personal injury solicitor about pursuing an accident at work claim.

Recovering millions of pounds in compensation, Lancashire based personal injury firm, PHC Law Ltd, help thousands of people every year throughout the North West and the UK to recover from injuries they have sustained whilst at work.

Solicitors qualification not checked by majority of Britons

05/08/2011 18:31:27

Just over half of Britons who claimed to have instructed a solicitor’s services within the past 3 years did so without checking their qualifications, revealed a new research from a newly launched website for personal injury lawyers .

The majority of Britons do not do their homework before instructing the services of a solicitor; with 52% of those who claimed to have used a solicitor within the past 3 years admitting that they did so without checking for correct qualifications first, the study revealed.

The study was conducted by www.personalinjurylawyers.co.uk, with 1,103 people aged 18 and over who had instructed a solicitor’s services within the past 3 years taking part. The study was conducted due to the site’s focus on ensuring that consumers only instruct the services of correctly qualified and accredited solicitors.

According to the survey, those who said that they had not checked qualifications were further asked if they had been satisfied with the service provided by the solicitor in question. 41% of respondents admitted that they had been ‘unsatisfied.’

Those taking part were also asked if they had checked to see if the solicitor in question held accreditations in the area of law that their query concerned, to which over two thirds, 76%, of respondents again answered “no.”

Surprisingly, just a fifth, 22%, of people claimed that they had sought recommendations from others before instructing the services of a solicitor; whilst the vast majority, 62%, claimed that they had not ‘looked around’ more than one solicitor before choosing their legal representative.

Donaldson Walsh Lawyers give new insight into personal injury law

05/08/2011 18:26:31

Donaldson Walsh Lawyers (DW), Adelaide full-service commercial law firm, has now made its unique insight into the field of personal injury law available to plaintiffs.

The firm has just launched a specialist new practice area called DW Personal Injury Lawyers, following seven years acting on behalf of the Motor Accident Commission which administers South Australia's Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme.

Their CTP experience has given them a knowledge of personal injury law that's second to none, according to the group's Special Counsel Joan Miller.

"We're all highly skilled senior practitioners," said Ms Miller. "We have strong, established relationships with all major insurers, and the kind of full-spectrum expertise that only comes from having seen things from both sides of the fence."

DW Managing Partner John Walsh said that this was of particular benefit to clients dealing with traumatic situations in their lives.

Ms Miller said DW Personal Injury Lawyers offered advice and representation for clients in all forms of personal injury claims, and endeavoured to be as accessible as possible.

"Our offices are centrally located near the Courts in the CBD, with wheelchair access," she said. "But we're also happy to make hospital visits and out-of-hours appointments when required.

"And the first 30 minutes of the initial consultation is always free of charge."

Essex man suffers personal injury at work

05/08/2011 18:17:34

After an employee was seriously injured by a heavy goods vehicle, in an accident at work, a parcel delivery company has been fined £150,000.

Simon Mason,22, of Romford, in Essex, was working at the Tufnells Parcels Express, warehouse in West Horndon near Brentwood, when a reversing articulated HGV, crushed his skull against a loading bay wall.

Mr. Mason was working the nightshift at the warehouse and was preparing to unload the vehicle as it reversed into a loading bay, revealed an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive .

When the trailer stopped moving the warehouse porter noticed it needed to be straightened up but as he leaned behind the trailer to shout instructions to the driver it continued reversing crushing the man’s skull.

In the accident, Mr. Mason suffered a serious head injury which required months of care and several operations, he has since returned to work but still suffers the long term ill affects if his injuries.

At Chelmsford Crown Court, Tufnells Parcels Express Ltd, whose head office is located at Shepcote Lane, in Sheffield, was fined £150,000 and ordered to pay costs totalling £19,000 after admitting a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Mother wins £92,000 compensation claim

05/08/2011 18:10:34

£92,000 in medical negligence compensation was awarded to the mother of two, who almost lost her life after a routine gall stone operation.

According to reports Paula Thomas, 38, from Waters Edge, in Middleton, was admitted to the Methley Park private Hospital, near Castleford, in Yorkshire for surgery, after being diagnosed with a gall stone.

Following the routine operation, Mrs. Thomas, appeared to be making a good recovery but a few days after surgery was re-admitted to Methley Park in extreme pain, she was later transferred to the Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, where her condition became life threatening after she suffered multiple organ failure.

The High Court in London was told that during her initial operation Mrs. Thomas’s bile duct had been damaged, which led to her life threatening condition and the draining of seven litres of bile from her body.

Against surgeon Paul Curley who originally denied liability, maintaining that other problems could have caused the injury, Mrs. Thomas made a claim for medical negligence compensation.

However, Mrs. Thomas, following the High Court hearing, was awarded £92,000 in damages, after the court ruled that her injuries had indeed been caused through negligence.

Girl injured at birth to receive compensation

05/08/2011 05:20:05

Left severely injured after mistakes were made in her birth, a girl is set to receive millions in compensation.

Ella Franklin was injured during her birth in 1999, according to reports. She suffered oxygen starvation to the brain whilst in the womb, during her mother’s labor. When she was born, the oxygen starvation had left her brain damaged and with cognitive difficulties.

For the mistakes made in the birth, Her family sought compensation from Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust. Ella’s injuries have left the 11 year old needing round-the-clock care, and she will continue to do so for the rest of her life.

Now, reports claim that the NHS Trust has agreed to pay compensation to Ella, which will consist of an up-front lump sum payment coupled with annual payments for the rest of her life. Although no figures have been reported, in similar cases the settlements run into the millions of pounds.

In London’s High Court this week, the Judge who approved the birth injury claim   also praised the “exceptional level of care” the family had lavished on the “much loved” youngster. The NHS Trust offered its sincere apologies to the family and wished them all the best for the future.

Biker sues schoolgirls for personal injury compensation

05/08/2011 05:14:01

Two schoolgirls are being sued for personal injury compensation by a biker who was severely injured in a road traffic accident, after he blamed them for causing the accident.

Back in 2008, motorcyclist Dennis Porter was injured in the accident. Newspapers report that he was riding his motorcycle through the streets of Hackbridge at the time.

The two 15 year old schoolgirls (who are now 19) had recently disembarked off the bus home from school. At the High Court in London, a writ issued states that they did not use the pedestrian crossing further up the road, but tried to cross the road in between slow moving traffic instead.

Travelling within the speed limit, Mr Porter came round a bend in the road before he saw the girls in the road. He braked and successfully swerved to avoid hitting them. However, the swerve caused him to fall from the bike into the path of an oncoming Ford Transit van, which ran over him. He suffered a devastating injury in the collision, which has left him paralysed and quadriplegic.

The writ accuses the girls of failing to cross the road safely, and walking into the path of a motorcycle. Besides, it states that Mr Watts is seeking personal injury compensation of more than £300,000 for his injuries.

Woman to seek personal injury compensation after eye injury

05/08/2011 05:07:21

After a popping balloon caused her a serious eye injury, a woman is seeking personal injury compensation .

To use as part of celebrations for her husband’s 60th birthday, Alison Fox had bought the balloons from Sainsbury’s. The balloons were special novelty balloons that were illuminated by a battery pack inside.

One of the balloons exploded unexpectedly, while they were having the birthday dinner with friends. This caused the battery pack inside to hit Mrs Fox in the eye causing a serious injury.

She was taken to hospital where she was told that she was suffering from an abrasion on the cornea, and a shaken retina. She was left with serious swelling to the eye, and was blinded for a few days afterwards. For a month after the incident she also suffered from headaches and blurred vision.

Reports claim that Mrs Fox is considering seeking eye injury compensation for her injuries from the manufacturers of the balloons, Seatriver International. She is quoted as stating that any legal action is more about highlighting the dangers of the balloons then receiving monetary compensation. She urged people especially parents to take care when using the balloons.

A spokesperson for the manufacturer told a newspaper that they were investigating the incident, but insisted that all of their products met legal safety standards and certifications.

3k personal injury compensation for the caretaker

05/08/2011 04:58:15

After fumes from cleaning chemicals caused him to pass out, fall and injure himself, a caretaker has been awarded personal injury compensation of £3,000.

When the incident occurred, Desmond Groom was working for Burrowes Street Tenant Management Organisation (TMO) Ltd. He had arrived at one of the premises managed by the organisation to start cleaning.

When he arrived, he saw a note telling him to use a substance in a non-descript bo

£6m unsuccessful swimming accident claim

04/08/2011 18:58:31

At London’s High Court this week, a £6 million pound compensation claim for a swimming accident has not been successful

In August 2006, Kylie Grimes suffered life-changing injuries in an accident when she was just 18 years old. She had gone to a party at her friend’s house whilst her friend’s parents were away. During her time there, Ms Grimes dived into the swimming pool at the house but hit her head on the floor of the pool.

In the accident, she suffered serious injury breaking vertebrae below her neck. The injury has left her wheelchair bound for the rest of her life

Ms Grimes tried to seek personal injury compensation from the owner of the pool, her friend’s father, David Hawkins. Her legal team argued at the High Court that Mr Hawkins had broken the Occupiers’ Liability Act, and hence was responsible for paying compensation to Ms Grimes for her injuries. The pool house should have been locked off or should have contained warning signs about the dangers of diving into the pool, they argued.

However, describing the 1.8metre pool as not unsafe for diving, the Judge in the case ruled in favour of Mr Hawkins. They also stated that it was not necessary for a pool owner to stop adults diving into an ordinary sized pool whose dimensions are visible to all. The Judge concluded that Ms Grimes did something that she knew involved an obvious risk.

£45,000 accident compensation paid to pupils by schools in South Wales

04/08/2011 17:26:06

Over the last three years, councils across South Wales have paid out a total of £45,000 in personal injury compensation to pupils injured in accidents at the regions schools.

According to reports, the figures have been made available following a series of freedom of information requests to councils in the area.

Awarding nine pupils a total of £17,799.10 in compensation for injuries received while on school property, The figures show that Cardiff Council paid out the most compensation during the three year period, .

Six of the pupils injured received compensation in excess of £1,000 while a further two were awarded a payment of £5,000 each.

Regular health and safety checks were carried out at schools in the city every term, said a spokesperson for Cardiff Council.

Damages totalling £11,950, including £3,000 to a thirteen year old girl who slipped on a defective step and a further £2,000 was awarded to a young girl who was injured when a stacked table fell onto herwere paid out by the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.

Three claims amounting to £10,250 in compensation was paid by Caerphilly Council, with a spokesman stating that the safety of pupils was ‘paramount’ but it was inevitable that sometimes accidents would occur.

Mother wins right to more than half of ex-husband’s £500,000 crash compensation payout

31/07/2011 19:01:29

In a landmark ruling, a woman battling her amputee ex-husband for the lion's share of his £500,000 compensation has won the right to more than half his money.

Her needs and those of their children were more important than those of the disabled man, declared the The Appeal Court.

The money Kevin Mansfield received in 1998 after losing a leg in a road smash - five years before he met his former wife Cathryn - ought to be 'available to all his family' and that the needs of his ex-wife and their four-year-old twins were 'primary' and outweighed his own, ruled Lord Justice Thorpe .

Mr Mansfield, 41, now faces having to sell his home, a specially adapted bungalow in Chelmsford, Essex - to meet the court's order that he pay £285,000 to 37-year-old Cathryn, so she can buy a new home for herself and their two children.

But Lord Justice Thorpe left Mr Mansfield with a glimmer of hope by also ordering that £95,000 of the money must be paid back to him by his ex-wife if she remarries a partner who can support her, or in 14 years time, once their children have grown up.

In 1992, Mr Mansfield was still a student when he lost a leg and suffered serious spinal injuries when he was hit by a car. He met his ex-wife Cathryn five years after receiving £500,000 compensation in 1998.

The couple split up in 2008, soon after having twins, Carys and Corben - now aged four - through IVF treatment. Mr Mansfield told the court that almost the whole of the family's wealth at the point of their divorce derived from his damages payout.

In May last year, at a divorce hearing he heard a judge rule that his compensation should be regarded as an asset of the marriage and divided accordingly.

He took his case to the Appeal Court, but Richard Todd QC, for Cathryn Mansfield, insisted it made no difference that his damages payout pre-dated his marriage.

Compensation claimants losing out to effects of tax and inflation

31/07/2011 18:52:39

Last year, compensation claimants who deposited their awards with the Court Funds Office suffered £140m erosion in value as inflation ate into their money.

For about 140,000 people, the CFO provides banking and administration services the majority of whom have received personal injury awards and rely on income from their award to fund medical care and specialist support. The clients include children who suffered from medical negligence at birth, people who have become mentally incapacitated through a road traffic accident, and elderly people suffering from dementia. Money may also be deposited in the funds while waiting for the settlement of a civil court action.

There are two cash interest rates paid: the basic rate of 0.3% applies to county court and high court awards involving adults, while the "special" rate of 0.5% is paid on court of protection awards, leaving those who the money is intended for almost completely exposed to the ravaging effects of inflation and tax. The CFO also offers an equity index tracker fund, run by Legal & General.

Last year alone, the office holds a total of £3.3bn in cash; and wealth management service Investec Wealth & Investment  has calculated that inflation has diminished the value of this money by £140m.

"The Special Account used to pay 6% as recently as two years ago, but it dropped to 0.5% in July 2009. Sadly many parents and carers charged with the responsibility of managing their dependants' financial affairs have kept the money where it is despite the impact this is having,” said Richard Fullman, divisional director of the personal injury and court of protection team at Investec Wealth & Investment.

"In our experience many people don't realise that the ongoing interest they receive plus any capital gain over their allowances, is taxable. Add to this a widespread tendency to underestimate the impact of inflation over the lifetime of an award and you have a situation where many vulnerable people are in danger of running out of money too soon. It's tempting to leave a large sum of cash on deposit, particularly in the current investment climate. But it's not necessarily the lowest risk approach and almost certainly isn't the most tax efficient."

Holidaymaker Seeks £300,000 personal injury compensation

29/07/2011 05:40:16

A claim for £300,000 in personal injury compensation is to be made by a holidaymaker, who was badly injured following a fall at a Caravan Park in Cornwall.

According to reports, Margaret Manners and her family had booked accommodation at the Killigarth Manor Holiday Park, in Polperro, Cornwall, on the understanding that one of their chalets would have suitable wheelchair access.

However, Mrs. Manners on arrival at the caravan park was disappointed to discover that she could only access her chalet by climbing up five high steps. After voicing their complaint the family was informed that no alternative accommodation was available.

Although a wheelchair user, Mrs Manners could manage to walk short distances but unfortunately after returning to the chalet following a day trip out and attempting to climb the stairs with the aid of her crutch, Mrs. Manners slipped and tumbled to the ground.

Mrs Manners, of Prescelly Close, in Basingstoke, injured her spine in the accident which has now left her totally wheelchair dependent and heavily reliant on the assistance of others.

John Fowler Holidays, based in Ilfracombe who run the caravan park, have accepted liability for Mrs. Manners’ injuries but the two legal teams involved have not yet reached agreement on the amount of compensation that should be paid.

Workers' compensation claim of Janet Evans still open

28/07/2011 17:46:35

According to reports, Scranton City Council President Janet Evans' workers' compensation claim against the Scranton School District remains active, despite her recent retirement as a schoolteacher.

Mrs. Evans, meanwhile, continues to refuse to answer questions about her claim, and district officials continue to deny Times-Tribune requests for information under the state's Right to Know Law.

"It is with a workers' compensation judge," said Chris Manlove, Department of Labor and Industry spokesman, meaning the case has yet to be decided. He said claimants receive benefits while their cases are awaiting resolution.

In June, after being absent from the classroom for nearly two years, Mrs. Evans, who retired from the district has refused to answer questions about her claim since she announced at an October 2009 council meeting that a back injury prevented her from working at her teaching job or campaigning during the election season.

Mrs. Evans again declined to speak to the newspaper when the newspaper again raised the issue of her work status this spring and chose to address the issue on her terms at a televised city council meeting.

"My injuries were medically confirmed by both my treating physicians and independent medical examiners," Mrs. Evans said, adding that she collects a combined $44,602 annually between her council salary of $12,500 and what she called a "statutorily mandated payment."

Dismissing The Times-Tribune's inquiry into her work status as "irresponsible" and "malicious," Mrs. Evans refused to answer a reporter's questions about her compensation claim after the meeting.

Flight attendant sues BA for personal injury at work

28/07/2011 17:16:46

After suffering personal injury while doing her job, a flight attendant is taking legal action against British Airways (BA).

According to reports, Gail Ormiston-White was working on a flight from Heathrow when the accident occurred in July 2008.

The journey was delayed and the staff member had gone to the rear galley to get water for a passenger while they waited.

She moved an ice canister out of her way to get it, but the door of the cabinet she had placed it in swung open, spilling ice on the floor.

The door swung open again, although she closed it before bending down to pick up the spillage, and the heavy canister fell on to her head.

She suffered "serious neurological consequences" as a result, meaning that she has no longer been able to work, stated Ms Ormiston-White in her High Court writ .

Alleging that it breached its duties, the victim is seeking between GBP 100,000 and GBP 300,000 from BA in personal injury compensation.

"The double stowing of canisters in the limited space in the galley was against the correct procedure for the stowing of canisters," said Ms Ormiston-White's writ.

A spokesperson from BA confirmed that a claim had been received, but declined to comment further.

'Unforgivable' asbestos compensation delay

28/07/2011 17:05:05

For delaying the processing of dozens of compensation claims for asbestos victims, Trade unions have attacked the New South Wales Government.

Applications for compensation for those affected by asbestos-related diseases are assessed by the state's Dust Diseases Board.

In March, when the Coalition Government was elected it asked all board members to re-apply for their jobs.

Last Thursday, an email sent by the board's general manager said a scheduled meeting was being cancelled because the re-appointment process had not been finalised.

Tim Ayers, from the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, says the delays will affect up to 80 people.

"It's unforgivable really. This puts families and dust diseases sufferers in a terrible position," Mr Ayers said.

"Asbestosis and mesothelioma require very expensive treatment that the Dust Diseases Board pay for and this means treatment for sufferers will be delayed."

A spokesman for Finance Minister Greg Pearce says the board appointments are under consideration and the compensation meetings will recommence shortly.

Transfer of personal injury lawsuit sought by alleged drunk driver

28/07/2011 17:00:31

A man accused of driving while intoxicated is asking a local judge to transfer the personal injury lawsuit against him.
On April 8, in Jefferson County District Court, as previously reported, Laretta Hill filed suit against Karlon Travis Bowen, Kandace Bowen, Mid-County Ventures and Whiskey River.
Hill, in her suit, claims she was riding in a vehicle driven by Bowen traveling east on Interstate 10 when Bowen took the exit ramp at milepost 856 and struck the concrete crash pad.
On June 16, arguing that the collision occurred in Rose City, Bowen filed a motion to transfer the lawsuit to Orange County.
Hill claims she sustained injuries, physical impairment, disfigurement, extreme physical and mental pain and suffering and anguish, the suit states. In addition, she incurred medical costs, the complaint says.
The case is assigned to Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court.

Ministry of Defence pays £100,000 compensation

22/07/2011 08:37:19

£100,000 compensation to the family of an Iraqi teenager who drowned near Basra after being detained by British troops has been approved by the Ministry of Defence. In an out-of-court settlement with his relatives' British lawyers, the MoD did not admit liability for the death of 18-year-old Saeed Shabram in May 2003.

His cousin, Menem Akaili, who claims he was forced into the Shatt al-Arab river by soldiers at the same time, will also receive an official payment.

According to Akaili he and Shabram were approached by a British patrol and led at gunpoint down to a jetty before being forced into the river. The punishment was known as "wetting" and said to have been inflicted on local youths suspected of looting.

"Wetting was supposed to humiliate those suspected of being petty criminals," said Sapna Malik, the family's lawyer at Leigh Day and Co. "Although the MoD denies that there was a policy of wetting to deal with suspected looters around the time of this incident, evidence we have seen suggests otherwise.

"The tactics employed by the MoD appeared to include throwing or placing suspected looters into either of Basra's two main waterways."

Akaili was rescued by the Iraqi bystanders but his cousin disappeared. Shabram's body was later recovered by a diver hired by his father, Radhi Shabram. Shabram's mother waited on the river bank for four hours, screaming and crying, while the diver searched the river. "When Saeed's corpse was finally pulled from the river, Radhi describes how it was bloated and covered with marks and bruises," said Leigh Day.

Akaili said: "I feel as though what happened to Saeed was totally pointless. We begged the soldiers to show us mercy but they ignored us, killed my dear friend and nearly killed me." None of the four soldiers said to have been involved was charged. The initial stage of the official investigation into the drowning took more than three years.

"When compensation claims are received by the Ministry of Defence they are considered on the basis of whether or not there is a legal liability to pay compensation. In this case we came to an amicable settlement and our sympathies remain with Mr Shabram's family," said a spokesperson for MoD.

Express Solicitors Invests in Website Marketing Strategy

22/07/2011 08:31:36

A leading UK firm of fully accredited personal injury solicitors, Express Solicitors, has recently partnered with leading digital agency Click Consult, with the aim of implementing an effective web marketing strategy to raise its online profile.

Express Solicitors believes that this new partnership will ultimately increase its relevant web traffic and conversion rate, providing it with an increased return on its investment and greater percentage of the market share. Express Solicitors is aiming for enhanced online search engine rankings for extremely competitive industry search terms with a bespoke campaign which utilises PPC and extensive SEO services to maximise results.

“Digital marketing is becoming a more and more predominant tool for millions of companies across the globe when it comes to reaching a growing audience, and the legal industry is no different. Here at Express Solicitors, we’re confident that our ongoing partnership with Click Consult will help improve to our rankings in the search engine results pages, raise our online profile considerably and therefore allow us to remain at the cutting edge of personal injury claims services,” commented a spokesperson for Express Solicitors.

Express Solicitors is a personal injury solicitor firm that specialises in no win no fee cases.

On behalf of work accident victim leading personal Injury firm wins £5,580.00

22/07/2011 08:20:54

With the help of personal injury claim specialists PHC Law Personal Injury Solicitors, a highly skilled joiner whose nail gun fired a nail into his own hand in a freak accident has won a £5,580 compensation payout. The claimant sustained an injury while attempting to nail two wooden boards together.

The nail hit a knot in one of the boards and turned 90 degrees into the palm of his left hand.  The claimant sustained a soft tissue injury and the nail was removed under general anaesthetic. Fortunately the nail did not damage any nerves or tendons in the his hand but he was left with some permanent loss of function in the hand, scarring and some cold intolerance.

A claim against the man's employers, which alleged that the accident was caused by the defendants’ negligence and/or breach of statutory duty was issued by PHC Law solicitors .

The company denied the claim, saying that the claimant was fully trained in the operation of the nail gun, and that the accident was an unforeseeable occurrence. A schedule of loss was prepared, and legal proceedings initiated after being examined by a consultant.

Craig Porter, the PHC Law personal injury solicitor who took on the claim, said: "The man was regularly encouraged by his company's solicitors to discontinue his claim as they alleged it had no prospect of success."  "The case was listed for trial this month, but a few weeks before the scheduled date, the defendant's solicitors agreed to settle his claim, and offer £5,580 in damages.”

Compensation from Halfords to be claimed by car accident victims

22/07/2011 07:31:36

As they travelled along the A58 (M) motorway, a Yorkshire couple narrowly escaped serious injury when a cycle rack fitted to the back of their Fiat Punto, slipped and smashed through their rear window.

Andrew Thomas,31, and his partner Elizabeth Cooper, both from Farnley in Leeds, West Yorkshire, had purchased the rack along with two bikes from their local branch of Halfords, for a planned cycling weekend in Devon.

However ten minutes after having the cycle rack fitted, the couple were forced to pull onto the motorways hard shoulder after the rack slipped, smashing the rear window, ripping off the vehicles rear spoiler and dumping both bikes onto the road.

Elizabeth, 37, who was left badly shaken by the incident, stated that the faulty cycle rack could have caused a serious road traffic accident.

Initially, Halfords offered the couple a £100 ‘goodwill gesture’ following the incident but have now stated that they will pay for repairs, replace the cycle rack and offer a discount on the two cycles.

Truck accident leads to serious head Injuries for worker

22/07/2011 07:24:57

After an employee suffered serious head injuries in a stacker truck accident, a cleaning products company, based in Nottingham, has been fined.

The unnamed injured employee was operating a semi-electric stacker truck, while he was helping to load a lorry, unfortunately the truck toppled over; landing on the man and causing serious head injuries.

Following the incident, the injured worker spent ten days in hospital and was off work for a further three months, his injuries included a fractured cheek bone and other skull injuries, which have left him with long term sight problems.

The stacker truck, which was normally used on the factory floor, was on this occasion being used to load a wagon on the road outside, revealed an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This type of terrain proved unsuitable for the vehicle involved and led to the stacker truck toppling over a kerb edge.

After being found guilty of breaching Health and Safety Regulations, at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court, Revelholme Marketing Ltd, of Colwick Road, in Nottingham, who manufactures cleaning products, was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay a total of £18,000 in court costs.

£75,000 compensation following amputation

22/07/2011 07:18:37

£75,000 in medical negiligence compensation claim has resulted from failings at a Croydon Hospital which led to a woman having to suffer a limb amputation.

The unnamed woman was admitted to the Croydon University Hospital, suffering with pains in her leg and an ulcer on her foot. Following tests at the hospital it was revealed that the woman’s main artery had narrowed but before surgery could be performed to correct the problem, the woman developed a blood clot.

The hospital successfully dealt with the blood clot but did not take preventative measures to stop the problem re-occurring. As a result the woman suffered a second blood clot which led to the amputation of her leg from just above her knee.

The patient’s daughter claimed that delays in organising adequate treatment for her mother led to the amputation, which was the view shared by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman who agreed that the hospital had failed to treat the woman properly.

The Trust had accepted the decision of the Ombudsman and has apologised to the woman and her family as well as paying compensation, thought to be in the region of £75,000, stated a spokesperson for the hospital.

£300,000 car accident compensation sought by paralyzed victim

22/07/2011 07:12:00

A claim for £300,000 in car accident compensation is to be made by a Stockton man, who suffered serious spinal injuries, when the vehicle he was a passenger in came off the road.

Gary Bannister,27, of Hardwick, in Stockton, was left paralysed from the neck down, after the vehicle he was travelling in hit an embankment and rolled over several times before coming to rest on its roof.

Against the driver, Jordan Evans, of Billingham and her insurers, Mr. Bannister has now begun legal proceedings claiming that Miss Evans drove without due care and attention and exposed him to unnecessary risk.

Mr. Bannister, in a High Court writ, states that his life expectancy has been reduced by the accident and his future employment prospects have been severely limited, it is also possible that his condition could deteriorate, as he is at risk of developing a cyst on his spine.

Miss Evans admitted driving without due care and attention and was awarded six penalty points on her license and a £150 fine at an earlier hearing at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court.

Along with an order which will allow him to return to court, to claim more compensation should his condition worsen, Mr. Bannister is seeking damages believed to be in the region of £300,000.

£400,000 in compensation paid by council

22/07/2011 06:49:27

A freedom of information request has revealed that last year, Bolton Council paid out £400,000 in accident compensation.

The figures show that compensation amounts ranging from £850 up to £27,000, was paid to Bolton inhabitants who suffered slips, trips or falls on council maintained pavements and footpaths.

Fifteen accident compensation claims came from the council’s own employees, including teachers and other school staff who were paid between £1,000 and £13,750 for various accidents, including, falling off a chair, tripping over a pothole and slipping on polythene packaging.

According to reports, a female member of staff was awarded £13,750 in compensation following a fall in a car park and a male carer was given £4,500 after injuring his back.

Some claims were paid out early to avoid costly court battles but only when the council believed it was at fault, adding that only twenty five percent of all claims received actually resulted in compensation being paid, stated a spokesperson for the council.

Overall figures showed an actual decline in compensation bills over the years, with the council paying out £600,000 in the previous year and just over £800,000 in the 2008/09 period.

Horrendous work accident leads to compensation

22/07/2011 06:35:29

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted a manufacturing company, after a worker lost an arm in a horrific accident at work.

The fifty year old employee, who has not been named, was working at a factory located in Wapseys Wood, on the Oxford Road and along with his supervisor was attempting to repair a ‘corkscrew’ like machine known as an auger.

Unfortunately, his supervisor accidentally triggered the auger’s starting mechanism, as the experienced fitter worked on the machine, which ripped the man’s left arm off just above the elbow joint.

An investigation by the HSE revealed that the two men had been carrying out the repair work, without isolating the machines power supply. It also discovered that the company failed to supply the employee with relevant information about the machine he was repairing and there had been a breakdown regarding the companies own safety procedures.

After admitting a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act, following a successful prosecution by the HSE at Aylesbury Crown Court, London Concrete Ltd, of Baron Hall, in Markfield, Leicestershire, was fined £16,000 with court costs totalling £9,397.

Air hostess to claim compensation

22/07/2011 06:22:52

After being hit on the head by a falling water canister, A former British Airways air hostess is to claim accident at work compensation.

Gail Ormiston-White, 41, from Marlow, in Buckinghamshire, was attending to passengers on an aircraft delayed at London’s Heathrow airport but as she went to fetch drinks from the galley at the rear of the plane, a heavy metal canister fell from a cupboard and struck her on the head.

Claiming that the accident left her with “serious neurological consequences”, which have prevented her from returning to her job, Mrs Ormiston-White she is now claiming personal injury compensation  from the airline, thought to be in the region of £100,000 to £300,000.

Her legal team has filed a writ at the High Court, stating that British Airways were negligent and failed to ensure the proper storage of the canister, which was a breach of the airlines legal duties.

A spokesperson for British Airways confirmed that a compensation claim had been received by the airline.

Air hostess to claim compensation

22/07/2011 06:22:05

After being hit on the head by a falling water canister, A former British Airways air hostess is to claim accident at work compensation.

Gail Ormiston-White, 41, from Marlow, in Buckinghamshire, was attending to passengers on an aircraft delayed at London’s Heathrow airport but as she went to fetch drinks from the galley at the rear of the plane, a heavy metal canister fell from a cupboard and struck her on the head.

Claiming that the accident left her with “serious neurological consequences”, which have prevented her from returning to her job, Mrs Ormiston-White she is now claiming personal injury compensation  from the airline, thought to be in the region of £100,000 to £300,000.

Her legal team has filed a writ at the High Court, stating that British Airways were negligent and failed to ensure the proper storage of the canister, which was a breach of the airlines legal duties.

A spokesperson for British Airways confirmed that a compensation claim had been received by the airline.

Gov't backs ban on injury referral fees

17/07/2011 06:36:58

Justice Minister Lord McNally of Blackpool has said that The government is sympathetic to banning insurers from the widespread practice of introducing customers to personal injury lawyers in exchange for a fee.

He told the House of Lords that the Coalition Government, as part of wider reforms, was looking at how to tackle the issue of referral fees.

During a House of Lords debate, speaking in response to a question from Lord Sheikh of Cornhill Lord McNally suggested the government was more interested in a total ban, as recommended in reforms laid out in a review of civil litigation undertaken by Lord Justice Jackson.

He said this was preferred to making the practice more transparent as recommended by the Legal Services Board and the transport select committee.

The debater was joined by Lord McFall of Alcluith who pointed out that in the past 10 years personal injury claim pay-outs have doubled from £7bn to £14bn, while road accidents have largely reduced in that period.

The debate focused on revelations made at the end of June by Labour MP Jack Straw, former justice secretary, who highlighted the lucrative nature of these deals.

"One of the factors to look at is the unbelievable increase in whiplash claims. It is far too easy to find, in even the most minor of accidents, that whiplash is subsequently claimed along with quite substantial damages," said Lord McNally.

He went on to say that it was "unethical" and "offensive" that insurers were charging solicitors referral fees for the names of clients. It meant claims were often handled by solicitors who were prepared to pay the most to buy the clients, rather than the most competent.

Senior media relations officer for the Association of British Insurers, Malcolm Tarling, said the ABI has been calling for referral fees to be banned across the board, not just among insurance companies but for management firms, personal injury lawyers, garages and the police.

Nurse to claim compensation from NHS

17/07/2011 06:29:33

A claim for £200,000 in accident at work compensation is to be made by a A senior staff nurse, who slipped on a wet floor at a Hampshire hospital.

Lisa Fraser, 31, from Lee-on-the- Solent, in Hampshire, suffered serious leg injuries in the accident at the Southampton General Hospital, which she claims have left her unable to live an independent lifestyle or to return to her normal nursing job.

Against her employers the Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust (SUHT), the nurse who could possibly be reliant on crutches for the rest of her life, has put forward a claim for work accident compensation with her legal team claiming that no warning signs were in place, to indicate that the floor had just been cleaned and was likely to be slippery.

Ms. Fraser is claiming damages believed to be in the region of £150,000 to £200,000 due to the fact that her condition is not likely to improve and her future earning potential has been severely limited.

The SUHT has admitted a “breach of duty” but claims that cleaning contractors Medirest should be held responsible for not putting up any warning signs.

Working on a two year contract as a research nurse, Ms. Fraser has since returned to the Southampton General Hospital.

Compensation claim won by disabled RAF corporal

17/07/2011 06:24:04

Compensation claim against the Ministry of Defence has been won by an ex-RAF corporal from Yorkshire, who claims that prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals resulted in his disability.

Shaun Wood,53, of Northallerton, in North Yorkshire, whose work for the RAF included the preparation of aircraft for re-painting, claims that the solvents he was exposed to have left him with symptoms comparable to Parkinson’s disease.

The Ministry of Defence initially denied liability for Mr. Wood’s illness, suggesting his condition was caused by “psychological factors”.

However, this opinion was not shared by London’s Court of Appeal who ruled in favour of the former corporal, after it was revealed that a number of similar cases had also been heard involving RAF servicemen.

The actual amount of compensation Mr. Wood will receive has yet to be decided but experts believe that it could be quite ‘substantial’.

Mr. Wood’s stated that he was hoping for a decent settlement but stressed that it wasn’t about money, adding that even fifty million pounds wouldn’t enable him to go dancing with his wife again.

Mr. Wood’s working environment, in court, was described as ‘Victorian’, with poor ventilation and an inadequate standard of breathing equipment.

Wherever liability was proven, compensation would be paid, stated a spokesperson from the MOD.

Compensation claim results from team bonding day

17/07/2011 06:18:04

A claim for cycle accident compensation is made by a Kent man who suffered serious head injuries while taking part in an estate agents team bonding day.

Simon Reynolds,49, of Whitstable, was taking part in a cycle race, which had been organised by the Canterbury branch of Strutt & Parker Estate Agents, as part of a team bonding exercise, when he was involved in a collision with a work colleague and was knocked from his bike.

Mr. Reynolds fall onto the tarmac track at the Fowlmead Country Park, in Sholden, resulted in a severe head injury, which led to permanent damage to his brain.

Mr. Reynolds is claiming that his former employers had been negligent, by not carrying out a proper risk assessment of the activity.

Strutt & Parker have denied negligence and the matter is now to be resolved at a court hearing in London.

The injuries sustained by the claimant would not have been as severe, had he been required to wear a crash helmet, stated a member of Mr. Reynolds legal team .

The estate agents stressed that safety helmets were available on the day and more of their case will be outlined when the hearing continues.

Personal injury reform called by the Co-operative

14/07/2011 17:53:32

Against false claimants and substantial personal injury reform, the Co-operative is calling for harsher penalties.

The firm has called for harsher punishments for those who falsify or exaggerate claims, and those who cold call potential claimants.

It is believed by the Co-operative Insurance that costs and premiums could be reduced if a number of measures were taken, including having Legal Expense Insurance cover as standard with motor policies, and making it illegal for claims books to be sold on to third parties.

Co-operative Insurance and Co-operative Legal Services, in addition, have stated that they do not sell on claims data to external third parties, and Co-operative Insurance does not take referral fees from external solicitors, accident or claims management companies or credit hire operators.

Neville Richardson, Chief Executive for The Co-operative Financial Services, lambasted the system as dysfunctional, adding that genuine customers are forced to pay the higher costs.

Groupama Insurances, at the start of June, attacked the decision by the Legal Services Board (LSB) not to ban referral fees outright.

iPhone app for compensation claim

14/07/2011 17:49:43

An iPhone app has been launched by a Scottish law firm which will help employers calculate compensation claims.

An interactive unfair dismissal compensation calculator and an interactive redundancy calculator is included in the free HR Adviser app .

Law firm MacRoberts said its app was designed to give employers useful information about UK employment law.

It will also have links to government sites and bodies such as Acas and the Equal Opportunities Commission.

The app includes sections on unfair dismissal, redundancy, maternity and paternity leave and equal pay and discrimination.

Current statutory rates details, such as the minimum wage, are automatically updated.

The interactive redundancy calculator allows the user to input details such as age, length of service and salary, after which the app will calculate the estimated statutory redundancy payment.

An estimate of the likely award at tribunal, should an employee raise an unfair dismissal claim will be provided by the compensation calculator.

For compensation claims taxpayer handed huge bills

14/07/2011 17:44:35

A compensation claim brought by five asylum-seekers under controversial human rights laws which cost the taxpayer more than £110,000 has been condemned by the judges.

Over a delay in issuing documents which would allow them to claim full welfare benefits or work legally the refugees took the Home Office to court.

Even after officials had given them the correct paperwork and apologised for the delay, they carried on with their legal action.

Their case, revealed by The Sunday Telegraph for the first time today, was funded by Legal Aid. A QC representing the five even admitted to the High Court that a “conscientious” barrister would not have proceeded had the refugees been paying their own legal bills.

Now the legal action has been thrown out by High Court judges , warning that a “disproportionate” amount of public money had been spent, and that it would be “horrendous” if further funds were squandered.

In court, lawyers for the five asylum-seekers - named only as 'MD and others’ - claimed that Home Office delay had breached Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights, which guarantees the “right to family life”.

According to critics this latest case provided further evidence of how the “right to family life” is being abused in Legal Aid-funded cases. The Sunday Telegraph’s End the Human Rights Farce campaign is calling for the law to be reviewed.

Multi million pound compensation claim won by car crash victims

14/07/2011 17:38:51

After being involved in a head on collision, which has left her with life changing injuries a single mother of four has won a multi million pound car accident compensation claim .

The accident occurred when the forty eight year old mother, who asked not to be named, was travelling along Miles Gray Road, in Basildon, when she was involved in a head on collision with a seventy six year old motorist, who had lost consciousness at the wheel of his Ford Ka.

Pensioner Ernest Bromsgrove, who suffered with a heart condition, died at the accident scene and the woman had to be airlifted to the Queen’s Hospital, in Romford, for emergency treatment.

In the accident the woman suffered serious personal injury and is now confined to a wheelchair, has speech difficulties, as well as eyesight problems and is partially paralysed on the left hand side of her body.

The compensation awarded would ensure that their mother would receive the round the clock care she requires, now and in the future, stated her family.

The multi million pound award was settled out of court, when Mr. Bromsgrove’s insurance company accepted liability for the incident. The amount payable was assessed on the probable cost of the woman’s life long care needs.

Teenager to sue for £200,000 negligence compensation

14/07/2011 17:33:36

After her GP failed to diagnose an ear infection, an eighteen year old from Warminster in Wiltshire is claiming £200,000 in medical negligence compensation .

Gaynor Salmons, of Lane End, in Corsley, is claiming that delays in diagnosing her condition led to the development of mastoiditis, a rare bone condition which affects the mastoid bone of the skull, usually as a result of an ear infection spreading.

Gaynor now suffers from hearing loss, impaired vision and persistent headaches and has had to give up her dream of working as a paediatric nurse.

Miss Salmons, according to a writ issued to the High Court in London, had attended the surgery of Dr. Kevin McBride, of Warminster, complaining of earache and was informed that she had a burst ear drum. However when the teenager later started to complain of headaches and dizziness she was prescribed antibiotics, as the doctor told her he was almost certain that she had glandular fever.

Unfortunately over the next few days Miss Salmon’s condition quickly deteriorated and she was eventually admitted to the Frenchay Hospital for urgent treatment. The High Court writ claims that had Miss Salmon been referred to the hospital earlier she would have made a good recovery.

Schoolboys awarded personal injury compensation

14/07/2011 17:29:20

£1,100 in personal injury compensation has been awarded to a teenager, while an eight year old received £5,250 after they both, suffered accidents while at school.

Bolton Council paid out the compensation over a period covering the last twelve months.

In order to protect the youngster’s identities, the council refused to go into the precise nature of the accidents or name the schools involved.

It is understood, however that the sixteen year old was injured after running into the frame of a school notice board after the plastic window of the board had been left open. The eight year old who received £5,250 was injured after falling onto a metal gate.

A spokesperson for the council stated that compensation was only paid when the council’s legal team were satisfied that the school had indeed been negligent, adding that all claims were very carefully investigated and because of the nature of these type of claims payments were generally made through the courts.

Radio DJ wins compensation claim

14/07/2011 17:20:19

After a stunt for Children in Need went terribly wrong, A DJ working for BBC Radio Leeds has been awarded personal injury compensation.

Thirty one year old Alex Belfield was rugby tackled during a live broadcast by two members of the Bradford Bulls, Rugby League team. The disc jockey claims that he had received no pre warning about the tackle, which left him hospitalised with cuts and bruises and pain in his back.

The stunt was described by Mr. Belfield as being “hugely dangerous” and stated that the organisers had not taken into consideration the fact that he was holding radio broadcasting equipment at the time, including a microphone.

Against the BBC The former Radio Leeds presenter launched a claim for personal injury compensation , and was awarded what was described as a “significant financial settlement”, in an out of court agreement.

Damages had been paid in relation to a small injury claim, in line with the company’s insurance arrangements, a spokesperson for the BBC confirmed.

A few months after the incident Mr. Belfield left BBC Radio Leeds which he described as the “final straw”; he had been employed at the station in the mid-morning slot for ten months.

£47k compensation paid to school pupils by Cornwall Council

14/07/2011 17:12:46

In the past financial year, compensation payments totalling £47,500 have been paid to school pupils in personal injury claims by Cornwall Council.

The largest single payment was for more than £30,000 paid to a student who fell from a workbench during a lecture.

For compensation claims other settlements included £10,000 paid to someone who was hit by a stone, thrown by a child.

And £2,500 was paid for a splinter injury caused by sliding on a wooden bench.

The smallest payout for compensation claims was for £2,000 to a pupil who was accidentally hit by a ball kicked by a teaching assistant.

The details were released after a request under the Freedom of Information Act.

Compensation claims of bizarre Victorian accident revealed

14/07/2011 17:09:45

For an exhibition in Norwich personal injury compensation claims dating back to Victorian times have been unearthed by researchers.

Long before the introduction of conditional fee agreements, the documents which date back to the 1860’s have revealed that people were making claims for accident compensation , or as they are often referred to ‘no-win-no-fee arrangements’.

Some of the most unusual claims included a payment of £7 (which compares to almost £400 nowadays), which was made to a travelling salesman who was struck on the head with a pole while travelling on the top deck of a tram.

£1,000 (nowadays £80,000) was awarded to the family of a man who fell into a vat of boiling liquor in a work accident and a farmer knocked over by a sheep was given £100 (equivalent to £8,000).

In 1862 A ‘ratter’ who was bitten by his ferret was given £82 which would be worth around £6,800 today and an innkeeper from Handsworth, in Birmingham was awarded £1,000 after mistaking a ‘poisonous potion’ for sleeping medicine back in 1878.

It was also revealed that former Prime Minister Winston Churchill acquired a personal accident policy as a twenty one year old in 1896, which was still in place at the time of his death in 1965. Records show that the well respected politician never made a claim on the policy.

Five year old awarded £800,000 personal injury compensation

14/07/2011 17:03:36

An interim payment of £800,000 in personal injury compensation has been awarded to a five year old boy who suffered horrific head injuries as a baby, when a window and its frame fell from a building onto his push chair.

Patricia Dance was pushing her four month old baby in his pushchair, when a five foot high window fell from the Dover Castle Youth Hostel in Borough, South East London, claim reports.

In the incident Baby Alexander suffered a fractured skull which led to a brain haemorrhage and it is highly unlikely that he will ever be able to live an independent lifestyle.

In 2008 following an investigation by Southwark Council, who discovered that window frames in the building were rotten and secured by chains rather than the recommended fixed stays, the owners of the hostel, Foreign Magic Ltd, was fined £20,000.

In London, the High Court agreed the first part of the claim, which is expected to reach several million in total, after hearing how life for Mrs. Dance and Alexander had become ‘intolerable’ in their flat in Southwark.

The interim payment of £800,000 is to be used by the family to purchase suitable accommodation, while just over £100,000 has been set aside to arrange a suitable care management programme for Alexander.

Increase in compensation claims

02/07/2011 06:55:16

In 2010-11, claims for compensation from those who had savings or investments with collapsed financial businesses rose by 25%.

Its annual report showed that there were 39,500 new claims from consumers to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

Driven partly by the failure of Keydata and as a result of payment protection insurance claims, It paid out £535m.

Payments are made to cover savers' losses up to set limits.

Full compensation up to £85,000 per saver, per authorised institution is paid to those who deposit money in an authorised bank or building society if it goes bust.

For investment products, the first £50,000 is covered per person, per firm.

In 2010-11, some 27,000 of the claims made were the result of the failure of Keydata. The investment firm was closed down by the City watchdog - the Financial Services Authority - in 2009.

£10 Million in Compensation for Injured Prisoners

02/07/2011 06:45:25

Over a five year period, prisoners in England and Wales have pocketed just over £10 Million in compensation payments, The Ministry of Justice has revealed.

Over the last five years £10,125,845 has been paid to inmates, mainly as a result of successful personal injury claims, show figures released under a freedom of information request.

Last year alone prisoners were given compensation payments of almost £1.6 Million, with the highest single amount awarded being £125,000 closely followed by three further payments to inmates of £100,000, £95,000 and £62,867 respectively, all of which were a result of prisoners suffering personal injury while imprisoned.

During the five year period, the largest amount awarded was a payment of £2.8 Million, to a prisoner who required long term medical care after allegedly self harming while in custody.

A further £1.14 Million was given to a prisoner who was left crippled for life, after a prison doctor failed to have him examined when he complained of a pain in his back.

Payments were only awarded after taking legal advice that was in the best interest of the tax payer, said a government spokesperson.

Roadwork delays compensation claims

02/07/2011 06:36:30

The council being is hit with compensation claims from business owners after the disruption caused by roadworks.

Next week, councillors will be told that at least two companies have made the cash bids over frustration at what the the council terms “public realm works”.

The news comes as Dumfries town centre is in the grip of 12 weeks of works at Buccleuch Street – repairs that could see more compensation claims follow.

But yesterday, Whitesands newsagent, Peter Bacci, said pursuing the compensation would be a waste of time.

“I have been down this road before,” he said. “I tried it with the flooding but they throw so many obstacles in your way, asking for three years worth of accounts and tying it up with red tape, that it’s not worth the hassle.”

On Tuesday, at a policy committee members will be told that business have raised concern about the planned length of work and delays.

They highlighted a range of frustrations including: shutdown of town centre traffic; work carried out in busy summer months or in the run up to Christmas; restricted access to premises caused by pedestrian fencing round pavements and shop doorways; takings and profits down during the works; complicated delivery and collection arrangements and a lack of Sunday working by contractors.

Councillors are now being asked to look at a new way of ending those frustrations.

It would mean flexible ways of working to make delays a thing of the past and the possibility of charging contractors rent for closing parts of roads.

Chief executive service boss Alex Haswell in a report to the committee, states: “The council has undertaken a number of public realm works in recent years across Dumfries and Galloway and is likely to undertake more such schemes in support of economic development.

“Local businesses have raised concerns about both the planned duration of works and delays to their completion.

“These concerns have resulted in at least two claims relating to disruption of business.”

Over husband's mesothelioma widow seeks compensation

02/07/2011 06:29:15

A woman is seeking compensation amid claims that the company her late husband worked for negligently contributed to him contracting mesothelioma.

The reports claim that Christopher Duck, a joiner, had worked at the Pleasure Beach in Blackpool between 1989 and 2000.

In 2008, he developed a cough and shortness of breath in his chest and eventually went to a doctor in 2010.

It was then that he was told he has terminal mesothelioma and that palliative care was his only option to prolong his life.

In December 2010, Mr Duck died and his family has now launched a claim for compensation at London's High Court on his behalf.

They claim that the victim was regularly exposed to asbestos dust and fibres while he worked and was only provided with "ineffective" paper masks, even though he was using hand tools on and close to asbestos insulation boards.

The company that runs the Pleasure Beach was negligent for failing to provide proper washing facilities and protective clothing, it was alleged.

A spokesperson for the Pleasure Beach said: "While we were very sorry to learn of the death of Mr Duck, it would be inappropriate to comment on the allegations."

Against Redditch firm warehouse whistle blower loses compensation claims

01/07/2011 19:41:30

For unfair dismissal and breach of contract against a Redditch company, a warehouse operations manager has lost compensation claims after making a whistle blowing disclosure about a work colleague’s criminal conviction.

Martin Packer of Areley Kings, Stourport, said he made the disclosure in the firm’s interests.

But Birmingham Employment Tribunal judge Pam Hughes disagreed and said Mr Packer had made the disclosure because he thought he might benefit from it. He had been warned he faced the risk of redundancy.

For unfair dismissal and breach of contract against SP Group Ltd of Ravensbank Business Park, Redditch, Mr Packer made compensation claims.

Mr Packer admitted passing on details of the conviction to a firm management member because he said he believed it was in the company’s interests and that he should not have been dismissed.

He alleged an investigation into the situation was flawed and said he was owed bonus money.

Claire Thompson, representing the firm, said there had been a breach of trust and confidence and said Mr Packer had been dismissed for gross misconduct.

The work colleague was also sacked.

£200k personal injury compensation sought by worker

30/06/2011 18:36:55

After sustaining a serious back injury during an alleged accident at work, a man is seeking a personal injury compensation settlement of £200,000.

Inacio Guedes is seeking the damages sum from Pizza Express - an organisation that opened its first British branch in 1965 - after being forced to undergo spinal fusion surgery following an incident at one of the chain's restaurants in Middlesex, according to reports.

The bakery supervisor claims that he severely strained his back as he attempted to lift a box of frozen dough balls that had been mistakenly filled to twice their normal capacity.

The 47-year-old, during a case heard at the High Court on London, alleges that he still suffers from pain as a result of the accident, as it has added to a pre-existing back condition.

According to his legal representative, Mr Guedes will no longer be able to "undertake any work which involves lifting, bending or prolonged commuting".

£300k personal injury compensation sought by stable hand

30/06/2011 18:29:17

An accident at work that caused a man a serious back injury has led to him pursuing a compensation settlement in excess of £300,000.

In April of last year, John Ward sustained damage to his spinal cord as well as facial injuries when he was kicked by racehorse while fulfilling his duties as a stable hand at Kimberley Home Farm in Fakenham, according to news reports.

This left the 60-year-old paralysed from the waist down and means that he requires the assistance of a carer twice every day, a writ served to the High Court on his behalf stated.

As he took the mare back to her stable, Mr Ward was kicked and indicated he has no recollection of the incident.

He told the news source: "I have been kicked several times before and had some horrendous falls and emerged unscathed - this time I was unlucky."

Recently, Maxine Wright was awarded £60,000 in damages after she broke her back while riding a horse in Staffordshire.

Since 2009 £4M Paid Out In Road Compensation Claims

30/06/2011 17:57:41

Over the past two years some £4 million has been paid out by the Department of Regional Development in compensation, an SDLP MLA has revealed.

On Monday, SDLP Public Accounts Committee member John Dallat said he'd obtained the information through an Assembly Question to the Regional Development Minister.

Some &

Man awarded £3k personal injury compensation, claims dangerous potholes still not repaired

30/06/2011 17:49:43

After tripping over a pothole, an Essex pensioner who was awarded over £3,000 in compensation has claimed the offending hazards remain un-repaired.

Terence Wakefield, 81, from Wickford, in Essex was visiting the Wickford Market, when he tripped over a pothole and fractured his wrist as he tried to break his fall.

He sued Basildon Council for personal injury compensation and was awarded £3,100 in damages after the council admitted liability.

However, Mr. Wakefield a year after his accident was surprised to learn that the offending potholes, some of which are three inches deep in places, still remain at the market site.

The Echo newspaper is reporting that another three people are now suing the council, for injuries they have sustained tripping on the potholes.

The main reason he made a claim against the council was to draw attention to the problem and help prevent other people being injured in the same way, Mr. Wakefield told the newspaper.

A spokesperson for the council said that an outside contractor had been employed to repair the potholes and the work should be completed in the near future.

For Victims of Road and Pavement Accidents£4 Million Compensation

30/06/2011 17:37:00

Over the last two years, £4 million in compensation has been paid to victims injured on the roads and pavements of Northern Ireland, Figures released by the Department for Regional Development, has revealed.

From the previous year’s total of £1.8 million the figures for this year reveal an increase to £2.2 million.

Almost fifty percent of the total amount was paid out in personal injury compensation to members of the public injured on the nation’s roads, while £892,000 was awarded for pavement injuries including trips and falls.

Damage caused to vehicles on the roads and footpaths accounted for £222,000 of the total bill.

John Dallatt from the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) of Northern Ireland, who also sits on Stormont’s Public Accounts Committee, stated that an increase of almost twenty per cent in a single year needed to be addressed.

He went on to say that with £4 million pounds being paid out in road accident compensation the situation needed urgent review and improvement.

Six Figure Asbestos Compensation Claim won by Pizza Chef

30/06/2011 07:35:29

A six figure sum in asbestos compensation has been awarded to an Italian pizza chef, who was exposed to deadly asbestos fibres while working in a restaurant kitchen.

Luigi Pes, 60, developed the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma, after working with pizza ovens which had asbestos seals and regularly using a storeroom where the ceiling was lined with the deadly material.

Mr. Pes,

For son’s birth injuries mum seeks over £300k compensation

30/06/2011 07:30:11

After her son suffered injuries at birth, A mum is seeking over £300k in compensation.

In February 2008, the boy was born via an emergency caesarean after his mum suffered a haemorrhage at The Whittington Hospital. When he was born he had no pulse and was not breathing. He did not take his first breath until 18 minutes after his birth, and medical reports state that in total his brain was without oxygen for 48 minutes.

The boy now suffers from cerebral palsy and neurological problems, because of the oxygen starvation . He is unable to walk, and has no use of his limbs. He now has extensive care needs, and requires round-the-clock assistance.

Now, the boy’s mother is seeking birth injury compensation on his behalf from the NHS Trust. In legal papers submitted to the High Court in London, it is claimed that the hospital failed to manage her labour correctly, and failed to recognise that he placenta was becoming detached. It is also claimed that a delay of 40 minutes ensued before she was transferred to the labour ward, despite the fact she was experiencing bleeding.

The same papers claim that the mother is seeking over £300,000 in compensation for her son. The compensation in such cases is used to pay for the costs of care the boy will need for the rest of his life.

For son’s birth injuries mum seeks over £300k compensation

30/06/2011 07:28:24

After her son suffered injuries at birth, A mum is seeking over £300k in compensation.

In February 2008, the boy was born via an emergency caesarean after his mum suffered a haemorrhage at The Whittington Hospital. When he was born he had no pulse and was not breathing. He did not take his first breath until 18 minutes after his birth, and medical reports state that in total his brain was without oxygen for 48 minutes.

The boy now suffers from cerebral palsy and neurological problems, because of the oxygen starvation . He is unable to walk, and has no use of his limbs. He now has extensive care needs, and requires round-the-clock assistance.

Now, the boy’s mother is seeking birth injury compensation on his behalf from the NHS Trust. In legal papers submitted to the High Court in London, it is claimed that the hospital failed to manage her labour correctly, and failed to recognise that he placenta was becoming detached. It is also claimed that a delay of 40 minutes ensued before she was transferred to the labour ward, despite the fact she was experiencing bleeding.

The same papers claim that the mother is seeking over £300,000 in compensation for her son. The compensation in such cases is used to pay for the costs of care the boy will need for the rest of his life.

For son’s birth injuries mum seeks over £300k compensation

30/06/2011 07:24:18

After her son suffered injuries at birth, A mum is seeking over £300k in compensation.

In February 2008, the boy was born via an emergency caesarean after his mum suffered a haemorrhage at The Whittington Hospital. When he was born he had no pulse and was not breathing. He did not take his first breath until 18 minutes after his birth, and medical reports state that in total his brain was without oxygen for 48 minutes.

The boy now suffers from cerebral palsy and neurological problems, because of the oxygen starvation . He is unable to walk, and has no use of his limbs. He now has extensive care needs, and requires round-the-clock assistance.

Now, the boy’s mother is seeking birth injury compensation on his behalf from the NHS Trust. In legal papers submitted to the High Court in London, it is claimed that the hospital failed to manage her labour correctly, and failed to recognise that he placenta was becoming detached. It is also claimed that a delay of 40 minutes ensued before she was transferred to the labour ward, despite the fact she was experiencing bleeding.

The same papers claim that the mother is seeking over £300,000 in compensation for her son. The compensation in such cases is used to pay for the costs of care the boy will need for the rest of his life.

Schoolboy claims £7,000 compensation

30/06/2011 07:12:49

After a schoolboy won damages from them, Council bosses have been accused of bowing to compensation culture.

Last year, the boy was paid £7,000 by Brighton and Hove City Council after he plunged into a disused air raid shelter.

He was hurt after he climbed over a school fence to retrieve a lost ball and stood on the roof of the shelter which gave way under him.

After hurt falling down an open manhole cover in a playing field, another pupil won a £3,100 payout .

The council confirmed the payouts but would not name the victims or schools or give further details of the claims.

A spokesman said: “Compensation claims against the council are dealt with by our insurers in liaison with the council's insurance team.

“Each claim is assessed on its own merits and we do not comment on individual claims.”

Last year, they were among 347 playground compensation payouts made to school pupils by local authorities across the UK.

Dawn Barnett, councilor, criticised the payouts made by the city council last year.

She said: “I could understand if it had been paid for something like falling off a damaged swing that the council had failed to repair.

“But if this boy had climbed over a fence and onto an air raid shelter, I really don't think the council should be paying out compensation.

“You can't blame the council for kids getting into mischief but it should definitely look more carefully at the claims it pays out in circumstances like that.”

“Some of these payments could have been avoided if schools and councils were willing to fight for taxpayers' money.”

Row over personal injury claims divides opinion among Liverpool’s legal community

30/06/2011 07:06:14

Among Liverpool’s legal community, the row over the controversial practice of trading personal details of those who have had accidents – known as “referral fees” – has divided opinion.

A heated debate followed former Justice Secretary Jack Straw’s call last week for the fees, which he called “a huge racket”, to be banned.

He wanted to expose the practice of insurance companies passing on details of their customers’ accident claims without their permission to personal injury lawyers, Mr Straw said.

He claimed garages, recovery firms and even the police were selling on information. Since calling for the ban on referral fees, he had been deluged with letters and emails from members of the public supporting his position, said Mr Straw In a debate in the House of Commons.

Liverpool Law Society spokesman Stewart McCulloch, who is also a director of a legal costs consultancy, said the issue was turning into a “political rollercoaster”.

He added: “There is no doubt that the long-established practice of members of the public consulting a high street solicitor to deal with a motor or other accident claim has almost gone.

“An outright ban on referral fees, whether right or wrong, is now probably fraught with legal and practical difficulties.

“However, what is required is that those who fail to deal with the public with absolute transparency should now find themselves within the regulatory regime which is working and is helping the public understand exactly what is being done for them.

“No-one should lose sight of the fact that it is not the lawyers that are making the cold calls and sending texts, but intermediaries who have received the details themselves from the insurers and who in due course will attempt to pass the cases on to the lawyers.

“Lawyers and regulated claims management companies themselves are not permitted to engage in this practice and it is high time that all parts of the industry were covered by this.”

“The market in claims undermines the integrity of the legal profession and the wider civil justice system. It is also anti-competitive with accident victims being directed to the solicitor who will pay the highest backhander to the referrer, rather than the solicitor best suited to their needs,” said Edwards, head of personal injury at Liverpool firm Rex Makin & Co, which does not pay referral fees.

Burnt worker seeks personal injury compensation

30/06/2011 07:01:32

Being badly burnt after falling into a boiling hot vat of food, a woman is seeking compensation from her former employer.

Sudesh Bala, 47, was working for Shoba UK Ltd when the accident occurred in October 2010.

The accident occurred when she slipped on what she claims was a greasy floor while preparing a 50kg vat of chicken curry for an exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham.

Ms Bala fell into the food, suffering terrible burns to her legs, groin and buttocks. These were worsened by the fact that she was on her own and could not attract the help of colleagues for more than five minutes.

The victim had to spend two weeks in hospital, have skin grafts and then remain bed-bound for three months.

Her husband, Naresh, told the Mirror : "When I saw her injuries I couldn't believe it. She was in so much pain and her skin was dripping off like melting wax."

Ms Bala is still wearing support garments to stop her skin peeling and often has nightmares.

Although Shoba UK recently went into liquidation, the victim is taking legal action against its insurer Ageas in a bid to claim personal injury compensation.

The case is likely to go to court as Ageas has denied liability.

Nazi victim compensation claim dismissed by EU court

30/06/2011 06:55:53

A lawsuit by Greek relatives of Nazi massacre victims seeking compensation from Germany has been dismissed by the The European Court of Human Rights.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Strasbourg court said that the case was inadmissible because German courts _ which previously rejected the compensation claim _ had properly taken into account national and international law.

The four Greek plaintiffs, then minors, survived a massacre committed by Nazi troops in the village of Distomo on June 10, 1944, that left 218 people dead. It was one of the worst World War II atrocities in occupied Greece.

On its turn, Germany argued that it settled reparation cases in postwar agreements and is entitled, as a state, to immunity from individual claims under international law.

Woman arrested for fraudulent medical claims

24/06/2011 06:08:34

On suspicion of worker's compensation fraud following inconsistent statements she allegedly made concerning medical issues a San Bernardino woman was arrested.

Earlier this month Heather Chandler, 30, turned herself in to the authorities and was charged with three felony counts concerning insurance fraud violations, according to a news release from the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office.

Chandler, who worked at Med-Legal, Inc., DBA Scan Files in Rancho Cucamonga, filed a worker's compensation claim that did not match her statements to medical doctors, officials said.

On April 7 the charges were filed and a warrant for her arrest was issued the next day, according to the news release.

Chandler was booked at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga in lieu of $75,000 bail on June 16.

‘Law Firm of the Year 2011’ voted by Leicestershire Law Society won by Douglas Wemyss Solicitors

24/06/2011 05:50:05

Douglas Wemyss Solicitors Leicester is proud to announce that they have recently won the coveted ‘Law Firm of the Year 2011’ award, voted for by the prestigious Leicestershire Law Society. Everyone is extremely proud of the firms’ achievement and the firm is extremely overwhelmed by the win.

Douglas Wemyss Solicitors, Senior Partner Sameer Karim is extremely proud by this latest accolade. His aims to bring the firm to the public and to grow in size have been greatly supported by all the staff in his new ideas and approaches.

“We are very humbled by this award and we will continue to provide a straightforward accessible approach to legal services. Being a small firm we are delighted to see this recognition of our hard work especially in today’s market place,” quoted Sameer.

Sameer also states that, “Winning Law Firm of the Year isn’t just about being named the best firm in Leicester. It’s the culmination of three years of hard work, of doing our best to provide the best service for our clients. The award is in recognition of all the innovative things that the firm has done.”

The firm recognizes the demand of reaching out to prospective clients and are progressive and unique in their approach as this can be seen in their most recent venture of the opening of Leicester’s first ‘Legal Shop’ which allows anybody to access a qualified solicitor without any fears or doubts. Customers are able to drop in anytime without an appointment and be able to have a FREE consultation with a qualified solicitor on any legal matter they wish to discuss.

Furthermore, for those who wish to access the services outside of normal working hours, the ‘Legal Shop’ is open 7 days a week until late to cater. The firm feels that this is one of the reasons for winning firm of the year, as their approach to the law is fresh and forward thinking.

Pots of money paid by Council for pothole compensation claims

24/06/2011 05:44:26

After winter’s frost did its work, potholes have been a major cause for compensation claims.

Costing Angus Council nearly £6,000 to those with proof that their vehicles have been damaged by the holes that are scattered around the county’s roads, more than 230 have been made.

14 motorists out of the 237 compensation claims made, have been paid for their troubles in the past two years.

However, nearly 100 remain outstanding, which could result in a significant increase in compensation paid as the authority reviews each claim.

From 2009 to 2010, the majority of the complaints were made with £5,500 being paid to 12 drivers. Last year, two people made successful claims, and £339 was paid out.

Emma Boon, the campaign director of Taxpayers Alliance, is reported as saying that if the council maintained the roads properly, then fewer claims would be made, saving them time, and the taxpayers money.

Angus Council’s director of infrastructure services, Eric Lowson said: “The new Road Condition Index indicates that the road network in Angus has shown a slight decline similar to the Scottish average.

“The Angus RCI is red five per cent (road has deteriorated to the point at which repairs to prolong future life should be considered) and amber 24.4 per cent (road condition indicates that further investigation is needed to establish if remedial treatment is needed).”

However, 70 per cent of the roads are in a satisfactory condition, surpassing the national average of 63 per cent, which nets Angus roads the title of fifth best in Scotland.

Angus Council, from the start of the year, has repaired over 2,600 potholes and is continuing its efforts to get rid of the rest soon, suggesting that the county’s good reputation for its infrastructure is well deserved.

Disabled man launches £300k personal injury compensation claim

24/06/2011 05:38:00

After an accident in a taxi left him with a serious head injury, a man has launched a bid for £300,000 in personal injury compensation.

James Stokoe sustained a severe affliction to his brain when the passenger door of the vehicle he was travelling in slid shut and smashed into his head, according to reports.

Mr Stokoe himself opened the door while the taxi was in motion, but a writ served on his behalf claims that the driver's negligence was the reason he suffered his life-changing injuries in May 2008.

Consequently, the 26-year-old subsequently needed two operations on a fractured skull and bleeding to his brain, but is now handicapped and will be unable to work for the rest of his life.

Mr Stokoe admits that he was drunk at the time of the incident, but insists the driver - Asif Afzal - failed to "maintain the rear side passenger door properly".

Rise in personal injury claims

24/06/2011 05:32:46

Thanks to the amount of personal injury claims rising car insurance companies have lost £2 billion in 2010, reveal reports. Some new customers taking out car insurance have had to pay 30% more for their insurance this year than last.

The car insurance industry, In recent years, has been hit hard with claims for bodily injury soaring to new heights. The Royal Bank of Scotland alone has to put in reserves of around £390 million in their insurance business solely due to the amount of individuals making claims for injury in road traffic accidents. In the worst case scenario, companies lost as much as 4p in every £1 of premiums they took in. According to the AA the average premiums have risen by more than 30% since 2010.

Workers' compensation report shows sharp drop in claims

22/06/2011 14:59:55

The number of paid workers' compensation claims has fallen 44 percent relative to the number of employees from 1997 to 2009, according to the "2009 Minnesota Workers' Compensation System Report," just released by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).

said Ken Peterson, DLI commissioner said: "Though each workplace accident is one too many, the report underscores that Minnesota's workplaces have become much safer for employees and comparatively less costly for employers since 1997.Medical treatment for injuries remains the chief cost driver for the system, increasing annually per claim by more than 6 percent above average wages since 1997."

£150k personal injury compensation granted to pensioner

22/06/2011 14:57:31

Following an accident at a public place in which she was crushed, personal injury compensation of up to £150,000 could be awarded to an elderly woman.

In September 2008 Mary Kitching was left in a critical condition after being crushed by a reversing van and was given little chance of survival by medical professionals at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

The 81-year-old woman suffered multiple broken bones as well as serious internal injuries after being caught underneath the vehicle and, consequently, was kept in intensive care for six weeks.

Mrs Kitching was standing on a pavement when Anthony Robinson, an employee of Ultralux Window Systems who has since been penalised for driving without due care and attention, inadvertently collided with her.

This has resulted in a "substantial" damages sum - believed to be in the region of £150,000 - being awarded to the pensioner as personal injury compensation for her ordeal.

£150k personal injury compensation granted to pensioner

22/06/2011 14:57:30

Following an accident at a public place in which she was crushed, personal injury compensation of up to £150,000 could be awarded to an elderly woman.

In September 2008 Mary Kitching was left in a critical condition after being crushed by a reversing van and was given little chance of survival by medical professionals at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

The 81-year-old woman suffered multiple broken bones as well as serious internal injuries after being caught underneath the vehicle and, consequently, was kept in intensive care for six weeks.

Mrs Kitching was standing on a pavement when Anthony Robinson, an employee of Ultralux Window Systems who has since been penalised for driving without due care and attention, inadvertently collided with her.

This has resulted in a "substantial" damages sum - believed to be in the region of £150,000 - being awarded to the pensioner as personal injury compensation for her ordeal.

Compensation panel to consider claims

22/06/2011 14:52:36

This week, North Carolina's Crime Victims Compensation Commission will review 50 claims totaling more than $1 million when it meets.

The commission is scheduled to meet Wednesday at the Archdale Building in Raleigh.

The compensation program reimburses people who suffer medical expenses and lost wages because they were an innocent victim of crime. The commission awarded more than $10 million to victims of assault, rape, domestic violence, sexual assault, driving while impaired and other crimes, during the last federal fiscal year.

Man awarded £2.5M in personal injury compensation

22/06/2011 14:48:39

£2.5 Million in personal injury compensation has been awarded to an Oxfordshire man, who suffered a serious brain injury when he was struck on the head by a falling tree branch.

Jason Thatcher, 38, from Woodcote, in Oxfordshire, suffered serious injury when a branch from an enormous Atlantic cedar broke off and hit him on the head, The Yorkshire Post newspaper is reporting.

Mr. Thatcher, who was in his own back garden at the time of the incident, suffered serious damage to his brain stem, which has affected his movement, independence and communication skills. However, the rest of his brain is functioning normally, which has left him in a ‘locked in’ state.

Former Royal Mail worker Mr. Thatcher and his family were tenants of Sovereign Housing Association and the land they acquired in the area had previously been the site of an arboretum.

After spending months rehabilitating in hospitals and at the Leonard Cheshire disability centre, The personal injury compensation payment of £2.5 Million which was awarded at the High Court in London, will allow Mr. Thatcher to return home to his wife and their two young daughters.

The personal injury compensation awarded will enable the Thatcher’s to purchase a specially adapted home, which will be suitable for Jason’s long term specialised care needs.

Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Claims Decrease

22/06/2011 14:00:48

According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), Minnesota workers’ compensation claims have fallen 44 percent relative to the number of employees from 1997 to 2009.

Ken Peterson, DLI commissioner said: “Minnesota’s workplaces have become much safer for employees and comparatively less costly for employers since 1997.”

“Medical treatment for injuries remains the chief cost driver for the system, increasing annually per claim by more than 6 percent above average wages since 1997, ” according to the “2009 Minnesota Workers’ Compensation System Report.

Among the report’s findings:

From 1997 to 2009, the workers’ compensation claim rate has fallen considerably from 8.7 to 4.9 claims per 100 full-time-equivalent employees.

The 2009 total workers’ compensation system cost was $1.35 per $100 of payroll, nearly the lowest since 1997.

Because of the falling claim rate, total benefits, including medical, cash and rehabilitation, fell

10 percent relative to payroll between 1997 and 2009.

Medical care accounts for the largest share of total system cost, 35 percent; next, insurance expenses, 31 percent; then cash benefits, 30 percent.

The percentage of claims with disputes rose from 15.4 percent to 21.6 percent from 1997 to 2009, a 40-percent increase. Consequently, even though the number of claims dropped, the total number of disputes remained roughly the same. The high rate of disputes led to a successful legislative measure this year, streamlining the dispute resolution system.

From 1997 to 2009 the proportion of claimants receiving vocational rehabilitation services increased. This may contribute to the findings of other studies that injured workers in Minnesota get back to work sooner than in most other states.

The report, part of an annual series, presents data from 1997 through 2009 about aspects of Minnesota’s workers’ compensation system. The purpose of the report is to describe the current status and direction of workers’ compensation in Minnesota and to offer explanations, where possible, for recent developments.

£300k personal injury compensation claim over taxi door injury

17/06/2011 06:42:06

A legal battle for more than £300,000 personal injury compensation has been launched by a man who almost died after he opened the door of a moving taxi .

The victim, James Stokoe suffered a serious brain injury when, as the driver braked, the passenger door slid shut, smashing into his head.

The 26-year-old from Darlington, who has been left handicapped and unable to work by his injuries, claims the taxi driver was negligent.

Mr. Stokoe was later rushed to hospital with a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain and underwent two operations.

He spent 16 days in intensive care, followed by rehabilitation.

On Friday, May 23, 2008, Mr Stokoe and his friend George Brawn had caught the taxi back to Darlington from the Chicago Rock Café in Middlesbrough after a night out.

But Mr Stokoe, who was drunk, opened the taxi door as the vehicle was moving. The door then slid shut when the taxi braked, hitting him on the head.

Mr Stokoe got out and, after being sick, continued the journey and was later dropped off on Park Lane, Darlington, near to his home.

Later, at around 4.30am he was found lying on the pavement unconscious and close to death.

Mr Stokoe is now claiming damages from taxi driver Asif Afzal, of Saltwells Road, Middlesbrough.

On his behalf, a writ was issued yesterday by Ben Townsend of Stewarts Law.

Mr Stokoe claims the taxi driver was negligent on the grounds that he failed to maintain the rearside passenger door properly, failed to appreciate the door was open and that Mr Stokoe was leaning out.

Nearly half of G20 compensation claims rejected by Feds

17/06/2011 06:36:04

Almost half the claims made by downtown businesses for losses incurred as a result of last summer’s G20 summit have been rejected by the federal government.

Of the 367 claims submitted by Toronto business owners, though not necessarily for the amount owners were seeking, 169 have been accepted.

To help Toronto businesses recover losses from the summit weekend, the government budgeted $10 million but has so far awarded less than one-fifth that amount.

The claims totalled more than $11 million, but less than $2 million has been handed out. Another 161 claims were wholly rejected; 37 more are still awaiting decision.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade set up the compensation process after the summit to lessen the financial burden caused by the summit’s extraordinary security measures, which effectively shut down parts of the downtown core for an entire weekend last June.

Unprecedented vandalism in the city was also witnessed in the weekend. The compensation program, however, only covers lost revenue, not repair or renovation costs.

Nearly half of G20 compensation claims rejected by Feds

17/06/2011 06:36:02

Almost half the claims made by downtown businesses for losses incurred as a result of last summer’s G20 summit have been rejected by the federal government.

Of the 367 claims submitted by Toronto business owners, though not necessarily for the amount owners were seeking, 169 have been accepted.

To help Toronto businesses recover losses from the summit weekend, the government budgeted $10 million but has so far awarded less than one-fifth that amount.

The claims totalled more than $11 million, but less than $2 million has been handed out. Another 161 claims were wholly rejected; 37 more are still awaiting decision.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade set up the compensation process after the summit to lessen the financial burden caused by the summit’s extraordinary security measures, which effectively shut down parts of the downtown core for an entire weekend last June.

Unprecedented vandalism in the city was also witnessed in the weekend. The compensation program, however, only covers lost revenue, not repair or renovation costs.

Mediator to MPI injury claims

17/06/2011 06:29:42

As part of a pilot project announced by the province on Thursday, motorists with injury claims will be able to appeal compensation payments from Manitoba Public Insurance to a mediator.

Former ombudsman of the University of Manitoba, Evelyn Bernstein, will head the Automobile Injury Mediation Office pilot project.

The province said in a news release that Mediations will be conducted by independent, qualified mediators.

Currently, injured Manitobans are entitled to benefits within MPI’s Personal Injury Protection Plan. If there’s an issue involving coverage, the injured person can ask MPI to conduct an internal review. If the injured person isn’t satisfied with the review, they can launch an appeal to the Automobile Injury Compensation Appeals Commission.

Family Services and Consumer Affairs Minister Gord Mackintosh said: "The goal of this mediation is to reduce the time between filing an appeal to the commission and the hearing to deal with the dispute."

"This will make it easier for the motorist to help resolve the dispute."

The province said the mediation pilot project will operate for two years. During that time, information will be collected to decide on the future of mediation for injury claims.

£150k personal injury compensation granted to pensioner

17/06/2011 06:26:28

An elderly woman could be awarded personal injury compensation of up to £150,000 following an accident at a public place in which she was crushed.

Mary Kitching was left in a critical condition after being crushed by a reversing van in September 2008 and was given little chance of survival by medical professionals at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

The 81-year-old woman suffered multiple broken bones as well as serious internal injuries after being caught underneath the vehicle and, consequently, was kept in intensive care for six weeks.

Reports explained that Mrs Kitching was standing on a pavement when Anthony Robinson, an employee of Ultralux Window Systems who has since been penalised for driving without due care and attention, inadvertently collided with her.

This has resulted in a "substantial" damages sum - believed to be in the region of £150,000 - being awarded to the pensioner as personal injury compensation.

Fake claims for compensation noted by HC

17/06/2011 06:20:42

On Wednesday, the High Court directed the Director General of Police to instruct the police officials in the state to investigate the accident cases involving motor vehicles and to file proper reports about the same.

Comprising Justices K L Manjunath and Kemanna, the division bench directed the Health and Family Welfare Department too to stop doctors from becoming tools in the hands of unscrupulous elements who claim exorbitant compensation by getting fake medical documents.

One Shivanna, who had faked an accident to claim compensation, told the court that he had done so at the advice of a lawyer. Against the insurance claim of `3.72 lakh, which Motor Vehicles Claims Tribunal had granted to Shivanna, the Oriental Insurance had filed an appeal.

He had claimed that he had met an accident near Tumkur on June 4, 2006, and his upper limb had to be amputated because of that.

He was admitted to government hospital on June 16, although the accident had taken place on June 4.

It was later found that he was admitted to a hospital in Bangalore after an accident involving a lathe (sharping machine) where he used to work. His limb was amputated on June 6, 2006, and the lathe owner, Umesh, had paid him `40,000. However, Shivanna in his fake insurance claim had claimed that he had met an accident with Umesh’s bike.

"No quibble" settlement of PPI claims agreed by Barclays

15/06/2011 19:14:18

After announcing plans to settle all outstanding and new payment protection insurance (PPI) compensation claims brought by its customers Barclays is facing a billion-pound bill.

Over a number of months, the high-profile case has been pursued through the courts by the British Bankers' Association (BBA) as it has sought clarity over rules introduced by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).

Complaints relating to PPI should be settled based on current regulatory guidelines - a stance the BBA says is retrospectively changing the rules on selling the product, according to the FSA.

However, with the process now reaching the appeal stage in the High Court, Barclays has withdrawn from the legal action and instead decided to process the complaints it already has on hold and any new ones it receives.

A fund of £1 billion has been set aside in order to do this, while all complainants whose compensation claim was received before April 20th will receive a full reimbursement of their PPI policy cost, plus an additional eight per cent.

"We have taken this decision because it is in the best interests of our customers, as well as for Barclays and its shareholders; creating certainty, particularly regarding past issues, is of benefit to all parties," said Barclays chief executive Bob Diamond.

On Brisbane Airport Link project Leighton may pursue $300m compensation claim

15/06/2011 19:07:37

Chief financial officer Peter Gregg said that Leighton Holdings may pursue compensation claims of up to $300 million on the loss-making Brisbane Airport Link project.

Because of cost overruns and mounting problems the road and tunnel project, which was originally forecast to make a profit before tax of $407m, has recently been downgraded to a $430m loss.

Yesterday, Mr Gregg said that Queensland's unprecedented wet weather conditions from last October to January this year had "severely hampered" progress of the $4.1 billion project.

Leighton said the construction had been so complex that it had underestimated the amount of reinforced steel and concrete needed for the project.

Only 86,000 tonnes were tendered when more than 133,000 tonnes of reinforced steel were needed, while 945,000 cubic metres of concrete were needed when only 820,000 cubic metres were tendered.

"Completion of the design has also taken much longer than expected and the actual design hours more than doubled the tendered allowance time," Mr Gregg said.

Approvals from different authorities had significantly delayed the project, he said.

£57,000 in Compensation claims for accidents at Rotherham Schools

15/06/2011 18:16:35

Rotherham Council has paid out over £57,000 in compensation claims, to pupils injured in the regions schools, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.

To schoolchildren who suffered serious personal injury and as recompense for lost property, such as mobile phone’s and jewellery, The borough council paid out the compensation over a five year period .

to a young man who was dropped by his fellow pupils, as he participated in a trust building exercise, which had been suggested by a teacher, a payment of £15,000 was awarded .

Another student was awarded just over £11,000, after being struck on the head by a shelf which had come away from the wall and payments of just over £1,000 were awarded to a schoolgirl who broke her wrist in a trampoline accident and a girl who slipped, bizarrely on anti-slip matting.

A boy who was scalded by hot custard, a schoolboy who cut his knee during a PE class and a young girl who was hit in the face by a Frisbee were paid personal injury compensation.

Hubert Webb makes P180K compensation claim

15/06/2011 18:10:04

Acquitted murder suspect, Hubert Webb, wants government to compensate him for the 180 months he spent behind bars.

On Tuesday, Webb, went to the Department of Justice's Board of Claims to file a P180,000 compensation claim for what he said was his "unlawful conviction" for the June 1991 killing of Estrellita, Carmela, and Jennifer Vizconde.

Webb is entitled to P1,000 for every month he spent in jail, Webb's lawyer said .

"There's a Board of Claims here in the DOJ, so once you are convicted and subsequently acquitted, you are entitled to compensation from the government," said lawyer Joaquin Miguel Hizon.

The Supreme Court acquitted Webb and six other co-accused in the massacre, In December last year.

The Surpeme Court reversed the Court of Appeals' December 2005 decision to uphold Webb's conviction by the Parañaque Regional Trial Court Branch 274 in January 2000.

Noting that the prosecution was not able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that Webb and the six other men were guilty, the high court made the decision.

Man awarded personal injury compensation for pub fall

15/06/2011 18:05:40

After falling through an open trapdoor into a pub cellar, a man has been awarded personal injury compensation.

According to reports, Ian Barnes was working for his own courier firm - E & C Barnes Courier Services - when he entered the Albannach Whisky Restaurant Bar in London in 2009.

As he passed through the bar area in order to get a signature for the goods he had delivered, he did not notice that the trapdoor covering had been left up and he fell straight down it.

As a consequence, Mr Barnes broke his back and damaged the cruciate ligament in his knee, leaving him unable to work for seven weeks.

In the time after the fall, he also had to have surgery and intensive rehabilitation.
Mr Barnes took legal action against the owners of the establishment for the injuries he sustained and the earnings he would have made had he not had to have a hiatus from work.

After the case was successful, he has now been awarded GBP 20,000 in personal injury compensation.

Ohio Supreme Court: Worker injured on job can claim compensation over firing

10/06/2011 19:28:31

The Ohio Supreme Court, in a 4-3 decision ruled today that a worker injured on the job has the right to sue his boss for firing him after he was hurt but before he had a chance to file a workers' compensation claim.

The case involved a machine shop employee canned an hour after reporting a workplace injury to the owner of Tomco Machining Company in Dayton. DeWayne Sutton, 34, of Brookville, was given no reason for the termination.

Noting that to prevail in his wrongful discharge lawsuit, Sutton must prove his firing was in retaliation and that his boss, Jim Tomasiak, had no business justification for the dismissal the justices sent the case back to the trial court.

State law prohibits employers from firing, demoting or taking any punitive action against an employee who files a workers' compensation claim. The justices, in their ruling found that workers are entitled to that protection during the period of time between their injury and filing of any claim.

Ohio Supreme Court: Worker injured on job can claim compensation over firing

10/06/2011 19:28:31

The Ohio Supreme Court, in a 4-3 decision ruled today that a worker injured on the job has the right to sue his boss for firing him after he was hurt but before he had a chance to file a workers' compensation claim.

The case involved a machine shop employee canned an hour after reporting a workplace injury to the owner of Tomco Machining Company in Dayton. DeWayne Sutton, 34, of Brookville, was given no reason for the termination.

Noting that to prevail in his wrongful discharge lawsuit, Sutton must prove his firing was in retaliation and that his boss, Jim Tomasiak, had no business justification for the dismissal the justices sent the case back to the trial court.

State law prohibits employers from firing, demoting or taking any punitive action against an employee who files a workers' compensation claim. The justices, in their ruling found that workers are entitled to that protection during the period of time between their injury and filing of any claim.

After Falling through pub’s Trapdoor Man Wins £20k Compensation

09/06/2011 05:25:31

After falling through an open cellar trapdoor at a London pub, A Peterborough businessman has been awarded £20,000 in accident compensation.

Courier Ian Barnes, who runs his own delivery company E & C Barnes Courier Services, based in Gunthorpe, near Nottingham, was delivering parcels to the Albannach Whisky Restaurant Bar, close to Trafalgar square, when the accident took place, claim reports.

Passing throu

New personal injury solicitor role at JNP Legal

09/06/2011 05:19:22

With the appointment of a new solicitor, Merthyr and Nelson-based JNP Legal has expanded its personal injury department.

Rebecca Rees, 25, recently completed her training with the firm to become fully qualified. She has also been accepted as a litigator by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (Apil) and is vice-chair of South Wales Junior Lawyers Division.

Since starting three years ago as a paralegal, she has quickly risen through the ranks at the firm. working with the department head, as well as managing her own caseload and creating opportunities for the business, Rebecca will now play a prominent role in the running of JNP’s personal injury department .

She said: “There are a lot of changes under way in the personal injury field at the moment. Many law firms are choosing to ‘water down’ their personal injury departments by having people that are not qualified leading cases. This will never be the case at JNP Legal and that’s why I am so pleased to be joining the team. As a strong local firm, JNP prides itself on providing its clients with a personal and professional service delivered by a qualified solicitor. That’s how we get the best results for our clients.”

Asda pays £10,000 personal injury compensation to shopper

09/06/2011 05:13:25

After slipping on a grape at his local Asda supermarket, a shopper has been awarded £10,000 in personal injury compensation.

Thomas Wardle successfully sued the supermarket chain for damages, following the incident at the company’s Rivergate store, claim reports.

The exact nature of the shoppers injuries are not known but an expert in personal injury claims

stated that the size of the award indicated a possible soft tissue injury to the claimants back.

Following an appearance at Peterborough County Court, where the cleanliness record of the Rivergate store was brought into question, Asda was ordered to pay Mr. Wardle £10,000 in personal injury compensation.

The company had thorough cleaning procedures in place but admitted that on this particular occasion they failed to meet their own high standards, a spokesperson for the store stated .

Following similar incidents at the same store, Asda also confirmed that another two claims for personal injury compensation were pending.

£1.5m compensation for Cornwall care financial victims

09/06/2011 05:04:56

Following a High Court settlement, adults with learning difficulties at the centre of a care abuse case in Cornwall will receive nearly £1.5m in compensation from the NHS.

The action relates to the financial mistreatment of 118 adults in 24-hour supported housing in the county.

It is part of a multi-party action which also includes compensation claims for physical abuse at the former Budock Hospital, near Falmouth.

The physical abuse claim is continuing.

The financial settlement related to historic allegations that residents' money was misappropriated to pay for services that Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust should have funded.

In some cases to pay for capital projects such as building house extensions their money was also used.

The £1.5m compensation will be shared among the 118 individuals who brought the action.

Spanish PM wants more EU compensation

09/06/2011 05:01:09

The European Union (EU) had offered too little compensation for incorrect claims Spanish produce caused a deadly E. coli outbreak in Germany, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said Wednesday.

The Germans originally blamed Spanish cucumbers for the outbreak of the infection, which has killed 25 people. The cucumbers were later found to be not the cause, but the Spanish agricultural sector suffered huge losses, with sales, not just of cucumbers, but also other vegetables and fruits badly affected.

Estimates make that more than 200 million euros (292.5 million U.S. dollars) and more than 500 jobs were lost in the first week of the E. coli crisis and the figures are still rising.

The EU has promised 150 million euros in aid for Spain, but Zapatero insists more is needed.

"It is manifestly not enough. We are going to demand that the agricultural sector receives compensation and we are not going to stop with our efforts," Zapatero said.

Zapatero speaking in the Spanish Parliament said that Spain's Official Credit Institute would also be working to compensate cucumber producers, and announced the creation of a finance system to help with the effort.

Spain has not ruled out legal action against Germany and Zapatero said they would not stop the country's campaign to put things "in their proper place.

Seriously Injured Biker to Claim £300k Compensation

03/06/2011 18:06:16

A motorcyclist seriously injured, is to claim £300,000 compensation after his bike was in collision with a car, from the driver.

Robert McPherson,51 from Pudsey, in West Yorkshire, suffered serious multiple injuries, when his Moto Guzzi motorcycle collided with a Toyota Corolla, which pulled out of a junction directly into his path.

Self employed electrician Mr. McPherson, suffered fractures to his shoulder, arm, ribs and hip in the collision, as well as a serious pelvic injury and a pulmonary embolism, reported the Northern Echo newspaper.

The motorcyclist has now launched a car accident compensation claim for £300,000 in damages, at the High Court in Leeds, against the driver Michael Kitching, of Romanby, in Northallerton.

Documents presented to the court state that, the collision was caused by negligence on the part of the motorist, adding that the injuries sustained by Mr. McPherson have had an adverse affect on his business, as he can no longer carry out the same duties as he did before the accident.

The car driver has admitted liability for the incident, through a letter sent from his insurance company, according to the court papers.

Personal injury compensation of £100k awarded following incident at work

03/06/2011 18:02:38

Following an incident at a workplace, personal injury compensation in excess of £100,000 has been awarded to a woman.

After being scarred for life when she was bitten by an asylum seeker while working at the immigration department of Gatwick Airport - the UK's second largest airport which employs some 25,000 members of staff - for G4S, Barbara-Ann Ellis had to undergo three separate rounds of surgery .

This occurred in August 2006 as Ms Ennis was part of a team detaining Sylvia Fileingoshisho, who was resisting and was also later found to be HIV positive.

Results of medical examinations have since shown that the 40-year-old worker - who left her post in 2007 due to physical and mental issues following the incident - has not contracted the disease.

She urged employers to improve safety standards in workplaces, following her award, and added: "Since the attack, my life's been like a living nightmare I can't wake up from."

Probe into patients' names leaked to personal injury lawyers

02/06/2011 05:42:07

As part of an alleged security breach linked to a former nurse suspected of killing her daughter, dozens of patients have been warned their details might have been passed to personal injury solicitors.

189 people have been told that their confidential data could have been illegally accessed and given to ‘blame and claim’ lawyers by the chiefs at NHS Bury.

The probe is linked to an investigation into the conduct of former nurse Dawn Makin, 33, who was found unconscious by the side of her murdered daughter Chloe, four, in February. She had slashed her wrists and drunk a toxic fluid understood to have been bleach.

At the house in Lea Mount Drive Bury, Chloe had been stabbed several times. Ms Makin remains in hospital too ill to be interviewed by police.

Officers say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the youngster’s death.

It was later revealed that Ms Makin had been sacked from Moorgate Primary Care walk-in centre and was the subject of an investigation into an alleged breach of patient confidentiality.

Hundreds of cases were reviewed as part of an investigation by the Information Commissioner and health bosses in Bury suspect up to 189 patients may have fallen victim to the alleged breach.

They have sent letters to patients whose details they believe could have been leaked to accident solicitors and chiefs have apologised to them.

Hundreds of Women to Claim Compensation for Botched Bladder Surgery

02/06/2011 05:35:09

After almost 400 women claim to have suffered unnecessary or incorrect bladder operations, The Liverpool Women’s NHS Trust, is being sued for medical negligence compensation.

Before being seen by consultant urogynaecologist and surgeon, Mr. George Rowland, many of those affected had relatively minor bladder problems, but following treatment were left with serious incontinence and other major problems.

The claim for compensation against the NHS is thought to be one of the biggest group actions ever undertaken and the eventual cost to the Trust could be in excess of ten million pounds.

Around seventy cases have already been processed, out of the four hundred claims submitted with the NHS Trust admitting liability and paying compensation in half of these cases.

Eileen McNaughton, from Wigan, a mother of two, was referred to Mr. Rowland at the Liverpool Women’s annexe in Aintree and was wrongly diagnosed with stress incontinence and a rectocele, when in fact she was suffering from an overactive bladder.

Mrs. McNaughton suffered serious physical and psychological problems following surgery and now has to wear a catheter and has had to endure several corrective operations to try and repair the damage caused.

The accused, Mr. Rowland is no longer employed by the Liverpool Women’s NHS Trust and the General Medical Council has imposed restrictions on his license to practise and stated that he must not perform any urogynaecological operations.

Horse rider secures personal injury compensation

02/06/2011 05:29:32

Personal injury compensation has been awarded to a woman who was seriously injured when performing a jump during a horse riding lesson.

In August 2008, Maxine Wright had gone for a course of tuition at Whitmore Riding School in Newcastle-under-Lyme ahead of a trekking holiday in Spain, Horse and Hound reports.

However, as her horse Marmite attempted to leap a fence, she caught it with her foot and it completely shifted, causing horse and rider to fall to the floor.

As a consequence, Ms Wright suffered two broken vertebrae and had to take four months off work. She has also been told she will never ride again.

Breaching British Eventing regulations regarding the securing of fences, it was found that the cross-country jump was unfixed and utilised unweighted oil drums.

In order to claim personal injury compensation, the victim took legal action against the owner of the riding school.

She has now been paid GBP 60,000 in personal injury compensation after the insurers admitted liability.

Mike Etherington-Smith from British Eventing told Horse and Hound: "The importance of properly securing portable cross-country fences must not be underestimated and this applies at all levels."

Seaman claims work aggravated pre-existing injury

02/06/2011 05:23:59

A seaman, claiming aggravation of an existing shoulder injury, has filed a lawsuit against his employer that claims he was ordered back to work while he was out for medical treatment, which ultimately resulted in surgery.

On May 20, in federal court in New Orleans, Cooper Hayden filed suit against Odyssea Marine Inc.

The complaint states that on July 30, 2010 Hayden was suffering a shoulder injury which was being conservatively treated when he was ordered back to work. He states his work activities required him to engage in an over-exertion which aggravated his underlying shoulder condition.

The defendants have refused, neglected and withheld paying maintenance and cure, the lawsuit claims.

Damages for pain and suffering, mortification, humiliation, fright, shock, embarrassment, loss of earnings and earning capacity, medical expenses, aggravation of prior condition, inability to engage in social, recreational and other pursuits, mental anguish, found, maintenance, cure attorneys fees, interest, costs and punitive damages is being sought by the plaintiff.

Hayden is represented by Dennis M. O'Bryan of O'Bryan Baun Karamanian, in Birmingham and New Orleans attorney George P. Vourvoulias, III.

The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance.

Guard wins £100,000 personal injury compensation

02/06/2011 05:18:06

£100,000 in personal injury compensation has been awarded to a female custody officer, who suffered horrific injuries after being bitten on the face by a failed asylum seeker.

The victim, Barbara-Ann Ennis, 43, from Ashford, in Kent, required three operations including a skin graft, following the assault at Gatwick airport, during the transfer of detainee Sylvia Fileingoshisho from Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre.

To check if she had been infected with the HIV virus, after it was discovered that the asylum seeker was HIV positive, Ms. Ennis also had to endure an agonizing six month wait.

The former soldier who had served in both Bosnia and Iraq stated that the trauma of waiting to find out if she had been infected had been ‘torturous’.

Ms. Fileingoshisho had bitten another immigration officer in a similar assault, just days before Ms. Ennis was attacked, but her employer, security firm G4S Ltd had failed to inform Ms. Ennis of the potential danger.

Barbera-Ann’s injuries had had a devastating impact on both her social and professional life, which had forced her to quit her job, adding that the personal injury compensation awarded would offer her some financial security for the future, stated a spokesperson representing Ms. Ennis’s legal team.

Ms. Fileingoshisho was jailed for a period of three years and later deported.

House panel passed by NC workers' compensation changes

31/05/2011 17:06:46

On Thursday, an agreement on changes to rules governing North Carolina workers' compensation claims cleared a House committee.

The panel voted to recommend a bill its chief sponsor said followed weeks of negotiations with groups representing employers, employees and the state. The agreement will protect workers, compensate the injured and encourage people to return to work, says Rep. Dale Folwell of Winston-Salem.

The bill caps temporary payments for a totally disabled worker at nearly 10 years. The current law has no cap, which Folwell said places North Carolina at a competitive disadvantage. The bill also raises the maximum time for wage benefits for the partially disabled and for death benefits.

The measure heading to the House floor also offers new language regarding records needed to review an injured worker's claim.

£300k personal injury compensation award sought by man

31/05/2011 16:58:03

A man is seeking a personal injury compensation settlement of £300,000, after he broke numerous bones and a serious head injury sustained during a road traffic accident .

Anatolij Kuzmenok alleges that a lorry driver ran him over on a zebra crossing in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, in September 2008, which left him with crush injuries to his chest, 11 broken ribs and a severe brain injury, according to Worcester News.

The pedestrian, in addition, also suffered a "devastating" wound to his arm, which will consequently never work properly again, while the High Court writ issued by him states he is at risk of developing epilepsy and is unlikely to be eligible for many jobs.

Therefore, on the grounds of his alleged negligence while driving a truck owned by Worcestershire-based haulage firm David Curnock, Trevor Cracroft is facing a significant personal injury compensation claim.

Mr Kuzmenok's writ claims the driver failed to see him on the crossing, which caused the collision.

Rs.9 lakh compensation relief for kin of woman killed in accident

31/05/2011 16:52:00

To the family of a woman who was killed in a road accident in 2006, a Delhi court has awarded over Rs.9 lakh as compensation and interest.

Motor Accident Claims Tribunal Judge Ashwani Sarpal awarded Rs.703,022,compensation along with around Rs.2.5 lakh interest, to the family members of 26-year-old victim Neeru Bhatnagar, .

On May 30, 2006 in North Delhi, the motorcycle on which she was riding pillion was hit by a scooter driven by Sunil Kumar. The scooter belonged to his relative Vijay Kumar.

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, the court, in its judgment May 25, held the scooter driver guilty and asked the driver and the owner of the offending scooter to pay the compensation.

"As the offending vehicle was uninsured, the entire liability to pay the compensation falls upon its driver and owner," the court said.

It directed the scooter driver and owner to pay the amount by June 24 to the victim's family along with interest at the rate of 7.5 percent per annum from the date when the case was filed in July 2006.

The victim, Neeru Bhatnagar, who worked as an office assistant, was killed around 10.30 a.m. while going towards Rohini's Sector 11 with her brother Sachin on his motorcycle.

The scooter came from the opposite direction and hit the motorcycle. Bhatnagar fell down due to the impact and received injuries. She died on way to hospital. She is survived by her husband and minor daughter.

Bhatnagar's husband sought Rs.20 lakh compensation while filing the petition.

The driver and the owner of the scooter filed their joint written statement in which they denied the allegations and said that their scooter was not involved in any accident. They said that it was due to the imbalance of the motorcycle that the deceased fell down and suffered injuries.

For implicating them in the case, the duo even blamed police.

The court relied upon the statement of Sachin and the police report which stated that the accident took place due to rash and negligent driving of the offending scooter.

Personal injury compensation 'voluntary' says Prasa

31/05/2011 16:44:42

On Monday, the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) said that compensation to those injured in two Gauteng train accidents was on a voluntary basis.

Spokeswoman Nana Zenani said: "Prasa reiterates its position that financial assistance to the two train accident victims is done on a voluntary basis to the affected individuals."

She said that those who opted for the financial assistance would sign an agreement that they would not pursue further legal claims, but this was carefully explained to claimants.

"The financial assistance is separate from medical costs which are being covered entirely by Prasa," she said.

Prasa was answering to allegations in the media that immediate compensation was being offered in order to stave off larger personal injury law suits arising from two train accidents this year.

In Meadowlands, on May 19, 857 people were injured when two trains collided.

A train driver was killed and 200 people were injured in a rail collision between Akasiaboom and Winternest train stations in Pretoria, in early April.

"We are being up front, we are explaining to each person their options," Zenani said.

She said victims should be warned of "some unscrupulous lawyers" who might try to enrich themselves through victims' claims.

Prasa was committed to supporting victims and would "act sternly and decisively" with employees who endangered the lives of commuters.

After PPI scandal FSA raises compensation

31/05/2011 16:39:02

The maximum compensatory award receivable by wronged consumers has been increased by the Financial Ombudsman Service to £150,000, up from the £100,000 that was the previous limit.

the FSA, In the wake of the PPI mis-selling scandal, has seen fit to raise the cap, after the noted failure of financial institutions to deal properly with complaints from customers who were affected by this and many other issues. After concerns were raised that the original £100,000 sum, which was decided upon in 2001, had since dropped in comparative value, offering neither a satisfactory sum for consumers nor an appropriate punitive measure against recalcitrant banks, the FSA decided to reassess the amount of compensation which could be awarded.

In a move to prevent the initial complaint being simply disregarded by the firm in question, other measures included within the FSA's new schemes include an end to the two-stage approach to dealing with complaints. This is something which was of great concern during the mis-sold PPI case.

Customers, previously, could not take a case to the FSA until a second complaint had been made - meaning that many were discouraged by institutions' initial dismissive responses. This is why many individuals did not claim back PPI which was owed to them.

The FSA has handled one million complaints from wronged consumers and, while it is intended to be the last port of call for those who have been ignored, it has lately become a service which many people are forced to use, due to the uncooperative and obstructive activities of financial institutions.

Report predicts rise in personal injury costs to £10bn

27/05/2011 08:06:20

By 2014 driven by the growth in the number of motor personal injury claims, costs faced by the personal injury insurance industry are likely to rise from £8.4bn in 2010 to £9.7bn according to a report by Datamonitor.

Despite new regulations being brought in to tackle the problem, the market analysts added the rise would continue.

The report revealed that it is motor claims that continued to dominate the personal injury market as a whole accounting for just under 80% of the total despite a fall in the number of road traffic accidents. It added that employers' liability, public liability, and clinical negligence all contributed to the market, but to a lesser degree.

"The rising costs of motor personal injury claims were one of the key reasons for the review of civil litigation costs by Lord Justice Jackson.With the continued aggressive TV and marketing campaigns by solicitors and claims management companies, there has been a rise in disproportionate claims, with exaggerated claim sizes and unnecessary costs, making regulatory changes essential," said Barbara Kubis-Labiak, analyst at Datamonitor.

However, according to some solicitors and insurers who spoke to Datamonitor for their report, even if all the changes suggested by the Jackson review were implemented, personal injury claims costs would continue to rise until 2014 at least, albeit at a slower rate.

Personal injury compensation secured by father hit by stolen car

27/05/2011 06:31:00

A personal injury compensation settlement believed to run into millions of pounds has been secured by a father who suffered life-changing injuries after being hit by a stolen car.

In 2006, Mark Seabrook, 49, had been driving his car in Watford when a stolen vehicle being driven by Salliaman Khan came out of a junction, failed to give way and hit him, the Watford Observer reports.

The estate agent was knocked unconscious and sustained devastating injuries to his spine which mean he will be confined to a wheelchair for life.

He also suffered head, chest and lung injuries and spent six months in hospital.

Mr Seabrook began to struggle in his job, despite being considered for a director's role at the time of the crash, and has since been made redundant.

The father-of-two decided to pursue a claim for clinical negligence compensation after it was revealed that Mr Khan had been convicted of aggravated vehicle taking.

This week, at the High Court a settlement was agreed upon for the victim which, although no details have been disclosed, is believed to be a seven-figure sum.

This will be a lump sum payout, as well as index-linked remuneration for the rest of Mr Seabrook's life.

The judge praised his "dignity, courage and fortitude" and wished him luck for the future.

Agency fights release of workers' compensation

27/05/2011 06:11:25

The state attorney general's order that it release details tied to millions of dollars in settlements is being challenged by the Illinois agency that processes workers' compensation claims.

To block the release of records sought by the Belleville News-Democrat the Central Management Services filed a lawsuit in Cook County. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has ordered the records be made public.

At issue are millions of dollars in compensation settlements paid to workers at the Menard Correctional Center in southwestern Illinois for alleged on-the-job injuries they say are tied to operating heavy cell-locking mechanisms.

The records are wanted by the News-Democrat as part of its series of stories that expose possible abuses of Illinois' workers' compensation system. CMS argues it is allowed to withhold the information as proprietary.

The lawsuit was filed Monday -- the deadline for CMS to publicly disclose the records -- and came the same day that a state lawmaker introduced a measure that would compel the agency to hand over the documents.

Republican state Rep. Dwight Kay of Glen Carbon said: "CMS is not authorized to play by its own rules and make their own laws as they so choose. This is all monkey business. This is simply foot-dragging, and they are trying to say it is OK."

The medical information sought by the News-Democrat consists of 50 nerve-related tests considered a keystone of workers' compensation claims and settlements for repetitive trauma made by about 230 prison guards at Menard and other employees since January 2008. The settlements, ranging from about $20,000 to $150,000, are paid by taxpayers.

Represented by a Chicago-area law firm, CMS filed a 31-page request for an administrative review, claiming the Madigan-created Public Access Counselor's Office's order for the release of the records "is against the manifest weight of evidence and is unsupported by law."

When requesting a 21-day extension to acquire more data, CMS also argued that the Public Access Counselor's Office missed a deadline making Madigan's order for the records to be released non-binding.

Madigan will be given time to respond to the lawsuit.

More than $16 million recovered for clients in 2010 by Philadelphia personal injury attorneys Galfan

27/05/2011 05:59:13

Galfand Berger, personal injury law firm, has a long history of raising the bar for obtaining verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients. , Galfand Berger, established over 60 years ago remains committed to helping victims of auto accidents, workers compensation claims, wrongful death, and medical malpractice injuries in Philadelphia and surrounding counties.

Galfand Berger recovered more than $16 million in compensation for clients injured by the bad behavior of others, In 2010 alone.

"We are fierce advocates for those hurt by the careless and reckless behavior of corporations, insurance companies, employers, and individuals," says Galfand Berger managing partner, Debra Jensen. "Our achievements have provided justice for people facing devastating physical, emotional and financial injuries."

A $3 million settlement for the estate of a scrap yard worker fatally injured on the job because the railcar he was riding lacked federally mandated safety features including grab bars, handholds and foot stirrups, is an example of the firm's 2010 victories on behalf of clients . This wrongful death settlement is among the top 35 Pennsylvania recoveries in 2010.

Galfand Berger also attained several confidential multi-million dollar settlements arising from workplace or medical provider injuries (the final facts of these cases were not released to the public), including:

·         A worker who suffered a brain injury after being struck in the head by a defective machine (products liability)

·         A worker injured when he was crushed by a falling furnace door (products liability)

·         A patient who died after transfer from the operating room (medical malpractice)

Other wins for include $850,000 for a worker who suffered a foot-crush injury; a six-figure settlement for a man who suffered a hand crush injury; $285,000 for a worker who injured his knee, and numerous similar cases are part of other wins for Galfand Berger's clients.

Eugenics compensation reviewed by task force

27/05/2011 05:30:40

Thousands of people, who were illegally sterilized over a 30-year period, are getting a chance to receive compensation and closure.

A task force that will review victims' claims has been created by Governor Beverly Perdue.

"This is a whole new ballgame, and I'm thrilled," eugenics victim Mary English said.

English has another chance to tell her story.

"For me, it's freeing because think about it," she said. "I lived with this for 40 years so I get to tell. I get to tell!"

A former Fayetteville radio newscaster, English was a single mom in 1972 with three small children and says her doctor offered to help her with birth control. A year later she realized she had been sterilized.

Under a secret state sanctioned eugenics program between 1933 and 1973 she’s one of more than 7,600 people believed sterilized.

English, four years ago, first told her story to a House Appropriations Committee that was considering compensating eugenics victims, but last year she was told she didn't qualify for compensation.

"They told me they couldn't find my medical records and there are a lot of people like me that were sterilized," English recalled.

a task force created by Governor Beverly Perdue met on Wednesday and talked about previous commission efforts, lost or destroyed medical records and new policies and procedures.

Phoebe Zerwick, task force spokesperson said that this is an effort to bring justice to these people and to those who are still alive, and to find a way to compensate them.

English says identifying victims may be a struggle.

"There are definitely others out there," she said. "I know them. They know I know them, but they have told me they are not coming forward no matter what."

On June 22, the task force is scheduled to meet, and it is required to issue a preliminary report to the Governor by August 1.

New Law Office in Newport Beach announced by Harris Personal Injury Lawyers

27/05/2011 05:22:09

An announcement was made by Harris Personal Injury Lawyers that they are opening a new law office in Newport Beach. The launch of the Newport Beach location, with other offices in San Diego and Oceanside, will provide Orange County residents with easier access to quality legal representation.

Ryan Harris, trial attorney and the team of lawyers at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers are known for their experience in handling auto accidents and other serious personal injury cases. The firm intends to provide Orange County residents with the same quality legal representation it currently provides to its San Diego clients. The new office is located at 4000 MacArthur Blvd. Suite 900 in Newport Beach.

“Simply put, our attorneys know what it takes to get results,” said Harris. “Our law firm does not have a one-size-fits-all approach – we offer a fresh perspective and personalized legal solutions.”

For recovering damages for their clients, the team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers has a proven track record. Resulting in settlements and jury verdicts ranging from $5,000 to $13.3 million, they have successfully handled more than 2,000 cases across California.

The attorneys at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers have also been recognized by their peers. Ryan Harris was recently selected as one of the semi-finalists for the San Diego Daily Transcript’s Top Attorneys 2011 award. He was also awarded the 2010 “Trial Star Award” by the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego for his trial work on the case of Rogers v. Storms, Tulare County Superior Court – Visalia, Case# 08 230432 which resulted in a $13.3 million dollar jury verdict.

The attorney team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers is able to handle cases successfully without ignoring the individual needs of each client. Harris Personal Injury Lawyers aims to bring a superior standard of legal representation to Orange County residents, just like it has done throughout San Diego County through their distinctive process of gathering information, aggressive negotiation and litigation.

Paralysed driver claims £5m injury compensation

25/05/2011 17:14:52

A driver paralyzed when his vehicle was involved in a collision with a stolen car, has settled his £5 million compensation claim.

Mark Seabrook, forty nine year old father of two, suffered horrendous injuries when the stolen car failed to give way at a junction and careered into Mr. Seabrook’s vehicle.

The victim suffered multiple injuries including, spinal damage and several fractures to his ribs, a broken leg, chest and lung damage and serious head injuries. He spent half a year in hospital being treated for his wounds but has been left paralysed and confined to a wheelchair.

Salliaman Khan of Jellicoe Road, in Watford, the driver behind the wheel of the stolen car, was sentenced to eight months imprisonment after being charged with aggravated vehicle taking.

During a break in proceedings at the High Court, Mr. Seabrook made a claim for £5 million in car accident compensation but settled for an undisclosed amount in damages.

For the rest of his life, the confidential settlement, believed to consist of a ‘substantial’ lump sum, followed by yearly index linked and tax free payments, will help to cover the cost of Mr. Seabrook’s ongoing care

After 28 years woman wins personal injury compensation

25/05/2011 17:07:56

Those looking to pursue a personal injury compensation claim for an incident that happened some time ago may be heartened to hear of the case of a Lincolnshire woman.

The Lincolnshire Echo reported that the lady, who is referred to only as Mrs P, has been awarded a £100,000 compensation payout with the help of an injury lawyer.

"I can now look forward to an independent future because the compensation has allowed me to organise adapted bathing facilities, correct bespoke footwear and regular professional chiropody, all of which were out of my reach," Mrs P said.

She received the personal injury compensation after an "inappropriate" operation that was carried out on her almost three decades ago.

In 1983, Mrs P suffered pain after staff at Boston's Pilgrim Hospital operated on her to remove corns. As a result of this operation, the claimant now has a left foot that is shorter than her right one.

Horse rider awarded £60k in personal injury compensation

25/05/2011 17:00:56

After breaking her neck in a horse riding accident, a female horse rider from Stoke-on-Trent has been awarded £60,000 in personal injury compensation.

Maxine Wright, along with her husband Phil, were taking horse riding lessons at the Whitmore Riding School, in Shut Lane Head, Newcastle-under-Lyme, when the horse she was riding failed to clear a jump, reports the Horse & Hound magazine.

Mrs. Wright and the horse ‘Marmite’ both fell to the ground when Marmite’s rear legs clipped the top of a barrel, which was among several being used as a cross country jump. Unfortunately the barrels were not weighted down and moved forward on impact, causing the horse to fall.

In the accident Mrs. Wright suffered serious personal injury including two broken vertebrae at the top of her spine, which hospitalized her for almost two weeks and kept her away from her job for four months.

A representative from Mrs. Wrights legal team stated that the “jump was inherently dangerous” and added that the riding school showed a lack of awareness of the potential risk.

£60,000 in personal injury compensation was awarded to Mrs. Wright, in an out of court settlement, after the schools insurers admitted liability.

Adding that training in course design and building was available from the organization, a spokesperson from the sports governing authority ‘British Eventing’ (BE), stressed the importance of properly securing portable or temporary obstacles.

Pedestrian Claims £300k Compensation

25/05/2011 16:45:01

For road traffic accident compensation, a road haulage company based in Worcester is being sued for £300,000 compensation after one of their drivers knocked down a pedestrian on a zebra crossing.

In Wisbech, Anatolij Kuzmenok, of Mount Pleasant Road, claims that he was run over and dragged along the street by the lorry, while attempting to cross Churchill Road, in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire.

The victim suffered serious personal injury in the accident and had to be airlifted to hospital to be treated for crush injuries to his chest, numerous broken ribs, a severe injury to his left arm and a serious head injury.

For his injuries, Mr Kuzmenok is now seeking compensation at the High Court, from driver Trevor Cracroft, of Upper Tything, in Worcester and his employers David Curnock Ltd, based in Lower Town Claines, in Worcestershire.

Because of his injuries Mr Kuzmenok, will be profoundly limited in the job market and has an increased chance of developing epilepsy in the future, as a result of his brain injury, the High Court Writ states.

The matter was in the hands of their insurance company and was being dealt with by their solicitors, stated a spokesperson for the haulage company.

Pedestrian Claims £300k Compensation

25/05/2011 16:45:00

For road traffic accident compensation, a road haulage company based in Worcester is being sued for £300,000 compensation after one of their drivers knocked down a pedestrian on a zebra crossing.

In Wisbech, Anatolij Kuzmenok, of Mount Pleasant Road, claims that he was run over and dragged along the street by the lorry, while attempting to cross Churchill Road, in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire.

The victim suffered serious personal injury in the accident and had to be airlifted to hospital to be treated for crush injuries to his chest, numerous broken ribs, a severe injury to his left arm and a serious head injury.

For his injuries, Mr Kuzmenok is now seeking compensation at the High Court, from driver Trevor Cracroft, of Upper Tything, in Worcester and his employers David Curnock Ltd, based in Lower Town Claines, in Worcestershire.

Because of his injuries Mr Kuzmenok, will be profoundly limited in the job market and has an increased chance of developing epilepsy in the future, as a result of his brain injury, the High Court Writ states.

The matter was in the hands of their insurance company and was being dealt with by their solicitors, stated a spokesperson for the haulage company.

To reduce PPI compensation banks fought

20/05/2011 07:22:03

It has been reported that Banks embroiled in the PPI mis-selling scandal attempted to have the interest rate owed on compensation claims reduced last year.

When the new regulations were proposed in March 2010, many lenders were registered as objecting to the interest rate of 8% that was to be applied to mis-sold Payment Protection Insurance reclaims, A consultation paper released by the Financial Services Authority establishes.

The interest added to PPI refunds was intended to reimburse consumers for the inconvenience of being sold an inappropriate policy, as well as the profit they could have made for their money had they invested it instead.

Some banks on the basis of the latter, suggested that the interest rate on PPI claims should fall to as little as 1.5%, this being a more probably rate of return had the borrowers invested their money elsewhere.

But advisors for the FSA pointed out that many people who had been mis-sold PPI had been paying higher interest rates than 8% on their loan.

Last year, the pressure to reduce the interest on PPI compensation came before the court case which saw an ultimately unsuccessful attempt by the banks to contest the FSA's new rules for refunds, making it clear that this was an attempt by financial institutions to reduce the liability they have ended up exposed to. Some experts have predicted that the financial sector could end up paying out up to £10 billion in compensation with the banks obliged to refund customers who were mis-sold PPI.

For work in landmark cases Watford-based Collins Solicitors handed award

20/05/2011 07:10:21

At a national awards ceremony, a Watford based firm has been named legal services team of the year.

At the Claims Innovation Awards 2011, Collins Solicitors was handed the title, which recognizes firms that offer services in personal injury and clinical or professional negligence cases.

The Station Road-based solicitors was rewarded for its success in representing clients in cases including the Buncefield explosion and the Corby case.

The firm obtained compensation during the latter, for children born with birth defects after their mothers were exposed to toxic waste in land formerly occupied by British Steel, in Corby, Northamptonshire.

Compensation from state fund denied to Bradley

20/05/2011 07:00:35

Payment from the compensation fund has been denied to Clarence Lee Brandley, whose release from Texas' death row in 1990 helped pave the way for a special fund to compensate victims of wrongful conviction.

Last week, Brandley was notified by the comptroller's office that his claim for nine years of improper incarceration was made too late and lacked either a pardon based on innocence or a court ruling declaring him innocent.

Brandley, 59, was convicted of capital murder in the death of Cheryl Ferguson, a 16-year-old high school student killed during a 1980 volleyball tournament at Conroe High School, where Brandley was employed as a custodian. as his supporters claim he was singled out as a suspect only because he was black, His conviction quickly became a cause célèbre.

An appeals court all but agreed years later, saying his trial lacked even "the rudiments of fairness," and ordered a new trial.

Eventually, Montgomery County prosecutors were forced to drop charges against him, while insisting he was guilty.

Referring to a bill passed this week on behalf of Anthony Graves — rejected for compensation because of technicality after spending 18 years on death row for a crime in which he was not involved — Ozell Brandley, his brother, urged state legislators to make the same effort for Clarence.

"We went to court in 1990 and tried to get $120 million for Clarence," his brother said. "They said the state was immune. We thought that was the end of it."

Clarence Brandley, who has worked sporadically since being released and supports himself with odd jobs, said he was prepared to go back to court or lobby the Legislature to get a small measure of what he believes he is owed.

"We're going to do what we have to do," he said.

A spokesman for the comptroller's office, R.J. DeSilva, said the agency's hands were tied, regardless of the merits of Brandley's claim. He said officials with the office hope to work with legislators to study modifying the law so that bona fide claims can more easily be paid.

Elmira Personal Injury Attorney Says Dog Bite Victims Deserve Fair and Full Compensation

20/05/2011 06:40:17

Today, Elmira personal injury lawyer, Scott C. Gottlieb said: "With the recent pit bull attack of a 6-year-old boy making news in Elmira, it may be time to revisit the liability insurance requirements of the city’s dangerous dog ordinance".

Enacted in 2003, under the current City of Elmira ordinance, the owner of a dog that is deemed to be “dangerous” according to New York law must provide the city’s animal control department with proof of liability insurance of at least $50,000 or a surety bond in that amount.

“An issue that often arises in animal attack cases is securing compensation,” said Gottlieb, an experienced New York dog bite attorney.

“Victims need compensation to pay for a variety of necessary medical expenses that result from a vicious animal bite, such as emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgical repair to the eyes, nose or ears, plastic surgery or psychological counseling,” Gottlieb said.

“Since this ordinance was enacted, medical costs have risen sharply. That$50,000 floor may no longer be an adequate minimum amount of insurance.”

Bites and attacks by dangerous dogs are a public safety issue in Elmira, New York and across the country, According to Gottlieb. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly 900,000 people each year suffer dog bite injuries that require medical treatment.

9 months on, no compensation for fishermen hit by oil spill

20/05/2011 06:31:16

The state government is yet to decide on compensation claims of local fishermen, over nine months after a collision between MSC Chitra and MV Khalijia off Mumbai coast caused an oil spill.

On 7 August last year, MSC Chitra and MV Khalijia had collided causing an oil spill.

A compensation of Rs 8.05 crore for losses suffered by 2500-odd fishermen and 15,000 fisherwomen was demanded by the local fishermen's organizations. On Wednesday, during a meeting presided over by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar officials from the fisheries department admitted that the proposal regarding compensation claims for the fishing community was yet to be legally examined.

Pawar directed the department to ensure that the proposal was finalized and submitted to the legal department in three days.

To issue grant-in-aid for the affected fishermen, the department was also asked to evaluate the option of requesting the Centre. A delegation led by Damodar Tandel, president, Akhil Maharashtra Macchimaar Kruti Samiti, was present for the meeting.

On Wednesday, Pawar also held another meeting where it was decided to issue state grants towards construction of new municipal markets with modern facilities.

For compensation in personal injury extent of disability claims a key factor

19/05/2011 06:06:39

The extent of the disability from an injury is the primary factor in determining the quantum of damages in accident cases.

According to the Compendium of Personal Injury Claims, which provides a guideline for such awards since January, “fractured fingers may appear to be a minor injury but a resultant stiff or bent finger can be extremely troublesome, especially on the dominant hand”.

So, an award for an injured finger lies between RM3,000 and RM12,000, while an injury to a toe may draw an award of between RM3,000 and RM6,000.

The claimant's age, gender and marital status, and whether the injuries would affect the prospect of marriage are other important factors.

Depending on the injury, the impact on the claimant's employment, ability to perform household chores, facial and body asymmetry, ability to have children and whether the claimant is a sportsperson are among other factors that have a say in the quantum of the award.

For judges and lawyers, the compendium is intended to be a quick reference document and can be accessed at.

The compendium was not meant to stifle the rights of the parties to submit below or above the stipulated quantum or fetter the courts' discretion, According to a Bar Council circular, .

“As such, judges and lawyers are at liberty to depart from the compendium if case law or factual circumstances so dictate.”

New leader for 9/11 compensation fund

19/05/2011 06:00:43

For people with September 11-related health conditions, one of the country's top litigators will oversee nearly $3 billion worth of compensation claims.

On Wednesday, the Justice Department announced Sheila Birnbaum, a partner at Skadden Arps, will be the Special Master of the new Victims Compensation Fund.

Among other issues, Birnbaum, in the coming months, will have to take the law passed last year and turn it into a set of rules for administering claims. She'll consider whether certain cancers and post-traumatic stress disease will be eligible for payment.

On Wednesday, former Ground Zero worker John Feal, who advocated for the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Bill, met Birnbaum.

"The bill's not perfect, and this program won't be perfect, but I think she has the capability of making this as close to perfect as possible," Feal said.

Birnbaum has already been involved with September 11 lawsuits. During the claims process for the first Victims Compensation Fund, in the years immediately following the World Trade Center attacks, she represented a group of almost 100 people who rejected offers by the earlier special master, Ken Feinberg. That group eventually settled for a half-billion dollars.

In some circles, Birnbaum is known as the 'Queen of Torts.' She's also represented State Farm Insurance Company against hundreds of plaintiffs suing the company over Hurricane Katrina payouts.

Anthony Graves closer to securing compensation claim

19/05/2011 05:52:05

Under legislation passed by the state Senate, a Texas man wrongfully imprisoned for capital murder would get previously denied state compensation.

On Wednesday, Texas senators voted for a bill that would allow Anthony Graves to collect $1.4 million in compensation for his wrongful conviction.

Graves spent 18 years behind bars for the 1992 slayings of six family members, but was declared innocent by a special prosecutor.

Exonerated people can receive $80,000 for every year they were imprisoned under a 2009 Texas law. The state comptroller had denied Graves’ claim because the order detailing the exoneration lacks the words “actual innocence.”

The bill also makes sure attorney fees for state compensation claims are not excessive and ensures exonerees have access to affordable health insurance.

£750,000 accident at work compensation claimed by engineer

17/05/2011 17:59:09

£750,000 in accident at work compensation is to be claimed by A London engineer, who suffered serious personal injury after falling down a lift shaft, from his employer.

Thirty six year old George Harrison, of Thamesmead, in London, was working with a colleague on a lift replacement at Halton Heights in Priory Road, East Sussex, when a temporary platform they were using to remove parts of the old system, collapsed and the two men plunged seven metres to the ground below, reports The Hastings Observer newspaper.

Mr. Harrison suffered multiple fractures to his face, shoulder and leg in the accident and also lost six of his teeth. His facial injuries were so severe that he required surgery to insert five metal plates and screws; he will also need to endure complex plastic surgery in the future.

Against his employers, the world wide elevator company Otis He has now launched an accident at work compensation claim, for £750,000 in damages.

The platform Mr. Harrison and his colleague were working on collapsed because its maximum load of one tonne had been exceeded, revealed an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive.

Since the accident, Mr. Harrison has not been able to return to work and has been released by Otis on medical grounds. His legal team claim that the engineer is now significantly disadvantaged in the job market.

In Wales compensation warning to councils

17/05/2011 17:17:16

Unless they take a new approach to road repairs, a road safety charity has warned that councils in Wales face escalating compensation pay-outs.

Councils paid out compensation of more than £1.2m over four years, revealed new research by BBC Wales.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) said councils needed to resurface roads properly, not just fill holes.

They were all looking at ways to upgrade their road networks, said the body that represents councils in Wales.

A Freedom of Information request asked councils how much compensation they had paid out as a result of potholes or damage on roads in the past four financial years.

Many had spent hundreds of thousands while some paid out as little as a few hundred pounds.

Two councils at the top for pay-outs were Vale of Glamorgan with £245,967 and Newport, with £203,913.

Wrexham paid out £497,941 but the council said its total included all highway claims, such as those relating to snow and ice, as well as potholes.

Spilt custard pay-out among compensation claims

17/05/2011 16:55:53

After being splashed with hot custard a pupil sued his school for £750, records of barmy compensation awards show.

For falling off a classroom chair another child got more than £6,000 and thousands were paid damages in the past two years after tripping over in the playground.

After being “accidentally kicked in the face” one got £3,000.

Concerned education officials in Merseyside said schools had an “impossible job” in the current compensation culture.

The threat of compensation cases meant health and safety was embedded into school life, said Jim Donnelly, head at Litherland High School in Sefton.

He added: “For example, if it starts to rain we would put up a ‘Be careful, slippery surface’ sign up on exit doors because we know insurers would want to know what steps we have taken.”

Merseyside councils were asked to release details of successful compensation claims brought against schools on behalf of pupils, under the Freedom of Information Act .

Between 2008 and 2010, Knowsley council forked out most in compensation claims – with more than £50,000 paid to pupils’ families.

Successful claims included the £750 for a pupil whose arm was burnt by spilt custard and £350 to one who tripped over an “unmarked ramp”. Others included more than £6,000 for a child who was hit in the eye with a pen.

More than £21,000 was paid out for seven incidents during the same period In Wirral, including £6,534 for a pupil injured falling off a chair and £4,000 for one hurt on a fence.

Chip Shop Worker Claim’s £1 Million personal injury compensation

17/05/2011 16:40:53

After slipping on a wet chip shop floor, an employee at a Liverpool takeaway is to claim a million pounds in personal injury compensation.

Fifty six year old Sylvia Cheung had just completed her shift at the takeaway and was about to leave the shop when she slipped on the wet tile flooring, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Mrs. Cheung hit her head in the accident and was knocked unconscious; she also damaged her spinal column and her legal team claim that she could become dependent on a wheelchair in the future.

Against her employer, shop proprietor Pei Hui Zhu, who denies liability for the incident, her claim for accident at work compensation has now reached London’s High Court, where Judge John Leighton Williams QC decided that Mrs. Cheung was 15% liable for her own injuries but ruled that Mrs. Zhu had breached Health and Safety Regulations and should be held 85% responsible for the accident.

The actual amount of compensation Mrs. Cheung will receive has yet to be decided but due to her injuries, her lawyers believe damages could be in excess of one million pounds.

Pei Hui Zhu, business owner speaking from the busy Yang Sing takeaway in Finch Road, Dovecot where the accident took place, was said to be very stressed over the incident.

Personal Injury Attorney Michael Barasch Comments on Studies Showing Increase in Cancer and Lung Dis

14/05/2011 16:55:26

Michael Barasch, New York attorney, is concerned about two recent reports, one from the New York City Fire Department's chief medical officer and one from Mt. Sinai Hospital. The reports confirm a rise in cancer and pulmonary diseases among the firefighters and other rescuers who worked at Ground Zero.

“I have been fighting for the rights of injured New York City firefighters for 30 years and the reports confirm what most experts have feared. They are cause for concern. I intend to continue fighting for the health and safety of our city's firefighters, especially those affected by the events of 9/11," said Mr. Barasch.

According to the FDNY's chief medical officer, Dr. David Prezant, firefighters who assisted in the search for victims at the World Trade Center site are getting cancer at a higher rate than firefighters before 9/11. He has cited unusual rises in three blood cancers—leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma—as well as esophageal, prostate and thyroid cancers. A recent Mt. Sinai clinical study confirmed an increased incidence of chronic pulmonary inflammation, including an alarming three-fold increase in sarcoidosis in firefighters and other post-9/11 workers.

Although city officials currently state there is no scientific proof of a relationship between Ground Zero pollutants and rescue personnel illnesses and death, Prezant's report may be the first to officially document that link.

Both studies are expected to be published around the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 tragedy.

A longtime advocate of New York City firefighters and rescue personnel, Mr. Barasch's New York City accident law firm represented more than 1,000 rescue workers—including the late James Zadroga, an NYPD officer and 9/11 first responder—at September 11th Victim Compensation Fund hearings.

From Rapid Solicitors a £15,000 Prize Giveaway

14/05/2011 16:26:22

Rapid Solicitors, a UK-wide personal injury law firm with a difference, have teamed up with one of the world’s best known luxury brands, Ducati.

Rapid is a major sponsor of British Superbikes, as well as the sponsor of a Ducati Race Team together with a number of high profile riders, including Martin Jessopp and Michael Rutter.

As well as offering expert legal advice and fighting accident compensation cases, Rapid has taken the opportunity to celebrate their Ducati partnership by doing something really special. They’re offering their clients the chance to win some simply stunning prizes.

“One lucky person will win a brand new Ducati 848 Superbike, or the cash equivalent of £10,000. We’ve arranged for the prize to be presented by four-time world superbike champion and Rapid Solicitors Ducati 848 ambassador, Carl Fogarty, at Brands Hatch on 9th October. That’s a biker’s dream,” said Andy Baldwin.

One runner-up will win a luxury weekend for two to Milan, Italy to see the Milan Fair. Rapid Solicitors will even give you £2000 to spend. Milan, the capital City of the Lombardy region, is home to Italy’s fashion industry, stunning architecture and luxury brand shopping.

All existing Rapid Solicitors clients with an on-going case or new clients opening cases with Rapid Solicitors between now and 24th September will be automatically entered into the draw.

On 25th September, the draws will be made by an independent person at Silverstone.

Fake compensation claimants 'should expect prison', judge tells

14/05/2011 16:16:34

A top judge warned as he sentenced a former Welsh firefighter that cheats who put in fraudulent compensation claims will face jail or financial ruin.

Lord Justice Moses, in the first case of its kind, came down hard on firefighter Anthony Smith, who said he was incapable of working and was “surviving on state benefits” after allegedly slipping in a wet patch at Cardiff Central fire station.

The 37-year-old father was awarded thousands in severance and sick pay from the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service and put in a £25,000 compensation claim.

His compensation claim was thrown out when it was discovered that a month after the accident he took a written taxi test and within four months was plying the streets of Cardiff as a self-employed taxi driver.

Mr Smith, of Carlton Crescent, Gwaun Miskin, Beddau, Pontypridd, admitted contempt in what was the first of a number of similar cases currently being pursued by insurance companies.

Sitting with Mrs Justice Dobbs in London’s Divisional Court, Lord Justice Moses handed Smith a 12-month suspended jail term.

He told Smith that “quite apart from the disgrace, ignominy and the loss of his good name”, he also now faced “financial disaster”.

To pay off some of the money he owes after securing compensation claim, a £10,000 lump sum from his pension has already been diverted to the fire service and a charge of about £14,000 is hanging over his home.

Smith, who attended the hearing with his father, told the judge after admitting his contempt of court: “I am extremely sorry, my Lord, for it to come to this.

“I was silly and I regret it.”

“For many years the courts have sought to underline how serious false and lying claims are for the administration of justice. False claims undermine the system whereby those injured by the fault of others receive just compensation... they impose a burden on honest claimants and honest claims. Our system depends upon openness, upon transparency and, above all, on honesty. That system is severely damaged by lying claims. Those who make such false claims, if caught, should expect to go to prison. There is no other way to deter those who might be tempted to make such claims,” Mr. Smith, Lord Justice Moses.

Redesigned website for accident victims announced by New York personal injury attorneys

14/05/2011 16:00:16

To better assist site visitors looking for legal answers, New York, NY The New York injury attorneys at Block O'Toole & Murphy are pleased to announce that their website has been redesigned. The newly designed New York personal injury website features new, informative accident articles, easy page navigation, and a free online consultation. This website will be a valuable resource of information for residents and tourists, who were injured in New York, hope New York personal injury attorneys at Block O'Toole & Murphy. To access the newly redesigned New York injury website, please visit www.blockotoole.com

When visiting the personal injury website, New York accident victims looking for answers to their legal questions have several options. Visitors can select the Practice Areas tab and choose an area of New York personal injury law that best pertains to their situation to learn more about their eligibility for legal recourse; for example, New York residents who were injured due to a recalled drug can select the Defective Products tab to learn more about the liability of manufacturers, and the types of product defects which could allow injured consumers the opportunity to participate in a product liability lawsuit. To come face-to-face with the New York personal injury attorneys at the firm, site users can also access the legal video center and to view media coverage garnered as a result of the firm's success in handling accident cases. Lastly, to have their claim reviewed, at no cost and to find out if they have legal recourse visitors can take advantage of the site's free case evaluation.

The New York personal injury attorneys at the firm hope that their newly redesigned website, which can also be translated into other languages for non-English speaking users, will better assist accident victims in New York.

£1m personal injury compensation for teens

14/05/2011 15:50:49

Those interested in medical claim processing have been told that two teenagers have been given payouts in personal injury compensation after they claimed that they are disabled after having heart treatments during their infancy.

With the help of injury solicitors, Jessica Johnson has received £500,000 from the University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust the 18 year old is brain damaged and was operated on at Bristol Royal Infirmary in 1993 and again in 1995.

The trust, although, did not admit liability for either case, it also paid Kristian Dixon £500,000 after he had heart surgery at the hospital in 1992.

"Kristian, to say the least, had an extremely difficult start to life, but the compensation he is now about to receive will go some way toward securing his future," the South Wales Argus reported Mr Justice Owen, who approved the award, saying.

Council for the trust, Sarah Paneth, said that the payments were intended to help both teenagers have fulfilling futures.

In addition, £2 million in personal injury compensation was paid last year to Neal Allen, of Cambridgeshire, after he suffered brain damage when a hospital did not diagnose an abscess.

For Personal Injury Reintroducing Pre Action Protocol

12/05/2011 18:20:19

There is a pre action protocol for personal injury that makes the task easier for those who still feel hesitant in claiming personal injury compensation. Knowing how tedious and long a personal injury claim can be the Ministry of Justice developed a protocol to build on and improve the benefits of early yet well informed settlement. Not only does the Claimant benefit but also the Defense party.

Many have been able to get their injury compensation earlier than usual since its implementation. The protocol is mainly developed for the purpose of covering all claims which include personal injury claim not just those Clinical Disputes and Disease and Illness Protocols. It covers the entirety of the claims not only the personal injury element but as well as for example, property damage.

With the way it hastens exchange of information and good pre-action investigation by the two parties the system of the protocol makes communication between the disputing parties faster.

The protocol allows both parties to be in a position where they can settle cases fairly and early without the need for litigation. The protocol still works to make it better when it comes to the point when litigation becomes necessary. With the said protocol for personal injury claim, proceedings will run to the court’s timetable and efficiently.

Many victims have complained about not having to get their compensation at the time they need it. This pre action protocol for personal injury has helped in overcoming this issue. Furthermore, the protocol also makes it more plausible for claimants to easily get their medical or rehabilitation treatment.

GSRTC to pay Rs 100cr pending accident claims

06/05/2011 06:30:25

The Gujarat High Court today directed the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) to pay by July 15 over Rs 100 crore in motor accident compensation claims approved by its tribunal.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice S J Mukhopadhaya and Justice J B Pardiwala issued the direction on a PIL filed by one Nita Chaudhary, whose husband died after being hit by a GSRTC bus in 2001.

Chaudhary, in the PIL alleged that GSRTC had refused to pay compensation for her husband's death, citing lack of sufficient funds.She further stated that over 3,000 accident claims, amounting to Rs 102 crore, which were approved by the GSRTC Tribunal, have not been settled by the corporation.

The HC asked the GSRTC to settle all the outstanding cases by July 15 after the State Government informed the court that it had on May 3 released a sum of Rs 125 crore to the corporation.The amount was released after GSRTC told the court on April 7 that it did not have enough funds to settle all the claims.The court also asked GSRTC to submit by July 25 a report on claim settlements.

Reform of 'Dysfunctional' personal injury market urged by leading personal injury solicitor

06/05/2011 06:23:40

John Spencer, leading personal injury solicitor, has called for fundamental reforms to the personal injury market designed to enforce transparency, ensure consumer protection and improve access to justice.

Spencer's comments follow the release of the House of Commons Transport Committee report on 11 March, scrutinising the reasons behind the rapidly escalating cost of motor insurance.

Regarding referral fees - the controversial charges paid by solicitors to insurers and others for obtaining personal injury cases, the report urges greater transparency. However Spencer believes that a much more comprehensive approach is needed to tackle a system which has resulted in a ‘merry-go-round’ of warped incentives and profiteering.

"The time for a fundamental rethink has come. We must all admit that we now have a totally dysfunctional system. It has created a number of perverse commercial incentives and practices which infringe the rights of accident victims, and make many of us in the industry increasingly uncomfortable," said Spencer, who is a Director of CS2 Lawyers.

"We have all played our part in allowing this system to continue. Now we all need to work together to ensure fundamental reform."

Commenting on the Transport Committee's report, Spencer said:

"The Committee's focus on transparency is laudable. It is the consumers’ right to know where their money is going. But solicitors and related parties are already bound by a code of conduct requiring transparency, which the Solicitors Regulation Authority has reported is breached by many firms. More rigorous policing and penalty structures must be created for transgressions and the FSA should oversee the activity and disclosure of referrals and associated commercial relationships by insurers."

"In the end, a genuine industry-wide commitment to challenging deeply entrenched commercial interests and eliminating elements which add no value to claimants is the only real solution to guarantee access to justice and the protection of clients."

A qualified solicitor since 1985, John Spencer is a leading authority in the personal injury marketplace and a steadfast advocate for protection of claimants.

Compensation rethink called by abused ex-soldiers

06/05/2011 06:19:20

Former Defence Force personnel who claim they were psychologically and sexually abused are calling on the Government to offer compensation.

The abuse claims come as a law firm specialising in military compensation says it has seen a three-fold increase in people coming forward to say they have been abused while in the Defence Force since the revelations of the webcam sex scandal.

He was abused in the late 1960s and it caused lasting psychological damage, one former soldier told ABC’s.

the 60-year-old, who wishes to remain anonymous, said that they were mercilessly beaten, put in big laundry bags and belted with socks with bars of soap in them.

"On one occasion I was blindfolded, was threatened with having a broom handle shoved up my backside, and I have no idea who did [it]... you were just scared."

For many who served in the Defence Force it is a torturous decision to speak out about abuse, but equally torturous to keep it in.

"Most of it is accepted because I think it was a president of one of the branches of the RSL or something who said you need bastardisation because it makes men tough for battle," said the man.

"But I can tell [you] what - shoving a broom handle up a man's backside doesn't make a man out of them. It makes them a jibbering wreck."

He was 16 at the time and more than 40 years later the abuse still haunts him.

But people who served prior to 1989 are not covered by the existing military compensation scheme, military compensation lawyer Brian Briggs says.

He told AM there needs to be an ex-gratia payment system like the one offered to the F-111 deseal and reseal crews.

"What I'd like them to do is set up an ex-gratia scheme whereby they will look a little bit more kindly, a little bit more sympathetically at some of these claims, to have liability accepted so people can get treatment, so they can get counselling and in addition so they can be compensated for the pain and suffering they've experienced," he said.

Father of friend sued for £6m in personal injury compensation

06/05/2011 06:14:04

A father is facing a £6million personal injury claim by a girl who broke her neck swimming in his pool while he was away.

Kylie Grimes was 18 when she said she was invited to a party by David Hawkins’ daughter, Katie.

In the early hours of August 5 2006, she dived in and struck her skull on the bottom and was left tetraplegic.

Philip Mott QC, Kylie’s counsel, told the High Court Mr Hawkins had a legal duty to erect signs forbidding diving at night and when Katie’s parents were away.

But Kylie dived in at the shallow end of the pool in Farnham, Surrey, which was less than 3ft deep, and he cannot be blamed for her error, claims Mr. Hawkins.

Earlier, James Burton, one of Mr Hawkins’ legal team, said: “This is not good for anyone. If Miss Grimes wins, the homeowner will be made bankrupt. But if she loses then she gets nothing.”

The hearing continues.

Woman secures personal injury compensation after being hit by ambulance

06/05/2011 06:08:12

Personal injury compensation has been secured by a woman who was hit in her car by an ambulance, from the trust responsible for the vehicle.

The Gazette Live reports that Caron Lake, 49, had been picking her daughter up from work at a museum in Redcar when the accident occurred.

An ambulance being driven by Colin Hayden at 50 miles per hour on a blue light ploughed into her Nissan Micra, as she turned right into her junction.

Her daughter Erin witnessed the smash, which left Mrs Lake "inches from death" and caused her injuries including back problems.

Alleging that Mr Hayden had made a number of wrong assumptions prior to the crash, The family took legal action against the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) Trust.

A hearing concluded that he had positioned himself in Mrs Lake's blind spot as she turned just beyond a right-hand bend and had ignored her signal to the right, assuming she meant to signal left because the museum was closed. This only gave her a couple of seconds to react to the danger.

Admitting 100 per cent liability for the crash the NEAS Trust agreed to pay Mrs Lake GBP 18,500 in personal injury compensation and costs.

Lawsuit claims injury in raid

05/05/2011 06:13:35

Over lost wages and medical bills, a bystander injured during a 2009 drug raid carried out by the Sioux Falls Police Department is suing the city in federal court.

On Oct. 29, 2009, Adonias Tuchez, 39, was inside a house at 4413 Ronning Drive when S.W.A.T. team members burst in to serve a search warrant.

The lawsuit claims that one of the officers threw a "flashbang" incendiary device near Tuchez, and the ensuing explosion tore a hole in his foot.<

After EDL protest in city 8 police officers lodge injury claims

05/05/2011 06:06:53

After being injured in an English Defence League protest eight officers drafted in from a neighboring force are claiming compensation from Staffordshire Police.

After being among 66 officers brought in from West Mercia Police to help control the Hanley march they have lodged the insurance claims.

It is believed two of the officers were knocked unconscious after the eight colleagues were attacked near McDonald's in Parliament Row.

Hundreds of Staffordshire officers who policed the same protest have made no insurance claims.

Staffordshire Police Federation chairman Andy Adams, who policed the protest, said: "The officers' police van was surrounded and attacked.

"The officers were injured.

"They obviously feel very strongly about what happened. It is unfortunate but this is very unusual."

"Lots of other officers got assaulted and pushed around and the crowd was stealing officers' helmets and hats. There were lots of minor assaults that officers wouldn't even contemplate claiming for, but what happened to the West Mercia officers could have been fatal," he added.

40 officers, in total, were injured in the protest staged in January, 2010.

West Mercia Police Federation chairman Andy White said: "As a result of the way in which officers were deployed, a number of our officers were injured.

"There is a claim on the table."

It will cost Staffordshire Police a maximum total of £100,000 if the claims, which are being brought in one action, are successful.

Anything above that will be paid for by the force's employer's liability insurance.

Time to change workers compensation policy

04/05/2011 18:55:39

Connecticut had approximately 80,000 workers compensation claims, ranging from five to 21 years old, which remain unresolved, In January 2007, according to the Connecticut Workers Compensation Commission.

Commissioners' political attachments; not following the intent of the Workers Compensation Act; having no effective guidelines; denying and/or delaying injured workers' proper medical treatment including medication; monetary benefits; and failing to settle claims are all causes for the delay.

2,300 attorneys on both sides of the aisle earn money off the backs of injured workers, as do some 800 to 900 insurance companies, approximately, including claims adjusting companies who earn dividends and profits at the expense of the injured employees in the state.

By losing quality of life, proper nourishment, medical insurance, homes, jobs and families and have seen marriages land in divorce court, many injured workers have suffered the impact of such ruthless practices.

In the opinion of experts, this state must do what other states are doing to curtail unnecessary spending: abolish the Workers Compensation Act.

£13,000 in Personal Injury Compensation won by former police officer

04/05/2011 18:45:09

Almost £13,000 in personal injury compensation has been awarded to a former West Midlands police officer, who suffered serious personal injury while arresting a man in Birmingham.

Fifty year old Richard Gardner, suffered serious knee and back injuries, after crashing onto the pavement during a violent struggle with a suspect, which took place in front of a hostile crowd in the Broad Street area of the city, the Birmingham Mail reports.

The apprehended man was later convicted but Mr. Gardner required several operations after the episode, which kept him away from his job for months.

The victim claimed that he received no back-up from his colleagues during the incident and on his eventual return to work alleged that his employers made no allowances for his injuries.

He was awarded almost £13,000 in compensation at a Birmingham Employment Tribunal after he made a claim for disability discrimination against the West Midlands Police Force.

At the hearing judge Mr David Kearsley, confirmed that Mr Gardner had been left with a permanent disability but said that if the police had made the necessary readjustments, for another ten years Mr. Gardner could have continued working for the force on a part time basis.

A spokesperson for the West Midlands Police said that the force intended to appeal against the tribunal’s decision.

Pensioner secures personal injury compensation

04/05/2011 18:31:58

After being exposed to asbestos during his time as a joiner, a pensioner has secured personal injury compensation.

Mohammed Najib, 71, was an employee of construction firm John Laing Plc from 1974 to 1980, London 24 reports.

He breathed in the deadly material during his employment with the company, which caused him to develop the fatal lung disease mesothelioma.

In late 2009 Mr Najib was diagnosed with the condition and is now in considerable pain, relying on palliative care for the remainder of his life.

Mrs Justice Nicola Davies, at a High Court hearing, awarded the pensioner GBP 80,000 for his pain and suffering, as well as other sums for specialist equipment and alternative treatments, resulting in a payout of more than GBP 175,000.

"The remaining months of the claimant's life will be painful, difficult and distressing ... the level of damages for mesothelioma reflects the exceedingly painful nature of the disease," she added.

John Laing Plc declined to comment on the case.

Mineral holders can claim compensation

29/04/2011 06:35:54

When the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) came into effect in 2004, mineral rights holders, who forfeited their rights, are entitled to claim for financial loss suffered as a result of the expropriation, Agri SA said following a ruling by the High Court in Pretoria on Thursday.

The judgment handed down by Judge Ben du Plessis serves as a direction-giving ruling in terms of protecting property rights, the farming body's president Johannes Möller said in a statement.

“Agri SA's intention with this test case was to prove the expropriation of mineral rights... would oblige the State to pay compensation. This ruling confirms the fundamental principle in Section 25 of the Constitution, namely that property cannot be expropriated without compensation.”

“For the reasons stated the objects of the MPRDA could not be achieved without depriving mineral rights holders of their property and without vesting in the State similar rights. While not expressly stated, expropriation was one of the purposes of the MPRDA,” found Du Plessis.

By April 30, ahead of the ruling, Agri SA had asked those who suffered financial loss to lodge claims. Agri SA had compiled a guideline for instituting claims for compensation, which was forwarded to all provincial agricultural unions affiliated with the organisation.

Personal injury compensation still eludes workers of Hema Chemicals

29/04/2011 06:01:41

In the next two weeks, the National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH) will submit a report on the environmental impact of chromium 6 dumped by Hema Chemicals across three residential areas in Gorwa locality of Vadodara. But several workers from the company, examined by NIOH, have not received any compensation, it has been learnt.

“Allopathic treatment is too expensive to cure ulcers caused by exposure to chromium 6 while working for 20 years as an electrician at Hema Chemical’s Unit 1. Since our compensation claims are still pending with Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), I could not afford allopathic treatment, and instead went for homeopathic treatment,” said Kanti Christian, one of the workers.

Now, Christian frequents Dr Piyush’s Homeopathic store in Raopura.

“I avoid spices and masala in my food and I do not attend weddings for the same reasons,” said Christian, who now helps other affected workers from Hema Chemicals with their cases at ESIC and the Labour Court.

Between 1998 to 2001, the NIOH study conducted, shows that 52 of the 240 workers at Hema Chemicals contracted ulcers on the feet, nose and stomach following exposure to chromium 6. But after adequate compensation was denied, some of the workers contested the meagre compensation at the Labour Court citing job of loss due to mutilation of their toes.

Ram Kishen Yadav, (54), said: “I was promoted later, but then my feet had ulcers and one of my toes had to be amputed. Now, I undergo medical checkup under a private doctor. I did not accept the 10 per cent compensation by ESIC and filed a case in the Labour Court of Vadodara.”

The personal injury compensation is yet to be secured by the workers.

Personal injury compensation claim settled by SLC school district

29/04/2011 05:44:13

A personal injury lawsuit involving a parent who claimed a teacher burned her son’s hand was settled by the Salt Lake School District.

In an out-of-court settlement earlier this week, the district paid Maria Gutierrez $53,491.

In April 2010 Gutierrez, the mother of the child, filed the lawsuit stating her son, who has cerebral palsy and cannot walk or speak, suffered “burn injuries to a significant portion of his left hand,” on April of 2010 during a class lesson.

In the complaint Gutierrez said a special education teacher at Meadowlark Elementary School put her son’s hand in a bowl of “extremely hot, scalding water” while teaching students the difference between hot and cold.

Gazans' claims for compensation over war damages rejected by court

29/04/2011 05:32:47

In a turn of events, the High Court of Justice has rejected a petition by the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, which represents more than 1,000 residents of the Gaza Strip who demanded compensation for damages exacted by Israel during Operation Cast Lead.

Judges wrote that the High Court is not the place to debate the matter, in their decision.

The debate will continue about the matter.

Amputee seeks personal injury compensation

29/04/2011 05:27:07

After being hit by a motorist a young woman who lost a leg is seeking personal injury compensation for her ordeal.

In February 2008Emma Woolnough, 27, was walking near a church in Gorleston when the accident occurred, the Norfolk Eastern Daily Press reports.

Allan Skoyles, an elderly, man mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake pedal and caused his Ford Focus to mount the pavement, hitting three pedestrians including Ms Woolnough.

Despite surgeons battling to save it through surgery the injuries to her left leg were so severe that she had to have it amputated.

The 86-year-old driver was banned from getting behind the wheel for three years and it was discovered that he was deaf and had had surgery on his heart eight times.

Now, Ms Woolnough is taking legal action against his insurer, not only for the pain and suffering she was caused, but because she now needs medical attention to her right leg and will need special aids for the rest of her life.

Royal and Sun Alliance has admitted liability and it is hoped that the victim will be able to claim personal injury compensation as a result, a High Court writ states.

In a similar case in 2009, Jennifer Velez-Corby took legal action against Violet Thompson, 81, after the elderly woman also mounted the footpath and ploughed into her and her family.

Pre action protocol to make personal injury compensation quicker

28/04/2011 16:55:20

The one year implementation of the new RTA pre action protocol for personal injury is marked at this April. The said protocol begun its application on personal injury claims arising or occurring on or succeeding April 30 of last year where a claim for general damages is more than £1,000.00 but not more than £10,000.00 and liability is admitted.

The value of any special damages claim is not included in this pre action protocol. Thus the value is only limited to the personal injury element. Consequently, this makes a small PI claim have a substantial credit hire claim attached and still included within the Protocol to begin with.

A streamlined three stage process is involved in this protocol. It has been a year since all information is exchanged electronically on new prescribed forms. The first two stages are pre-litigation. The first stage involved submission Claim for Notification of the Claimant to Insurer. The Insurer is given 15 days to decide on liability. The claim moves to the second stage if liability is admitted. In a case where in the Insurer does not respond or admit, the personal injury claim exits the Protocol. Stage two involves obtaining medical evidence, provides settlement pack with all the medical evidence, special damages evidence, prescribed disbursements and offer of settlement as given by the Claimant’s lawyer. The insurer will then get another 12 days to accept or counter the offer. The Insurer must also have all the evidence at this time. The lawyer of the Claimant will be given 20 days to consider after this. The time limit can be extended through agreement when settlement is not reached. The protocol moves to Stage Three.

The court enters the picture at the third stage. Set costs are payable at the end of every stage. The main purpose of this pre action protocol is to make personal injury compensation quicker and at the same time cut down costs.

Holocaust compensation for Moroccan Jews

28/04/2011 16:45:44

Since the end of the Second World War nearly 70 years ago, for the first time thousands of Moroccan Jews will be recognized as Holocaust survivors and receive compensation from the German government.

They will each receive NIS 13,000 ($3,800) in compensation, according to the agreement drafted over the last few days between the Claims Conference and the German government.

Romanian and Bulgarian Jews who were held during the war will be included to receive the same compensation received by concentration camp survivors.

7,000 new compensation requests will be submitted, half from Bulgarian and Romanian Jews and a third from Jews from North African countries, mainly Morocco, estimated the Claims Conference .

Those eligible for the compensation are Jews whose freedom of movement was restricted in some way by the Nazis and their allies. Freedom of movement includes entrance to parks, movie theaters, and use of public transportation among others.

260,000 Jews were living in Morocco at the time World War II broke out. While Jews from Tunisia, Algeria and Libya were recognized over the passing years as Holocaust survivors and received compensation, Moroccan Jews were never recognized as survivors. So far, only a small number of Moroccan Jews who made aliyah to Israel before 1953 have succeeded in achieving recognition as Holocaust survivors and receiving compensation accordingly.

Holocaust compensation for Moroccan Jews

28/04/2011 16:45:41

Since the end of the Second World War nearly 70 years ago, for the first time thousands of Moroccan Jews will be recognized as Holocaust survivors and receive compensation from the German government.

They will each receive NIS 13,000 ($3,800) in compensation, according to the agreement drafted over the last few days between the Claims Conference and the German government.

Romanian and Bulgarian Jews who were held during the war will be included to receive the same compensation received by concentration camp survivors.

7,000 new compensation requests will be submitted, half from Bulgarian and Romanian Jews and a third from Jews from North African countries, mainly Morocco, estimated the Claims Conference .

Those eligible for the compensation are Jews whose freedom of movement was restricted in some way by the Nazis and their allies. Freedom of movement includes entrance to parks, movie theaters, and use of public transportation among others.

260,000 Jews were living in Morocco at the time World War II broke out. While Jews from Tunisia, Algeria and Libya were recognized over the passing years as Holocaust survivors and received compensation, Moroccan Jews were never recognized as survivors. So far, only a small number of Moroccan Jews who made aliyah to Israel before 1953 have succeeded in achieving recognition as Holocaust survivors and receiving compensation accordingly.

After pothole accident cyclist secures personal injury compensation

27/04/2011 19:40:18

After getting hurt in an accident involving a pothole, a cyclist has been awarded compensation.

According to the Yorkshire Post Peter Lodge, 52, had been riding his bike in Littleborough and was about to reach Hebden Bridge when the accident occurred.

The front of his bike went down a pothole surrounding a water valve cover and he was catapulted over the handlebars, sustaining cuts and abrasions.

As the company had failed to repair the area surrounding its valve, Mr Lodge took legal action against Yorkshire Water.

"I hate to think what might have happened if I had been thrown off my bike just an hour earlier during the rush-hour. That's why it's so important that people report potholes in the road as soon as they see them," the victim commented.

Yorkshire Water apologized for his accident and has now paid personal injury compensation to Mr. Lodge The pothole has also been fixed, a spokesperson said.

To protect privacy serial killers' compensation claims kept secret

27/04/2011 19:24:04

To protect their privacy, the names of murderers and serial killers who are suing for compensation are being kept secret.

The Ministry of Justice says it would be unfair to reveal the criminals' identities and claimed doing so could violate their human rights and break data protection laws.

They would not answer any questions about killers including Moors murderer Ian Brady and Suffolk strangler Steve Wright after they were sent a Freedom of Information request by the Daily Mirror, officials said.

£334, 319 was paid out last year to prisoners in compensation - including payouts of tens of thousands of pounds to those who were too hot or too cold.

The Ministry of Justice would not say how many claims were made by 35 notorious prisoners currently serving life sentences, also including multiple murderer Donald Neilson.

MoJ's Operational Litigation Unit’s Toby Head , said it would be inappropriate to give out the level of detail because it was personal.

The MoJ said: 'Like all citizens it is open to prisoners, staff and third parties to pursue civil litigation claims for any perceived wrongdoing.

'Each litigation case is dealt with on its merits and, so far as the evidence allows, all claims are robustly defended.'

To prisoners significant previous compensation payouts include the £1.4million awarded to Ellis Sherwood because prison officers failed to stop him becoming a drug addict after he was wrongly jailed for murder.

Another is suing the prison service after he fell out of his bunk and cut his head.

Ian Brady, now 73, and Myra Hindley murdered five children around between 1963 and 1965.

Increase in personal injury at work anticipated by lawyers

23/04/2011 19:35:23

A recent announcement made by Work and Pensions Minister has alarmed lawyers, Chris Grayling MP, stating they will trim 11,000 workplace health and safety inspections. This means an expected increase in personal injury at work for lawyers.

According to personal injury solicitors, this cutting down of health and safety plans put many workers at risk. According to DBS, a law firm based in Birmingham, they alone process thousands of injury compensations every year. DBS law runs a specialist national personal injury claims business. The law firm has gone through a significant increase in cases that are related to workplace accidents than car accidents. The fact that employers are becoming loose in ensuring health and safety of their workers has been named as factor for this increase.

Now that the government cut down the number of health and safety inspections at the workplace, there is already trouble in the current situation and it is expected to become worse. This just makes companies be more complacent in protecting their workers. Personal injury lawyers believed that the increase of personal injury claims that reaches their table is the fact that employers are way too relax in health and safety department. It would not be surprising to see a rise in the number of people getting hurt or even killed at work with this move of the government.

Accident claims and injury compensations filed against companies caused them to pay for fines and compensations but these are not enough to impel them to ensure protection for workers.

While personal injury claim solicitors can benefit from the increase of cases they have to work on, they rather have people safe at work and cared for. If workers safety is not taken seriously by employers accidents, injuries and even death can be caused.

Compensation claim over death launched by widower

23/04/2011 19:26:12

After a long-serving cashier’s death was blamed on suspected asbestos exposure, insurers of the collapsed retailer Woolworths could face compensation claims running into millions of pounds.

During a major refurbishment of Woolworths’ Durham Market Place store, in the early Sixties, lawyers say dozens of people may have been exposed to the cancer-causing fibres.

Last June, Betty Westhead, who worked there for 35 years, died of mesothelioma, a cancer often caused by asbestos exposure.

Ivor, her widower, has now launched a compensation claim, saying he wants justice for his wife and to help others who may have been affected.

Mr Westhead’s lawyer, Stephen Treanor said more than 100 people worked at the store during the revamp and that the claims could be worth up to £100,000 each.

If similar works were carried out, staff from other Woolworths stores could also have a claim.

Mrs Westhead, who lived with her husband in Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, worked at Durham’s Woolworths from 1947 to 1982, on the tills then as a supervisor.

During a major refit, started in 1961, the store remained open. Asbestos is said to have been present in ceilings.

In autumn 2009, Mrs Westhead began to develop breathing problems.

She twice had fluid removed from her lungs but died in the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham City, on June 23 last year, aged 78.

Her husband, also 78, said: “I can’t believe it yet. I always thought I’d be the first to go.”

Saying that it could be absolutely crucial to the case, Mr Treanor appealed to anyone with information to contact him.

He said: “Because it was in the early Sixties, we are having difficulties tracing witnesses.

We are trying to get people to come forward. The case either stands or falls on this.”

Woolworths had 807 stores, at its peak. However, the firm went into administration in January 2009 and all stores closed, resulting in 27,000 job losses. Durham’s Market Place store was taken over by Tesco.

A spokesman for administrators Deloitte said it had no record of Mrs Westhead’s case.

Teacher awarded £200k in personal injury compensation

23/04/2011 19:14:51

Last year, an instance of slipping and tripping in a school canteen resulted in a teacher being awarded a personal injury compensation settlement of £200,000, new figures have shown.

The largest organisation in the UK - professionals in this sector received millions of pounds in damages throughout 2010 due to issues such as injuries and unfair dismissal, According to statistics published by several teaching unions - such as NASUWT.

The largest individual award of £200,000 was given to the male teacher who worsened an existing hernia after slipping on a grape, which left him unable to work.

General Secretary of NASUWT, Chris Keates, stated that such levels of compensation represent no cause for celebration within the teaching industry.

He added that this figure illustrates is the cost to the public purse of employers' poor or discriminatory employment practices and failure to pay due regard to health and safety in the workplace.

Experienced head of HR hired by Emmetts Solicitors

21/04/2011 05:07:30

A new head of HR, responsible for recruiting more than 100 legal and administrative personnel over the next 12 months has been appointed by Lancashire-based Emmetts Solicitors .

Both the recruitment drive and the recent acquisition of personal injury claims specialists ATM Solicitors will be managed by Charles Crookhall .

Director of Emmetts Solicitors, Richard Emmett, says: “Charles is an excellent example of the kind of exceptional people we are seeking to appoint here at Emmetts.

“His HR pedigree will ensure we recruit the right calibre of people, and build just the right mix of personalities. This way we’ll continue to deliver outstanding legal services and a vibrant working environment.”

From Halliwells, Crookhall joins Emmetts, where he served as Acting HR Director. He has also managed HR departments for the Highways Agency, KPMG Consulting and Prudential Insurance.

“Emmetts is a great place to work. There are some really talented people here. It’s young. It’s vibrant. It’s entrepreneurial. And that’s why we’re urging anyone seeking out their next employment challenge in the legal sector to get in touch, and build their career with Emmetts,” said Crookhall.

Charity’s support group gets a solicitor appointed

21/04/2011 05:02:20

To the legal panel of a charity’s support group a solicitor at personal injury specialists Goodmans Law has been appointed.

Christian Beadell is one of only two solicitors in the UK to be appointed by the Group B Strep Support Group (GBSS).

The most common cause of life-threatening infection in new-born babies is Group B Streptococcus (GBS). In some cases, children will grow up to need a lifetime of care.

To families affected by GBS the charity raises awareness and offers support. The appointment follows Mr Beadell’s successful work in previous group B Strep cases.

Chief executive at Group B Strep Support, Jane Plumb, said: “Some families want to know whether they can claim for what’s happened to their child, and they need this information at a time when they are very vulnerable. We want to help them ensure they are advised by solicitors with real experience of the issues surrounding group B Strep infection.”

Over €2m in compensation claims paid out to Leitrim homeowners last winter

21/04/2011 04:57:43

Leitrim home owners and businesses related to last December’s arctic weather conditions were paid out €2.167 million in compensation claims by insurance companies.

According to the Irish Insurance Federation Irish insurers dealt with almost 30,000 claims relating to damage to homes and businesses due to burst pipes.

Leitrim had the seventh highest payout per population in the country. Almost €75,000 was paid out to every 1,000 population in the county due to burst pipes from the severe weather.

In December the adverse weather conditions experienced across the country represented the third severe weather event to affect the country during a fourteen-month period, the IIF explained.

Mike Kemp IIF chief executive said the quick response from insurers helped many homeowners and businesses in getting back on their feet as fast as possible.

Church to be sued for £30,000 compensation

20/04/2011 17:17:31

After slipping on a homemade door mat a parishioner, who was preparing flowers for a Sunday service, is to sue her church for £30,000 in accident compensation.

Margaret Graham,79, was preparing a floral display at the St Adamnan’s Episcopal Church but as she returned from putting cuttings onto a compost heap, she tripped over a doormat at the buildings front door.

In the fall Mrs. Graham dislocated her shoulder and damaged tendons and had to be taken to hospital, where she was given strong pain killers while her shoulder joint was put back in place.

The pensioner claims that she has been left disabled and depressed by the incident, despite an operation and several months of therapy, and intends to sue the church and the church’s landowner for personal injury compensation.

The claim centres on the fact that the D.I.Y mat which was simply a cut off from a larger piece of carpet, did not fit the step at the church’s front door and was an ‘accident waiting to happen’.

Stating that Mrs. Graham contributed significantly to her injuries through her own ‘fault and negligence, both the church and the landowner intend to fight the claim.

Compensation claim by pensioner

20/04/2011 17:10:43

Serious personal injury was suffered by a seventy year old pensioner, when a disabled female driver at the wheel of a mobility scooter careered into her.

The victim, Audrey King from Leighwas enjoying a shopping trip, near Wigan, with a friend at a local indoor market, when she was knocked to the floor as the scooter crashed into her.

For treatment to her injuries, which included a broken hip and fractured thigh bone and a metal pin and screw inserted into her hip and femur, Mrs. King had to spend almost a week in hospital before she was allowed to go home.

The retired secretary has now been informed that she may require a hip replacement operation at some point in the future and that it could take up to two years for her present injuries to fully heal.

A claim for compensation is being made by Mrs. King against the scooter driver personally, in what could be a landmark case. She is also calling for a change to the present law, which currently does not require mobility scooter drivers to have any form of insurance policy.

It was ‘high time’ that driver’s of these type of vehicles carried compulsory third party injury insurance, Mrs. King told the Daily Mail newspaper.

A member of her legal team stated that a basic competency test and compulsory insurance would help protect innocent pedestrians as anyone could go out and purchase a mobility scooter which could pose a potential danger.

Compensation claim by pensioner

20/04/2011 17:10:41

Serious personal injury was suffered by a seventy year old pensioner, when a disabled female driver at the wheel of a mobility scooter careered into her.

The victim, Audrey King from Leighwas enjoying a shopping trip, near Wigan, with a friend at a local indoor market, when she was knocked to the floor as the scooter crashed into her.

For treatment to her injuries, which included a broken hip and fractured thigh bone and a metal pin and screw inserted into her hip and femur, Mrs. King had to spend almost a week in hospital before she was allowed to go home.

The retired secretary has now been informed that she may require a hip replacement operation at some point in the future and that it could take up to two years for her present injuries to fully heal.

A claim for compensation is being made by Mrs. King against the scooter driver personally, in what could be a landmark case. She is also calling for a change to the present law, which currently does not require mobility scooter drivers to have any form of insurance policy.

It was ‘high time’ that driver’s of these type of vehicles carried compulsory third party injury insurance, Mrs. King told the Daily Mail newspaper.

A member of her legal team stated that a basic competency test and compulsory insurance would help protect innocent pedestrians as anyone could go out and purchase a mobility scooter which could pose a potential danger.

Online personal injury claim gets easier and bigger

19/04/2011 19:22:28

Cutting down lawyer fees and significantly keeping hundreds of thousands cases out of courts, online personal injury claim is made better as nine out of ten injury compensations can now be dealt with online. The move is yet a plan to be implemented under a planned reform.

Through the internet, injury cases that involved more than to £50,000 in compensation caused by negligence or wrongdoing of another party can now be conducted online. This is coming from the proposals of the Justice Secretary, Kenneth Clarke.

Mediation on the other hand, shall be necessary before parties can take civil cases to the small claims court. These proposals are made to combat the compensation culture and trim down the huge fees charged by personal injury lawyers.

The proposals also cover cracking down on the “No win, No fee” system which catalyzes the increase of bills and made fighting claims an expensive and intimidating experience, according to Clark.

Legal cost on the average is equal to142 per cent of actual damages awarded. This is very high in comparison to only 56 per cent in 1999. During the same period the cost of damages granted has escalated by a third while the cost of legal fees has also increased.

The series of reforms aimed to slash the high cost of legal fees and keep more cases out of the courts and as well to enhance protection on those being sued.

In the said proposal an online service that is at present handle car accident claims or road related personal injury compensation of less than£10,000. In the said reform, court will only be used as a last resort if settlement cannot be reached.

This new online personal injury claim system will enable individuals and/or their lawyers to conduct claims through a website and sets maximum lawyer fees of £1,200 or £1,700 if it goes to court.

South Florida alarmed by number of claims for personal injury

19/04/2011 19:14:26

Based on the recent report of the Office of Insurance Regulation, South Florida has made a mark for having a significant increase in personal injury compensation over the last five years. The claims for personal injury appear to have gone through the roof.

Many of the personal injury claims are found to be a frauds which is the downside of this news. Such is the problem in Florida according to an industry spokesman.

Health care providers and policy holders are having more difficulty in filing personal injury claims. Lawyers’ fees are also overwhelming. Claim for personal injury typically calls for Legislature. It is advised that Claimants hire personal injury claim solicitors that work with a No Win, No Fee agreement.

The insurers and its consumers are affected by this increase of fraudulent personal injury claims . Insurance company are said to be left with no choice but to increase premiums. This makes it unaffordable to many people.

Fraud that has been affecting injury claims and accident compensations are set to be fought by the people in Florida, with a group lobbying with the Senate insurance committee to get approval to make way for stricter laws to fight against auto insurance fraud which is prevalent.

To cover projected losses due to frauds insurers are increasing premiums. However, as to how much loss is brought by fraud remains uncertain as the state does have date on actual basis.

In 2010, personal injury claims in South Florida increased by 26 percent. The increase also brought increase in insurance cost.

Compensation to radiation evacuees to be paid by Tokyo Electric Power company

19/04/2011 18:56:36

According to yesterday reports, compensation claims following the radiation leak from Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power station could reach £14billion.

Tokyo Electric Power Company said that payouts of £7,300 begin this month to each household forced to evacuate.

Company President Masataka Shimizu, announcing the compensation said victims had his “heartfelt apologies”, adding the firm would reduce costs to meet the bill.

He said: “We are obviously thinking about pay cuts for our board and managers.”

An estimated 200,000 victims will benefit from payments announced yesterday. But analysts JP Morgan predicted Tepco, which has already lost three quarters of its value, would eventually face compensation claims of £14billion.

“This is just beginning,” said plant governor Yuhei Sato.

Car insurance costs could be curbed by clampdown on compensation culture

19/04/2011 18:48:49

The Association of British Insurers (ABI), with car insurance premiums rising at a record pace, has called for efforts to crack down on profit-making from the personal injury compensation system.

This week figures published by the AA showed car insurance premiums rising rapidly across the board, with some groups - such as young people - finding it ever harder to secure cover that meets their needs.

Nick Starling, ABI director of general insurance and health suggests that the government's reformation of civil litigation could provide the platform to help limit the costs faced by insurers due to compensation proceedings.

"It cannot be right that, for every £1 motor insurers pay out in compensation, an extra 87 pence is paid out in legal costs," he argues.

Mr Starling, among the practices would like to see come to an end is profit-making by referring personal injury cases to solicitors or claims management firms, who pay for the privilege of pursuing the matter in court.

Faulty squad car makes police officer claim compensation

19/04/2011 18:11:50

Compensation claim against his employers is made by a South Tyneside police officer who suffered serious personal injury when his squad car hit a kerb and rolled over.

Christopher Pearson, 38, is claiming that the car he was allocated had numerous faults, which included a worn tire and loose wheel nuts, which made him lose control of the vehicle while in pursuit of a suspect.

PC Pearson suffered knee and back injuries as well as a whiplash injury, when his vehicle hit a kerb, rolled over several times and came to a rest filled with smoke, according to the Shields Gazette newspaper reports. Due to the extent of his injuries PC Pearson is still on restricted duties almost five years later.

Thirty seven year old PC Emma Wilkinson, his passenger, who was only weeks away from celebrating her wedding, suffered a serious back injury which continues to keep her away from the frontline.

Separate compensation claims against Northumbria Police for the accident, which took place in Front Street, South Hetton, County Durham, back in the August of 2006, have been launched by both officers.

Responsibility for the incident has been denied by Northumbria Police.

Personal injury claims on the rise

15/04/2011 06:40:45

A report on was released on Monday by the state’s insurance regulators that shows a spike in personal injury protection payments and claims. Central Florida saw the second-highest rate of claims in the state last year.

For policyholders injured in auto accidents, no matter which driver is at fault, Personal injury protection insurance pays medical bills. Florida law requires drivers to carry at least $10,000 in coverage. The protection is intended to protect Florida residents who don't have health insurance and to avoid lawsuits and costs for minor injuries.

But the insurance mandate has been dogged by allegations of fraud by insurers, and a bevy of bills have been introduced during this legislative session to fix the perceived problem. Most of the bills aim to make it more difficult for attorneys who represent policyholders to charge big fees for their service and for policyholders and health care providers to file claims.

There has been a rise in Central Florida's personal injury protection claims by almost 10,000 from 2007 to 2010, without including numbers from Volusia or Flagler counties, though. Instead, the bulk of this area's action is in the Orlando area. South Florida has the biggest problem in the state.

Since 2006Across the state, the number of insurance claims closed with payment increased 56 percent.

The Office of Insurance Regulation's report did not say what the average premium increase for policyholders is because of the suspected fraud.

A report on was released on Monday by the state’s insurance regulators that shows a spike in personal injury protection payments and claims. Central Florida saw the second-highest rate of claims in the state last year.

For policyholders injured in auto accidents, no matter which driver is at fault, Personal injury protection insurance pays medical bills. Florida law requires drivers to carry at least $10,000 in coverage. The protection is intended to protect Florida residents who don't have health insurance and to avoid lawsuits and costs for minor injuries.

But the insurance mandate has been dogged by allegations of fraud by insurers, and a bevy of bills have been introduced during this legislative session to fix the perceived problem. Most of the bills aim to make it more difficult for attorneys who represent policyholders to charge big fees for their service and for policyholders and health care providers to file claims.

There has been a rise in Central Florida's personal injury protection claims by almost 10,000 from 2007 to 2010, without including numbers from Volusia or Flagler counties, though. Instead, the bulk of this area's action is in the Orlando area. South Florida has the biggest problem in the state.

Since 2006Across the state, the number of insurance claims closed with payment increased 56 percent.

The Office of Insurance Regulation's report did not say what the average premium increase for policyholders is because of the suspected fraud.

You can now claim online for personal injury compensation

15/04/2011 06:31:49

To make the process of injury claims less tedious many personal injury solicitors are reaching out to their clients through the internet called online personal injury claim.

Law firm of Raymond A. Pacia in Rhode Island is one of the firms that recently launched their website. The website makes it easier for current and potential clients to understand their case.

To eliminate the unnecessary fears and unc

Compensation Claim won by poisoned Jobcentre workers

15/04/2011 06:24:12

£12,600 in compensation has been awarded to eight employees of a Jobcentre based in Harrow town centre, after being exposed to toxic fumes.

The eight workers suffered various symptoms ranging from nausea and headaches, to loss of balance and mild confusion, after contractors employed by Harrow Council spilt a paving sealant solution known as Resiblock Ultra Matt, which contains the highly potent chemical Xylene, onto the footpath directly outside their offices.

According to the Harrow Observer is reporting that the public sector workers secured £12,600 in personal injury compensation which was paid jointly by Harrow Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who both denied liability for the incident but agreed to settle out of court.

The eight Jobcentre employees, who felt ill for months after prolonged exposure to the highly toxic chemical, split the compensation award between themselves. The DWP was accused of failing to act on the concerns of employees, who complained about the strong smell of fumes at the premises.

The health and safety officer at the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), Carl Banks, said that the union was ‘delighted’ that their members had been adequately compensated, for the failings of the DWP and Harrow Council to take the chemical spillage seriously.

Drug compensation claims faced by state

15/04/2011 06:03:56

The state is facing compensation claims from 17 former soldiers who were prescribed the controversial anti-malaria drug Lariam while serving in Africa with the UN.

Several of the soldiers claim that they were given the drug even though their army medical files indicated it was unsuitable for them, claim several soldiers.

The first of the 17 claims has gone through a preliminary assessment by the Injuries Board, and the others are due to be submitted in coming weeks, according to the soldiers’ solicitor, Pat McGonagle.

The Defence Forces, meanwhile, have confirmed that ten serving soldiers have been linked to possible side-effects of Lariam, and are undergoing treatment and medical monitoring.

Lariam, which has been linked to neuropsychiatric side-effects, brain damage and motor-neurone disorders was prescribed to several thousand Irish soldiers going on overseas deployments in Liberia and Chad .

Since 2009The US army has banned the use of the drug for its troops. In a joint statement, the Defence Forces and Department of Defence said that the health and wellbeing of personnel was ‘‘a priority for the Defence Forces, both at home and overseas’’.

The department said that soldiers going to malarial areas were screened for suitability for a selected anti-malarial drug in line with Irish Medical Board guidelines. ‘‘This typically involves review of the individual’s previous experience, if any, with the medication.

For those conditions which have been identified as precipitating serious side-effects in association with the medication, the individual’s medical history is also screened," the department said.

‘‘Personnel are screened both before and after deployments, and all necessary actions are taken to ensure that those with contra-indications to Lariam use are deemed unsuitable for overseas service and are not prescribed the medication."

The chief medical officer of the Defence Forces, Colonel Gerry Kerr, who has a postgraduate diploma in tropical medicine from the Royal College of Surgeons, backed the continued use of Lariam when he reviewed the drug’s use in mid-2010,The Sunday Business Post has learned.

Major Remington Nevin, a senior US army doctor who has written research into the use of Lariam by soldiers, told the Sunday Business Post that he expressed his reservations over the continued use of Lariam to Colonel Kerr at a conference in Florida last year.

The drug was generally unsuitable for use by armed forces, Major Nevin said .

Lariam’s manufacturer, drug firm Roche, said its chief priority was patient welfare.

The company said it could not comment on whether an individual or group was entitled to seek compensation from the state arising from the use of any medicine.

Drug compensation claims faced by state

15/04/2011 06:03:49

The state is facing compensation claims from 17 former soldiers who were prescribed the controversial anti-malaria drug Lariam while serving in Africa with the UN.

Several of the soldiers claim that they were given the drug even though their army medical files indicated it was unsuitable for them, claim several soldiers.

The first of the 17 claims has gone through a preliminary assessment by the Injuries Board, and the others are due to be submitted in coming weeks, according to the soldiers’ solicitor, Pat McGonagle.

The Defence Forces, meanwhile, have confirmed that ten serving soldiers have been linked to possible side-effects of Lariam, and are undergoing treatment and medical monitoring.

Lariam, which has been linked to neuropsychiatric side-effects, brain damage and motor-neurone disorders was prescribed to several thousand Irish soldiers going on overseas deployments in Liberia and Chad .

Since 2009The US army has banned the use of the drug for its troops. In a joint statement, the Defence Forces and Department of Defence said that the health and wellbeing of personnel was ‘‘a priority for the Defence Forces, both at home and overseas’’.

The department said that soldiers going to malarial areas were screened for suitability for a selected anti-malarial drug in line with Irish Medical Board guidelines. ‘‘This typically involves review of the individual’s previous experience, if any, with the medication.

For those conditions which have been identified as precipitating serious side-effects in association with the medication, the individual’s medical history is also screened," the department said.

‘‘Personnel are screened both before and after deployments, and all necessary actions are taken to ensure that those with contra-indications to Lariam use are deemed unsuitable for overseas service and are not prescribed the medication."

The chief medical officer of the Defence Forces, Colonel Gerry Kerr, who has a postgraduate diploma in tropical medicine from the Royal College of Surgeons, backed the continued use of Lariam when he reviewed the drug’s use in mid-2010,The Sunday Business Post has learned.

Major Remington Nevin, a senior US army doctor who has written research into the use of Lariam by soldiers, told the Sunday Business Post that he expressed his reservations over the continued use of Lariam to Colonel Kerr at a conference in Florida last year.

The drug was generally unsuitable for use by armed forces, Major Nevin said .

Lariam’s manufacturer, drug firm Roche, said its chief priority was patient welfare.

The company said it could not comment on whether an individual or group was entitled to seek compensation from the state arising from the use of any medicine.

Rise in compensation claims by Easter travel

14/04/2011 17:28:01

As thousands of Brits get behind the wheel for an Easter day out with the family, damaged surfaces and potholes are expected to cause a surge in road traffic accident claims over the coming weeks,.

Recovery firm Britannia Rescue has predicted a massive rise in crashes, With 6.7 million people planning car journeys to UK holiday destinations this month, which could also see increased road accident compensation claims.

One of the main risks these motorists are likely to take is 'car cramming', squeezing everything but the kitchen sink into the family car for a camping or caravan holiday.

Car-cramming drivers could be at serious risk of having to make a road traffic accident claim, Paired with the dangers already posed by the poor state of repair seen across many of Britain's highways .

"Our advice is to take a little extra time before the journey starts to be sure your load is safe, secure, not blocking your view and within your car's maximum permitted weight," said Britannia Rescue managing director Peter Horton.

Man seeks GBP 3m in compensation

14/04/2011 17:17:01

More than GBP 3 million in personal injury compensation is being sought by a man after his car hit a horse that had strayed on to a busy road.

The accident occurred in February 2008 when David Owen from Worcester had been driving along the A46, Horse and Hound reports.

Two horses had escaped from a field owned by Amanda Johnson and wandered on to the highway. Mr Owen was unable to stop and crashed into one of the animals, sending it flying into the air and on to the top of his car.

In the accident Mr Owen broke his neck in four places and damaged his lower spine, meaning that he is now in constant pain and can no longer work.

Mr Owen took legal action against Ms Johnson her after she admitted under the Animals Act 1971 to allowing her horses to get free.

She was negligent in failing to keep the animals securely fenced in and not properly checking and maintaining the border of the field, claims Mr Owen.

The victim hopes to receive GBP 3,871,421 in personal injury compensation believed to be the largest ever claim involving a loose horse.

Brain damaged boy set to receive injury compensation

14/04/2011 05:49:36

Personal injury compensation is set to be received by a boy who was brain damaged at birth, from a Welsh hospital.

After his birth was delayed at Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny, leaving him with brain damage and dyskinetic cerebral palsy, Callum Davies, aged eight, will receive the payout from Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust.

The trust, which now belongs to the Aneurin Bevan Health Board, is set to pay him £2.275 for his personal injury and has apologised to his family.

The board will pay for Mr Davies continuing health care each year with tax-free, index-linked payments, decided London's High Court.

"I am well aware that that the settlement approved by the court is not the complete answer, but what I do hope for the family is that these monies will make life easier," Justice Nicola Davies said.

For Personal Injury Compensation Former Equestrian Worker gets £127,000

14/04/2011 05:38:24

Kevin Parker finally got his personal injury compensation after two years when the injury happened. His was an example of personal injury at work that successfully managed to get his compensation.

The accident happened in January 2009 when Mr. Parker was working for trainer Amanda Perrett. He was steam-cleaning a stable when he was thrown off eight feet to the floor after the scaffolding plank he was standing on tipped. The fall caused him fractured heels..

As a consequence, Mr. Parker had to undergo surgery and extensive hospital treatment. Accident claims cover hospital bills which Mr. Parker has been compensated. But injury compensation goes beyond hospital bills as the injury also made him unable to go back to his equestrian job.

for allegedly failing to prevent risks that can cause accident Mr. Parker filed for personal injury compensation against Ms. Perrett . He was successful as he has recently been awarded GBP 127,500, which is said to be the highest amount in personal injury compensation at work.

National Association of Stable Staff involvement is required for accident claims like these, to support the claim which was based on the violation of the Work at Height regulations.

Boy Receives £8 million Birth Injury Compensation

11/04/2011 12:06:42

A child has been paid personal injury compensation that will eventually total over £8 million after a hospital error and medical negligence left him suffering from cerebral palsy.

The University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust has admitted liability for the error, which led to Nathan Humphries being starved of oxygen during his birth. As a result of the birth injury, Nathan will be confined to a wheelchair and will suffer from epilepsy for the rest of his life.

The compensation took 10 years to attain and Nathan's mother commented "There were a lot of good midwives but there was one who we blame and always will. I still feel angry that mistakes that should never have happened led to Nathan suffering a life-long disability."

The family will receive £3 million in a lump sum, while the rest will be paid annually. The money will go towards Nathan's care in the future.

Former Textiles Manager Awarded Compensation for Sacking

11/04/2011 11:57:07

The former managing director of a textiles firm has been granted nearly £150,000 in personal injury compensation after being made redundant.

Thomas Orr claimed that Herdmans had breached his contract when making him redundant, including unauthorised deduction of wages, redundancy and holiday pay.

Mr Orr's complaint arose when he was only paid £70,331 of a £265,363 salary. He wrote the company asking them to pay his full wage or to give him a redundancy package. He was then made redundant and informed that no redundancy would be paid and he wouldn't be receiving his wages.

Orr made the compensation claim as a result and was awarded compensation after Herdmans failed to represent themselves on the court case.

Teacher Awarded Personal Injury Compensation for Wrongful Arrest

11/04/2011 11:35:04

A teacher from Birmingham who was wrongly arrested after being accused of assaulting a pupil has been granted £1,000 in personal injury compensation after the incident.

Mark Richardson claimed that the boy had simply walked into his arm and had volunteered to speak to police voluntarily. However instead they arrested him. However when it was found he was not guilty of any wrong doing he decided to launch a personal injury compensation claim against the police.

In addition to the claim, Mr Richardson wanted all of the DNA samples, fingerprints and photographs taken of him during his detention destroyed. However this was refused by the judge in the case, who commented "take it properly into account when making any decision as to a request by the claimant for destruction or removal."

Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT, claims that she will write to the secretary of education and home secretary, calling for changes in procedure.

She commented "This is a landmark decision for teachers and others who are vulnerable to allegations made by children and young people. New guidance for police is needed urgently to prevent these needless arrests that wreck innocent people’s careers.

"Teachers are vulnerable to allegations made by pupils. Such allegations frequently involve police investigation. The overwhelming majority prove to be false but teachers are often deeply traumatised and their career is blighted."

Justice Secretary Announces Changes to Funding of Personal Injury Claims

11/04/2011 10:59:06

Justice Secretary Ken Clarke has announced that he has made plans that will result in a change to the way that personal injury compensation claims are funded. The change, if accepted, will lead to claimants having to pay a proportion of their legal fees rather than their claims solicitors claiming them all from the opposing side. This would effectively eliminate "No Win No Fee" compensation claims.

However the plans also include an increase of 10% to compensation levels, which is intended to offset any shortfall experienced by a claimant. The aim is to provide claimants with a financial stake in the case that will result in personal injury lawyers keeping their legal fees down as a result.

Additionally no legal fees will be payable to the defendant if a claimant's personal injury compensation claim fails. This is intended to eliminate the need for insurance policies to cover a claimant's liability if their personal injury compensation claim fails, however some fear that it may encourage frivolous claims.

Rice Work May Make Compensation Claim for Work Accident

11/04/2011 10:49:01

A man may make a personal injury compensation claim after a work accident left him suffering a broken leg.

Jan Kaminski has been working for Surya Rice when the work accident happened. He was unfortunately struck from behind by a forklift truck that had been transporting goods across the depot's floor.

Mr Kaminski suffered a fractured leg in the work accident in addition to severe bruising to his left knee. A subsequent investigation established that Surya Rice were liable for the work accident.

Mr Kaminski may now make a personal injury compensation claim for the work accident.

Pub Worker May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim for Burns

11/04/2011 10:35:14

A man who suffered multiple burn injuries and serious scarring may make a personal injury compensation claim for the work accident.

Joe Sellman-Leava had been working in the kitchen at the Chevalier pub when he opened specialised equipment that is used to clean various kitchen utensils. A jet of steam blew out from the equipment, burning his face. He had not been provided with protective goggles or an apron.

The man also dropped a grill plate that he was carrying, which caused hot water to burn his body and legs in addition to the burns on his face.

Speaking at Exeter Magistrates' Court, a lawyer for JD Wetherspoon said "While the incident and injuries must have been frightening and unpleasant, they were not life-threatening or permanent."

It is unknown if the man will approach claims solicitors over the incident.

Builder May Make Compensation Claim After Being Blinded in Work Accident

11/04/2011 10:20:40

A worker who is now blind in one eye after a terrible work accident left him with terrible work injuries may now seek to make a personal injury compensation claim for the injury.

John Ingram, who worked as a builder and fitter for Balsham, suffered the head injury when he fell from scaffolding as he worked on a refurbishment project on a farm building.

He had been dismounting a tower scaffold when he slipped on his way down. He was left comatose for a number of days and also broke a number of bones in his face.

The 55 year old has been unable to work for eight months due to the work accident and even now he can only work on a part time basis.

Pensioner May Claim Personal Injury Compensation for Road Traffic Accident

11/04/2011 10:07:34

An elderly woman who was involved in a road traffic accident may be entitled to personal injury compensation, along with several other people, after suffering personal injury in the accident.

The woman suffered life threatening injuries when the coach she was travelling in was struck from behind by a 7 ton truck on the M11. She had to be cut free from the vehicle by a fire crew at the scene of the accident before being rushed to hospital with a litany of personal injuries.

In addition to the pensioner, two other drivers required medical attention for whiplash injuries which were sustained in the collision. They too may be able to claim personal injury compensation if the accident is proven to not be their fault.

Man Suffers Several Broken Bones in Work Accident

11/04/2011 09:52:49

A man may approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim after a terrible work accident left him suffering a multitude of personal injuries.

The employee, who is currently anonymous, broke his shoulder blade and his pelvis in the work accident. He also fractured four ribs when he fell from a height of four metres through a roof panel at a farm in Nottinghamshire. He had been dismantling a building with a work colleague at the time.

His employer, James Miller, admitted liability for the work accident and will receive a fine from the HSE as a result. It also leaves him open to a personal injury compensation claim from his former employee.

Man May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Fall From Height

11/04/2011 09:40:46

A man may make a personal injury compensation claim after a work accident left him suffering from a number of broken and fractured bones.

Mike Preddy had been working on the roof of a commercial building in Bristol when the surface underneath him gave way. This led to him suffering a terrible work accident when he fell almost seven metres to the ground. In the process he fractured his legs, ribs, arms and back.

The firm he was working for, Associated Roofing and Maintenance, admitted breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and will be fined by the HSE.

A HSE inspector stated "It is the duty holder's responsibility to ensure workers are protected from falling."

It is unknown if the man intends to claim personal injury compensation for the incident.

Personal injury suit of Funeral home set for trial Monday

09/04/2011 13:59:55

An East Alton funeral home and its owner are moving to dismiss a personal injury suit over a fall in its driveway that is set for trial Monday.

The suit brought by Pansy Rodgers was moved to dismiss by defendants George Paynic and Paynic Home for Funerals.

For allegedly failing to provide her with a safe entrance route from the funeral home's carport and driveway into the building Rodgers is suing the pair.
While visiting the funeral home 3, Jan. 2008, Rodgers claims that she fell and was injured.
Her one-count suit seeks damages in excess of $50,000 and costs.
Trial is set for 9 a.m. on April 11.

Rodgers has not complied with court-ordered discovery in the case, the funeral home claims on their part to dismiss the suit.

The defendants cite Rodgers' failure to answer interrogatories and produce documents since May 2010 and to an Oct. 29, 2010 court order compelling her to comply within 21 days.

Rodgers did not comply with the October order, according to the motion to dismiss.
On Friday at 9:30 a.m. Hylla is set to hear the motion

Joseph Reames represents Rodgers.

The defendants are represented by Martin Morrissey.

Madison County Circuit Judge William Mudge was previously assigned the case.

Personal injury specialist welcomes Removal of expert witness immunity

09/04/2011 13:48:41

A Liverpool-based specialist in personal injury cases welcomed AN HISTORIC decision to strip expert witnesses of their 400-year-old immunity from being sued in the civil courts was by.

A good deal of controversy in recent years has been attracted by expert witnesses, especially in child care and medical negligence cases.

They will no longer be immune from civil action if they get things wrong, says a decision of Supreme Court.

It follows a complaint by motorcyclist Paul Wynne Jones, who was injured after he was hit by a car in Liverpool in March, 2001. He was forced to settle for a significantly lower sum than he might have otherwise been awarded in pursuit of a damages claim against the driver and this in turn led to him issuing proceedings for negligence.

Mr. Wynne Jones’s case was struck out by a High Court judge as he was bound by a 2000 Court of Appeal decision that an expert witness was entitled to immunity and the matter went to a panel of seven Supreme Court justices as a point of general public importance.

Rejecting argument that expert witnesses would be discouraged from providing their services if they were liable to be sued for breach of duty The Supreme Court allowed the appeal by a majority of five to two.

Deputy Managing Partner at Liverpool law firm EAD Solicitors, Steve Cornforth, welcomed the decision.

He said: “The immunity of expert witnesses has for many years been an anomaly which has led to injustice.

“We are all familiar with the high cost of litigation. There have been occasions when the failings of an expert have led to abandonment of cases at great expense to the litigants or the taxpayer in legal aid cases.

“It has been a source of much frustration that such experts were beyond legal accountability. This decision is very welcome news for all involved in complex litigation.”

Lord Phillips giving the reasons for the Supreme Court decision, by a majority of five to two, said: “All who provide professional services which involve a duty of care are at risk of being sued for breach of that duty. They customarily insure against that risk.

“It would be quite wrong to perpetuate the immunity of expert witnesses out of mere conjecture that they will be reluctant to perform their duty to the court if they are not immune from suit for breach of duty.”

Driver claims £3.8 Million in personal injury compensation

06/04/2011 18:50:27

Almost £4 Million in road traffic accident compensation are to be claimed by a Worcester driver whose Fiat Punto collided with a stray horse, from the animal’s owner.

David Owen, 62, of Broadway, in Worcester, told Horse and Hounds magazine, that he collided with one of two horses that had strayed onto the A46.

As a consequence, Mr. Owens’ neck was broken in four places and his lower spine was damaged, causing serious crush injuries, which later required corrective surgery.

Since the accident Mr. Owen has been unable to work and still suffers pain in his back, neck and legs as well as persistent headaches, and said that his inability to work has led to financial difficulties and creditors are now demanding he sells his business premises in Evesham.

Mr. Owen is now claiming £3,871,421 in compensation from the animal’s owner Amanda Johnson, of Parks Farm House, in Aldington, Evesham, who has already pleaded guilty to breaching the Animals Act of 1971, by allowing her horses to be loose on a public road.

After appearing at Worcester Magistrates Court she was fined £750 and ordered to pay costs of £60.

The court hearing for Mr. Owens’ compensation claim is due to take place at the Royal Courts of Justice in London but no date has yet been confirmed.

Security man personal injury compensation case to be heard in UK

06/04/2011 18:31:09

In England a damages case brought by a security consultant who was injured in a road crash in Iraq will be heard.

In August 2008 Tony Harty, 34, was working for Sabre International Security Ltd when the armoured vehicle he was in travelling in through Baghdad suffered a deflated tyre, causing the vehicle to leave the road and hit a drainage culvert.

The former member of the Royal Irish Rangers, who served in Northern Ireland and Kosovo until 2002, was airlifted to Germany where he was treated in a military hospital.

The victim spent time recuperating in England with his wife and son, but his inability to work led to him moving back to County Kerry, Ireland.

The High Court was asked by Sabre to rule that it had no jurisdiction to decide the claim arising out of the company’s alleged negligence, and that it must be heard in Iraq.

Dismissing Sabre’s case, Mr Justice MacDuff, sitting in London, commented: “I am satisfied to a very high standard of proof that the defence position has been manufactured, shaped over a period of time, and is wholly disingenuous.”

his contract was with the British Virgin Islands (BVI) registered company of Sabre International Security Ltd (formerly SIS Iraq Ltd), which, under the Coalition Provisional Authority Order, cannot be sued in Iraq, claimed Mr Harty.

The judge said that he was “entirely persuaded” by the arguments on behalf of Mr Harty who, he ruled, was working at all times for the BVI company, which had also organised and supervised the convoy.

“In cases involving injuries which have occurred outside of England and Wales, a claimant should always be live to the issues of jurisdiction and any matters arising should be addressed as early as reasonably practicable.In this case, where the defendant is domiciled in England or Wales and a claim is brought against him, it seems quite clear on the basis of the High Court’s judgment that this is the appropriate forum,”  said Laura Thompson, Legal Executive in IBB’s Personal Injury team.

“A defendant operating within England and Wales and under the laws of this country should not be given any opportunity to avoid a legitimate claim simply because the accident occurred elsewhere,” she further added.

Personal injury compensation sought by amputee

06/04/2011 18:19:08

Personal injury compensation is being sought by a young woman who lost a leg after being hit by a motorist.

In February 2008 the accident occurred when Emma Woolnough, 27, was walking near a church in Gorleston, the Norfolk Eastern Daily Press reports.

Allan Skoyles, an elderly man mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake pedal and caused his Ford Focus to mount the pavement, hitting three pedestrians including Ms Woolnough.

The injuries to her left leg were so severe that she had to have it amputated, despite surgeons battling to save it through surgery.

It was discovered that the 86-year-old driver was deaf and had had surgery on his heart eight times. Consequently, he was banned from getting behind the wheel for three years

Ms Woolnough is now taking legal action against his insurer, not only for the pain and suffering she was caused, but because she now needs medical attention to her right leg and will need special aids for the rest of her life.

Royal and Sun Alliance has admitted liability and it is hoped that the victim will be able to claim personal injury compensation as a result, states a High Court writ.

Negotiation of 189,243.48 GBP Settlement claim for Construction Worker by Boston Injury Attorney of

06/04/2011 17:43:48

On behalf of a Massachusetts construction worker who sustained a tear to his left shoulder in November 2005 Boston personal injury lawyer Steven Whitman at the law firm of Whitman Law has obtained 189,243.48 GBP settlement.

Steve Whitman, Boston personal injury lawyer, represented a construction worker in a worker’s compensation claim against the employer’s workers compensation carrier who fought to first deny then later discontinue benefits. Attorney Whitman was able to negotiate a lump sum settlement, After six years of successfully negating the insurance carrier’s challenges.

After six years of negotiations, the agreement, resolved the employee’s workers compensation claim against his employer. The Honorable Robert Horan in Boston approved the settlement.

“We were very satisfied with this lump sum settlement. The workers compensation insurance carrier fought my client every step of the way yet we were able to win at each stage of the litigation. After six years of litigation the client was extremely relieved that we were able to craft a settlement that allowed him one-half of the settlement funds presently with the remainder paid out for the next 12 years through an annuity. This allowed him a good portion of money now with the relief that he would continue to receive payments into the future. I think we really wore the insurance company down,” said Steven Whitman, a Massachusetts personal injury lawyer.

The experienced Massachusetts personal injury attorneys at Whitman Law, since 1986, have recovered millions in damages. Whitman Law is the committed to staying informed, remaining focused and being relentless for successful results. The Whitman advantage means that you achieve the best possible result in every case. Whitman Law Firm represents all personal injury cases throughout Massachusetts including Boston, Brockton, Waltham, Burlington, Woburn, Lynn, Lowell, Malden and Worcester.

95 year old woman chases law firm for excessive charges in claiming personal injury compensation

06/04/2011 17:24:40

A claim by a 95-year-old woman was settled by the law firm Keddies, after she alleged the firm overcharged her when handling her personal injury case.

In 2003, Margaret Shuetrim was hit by a car and injured while crossing a road in Petersham.

The pensioner, in the following year engaged Keddies as she claimed compensation under the Motor Accidents Compensation Act.

The insurer of the vehicle at fault admitted liability and her claim was settled for $150,000, before court proceedings were commenced, According to a statement of claim filed with the District Court.

However, Mrs Shuetrim was charged $66,747 by Keddies for costs and disbursements - an amount she claimed was ''grossly excessive''.

Mrs Shuetrim claimed that under the relevant regulations, she should have paid $14,400 plus GST. She said she suffered ''disappointment, anxiety and distress'' after being left more than $50,000 out of pocket.

Recently a merger was made by Keddies with another law firm, Slater & Gordon. Seeking economic compensatory damages and damages for distress Mrs Shuetrim sued former partners Tony Barakat, Russell Keddie and Scott Roulstone, trading as Keddies Lawyers.

Although the case was set for hearing yesterday, the parties reached a settlement, with Keddies to pay Mrs Shuetrim $75,000 plus legal costs.

Mrs Shuetrim's age was taken into account, said Rob Tassell, for the defendants.

Biggest personal injury claim received by Kevin Parker

05/04/2011 19:50:26

The lad who used to work at the stable and for the trainer Amanda Perrett, Kevin Parker, was given a record payout after the accident in which he suffered injuries. After he made a personal injury claim to the National Association of Stable Staff, Parker has been reported to have received £127,500.

It has been revealed that the boy fell eight feet from a scaffolding plank. This accident happened when he was steam cleaning one of the stables and he lost his balance and fell.

Receiving many injuries including both fractures of the heels, he was immediately moved to the hospital. Parker requires hospital treatment and a surgery after which he will not be able to continue his job as a stable employee, according to the doctors.

When the chief executive of NASS, Jim Cornelius, was approached to inquire about the accident and the following payout he was reported as saying, “Kevin contacted us in January 2009 and we underwrote his claim for negligence and a breach of the Work at Height regulations, so he didn’t have to pay anything for obtaining the settlement.”

Horse racing in today’s world has being questioned by many. According to animal rights activists, this sport does direct harm to the race-horses, as many of them have died as a result of fatal falls. They also claim that some trainers feed their race-horses with steroids to improve and enhance their performance in the races, which is not good for their health and can be quite dangerous.

SGP Law promotes availability of legal services to personal Injury victims of all income levels

05/04/2011 19:41:16

By not charging any fees until recovery, one of Arizona’s leading law firms in the field of auto accident and personal injury claims, Skousen, Gulbrandsen, & Patience, PLC, is making it easier for automobile or motorcycle accident victims to pursue their claims. SGP Law is doing its part in making the legal process more accessible to car accident victims who might otherwise not be able to afford it by working on a contingency fee basis. With over 200 years of collective experience, few personal law firms can lay claim to SGP’s record of success.

Establishing itself as an industry leader and advocate in the handling of auto accident and other personal injury claims in the state of Arizona, SGP Law’s expertise in handling personal injury cases across the board and its ability to consistently obtain fair and equitable compensation is especially notable, in light of the firm’s commitment to making their services available to clients of all income levels.

Richard Gulbrandsen of SGP Law said that they are committed to the idea that their clients will not be charged attorney’s fees until the claim has been settled and the money has been received and Accidents are not discriminating, and law firms shouldn’t be either and working on contingency eliminates up-front legal fees for victims making the legal process more affordable.

The attorneys of Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience are experienced in all types of personal injury law, and have settled countless cases related to auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, serious injuries, dangerous products, dog bites, criminal DUI and more.

Employee Liability in Workers’ injury Compensation addressed by Missouri Bills

05/04/2011 19:24:18

Two workers’ compensation bills are in consideration with the Missouri legislators to address whether an employee is liable when an employee is injured on the job.

Co-employee liability in workers’ compensation cases would be restricted by SB 8 , holding employers liable, irrespective of negligence, for personal injury or death of an employee and unless that employee purposefuly and dangerously caused or increased the injured employee’s risk of injury, it is barring employees of that employer from liability,.

Neither the employer, nor employee of such employer, shall be held liable for any injury or death for which workers’ compensation is recoverable, states HB 162.

The bill restores co-employee immunity in workers’ compensation, a problem caused by the Missouri Court of Appeals’ 2010 decision inRobinson v. Hooker that found an employee responsible for injuries to a co-worker within the course and scope of employment, claim Proponents of SB 8. Also, proponents assert that the bill corrects the result of a St. Louis trial court decision Gray v. A.W. Chesterton, et al. and Cicerelli v. Certainteed Corp., et al. that eliminated exclusive remedy protection, subjecting employers to tort suits in claims involving occupational diseases, thereby tearing out the foundation of Missouri’s workers’ compensation system.

However, the American Insurance Association (AIA) by adding in the distinction for co-employees, believes SB 8 “does more harm than good because the bill exposes employers to additional costs, liabilities, and lawsuits,” the association said in a statement.

Bruce Wood, AIA general counsel said that SB 8 seriously undermines the fundamental exclusive remedy principle of Missouri’s workers’ compensation system and if adopted, the result will be extensive litigation and higher costs for employers.

The association, on the other hand, said it supports HB 162 because it protects workers and employers in Missouri by correcting “the two errant court decisions that subject employees to tort suits by their co-workers and subject employers to tort suits in claims involving occupational disease,” AIA stated.

Three General Types of Damages catered by personal injury compensation

05/04/2011 19:13:00

If someone has been injured because of the fault of someone then they can seek the advice of personal injury attorneys in order to get compensated for injuries inflicted upon them. Personal injury compensation has three types: Compensatory damages, Nominal damages and Punitive damages. In cases of personal injury compensation compensatory damages are the most common way of getting monetary awards.

The reason is that most personal injury cases are caused because of negligence, and as a general rule plaintiffs may only recover compensatory damages in negligence cases. To make up for the actual loss a plaintiff has suffered compensation damages are given covering not only economic losses but also non-economic losses.

Nominal damages, meanwhile, are given when the judge or jury discovers the suspect or defendant technically committed a wrongdoing, but the complainant did not suffer any injury or harm. Nominal damages, commonly, consist of a small amount of money such as $1 or $10. Punitive damage is the last type of personal injury compensation. Punitive damage is the highest award granted to a person. It is designed to punish an offender and is over and above compensatory damages. Punitive damage is given if an act is done intentionally, recklessly or maliciously in some way or another.

Before reaching jury personal injury claim dismissed

05/04/2011 19:01:24

Thursday on the third day of a trial, Sara Sheldon Sperrazza, Niagara County Judge dismissed a Niagara Falls woman’s personal injury claim before the case reached the jury.

According to court papers, Gail L. Harris, 56, of Welch Avenue, had sued the landlords and manager of Cam-Am Mail Box Rental, 2315 Whirlpool St., for $450,000 personal injury claim , a damage demand later reduced to $350,000.

After tripping over a raised door sill on 21 Feb. 2008 Harris said she fell down a set of three steps in front of the store. Medical reports in the court file indicated that she broke a bone in her foot, which healed on its own. Also, Harris had sprained her left knee eight days before the fall in another fall at work.

Scott Stepien for Harris and Daniel Caffrey were attorneys in the case for the defendants, store manager Robert Seager and landlords James and Marie Briganti.

Factory Worker Suffers Serious Personal Injury in Work Accident

04/04/2011 11:49:13

A factory worker who suffered a terrible personal injury in a work accident when he was dragged into machinery may still approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim after he suffered personal injuries so severe that he was kept off work for a year.

Gerald Dahlstrom has been lifting bags of china clay onto a conveyor belt when he was pulled into a gap between the belt and a second belt which was designed to flatten the bags prior to shipping.

Mr Dahlstrom was dragged through the gap, which was only six inches wide, suffeing injuries to his head, chest and upper body as a result.

Imerys Minerals was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay costs of just over £45,000. This has left the company open to a personal injury compensation claim by Mr Dahlstrom if he chooses to follow that route.

Woman Makes Six Figure Personal Injury Compensation Claim for Road Traffic Accident

04/04/2011 11:36:46

A woman is making a personal injury compensation claim to the tune of £300,000 after she had to have her leg amputated when she was involved in a road traffic accident with an 86 year old driver.

Emma Woolnough had been walking to work when the Ford Focus, driven by Allan Skoyles, mounted the pavement and ploughed into both her and an elderly couple. Mr Skoyles had mistakenly hit the accelerator rather than the brake pedal, causing him to mount the curb.

Her right leg required a number of skin grafts, however her left leg was left so badly damaged that she had to have it amputated below the knee. She is now making the compensation claim against Mr Skoyles insurance company after he was handed a £2,000 fine and was banned from driving for three years.

Twins Awarded Birth Injury Compensation

04/04/2011 11:16:06

A pair of twins from Hertfordshire have been awarded a multi-million pound personal injury compensation payout after complications arising from medical negligence during their birth led to both twins suffering from spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy.

Both Thomas and Rachel Hartley were starved of oxygen after doctors failed to realise their mother had gone into premature labour. this has resulted in both twins being left wheelchair bound after doctors prescribed drugs to preserve the pregnancy.

The £2 million birth injury compensation paid thus far is just for Thomas. Rachel's compensation will be decided at a later date but it is expected that it will be a similar amount after the hospital admitted medical negligence in the birth.

Oil Rig Worker Injured in Work Accident Awarded Six Figure Compensation Sum

04/04/2011 11:07:28

A worker on an oil rig has been granted £160,000 in personal injury compensation for a work accident that say him crush his hand while working on the North Sea rig.

Martin Brand had been employed as a roughneck on the rig and had been attempting to clean a section of the piping when hydraulic slips shifted, causing serious crush personal injury to his hand. Two of his fingers had to be partially amputated as a result of the work accident.

Mr Brand eventually contacted claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim against his employers for the work accident, resulting in the six figure payout when the company he worked for admitted liability.

Mr Brand still works for the company, however he can no longer work off shore due to his injuries.

Worker Who Suffered Severed Hand in Work Accident May Claim Compensation

04/04/2011 10:57:14

A worker from Cheshire may make a personal injury compensation claim after a work accident led to his hand being severed when it was caught inthe rotating parts of a plastic mixing machine.

Gary McKeown, aged 42, had been attempting to remove granules of plastic from the machine's base when his hand came into contact with the blades. His left hand was severed immediately, however surgeons managed to save some of it. Unfortunatelty they could not save his fingers or thumb.

A subsequent HSE investigation revealed that a safety mechanism on the machine was broken, leading to Matrix Polymers being fined £3,500 plus costs due to breaches of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.

It is unknown at this point of the man is intending to pursue a personal injury compensation claim, however he now has grounds to make a claim for the work accident.

Stable Boy Receives Six Figure Compensation Payout for Work Accident

04/04/2011 10:45:36

A stable boy who was injured in a work accident while working at the stables of top racing trainer Amanda Perrett has been awarded more than £100,000 in personal injury compensation for his injuries.

Stable lad Kevin Parker suffered serious personal injury when he fell from height while working on a scaffolding plank. Mr Parker fell almost eight feet in the work accident while attempting to steam clean a stable. He suffered fractures to both heels in the fall and has been unable to return to work since.

The stable lad launched his work accident compensation claim with help from the National Association of Stable Staff in conjunction with claims solicitors. He received £127,500 in personal injury compensation for the work accident.

Musician Wins Over £1 million Road Traffic Accident Compensation

04/04/2011 10:37:18

A musician from Henley has been awarded £1.1 million in personal injury compensation after a road traffic accident in which he was run over at a pedestrian crossing.

Tavenor Douglas suffered a serious personal injury when he was involved in the road traffic accident with a drunk driver on the crossing near London's Natural History Museum.

Mr Douglas, who had been celebrating his birthday, was rushed to hospital where he remained in a coma for the following week. He suffered a range of personal injuries, including a fractured skull resulting in brain damage, plus injuries to his spine and pelvis. This has left him suffering serious speech and mobility problems.

Mr Douglas was awarded the compensation after a successful personal injury compensation claim against the driver's insurance company. The driver pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol and was banned from driving for three years in addition to a £400 fine.

The road traffic accident happened as Mr Douglas had been putting the finishing touches to his debut album. He intends to release it sometime in the near future.

Plant Hire Company Fined for Exposing Workers to Asbestos

04/04/2011 10:19:29

A pair of companies have been fined a total of £100,000 by the Health and Safety Executive after their negligence led to their employees and members of the public being exposed to the deadly substance asbestos.

The fines were issued after it was discovered the people were put at risk of contracting asbestos related illnesses, such as mesothelioma, when the companies failed to properly manage the substance while carrying out refurbishment work on a block of flats in 2009. A board of asbestos was disturbed during the work, leading to some of the deadly fibres being released into the air.

Mansell Construction Services were fined £50,000 for the incident, while Woodlands Plant Hire Ltd were fined a further £50,000. The companies were ordered to pay joint costs of more than £20,000.

It is unknown if any workers or residents of the flats intend to make a personal injury compensation claim as a result of the asbestos exposure.

Two Companies Fined Over Work Accident After Two Workers Crushed by Steel

04/04/2011 10:10:12

Two aerospace companies have been fined a total of £75,000 after a work accident saw two employees get crushed by two tonnes of steel. Unfortunately one of the employees died in the accident in which the pair were pushing a trolley containing the steel into a large industrial oven. A walkway that was used to carry the trolley collapsed in the process, causing the steel to fall onto Allan Sanderson and Gerald Powderley.

Mr Powderley suffered a range of personal injuries in the incident, including two broken legs, a broken foot and a broken ankle. Unfortunately Mr Sanderson died in hospital the morning after the accident as a result of his personal injuries.

An investigation by the HSE found that the panel which collapsed had been repaired only a month earlier by Brookhouse Tooling, however the repair method was found to be unsatisfactory due to the quality of the welding.

As a result Brookhouse Composites were fined £50,000 and ordered to pay £35,000 in costs, while Brookhouse Tooling were fined £25,000 with costs of £35,000.

It is unknown if Mr Powderley or the family of Mr Sanderson intend to contact claims solicitors over the incident to make a personal injury compensation claim.

600 Women May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim Due to Failed Contraceptive Implant

04/04/2011 09:51:54

Recent statistics have revealed that the number of women who have fallen pregnant despite having a contraceptive implant fitted may have risen to as many as 600. This leaves the doctors who administered the contraceptive open to personal injury compensation claims due to potential medical negligence displayed in not fitting it correctly.

The implant is intended to offer protection to women from getting pregnant for three years, however advice was handed out to women who had the implant to also use a condom amid fears that many may not have been administered correctly.

Over 1,600 complaints have already been registered with medical watchdog the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency due to problems with the implants and thus far over £100,000 has been paid out due to failures in the device.

For head injury Bret Michaels sues CBS and the Tony Awards

01/04/2011 19:14:05

For a head injury he sustained during a Tonys performance in June 2009, the bandanna-rockin' Bret Michaels filed a lawsuit Friday against CBS and the Tony Awards.

The Poison frontman and reality TV lover boy says in the suit that he was never instructed there would be moving set pieces. He was hit in the head by a piece of the stage after singing "Nothing but a Good Time," and hospitalized for a broken nose and cut lip, people.com reports.

The suit, which is seeking unspecified damages, links the Tonys injury with Michaels' much-publicized subarachnoid hemorrhage, which occurred less than two weeks after he underwent an emergency appendectomy in April 2010.

Michaels' attorney Alex Weingarten said that they must be held accountable for almost killing Bret and that is what they are going to do. Thus far there has been no response from CBS or the Tonys to Michaels' claims.

On March 18, Michaels jumped on the Charlie Sheen headline-grabbing bandwagon and revealed to "Access Hollywood" that he's the one who taught Sheen how to trash a hotel room.

During his tutorial or other previous smashing experiences Michaels neglected to mention whether he ever sustained any injuries from flying debris.

Lies in injury claim for £1.3m lands footballer in jail

01/04/2011 19:11:25

For trying to swindle a £1.35m insurance payout for injuries he received in a car crash, despite his being fit enough to turn out for his local club an amateur footballer has been jailed for a year.

In 2002 James Shikell, 31, was a passenger in a car accident and three years later was awarded a personal injury claim by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

A midfielder who has played nine games for Doncaster side Edlington Rangers this season, Shikell, claimed in December 2005 he suffered memory loss, severe fatigue, poor co-ordination and an aching neck and ankles.

He had already received £30,000 as part of his claim, which the MIB said he was entitled to for his injuries, but he then began pursuing the claim for £1.35m in the High Court.

”I am deeply saddened that as a result of the injuries I sustained in the accident I am no longer able to play football,” said Shikell in a witness statement.

“I still love football and not to be able to play as I did before is very depressing for me.”

A court heard that Shikell was claiming substantial amounts for loss of earnings, care costs and accommodation.

However, in 2008 investigators filmed him playing a game and then discovered he had played every match that season.

Shikell, of Ormsby Close, Balby, Doncaster, was jailed for 12 months for contempt of court.

His father, Robert Shikell, also of Ormsby Close, Balby, received a year’s imprisonment for supporting his son’s claim.

A third man, Simon Fennell, was fined for providing a false statement in the personal injury claim.

Judge Penelope Belcher, sitting at Leeds Combined Court, found Shikell guilty of 14 of the 16 counts against him.

She said she was satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt that the only explanation for him telling the lie was to increase the likely award of damages in the personal injury claim.

Lies in injury claim for £1.3m lands footballer in jail

01/04/2011 19:11:19

For trying to swindle a £1.35m insurance payout for injuries he received in a car crash, despite his being fit enough to turn out for his local club an amateur footballer has been jailed for a year.

In 2002 James Shikell, 31, was a passenger in a car accident and three years later was awarded a personal injury claim by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

A midfielder who has played nine games for Doncaster side Edlington Rangers this season, Shikell, claimed in December 2005 he suffered memory loss, severe fatigue, poor co-ordination and an aching neck and ankles.

He had already received £30,000 as part of his claim, which the MIB said he was entitled to for his injuries, but he then began pursuing the claim for £1.35m in the High Court.

”I am deeply saddened that as a result of the injuries I sustained in the accident I am no longer able to play football,” said Shikell in a witness statement.

“I still love football and not to be able to play as I did before is very depressing for me.”

A court heard that Shikell was claiming substantial amounts for loss of earnings, care costs and accommodation.

However, in 2008 investigators filmed him playing a game and then discovered he had played every match that season.

Shikell, of Ormsby Close, Balby, Doncaster, was jailed for 12 months for contempt of court.

His father, Robert Shikell, also of Ormsby Close, Balby, received a year’s imprisonment for supporting his son’s claim.

A third man, Simon Fennell, was fined for providing a false statement in the personal injury claim.

Judge Penelope Belcher, sitting at Leeds Combined Court, found Shikell guilty of 14 of the 16 counts against him.

She said she was satisfied beyond all reasonable doubt that the only explanation for him telling the lie was to increase the likely award of damages in the personal injury claim.

Compensation Claims of Montana Workers’ Decrease 5%

01/04/2011 19:08:40

State Insurance Commissioner Monica J. Lindeen announced that Montana workers’ compensation claims have decreased by more than 5 percent in the past year.

Requesting an overall loss cost decrease of -5.6 percent, effective 1 July, 2011the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) recently made a filing with Commissioner Lindeen’s office. The NCCI is designated by Commissioner Lindeen through Montana law to analyze industry trends, prepare workers’ compensation insurance rate recommendations, determine the cost of proposed legislation, and provide services and tools to maintain a healthy workers’ compensation system. Excluding the State Fund, private insurers in Montana, adopt the loss cost and file the end rates with the Commissioner’s office.

Lindeen said that Montana typically has some of the highest worker’s compensation rates in the country and this is definitely refreshing news to report and the actuaries in his office will continue to monitor and regulate these rates, watching for significant changes in trends to report.

This filing does not reflect any provisions currently under consideration by the state Legislature. If significant legislation is enacted, NCCI will prepare a revised filing incorporating those changes, Lindeen said.

The state recently passed workers’ compensation reform legislation HB 334 to bring about 20 percent to 44 percent in workers’ comp cost savings in the first year the legislation is enacted.

Compensation Claims of Montana Workers’ Decrease 5%

01/04/2011 19:08:38

State Insurance Commissioner Monica J. Lindeen announced that Montana workers’ compensation claims have decreased by more than 5 percent in the past year.

Requesting an overall loss cost decrease of -5.6 percent, effective 1 July, 2011the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) recently made a filing with Commissioner Lindeen’s office. The NCCI is designated by Commissioner Lindeen through Montana law to analyze industry trends, prepare workers’ compensation insurance rate recommendations, determine the cost of proposed legislation, and provide services and tools to maintain a healthy workers’ compensation system. Excluding the State Fund, private insurers in Montana, adopt the loss cost and file the end rates with the Commissioner’s office.

Lindeen said that Montana typically has some of the highest worker’s compensation rates in the country and this is definitely refreshing news to report and the actuaries in his office will continue to monitor and regulate these rates, watching for significant changes in trends to report.

This filing does not reflect any provisions currently under consideration by the state Legislature. If significant legislation is enacted, NCCI will prepare a revised filing incorporating those changes, Lindeen said.

The state recently passed workers’ compensation reform legislation HB 334 to bring about 20 percent to 44 percent in workers’ comp cost savings in the first year the legislation is enacted.

Compensation culture checked by government

01/04/2011 19:05:57

Steps to rid the UK of its perceived compensation culture have been announced by the government to overhaul the UK civil justice system and reform ’no win no fee’ deals to prevent “expensive and unnecessary litigation.

The various objectives are:-

·         So that people receive what it is judged they are owed, as well as introducing automatic referral to mediation in small claims cases or mediation awareness sessions in higher-value cases, to help people avoid court where possible, improvements in the ways by which court judgements are enforced is targeted.

·         Raising the small claims limit and changing the county court jurisdiction so that the High Court is used for bigger and more complex claims only.

For reform of civil litigation funding and costs in England and Wales’ the government also confirmed it will go ahead with the plans in last year’s consultation ’Proposals.

Plans include:

·     Abolishing recoverability of success fees and associated costs in ’no win no fee’ conditional fee agreements.

·     Allowing damages-based agreements (also known as contingency fees) in litigation before the courts.

·     Introducing a 10% increase in general damages, and introducing a mechanism to protect the most personal injury claimants from paying a winning defendant’s costs (through qualified one way costs shifting).

·     Other measures include encouraging parties to make and accept reasonable offers, introducing a new test to ensure that overall costs are proportionate and increasing the costs that can be recovered by people who win their cases without representation by lawyers.

Compensation culture checked by government

01/04/2011 19:05:54

Steps to rid the UK of its perceived compensation culture have been announced by the government to overhaul the UK civil justice system and reform ’no win no fee’ deals to prevent “expensive and unnecessary litigation.

The various objectives are:-

·         So that people receive what it is judged they are owed, as well as introducing automatic referral to mediation in small claims cases or mediation awareness sessions in higher-value cases, to help people avoid court where possible, improvements in the ways by which court judgements are enforced is targeted.

·         Raising the small claims limit and changing the county court jurisdiction so that the High Court is used for bigger and more complex claims only.

For reform of civil litigation funding and costs in England and Wales’ the government also confirmed it will go ahead with the plans in last year’s consultation ’Proposals.

Plans include:

·     Abolishing recoverability of success fees and associated costs in ’no win no fee’ conditional fee agreements.

·     Allowing damages-based agreements (also known as contingency fees) in litigation before the courts.

·     Introducing a 10% increase in general damages, and introducing a mechanism to protect the most personal injury claimants from paying a winning defendant’s costs (through qualified one way costs shifting).

·     Other measures include encouraging parties to make and accept reasonable offers, introducing a new test to ensure that overall costs are proportionate and increasing the costs that can be recovered by people who win their cases without representation by lawyers.

Sewer problem leads to injury claim

01/04/2011 19:03:41

After claiming that he was injured when he stepped into a deep hole a man is suing the City of South Charleston.

According to a complaint filed Feb. 18 in Kanawha Circuit Court James Jones was out walking on 17July, 2009, when he stepped into a deep hole that was covered by grass.

Jones claims he later learned that the hole was caused by a problem with the South Charleston sewer lying underneath the area where the hole was.

According to the suit the defendant had actual and/or constructive knowledge and notice of the dangerous condition. Jones claims the defendant negligently created an unsafe place to walk.

According to the suit the City of South Charleston failed to keep its street, sidewalk and public grounds in repair and free from nuisance; failed to warn of the problem with the sewer system; and failed to provide a safe place to walk,.

Consequently, Jones is seeking compensatory damages. He is being represented by J. Michael Ranson, Cynthia M. Ranson and George B. Morrone III.

The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Louis H. Bloom.

£160,000 in personal injury compensation for worker

31/03/2011 06:26:07

£160,000 in personal injury compensation has been awarded to an oil rig worker who worked offshore in the North Sea after crushing his hand in an industrial accident.

The victim of the accident, 27 year old Martin Brand, who was employed as a roughneck (oil rig slang for unskilled or semi-skilled labourer) on the semi submersible rig, was injured severely in the right hand when attempting to clean a section of piping, when hydraulic slips shifted. His injuries were so severe that two of his fingers had to be partially amputated.

Mr. Brand was awarded £160,000 in personal injury compensation after launching a compensation claim against his employers Transocean. The company admitted liability for the accident.

The judge presiding over the case stated that he was satisfied with the amount awarded, as Mr. Brand would have a significant disadvantage in the job market, if he were to lose his current position.

The victim, Mr. Brand did attempt to retrain in his offshore career as a trainee driller but due to the extent of his injuries returned to onshore work, where he took up a position with the company’s human resources department. He was later posted to Angola in Africa, working on a contract.

Musician awarded GBP 1m in personal injury compensation

31/03/2011 06:18:08

GBP 1 million in personal injury compensation has been awarded to a former musician after being knocked down by a car.

The accident occurred when, Tavenor Douglas, 41, had been out in London to celebrate his 35th birthday.

Using a pedestrian crossing opposite the Natural History Museum, Mr. Tavenor was hit by a passing vehicle and seriously injured.

Suffering damage to his skull, spine, eyes and pelvis the victim was in a coma for seven days. He also sustained brain damage and will never be able to work or play in his band again.

As a result of his problems he now needs permanent care and his mobility is severely restricted.

The accused driver, who has not been named, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and was banned from driving for three years.

Legal action was taken by Mr Douglas and a settlement of GBP 1,137,500 has now been approved, with the High Court making the victim a "protected party".

His solicitor said in a statement that he is relieved that the legal proceedings are finally over and he can put that behind him as he tries to focus on finding a future that will enable him to get the most from life.

£1.25m personal injury compensation awarded to builder

31/03/2011 06:06:11

Personal injury compensation in excess of £1 million has been awarded to a construction professional who sustained a serious back injury during an accident at work.

Dean Winstone,a former self-employed builder is now wheelchair-bound and is unlikely to work again following an incident in 2007 which left him paraplegic, according to reports.

The accident occurred when Mr Winstone fell from scaffolding on the first floor of a residential property he was working on and suffered severe spinal injuries as a result.

As a consequence, the 47-year-old has received a damages settlement of £1.25 million to both compensate for his physical and mental ordeal as well as to meet the costs of his future care and cover his lost earnings.

The builder needed in-patient treatment for more than 18 months at Plymouth's Derriford Hospital - which is managed by the Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust - a fact which was likely to have been taken into account when scaffolding company Gemini Riteway agreed to the £1.25 million sum.

Personal injury compensation secured by stable hand

31/03/2011 06:00:45

Personal injury compensation has been awarded to a who was injured while working as a stable hand.

According to reports, Kevin Parker had been employed by trainer Amanda Perrett when the accident occurred in January 2009.

The accident occurred when he was steam-cleaning a stable when a scaffolding plank he was standing on tipped and threw him eight feet to the floor, causing him to fracture both of his heels.

As a consequence, the victim had to have surgery and extensive hospital treatment for his injuries and has been unable to return to his equestrian job.

Alleging that she had failed to prevent risks causing accidents Mr Parker took legal action against Ms Perrett for negligence.

A personal injury compensation of GBP 127,500, believed to be the largest sum recorded in a case of this kind, has been awarded to Mr Parker.

The National Association of Stable Staff assisted with the claim, which was based on a breach of the Work at Height regulations.

Multi-million Pound Compensation Sum to be Paid to Girl due to Birth Injuries

28/03/2011 11:45:45

An NHS Trust has agreed to pay out a multi-million pound personal injury compensation sum to a girl who suffered permanent brain damage after a birth injury resulting from being starved of oxygen during her delivery.

Elke Wisbey will be given a £900,000 lump sum plus annual payments of £100,000, which will be increased to £155,000 when she turns 19. The medical negligence that occured during her birth left her suffering quadriplegic cerebral palsy, meaning that she will always require care for the rest of her life.

Her mother Glyniss, from Bearsted, Kent, commented "The reason for bringing the court case was that we needed the security that something was going to be there for Elke once me and my husband are not here any longer."

A statement issued by the trust said "No admission of liability was made but a compromise reached which acknowledged the risks of both parties and an understanding of the needs and difficulties of the family. The trust offers its very best wishes to Elke and her family for the future."

Council Fined After Classroom Explosion Injures Pupils

28/03/2011 11:37:48

A local council has received a fine after an explosion in a classroom injured a teacher and eleven pupils. The explosion happened when a science experiment went wrong and left seven children hospitalised, including one who required surgery to her upper lip.

The children were between the ages of eleven and twelve and werer all students of Great Sankey High School, in Warrington. They had been observing a chemistry experiment which involved setting fire to ethanol gas trapped inside a bottle. Unfortunately the bottle shattered and sent shards of glass flying through the air, causing numerous personal injuries.

A subsequent HSE investigation found that glass had been used in the experiment instead of a safe alternative, leading to Warrington Council being fined £5,000 and a total of £4,717 in prosecution costs after pleading guilty to failing to ensure the pupils safety.

The parents of the pupils may now approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Construction Worker May Make Personal Injury Claim After Work Accident

28/03/2011 11:24:52

A construction worker may approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim after he suffered a work accident in which he fell almost four metres from an unprotected flat roof.

Matthew Dutton had been helping a work colleague transport silver ducting onto the roof of the Coronation Youth Centre when he fell. He shattered both of his wrists in the fall and suffered a number of more minor facial injuries. The personal injury to his wrists kept him off work for four months.

A subsequent HSE investigation found that no form of safety equipment had been provided for the job, resulting in Dodd Group (Midlands) Ltd being fined £20,000 with just over £3,500 in costs after admitting breaching Work at Height Regulations.

It is unknown if the man will make a personal injury compensation claim.

Redditch Student to Claim Compensation for Birth Injury

28/03/2011 11:13:32

A student from Redditch who was left disabled due to a birth injury caused by medical negligence is attempting to claim £300,000 in personal injury compensation for the birth injury with the help of his mother.

The student, who is now 28, suffered severe head injuries after doctors struggled to deliver him during his mother's pregnancy.

He has now been left with spastic tetraplegic cerebral palsy and epilepsy, is unable to walk and has limited sight.

He and his mother are now claiming that staff at the Birmingham Maternity Hospital displayed medical negligence during the delivery, specifically in performing a caesarean on her rather than allowing her to complete a natural birth.

Football Fan to Pay £3,000 Personal Injury Compensation for Grass Skirt Prank

28/03/2011 10:56:47

A football fan is to pay his friend £3,000 in personal injury compensation after he set his grass skirt on fire for a prank after watching the England vs USA world cup match at a pub.

David Riley and his friend Stephen Barton hasd been enjoying the game and having a drink when Mr Barton decided to try on his partner's grass skirt. Mr Riley then set the skirt on fire, engulfing his friend in flames in the process and causing him to suffer second degree burns across his back in addition to burns on his hands from putting out the flames.

Mr. Riley was sentenced to six months imprisonment for the offence, which was suspended for twelve months, he was also ordered to pay his victim compensation of £3,000.

Builder Claims £1.25 Million in Compensation for Work Accident

28/03/2011 10:48:09

A builder from Oxfordshire has been awarded £1.25 million in personal injury compensation for a work accident that saw him fall from the first floor of a set of scaffolding.

Dean Winstone, aged 47, tripped while working on the scaffolding at a domestic property, suffering a number of spinal injuries in the fall. He has been left confined to a wheelchair and will likely never work again.

He was awarded the compensation after making the claim against Gemini Riteway Scaffolding Ltd, who agreed to pay the sum but refused to admit liability.

The payment will be used to cover Mr. Winstone’s loss of earnings and his future care and rehabilitation, which medical experts say will increase with age.

Man Unable to Claim Compensation due to Insurance Issues with Former Employer

28/03/2011 10:19:14

A man from Sheffield has suffered a serious personal injury in a terrible work accident. However his personal injury compensation claim has hit a snag as it turns out thiat his former employer is not insured.

Ryan Scott, aged 26, has been left unable to claim for the work accident, in which a metal peg struck him in the eye while he was removing a caravan awning at Goodfellas Club in Att

Pensioner to Seek Personal Injury Compensation from ASDA After Revolving Door Accident

28/03/2011 10:03:23

A pensioner is considering making a personal injury compensation claim through specialised claims solicitors after an accident in an ASDA supermarket saw her get knocked over by a revolving door.

Elizabeth Pollock had been using the revolving doors to enter the store when her walking stick became trapped, hurling her to the ground in the process. The pensioner broke her hip in the fall and was hospitalised for three months following it.

Mrs Pollock claims that she is unhappy about the manner in which ASDA have handled the issue, leading her to approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim of £50,000.

ASDA confirmed that would be defending against the claim but would not give a reason as to why the revolving doors were replaced soon after the incident.

Youngster Crushed by Forklift in Work Accident

28/03/2011 09:54:50

An eighteen year old was the victim of a terrible work accident in which he was crushed by a forklift truck, suffering a number of personal injuries in the process.

The teenager, who has not been named, had been unloading a delivery from a lorry with the forklift when it overturned and fell on top of him, pinning him to the ground and causing a number of personal injuries. He suffered a fractured leg, broken left elbow and dislocated ankle in the incident. He spent four weeks in hospital and underwent five surgeries to repair his arm.

A subsequent investigation by the HSE foujd that the man had been working for the company for only three weeks and had not been given any form of induction training or training on how to operate a forklift.

His employer Intelligent Recycling Ltd was fined £4,000 with £2,832 in court costs at Nuneaton Magistrates’ Court, after being found guilty of breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act.

It is unknown if the man will make a personal injury compensation claim with claims solicitors.

Woman to Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim For Near Drowning Incident

28/03/2011 09:44:49

A woman from Essex is to make a personal injury compensation claim for an incident during her schooldays in which she almost drowned.

Annie Woodland is seeking £3 million in personal injury compensation for the accident, which occured when she was ten years old. She had been attending swimming classes at the Gloucester Park swimming pool and almost drowned when she got into difficulties in the water.

Delays in the rescue and resuscita

Woman in Workers’ Compensation claim fraud case surrenders

26/03/2011 04:43:34

A Daly City woman charged with workers’ compensation claim fraud has surrendered, report California officials.

According to Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, on March 9, Emily Kathleen Everett, also known as Emily Hegner, surrendered, as a result of a $120,000 arrest warrant based on 10 felony charges filed against her,

The accused has been charged with making a false/misleading statement in support of a claim, perjury, grand theft, knowingly failing to disclose an event, and preparing a false writing related to a workers’ compensation claim.

According to Officials on July 19, 2007, while performing her regular work duties as a health worker for Laguna Hospital, Everett was injured. She subsequently complained of right wrist, left knee, and hip area pain and was restricted from returning to work after allegedly slipping and falling on a puddle of water.

Everett claimed she continued to be in constant pain, experienced severe back spasms, and utilized a wrist brace and cane while receiving total temporary disability benefits.

Subsequent investigation revealed Everett had participated in a seven mile race on a course that included running up an 1,800 foot climb, stairs, sand and rolling terrain for about 1½ miles, and descending downhill to the finish line for about two and one-half miles.

She denied participating in any sports and made material misrepresentations to support the severity and extent of her physical disability, officials allege. According to officials, Everett had also requested a handicap placard from her treating physician,.

As a result of Everett’s alleged misrepresentations, she received approximately $9,529.00 in total temporary disability benefits and $50,267.00 was paid in medical specials.

This case is being prosecuted by the San Francisco County District Attorney’s Office.

After discrimination ruling Tuna ranchers set for compensation claim

25/03/2011 05:41:46

After ruling that southern tuna ranchers had been discriminated against in a 2008 fishing ban, a European Court of Justice judgment yesterday opened the gates to compensation claims worth millions of euros.

When the European Commission ordered a temporary fishing ban that excluded Spanish trawlers, the court ruled that tuna ranchers in Malta, France, Italy, Cyprus and Greece were discriminated.

The Commission’s “regulation infringed the principle of non-discrimination” as “it has not been established that Spanish purse seiners (fishing vessels) were in a situation which was objectively different from that of other purse seiners,” the Luxembourg-based court said.

The ruling was a massive boost to his company Charles Azzopardi, director of Malta’s largest tuna ranching company, Azzopardi Fisheries said,although he would not confirm whether he would be claiming compensation.

It has yet to be clarified whether compensation claims should be filed against Brussels or against national governments that enforced the Commission’s decision.

Mr Azzopardi said that his lawyers are studying the details of the judgment and they will proceed from there.

Stopping short from giving figures, he said his company had suffered a massive blow when the fishing season was closed prematurely in 2008. “What I can tell you is that it’s a lot of money but my accountants are still collecting all the data and we are not in a position yet to say what sort of damages we suffered,” he said.

Cause of second tour bus accident probed by New York personal injury lawyer

24/03/2011 15:53:54

New York bus accident lawyer David Perecman after examining reports regarding the most recent bus accidents in New York, says that bus drivers must be better screened and trained.

The lawyer, Perecman said that bus companies are obliged to better protect their passengers.

New York police are still currently investigating a fatal bus accident on the New Jersey Turnpike that happened only two days after a New York bus accident claimed the lives of 15 people in the Bronx.

Two lives were claimed by this accident - the driver and a passenger.

The tour bus slammed into a concrete overpass support and came to a halt on the grassy median of the New Jersey Turnpike, according to the New York Post.

The driver who died was thrown through the windshield of the bus. Forty injured bus accident passengers needed to be sent to area hospitals.

As federal bus accident investigators are still piecing together the cause of the fatal tour bus accident in New York this second bus accident came. Apparently, in the New York bus accident, the driver concealed his criminal record and driving history in order to obtain his bus license.

New York bus accident lawyer Perecman further said that injured bus accident victims and their loved ones can often expect compensation from a bus company found at fault for failure to properly screen their bus drivers and it is a company’s responsibility to properly screen, test and qualify drivers. Besides, a bus company is also responsible for making sure drivers do not operate a bus while fatigued.

Prank costs Lancashire man £3,000 personal injury compensation

24/03/2011 15:41:22

A football fan has been ordered to pay £3,000 in personal injury compensation to a friend after he set his grass skirt on fire as a joke.

To watch the England vs USA game during last years World Cup tournament mechanical engineer David Riley, of Albert Terrace, in Bacup and his friend Stephen Barton were in the towns Swan Hotel in Market Street.

Accompanied by their partners after the game, the two men continued their evening in the pubs beer garden, where Mr. Barton decided to try on his partner’s fancy dress tutu.

Mr. Riley then lit the skirt with his lighter, setting his friend on fire, according to reports. In extinguishing the flames Mr. Barton suffered second degree burns to his back and also burned his hands. Although, likely to make a full recovery but his injuries could possibly leave him with permanent scars.

For the offence Mr. Riley was sentenced to six months imprisonment, which was suspended for twelve months. Besides, he was also ordered to pay his victim personal injury compensation of £3,000.

The Judge at a previous hearing referred to Mr. Riley’s actions that evening as ‘stupid’.

Gardener gets personal injury compensation

24/03/2011 15:30:55

Personal injury compensation has been awarded to a man who was left permanently disabled because he had to regularly use vibrating power tools, by his employer.

According to reports, landscape gardener Andrew Bowler, 51, had been working for Nottinghamshire County Council for nearly 30 years when he began to suffer pain and numbness in his hands and fingers.

He was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome in 2008and had surgery, but the condition is so bad that he can now only work for three days a week to manage the pain.

Claiming that it should have warned him about the dangers of using vibrating tools every day and should have implemented measures preventing him from harm, Mr Bowler took legal action against the council.

Liability has now been admitted by the Nottinghamshire County Council and a £60,000personal injury compensation payout has been agreed to.

Around five million workers are being exposed to hand-arm vibration in the workplace, according to the Health and Safety Executive. Some two million of these workers are exposed to levels of vibration where there are clear risks of developing medical problems.

Compensation claim knocked back on former Gold Coast policeman

24/03/2011 05:16:15

Compensation claim by a former Gold Coast policeman, who claimed he was ordered to flog a watch-house prisoner as part of a bullying campaign by superiors, was turned down by a magistrate.

The claimant, Graham Cameron is one of three ex-Burleigh Heads detectives who have made a raft of allegations against senior police in $1 million-plus workers compensation claims.

Mr Cameron, 42, alleged he was bullied out of the police service because he refused to accept 'questionable' directions from senior officers, including one that he bash a watch-house prisoner and another that he harass a nightclub owner.

The claimant further claimed he was assaulted, ordered to perform menial duties after returning to work from a back injury, besides threatened with transfer and ostracized by a group of colleagues he called the 'coffee set'.

In 2008 retiring on medical grounds Mr Cameron, appealed the decision in Southport Magistrates Court after he was refused compensation by the Workers Compensation Regulatory Authority (Q-Comp).

Magistrate Brian Kucks, however, today rejected the appeal for compensation claim after alleging that the he had embellished events 'beyond reality' and had 'twisted things to his own advantage'.

A 'shattered' Mr Cameron said he was considering a higher court appeal.

Compensation claims leave sought by losing mobile license bidders

24/03/2011 04:52:41

In the contest to win the right to operate Ireland’s second mobile phone licence, two defeated bidders who lost out to Esat Digifone are to seek leave from the Supreme Court to seek compensation from the government.

In its report published yesterday, the Moriarty Tribunal, found that after Michael Lowry had acted favorably and inappropriately towards them, Esat had gained the bid and oversaw an amendment to the appraisal process by which each bid was judged.

Two of the successful bidders – Comcast and Persona – are to go to the Supreme Court tomorrow to seek leave to ask for compensation from the government as a result of Lowry’s apparent input in the process, Irish Independent reports.

Chief Justice, John Murray, is expected to then set a date to hear their appeals – both of which will centre on an earlier decision to halt their respective High Court appeals, said Dearbhail McDonald .

The persona group had included Motorola and the ESB – and is also expected to sue in relation to how the competition was run, explained the Irish Times.

The Comcast consortium – which had included Bord na Móna, RTÉ Commercial Services, and Declan Ganley’s Cellstar – is also suing, with Ganley yesterday tweeting to say he felt ‘cheated’ by the bidding process.

Ganley said he felt happy that “the Republic had still worked”, with the Tribunal able to carry out its full duties without official impediment, but felt adamant that the State would be able to recoup any cash it loses in court cases from the winning bidder.

He further added that it could well come to pass… that the investment on the part of the taxpayer, in what was a very frustrated process with this Tribunal, ends up being good value for money.

Solicitor strives for law change

24/03/2011 04:35:49

While helping the family of a 17 year old killed by a cyclist, a Luton lawyer is persuading the government to change the bicycle laws.

Mark Wardrop, head of personal injury and a partner at Pictons Solicitors, in Dunstable Road, offered his services for free to Michael and Diana Bennett whose daughter Rhiannon was knocked down by a cyclist in Buckinghamshire in 2007.

The accused, Jason Howard was convicted of dangerous cycling and fined £2,200 following Rhiannon’s death.

Meanwhile, Michael and Diana have been campaigning ever since to block a legal loophole which allowed the cyclist to be punished with a fine and not imprisonment.

They lobbied Northamptonshire MP Andread Leadsom with Mr Wardrop’s help who was to introduce a Ten Minute Rule bill in the House of Commons proposing that deaths caused by cyclists should be treated in the same way as other traffic deaths.

“The CPS claims that the charge of dangerous cycling was the most appropriate. But it’s difficult to see why, despite representations made by my firm on behalf of the family, they didn’t decide to bring a charge under the Offences Against the Person Act instead,” said Mr Wardrop.

“That’s what the family wanted, to have the facts placed before a jury and to let the jury decide.

Deteriorating roads lead to rise in personal injury compensation

23/03/2011 17:39:19

A rise in claims to Local authorities for personal injury compensation claims has been attributed to potholes caused by the unusually cold weather experienced during the past two winters that have been left unfilled on roads around the UK.

Potholes have led to serious injuries or even death amongst a number of road users, and cyclists are especially vulnerable, the AA has stated. Injuries caused as a result of these portholes such as broken wrists from after jolted over the handlebars as a result of hitting are not uncommon.

Potholes are a major factor in causing axle and suspension failure to cars and other vehicles, costing an estimated £2.8 billion to British motorists each year. Currently, road maintenance is underfunded by approximately 50% (£1 billion) every year. Local Authorities pay out more than £50 million in claims as a result of potholes and poor roads.

Councils have already had to pay more in damages to people whose vehicles have been damaged as a result of potholes, as has been discovered. The local authority in charge of maintaining the roads may be held liable for damages to vehicles and ordered to pay personal injury compensation.

The government as a result of increased costs, has recently confirmed it will allocate additional funding of £100 million to local authorities to use on road repairs and maintenance. Transport secretary, Philip Hammond stated the funding should allow for safer and smoother journeys as “millions of motorists across the country have their daily drives ruined by potholes".

Insurance firms accused of encouraging personal injury claims

22/03/2011 18:11:47

After a report from the Transport Select Committee attacked the relationship between insurance firms and personal injury lawyers, the car insurance industry is coming under fire.

Presented by leading actuarial consultancy EMB, the report, described the “merry-go-round” of payments that occurs after car crashes, with lawyers allegedly paying insurers and even garages for information about people involved in car accidents.

A major factor cited by the report was the referral fees in the rapidly increasing cost of insurance premiums, which is expected to rise by an average of 40 per cent this year.

The report said: “In our view, the biggest single factor driving price increases is the burgeoning cost of bodily injury claims.

“We estimate that twenty years ago bodily injury claims accounted for around 20 per cent of UK motor insurance claims costs. In 2010 we now estimate that proportion to be 50 per cent.”

Steve Sweeney, a car insurance expert at moneysupermarket.com said: “Our research shows that car insurance premiums have increased year-on-year by a massive 31 per cent and the Factors that are causing this include an increase in personal injury claims, fraud and the continued problem of uninsured drivers which are pushing up premium prices.”

Personal injury claim faced by company

22/03/2011 17:54:02

Personal injury claim is being sought after a construction worker suffered injury after falling from a scaffolding platform. The case is perceived as another failure on the part of companies to provide proper protection to their workers while working.

Kevin Clark, the victim, was working on the windows of a new building in County Durham when he fell after a faulty scaffolding platform he was standing on collapsed. The almost four meter fall caused him to suffer crushed vertebrae and a broken left foot. The injury made him stay for two weeks in hospital.

Health and Safety Executive conducted an investigation which showed that the employers Ian Allan Building Contractors had failed in identifying alteration to the scaffolding and also failed to perform routine inspections leading to workers using unsafe scaffolding.

As a consequence, the company has to pay a £1,500 fine and also the same amount for failing to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Mr. Clark not only lost days of work but also experience constant pain because of his injuries that might affect his job performance in the future. An injury claim in this regard is being pressed by the victim.

Pensioner claims £50,000 in personal injury compensation

22/03/2011 17:08:34

After being knocked by a revolving door situated in the entrance to an Asda supermarket, a sixty nine year old grandmother suffered serious personal injury.

The victim, Elizabeth Pollock was injured while attempting to enter the store through the revolving doors, when her walking stick became trapped, resulting in her being hurled to the ground.

In the incident, Mrs. Pollock, who has suffered with the neurological condition multiple sclerosis for the last forty years, broke her hip and had to be hospitalised for almost three months and still suffers pain as a direct result of her injuries.

About the accident, Elizabeth, who works as a volunteer for the Citizens Advice Bureau said that she was unhappy by the way she had been treated by the supermarket giant and was making a claim for £50,000 in personal injury compensation.

Essex woman seeks £3 Million in personal injury compensation

22/03/2011 16:56:18

Personal injury compensation of £3 Million is being claimed by an Essex woman who almost drowned during a swimming lesson in her school days.

Topshop Fined Over Asbestos Exposure

21/03/2011 13:48:57

Arcadia, who are the owners of the Topshop retail chain, have been fined £5,000 after failures in their work practices meant that 45 construction workers were exposed to the deadly substance asbestos.

Vincents Ltd had been contracted to refurbish the Topshop stroe that is based in Church Street in Liverpool, however workers uncovered asbestos in the ceiling beams. The first floor of the building was sealed off after the discovery, but work continued in the rest of the building.

Work on the project was later halted when the HSE were informed that the asbestos has spread beyond the first floor.

The Arcadia Group Ltd was fined £5,000 with a total of £10,769 in costs and Vincents (Shopfitters) Ltd, was fined £10,000 with the same costs.

Hopefully nobody will suffer any negative effects, such as developing mesothelioma, as a result of the asbestos exposure.

Man Loses Leg in Terrible Work Accident

21/03/2011 13:35:09

A tile company has been fined by the HSE after an employee lost his leg in a terrible work accident when it was crushed in an accident involving a forklift truck.

Mitesh Patel, who was 19 at the time of the work accident, had been working for Tile Depot trading Ltd when a colleague lost control of his forklift truck and crushed him against a wall. The resulting crush injuries to his right leg resulted in Mr Patel being forced to have it amputated.

Robert Gilbert, and Christopher Sale, both directors at the company were fined a combined total of £17,000 and ordered to pay £11,500 in costs,

An HSE investigation found that Mr Patel had been instructing the colleague on how to use the forklift, despite his having no formal training himself.

It is unknown if Mr Patel intends to approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Pensioner Suffers Personal Injury due to Falling Scaffolding

21/03/2011 13:24:47

A pensioner from Newcastle suffered a terrible personal injury after being struck by falling scaffolding, which collapsed during high winds and had not been set up correctly.

The woman, aged 68, had been on a shopping trip when high winds caused the scaffolding to topple onto her. she was left in hospital for twelve days and suffered a fractured hip, broken femur and severe bruises in addition to puncture wounds to her ankle. She still struggles with every day tasks two years after the accident.

The HSE discovered that two companies were responsible for the construction and maintenance of the scaffolding and thus had to take the responsibility for it falling over.

Skyline Scaffolding Ltd had failed to properly secure the scaffolding while Ashbrook Construction Services Ltd had not carried out a thorough investigation of the scaffolding prior to beginning work.

Skyline Scaffolding was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay just over £4,000 in costs and Ashbrook’s was fined £3,000 with just over £2,000 in costs.

The pensioner may yet approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Woman to Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim for Daughter's Injuries

21/03/2011 13:17:03

A mother from Brixham whose 15 year old daughter suffered terrible personal injury in a road traffic accident is looking to claim personal injury compensation from the driver of the vehicle.

Morgan Prince had been a backseat passenger in a car that was being driven at speed by Marte Young, who eventually lost control and catapulted the girl through the back window of the car.

Morgan was part of a group of three people who suffered personal injury during the crash and now her mother is making a £150,000 personal injury claim through claims solicitors on her behalf.

Her injuries were so severe that she now requires around the clock care and also suffers with fatigue and dizziness. The compensation claim would have been for a lot more money had Ms Prince been wearing her seatbelt at the time of the road traffic accident.

Chessington Man Makes Personal Injury Compensation Claim Over Police Dog Attack

21/03/2011 13:05:32

A man from Chessington is to make a personal injury compensation claim against the police after he was mistakenly attacked by a police dog.

The German Shepard mauled Brian Kiddell, who is 71, while he was tending his allotment. The dog had been involved in a police chase in the area and attacked Mr Kiddell by mistake, sinking its teeth into his ankles.

Mr Kiddel described the incident as one of the most frightening moments of his life and also claims his please for help were drowned out by the police helicopter overhead.

Mr Kiddell has been offered personal injury compensation off £2,100 and, later, £4,200 by the Metropolitan Police Force. However he believes the compensation offer is inadequate and he is demanding £10,000 for the pain, suffering and shock he experienced.

Schoolboy to Seek Six Figure Road Traffic Accident Compensation

21/03/2011 12:57:27

A schoolboy from Sussex has approached claims solicitors in the hopes of making a six figure personal injury compensation claim after a road traffic accident left him suffering a fractured skull.

The child, who hasn't been named, was eight when he was involved in the road traffic accident, in which a car mounted the pavement and struck him. Both the boy and his mother suffered serious personal injury and had to be airlifted to hospital. The child eventually had to undergo emergency brain surgery.

The child now suffers with headaches and epileptic seizures as a result of his injuries, leading his parents to approach the claims solictors. The accident also affected his memory and concentration.

Policeman Awarded Personal Injury Compensation After Suffering Motorcycle Accident

21/03/2011 10:39:02

A police sergeant has been awarded £370,000 in personal injury compensation after he suffered a road traffic accident while riding his motorcycle while on duty near Harrogate.

Steve Ball, aged 43, had been involved in a head on collision with another motorcycle rider while conducting his duties. He was left in the hospital for eleven days after the accident and had to undergo a number of very painful operations in which nerves were transplanted to the right side of his body in order for him to regain some movement.

His injuries were so severe that he was forced to retire from the police force and he still has limited movement in his right hand side.

Mr Ball claims the experience was terrifying, and continued by stating that you can never account for the actions of other road users, regardless of your own training.

Man Granted Personal Injury Compensation After Factory Prank Went Wrong

21/03/2011 10:20:02

A worker at a car parts factory who suffered a personal injury after a prank went wrong has been awarded an undisclosed sum of personal injury compensation after the work accident.

William Jones, aged 46, had been working for TRW Systems for 21 years before suffering the personal injury after a colleague jumped on his back as a joke.

Mr Jones heard a popping sound in his back and later required spinal fusion surgery to fix the problem. The accident has left him with permanent mobility problems and he may never return to work.

This led Mr Jones to approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim, which he was granted after he argued that TRW Systems were responsible for the actions of their workers in the workplace.

Asbestos Surveyors Fined for Failure to Conduct Proper Asbestos Search

21/03/2011 10:02:30

The director of an asebstos surveying firm that failed to manage the spread of asbestos particles at a demolition site and thus placed workers at risk of exposure has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive.

Shay James was fined £5,000 plus more than £2,000 in costs after he admitted breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 while completing an asbestos survey on a factory unit in Leicester.

The unit was being primed to become a new housing development however James failed to spot an asbestos insulation board that was more than 1,000 sq metres. This led to part of the building being demolished by workers without protection, which may make them susceptible to asbestos related illnesses in the future, such as mesothelioma.

Fortunately, the company employed to carry out the demolition noticed the AIB and lagging and work was stopped immediately once it was identified as being asbestos.

Family of Boy Awarded Birth Injury Compensation

21/03/2011 09:52:33

The family of an 11 year old he ended up with cerebral palsy after a catalogue of errors caused my medical negligence led to him suffering a brain injury have been awarded a huge sum of personal injury compensation.

Louis Peers was granted more than £7 million in birth injury compensation after developing cerebral palsy as a result of mistakes at Birmingham's Heartlands Hospital.

The money, which will be paid via a £3 million lump sum plus annual payments, will be used towards Louis' care over the coming years. The hospital had already admitted liability for the birth injury and Louis' parents claim that they should have considered that their son had a high risk of developing hypothermia and hypoglycaemia shortly after he was born.

Road traffic accident leads to £150k damages claim

19/03/2011 08:03:19

Personal injury compensation settlement is sought by the mother of a girl who was involved in a road traffic accident which resulted in serious head injury.

The victim,15-year-old Morgan Price required an operation at the Frenchay Hospital - which is run by the North Bristol NHS Trust- following an incident in Brixham, Devon, in which the driver of the vehicle she was in travelled too fast and caused it to crash in November 2010, resulting in injury to her head.

The High Court received a writ issued by the child's mother stating that she could develop permanent epilepsy as a direct result of the crash and already suffers from "extreme fatigue and dizziness" as well as requiring round-the-clock care.

Julie Dabinett , consequently is suing the driver of the car for between £100,000 and £150,000 for her child's ordeal in order to compensate for her pain and suffering and help meet the costs of care.

NY, Brooklyn rife with no- fault injury claims frauds

19/03/2011 04:36:33

In New York last year, almost nine in 10 suspected health care fraud cases came from no-fault auto injury claims, a cottage industry so rife with abuse that the state Insurance Department wants to tighten regulations.

Related Fraud Bureau investigations led to 159 arrests in 2010, including a Schenectady man who filed a no-fault claim, collected $5,300 for lost wages and was charged with insurance fraud and falsifying business records, the department said.

According to department reports The 12,807 no-fault claims reported as suspicious in 2010 by insurers and others were down slightly from 13,433 the previous year,

Arrests of 17 people in Brooklyn and another in Florida, accused of using medical equipment retail companies to submit fraudulent invoices to no-fault insurers for inflated expenses resulted from an investigation last June by the Frauds Bureau and federal authorities

Accident victims can collect directly from their insurance companies for medical and hospital expenses and lost wages, regardless of who was at fault, under New York’s 1974 law. The department has proposed the first major changes in almost a decade in related regulations, meant to streamline the claims process and give insurers more tools against fraud such as requiring more medical information on prescribed forms.

While some suspected fraud cases lead to arrests, others are later deemed unfounded, are addressed by other agencies, may not be worth prosecuting or may result from multiple referrals about a single situation, department spokesman Ron Klug said on Friday.

When the department proposed the revisions in 2009, officials said legislation would be needed for other changes, like ending a requirement those insurers who don’t deny a claim within 30 days must pay it, even if it turns out later to be fraudulent.

Schoolboy seeks personal injury compensation

18/03/2011 18:06:46

In the hope of claiming personal injury compensation, a schoolboy is taking legal action against a motorist who ran him over.

According to reports, the unnamed 12-year-old had been walking along a footpath in Sussex when he was hit by a Toyota Yaris being driven by a woman referred to as PXB in January 2007.

The driver mounted the footpath and hit the then eight-year-old and his mother, causing him serious head injuries that left him needing hours of emergency surgery.

After the accident, the victim now suffers epileptic seizures, headaches and periods in which he is unable to focus on his surroundings.

He is seeking £100,000 in personal injury compensation from the driver, whom he claims was negligent. The driver declined to comment on the case.

Half of fatalities to pedestrians happen in collisions involving cars that were being driven at 30 miles per hour or below, according to a report recently released by the Department for Transport.

13 years on, woman battles to prove cell phone radiation injury

18/03/2011 17:49:41

She was injured by radiation from her cell phone 13 years ago and she’s been battling to prove it ever since, claims a North Okanagan woman.

The victim, Barb Makota, who used to sell cell phones, says she developed burning sores on her face whenever she put the devices on her face.

Diagnosed with electrical sensitivity In 2000, she is now battling Work Safe BC to recognize her injuries.

Makota says her claims have been rejected by Work Safe BC, despite letters from a dozen doctors confirming her claims.

She even has evidence from new thermographic images showing considerable damage to her brain, eyes, ears, face, neck, hands and arms.

Makota says she is still in constant pain and no longer uses a cell phone or a computer.

It’s through a silver lined veil that blocks some of the electrical signal that she can watch TV.

Makota is pointing a finger at the Canadian government in what she believes is a major flaw in our safety codes.

She is preparing for an appeal against Work Safe BC.

Real change needs to replace rhetoric on injury claims

18/03/2011 17:39:52

"Controlling third party claims costs must be at the top of both the government's and insurance industry's agendas. But rhetoric and a limited focus on a specific aspect of the claims process does not help what is basically, a sector that needs to change its approach”, said Mr Ashdown-Barr, chief executive officer at Inter Resolve, responding to the publication of the Transport Select Committee's Cost of Motor Insurance report.

Mr. Barr further commented that the continuing focus on referral fees and the Ministry of Justice reforms overshadows the opportunity to explore viable alternatives to the costs issue, including the avoidance of referral fees altogether. Some insurers are already taking active steps to provide third party assistance and offer to settle a claim directly, without incurring referral fee or other legal costs. If these insurers offer access to independent advice on settlement and mediation services then they can increase the amount of direct third party assistance they can offer.

With its inherent costs and delays in compensation the vast majority of injury claims where liability is admitted, do not need to enter a one-size-fits-all legal process. If the government wants to make real change it has to be prepared to embrace change and support the industry to make it happen, Mr. Barr added further.

Supreme Court asbestos ruling could pave the way for more compensation claims

16/03/2011 18:33:17

After two landmark rulings at the Supreme Court, more people may be encouraged to make compensation claims for industrial diseases developed as a result of low-level asbestos exposure.

After she alleged that she had breathed in asbestos as a pupil at Merseyside's Bowring Comprehensive SchoolDianne Willmore, 49 died in 2009 and had, incidentally,  just won a case against Knowsley Council.

The organization, however, said that it would appeal after her death.

Meanwhile, the family of Enid Costello, who died in 2006, had been continuing to fight against Ellesmere Port manufacturing plant Greif after she claimed she had developed incurable mesothelioma as a result of her time as a secretary there.

This week, both the council and Greif took their appeals to the Supreme Court, but seven judges unanimously dismissed them, meaning the families of the victims will be able to claim compensation for their loss.

Legal experts have also said it could pave the way for many more similar cases across the UK.

Nearly €6m set aside for claims from soldiers

16/03/2011 18:32:24

Provision for almost €6 million to deal with compensation claims from soldiers this year including exposure to a controversial anti-malaria drug has been made by the Department of Defense.

Officials expect to spend 40 per cent more this year on dealing with litigation such as personal injury claims and administrative legal proceedings, show internal departmental documents.

The department, in addition says that it is addressing “emerging issues” such as alleged injuries linked to the use of the malaria drug Lariam and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Officials are aware of at least 10 cases where soldiers claim they developed serious side effects as a consequence of taking the drug, such as depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies or paranoia.

Members of the Defence Forces who served in Chad or the Central African Republic are being advised by some legal firms  that they may be entitled to compensation if they have developed symptoms.

Soldiers must initiate a claim within two years of becoming aware of any side effects.

On the question of other litigation cases, these tend to be three types, according to internal documents.

They include: compensation for injuries arising from traffic accidents; other settlements from personal injury claims; and administrative law cases in areas such as promotion and disciplinary action.

Last year the department spent €4.1 million on 391 claims.

Of this, €2.4 million involved awards or settlements while the remainder related to legal costs and fees.

Personal injury claims firms 'could push car premiums up by 25%'

16/03/2011 18:31:25

The cost of premiums was pushing up due to Personal injury claims firms as recently found by the Transport Committee.

Personal injury companies could in fact be causing prices to increase by as much as a quarter, suggest Claims director at Swiftcover.com Robin Reames.

Referral fees, which are paid to insurance firms by lawyers to gain information of those involved in accidents, are playing a part in rising premiums, highlighted Transport Committee .

Mr Reames suggests that the government should ban the use of such fees, however, he notes that not all insurers are involved in such practices.

Mr Reames further commented that it is incorrect for the Transport Select Committee to report that the entire insurance industry is tarnished with the same unethical brush, claiming that the industry as a whole sells data to claims firms for financial gain.

The British Insurance Brokers' Association (BIBA), meanwhile, has also voiced its support for the Transport Committee's findings.

Commenting that the organisation's report echoes many of the points laid out by BIBA to reduce car insurance costs at the close of 2010, it supports the idea that more should be done to tackle personal injury claims, alongside fraud and uninsured driving.

Man Claims £10,000 Compensation after Being Attacked by Police Dog

16/03/2011 18:30:24

After he was mistakenly mauled by a police German Shepard, a Chessington man is claiming a five figure sum in personal injury compensation.

The victim, seventy one year old Brian Kiddell of Bramham Gardens, off Clayton Road, in Greater London, was tending his allotment when the dog, which was involved in a police chase across the area, bounded up to him and sank its teeth into his ankle.

Describing the incident as one of the most frightening moments of his life, Mr. Kiddell explained how his shouts for help were drowned out by the police helicopter hovering overhead.

Two offers of personal injury compensation from the Metropolitan Police Force were received by Mr. Kiddell , the first offer of £2,100 was doubled a few weeks later to £4,200 but the pensioner described both as ‘inadequate’ and feels that £10,000 is more realistic for the ‘pain, suffering and shock’ he has suffered since the incident.

A total of £770,000 has been paid out by police forces across the country over the last three years, to people bitten by police dogs.

A total of £95,000 in dog bite compensation has been paid by Metropolitan Police, over the three year period but this amount was almost doubled by the Greater Manchester Police who paid out £180,000.

Former sergeant wins £370k personal injury compensation with RJW help

16/03/2011 18:29:28

A personal injury compensation settlement of £370,000 for a police official following a road traffic accident was secured by legal experts in the personal injury field at Russell Jones & Walker (RJW).

Steve Ball, a former sergeant who is 43 years of age, had to give up work due to the effects of a motorcycle accident in July 2006, after which he required surgery, according to the BBC.

The use of his right side was lost for Mr Ball due to the impact, which involved him crashing head-on with another motorcycle in the Yorkshire town of Harrogate and subsequently required extensive surgery and an 11-day stay in hospital.

The accident resulted in damaged nerves in his body, meaning that his sense of touch will never fully return.

The victim, Mr Ball was on duty for North Yorkshire Police which was established in 1974.

Paul Jackson of RJW commented: "A dedicated member of the police force was seriously injured whilst on duty, due entirely to an error of judgement by a member of the public."

£60,000 in personal injury compensation awarded to gardener

15/03/2011 18:30:39

£60,000 in personal injury compensation was awarded to a landscape gardener employed by Nottingham County Council, for damage caused by excessive use of vibrating power tools.

According to a newspaper report, fifty one year old Andrew Bowler, who is employed by the council’s landscape services department, worked with vibrating tools on an almost daily basis over a period approaching thirty years.

The victim now suffers from the condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including tingling in the hands or numbness and fingers and/or damage and weakness to the muscle tissue of the hands. The damage to carpel tunnel can pinch the nerve, which causes pain and discomfort to the sufferer.

In 2008 Mr. Bowler was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and after surgery was unable to correct the condition, he was informed that he would, probably, for the rest of his life suffer with the symptoms.

After  awarded £60,000 in an out of court settlement with the council, Mr. Bowler  said that the condition had affected his ability to do the hobbies he loved such as tending to his garden and DIY, in addition to this he can now only work for three days a week.

Man paid substantial personal injury compensation after a factory prank

15/03/2011 17:40:52

An undisclosed, but substantial amount of personal injury compensation has been awarded to a worker at a car parts factory in Peterlee who had been injured by a colleague during a factory prank.

Forty six year old William Jones, who had worked for TRW Systems for twenty one years before his accident, was injured when a colleague jumped onto his back as a ‘joke’.

Mr Jones claimed that as soon as his hefty workmate jumped on him, he heard a popping sound in his back. Requiring spinal fusion surgery, where a piece of bone from his hip was inserted into his spine; now Mr Jones has limited mobility and has been told by his doctor that he may be incapable to work again.

After effectively arguing that TRW Systems was responsible for the actions of its employees in the workplace, Mr. Jones successfully claimed personal injury compensation from his former employers. The actual amount has not been disclosed but was described as ‘substantial’, by a member of his legal team.

Mr. Jones speaking after his out of court settlement said, that he had no idea why his former colleague thought it would be amusing to jump on him but he did know that the ‘joke’ had cost him not only his job but also his ability to work.

Beauty therapists receive compensation of £300,000

15/03/2011 17:39:40

A personal Injury compensation of £300,000 was received by two Virgin Atlantic beauty therapists after suffering strain injuries while giving massages.

After the pair made compensation claims against the firm, Jayne Evans received £230,972, while Michelle Hindmarsh was awarded £69,458.

After developing repetitive strain injuries caused by issuing massages to business passengers, both women were forced to quit their jobs with the airline.

Judge Martin McKenna refuted claims from Virgin Atlantic that Ms Hindmarsh had exaggerated her problems, with Virgin accepting responsibility for the injuries.

The judge remarked on the occasion "She is clearly a woman of fortitude and determination making the best of her situation.”

Due to her strained thumbs Ms Evans claimed that she was unable to complete rudimentary tasks and was once sent home from Heathrow Airport after becoming "distressed" while massaging a businessman.

According to the NHS, repetitive strain injury is a common limb and muscle complaint among workers who complete the same task over and over again.

Women Suffer Personal Injury After Debris Falls on them

14/03/2011 11:56:45

A pair of women have suffered personal injury, while a baby managed to narrowly avoid being hurt after decorative lights fell from a building in Cambridgeshire.

Anne Beck has been pushing her baby along in a pram when the weight of the lights caused them to pull out a large chunk of the brick work they were secured to. This led to a hail of debris falling down onto them.

Heroically Mrs Beck dived over the pram to protect her baby and suffered personal injury to her back and arms as she was struck by debris. Her friend Elena Giddens suffered even more severe personal injury, including fractured ribs, a head wound and a punctured lung.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive revealed that the decorations were anchored to a part of the building with weak mortar, which could easily have been spotted if the company had conducted a proper survey of the premises.

Broadland (Builders) Limited was fined £12,000 with £4250 for breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Broadland director John Fifield apologised to the women injured in the incident however it is unknown if they intend to approach claims solicitors to lodge a personal injury compensation claim.

Landscape Gardener Wins Personal Injury Compensation for Vibration Injuries

14/03/2011 11:44:00

A landscape gardener who suffered a vibration personal injury while working for Nottingham County Council has been grated £60,000 in personal injury compensation for the damaged caused by constant use of vibrating power tools.

Andrew Bowler, 51, had worked with vibrating tools almost every day while employed as a landscape gardener for almost 30 years. He now suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including numbness or tingling in the hands and fingers and/or damage and weakness to the muscle tissue of the hands.

Mr Bowler was diagnosed with the ailment in 2008 and has since had surgery to correct the condition. Unfortunately this failed and he will likely have the symptoms for the rest of his life.

The issue has prevented him from enjoying hobbies such as gardening and DIY, as well as restricting his ability to work.

Waste Disposal Worker Loses Arm in Work Accident

14/03/2011 11:17:09

A worker who was employed at a waste disposal plant has had to have his arm amputated after a terrible work accident in which the arm in question was crushed.

Daniel Ali, of Essex, had been working on the recycling line and processing old television sets and computer monitors when his glove became trapped in the conveyor belt he was working on.

It took emergency services 45 minutes to free him but surgeons were unable to save his arm, which had been severely crushed by the time he was freed.

Coolrec Group BV were fined £60,000 plus £22,000 costs after admitting breaches of the Health and Safety Regulations. It is unknown if Mr Ali has approached claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim for the devestating personal injury.

Woman Awarded Medical Negligence Compensation After Undergoing Doctors Fail to Spot Condition

14/03/2011 11:08:58

A woman is to be awarded £160,000 in personal injury compensation after she underwent an emergency hysterectomy due to medical negligence after doctors failed to spot a life threatening condition.

Joanna Connolly, aged 35, had been suffering from a molar pregnancy, with delays in diagnosis and treatment leading to the emergency procedure being required.

A molar pregnancy is a relatively rare condition that occurs during fertilisation; genetic information is not correctly transferred between sperm and egg, this leads to the formation of abnormal cells within the womb, which could potentially transform into a tumour and spread to other parts of the body.

Western Health and Social Care Trust initially denied responsibility for the medical negligence, but have finally accepted after nine years.

Lorry Driver Crushed by Rollcage in Work Accident

14/03/2011 11:00:18

A lorry driver from Oxfordshire has suffered a terrible personal injury in a work accident where he was crushed by a metal roll cage that he had been unloading from his vehicle.

Neil Cooper, aged 28, had been working for 3663 Food Services at the time of the work accident and had been making a delivery to a hotel when the accident that caused his personal injury happened.

Reading Crown Court were informed that Mr Cooper had npot received any formal training from 3663, particularly in relation to unloading operations using a tail lift and he was basically left to his own devices, working in a way he thought best.

This led to the company being fined £48,000 with £14,000 in costs after admitting liability. It is likely that Mr Cooper will approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Woman Involved in Road Traffic Accident with Truck Wins More than £1 million Compensation

14/03/2011 10:50:43

A woman who was the passenger in a car that was struck by an 18 ton truck has been awarded a personal injury compensation payment of £1.35 million, with the promise of more compensation to come.

Sophie Wilkinson was just 17 years old when the car she was the passenger in pulled out in front of a lorry. Sophie suffered catastrophic personal injury to her head and spent six months in a coma. The High Court has now ruled that she should receive the huge personal injury compensation settlement to allow her to return home to her family after four years.

She will likely receive even more compensation for the road traffic accident in the future, which will be used to fund her round the clock care and rehab in the coming years.

This is thought to be only a small percentage of the overall damages she will eventually receive, which will be used to fund her round the clock care and rehabilitation in the future.

Sophie's family will use the personal injury compensation to fully adapt her house to make it easier for her to live there.

Two Women Launch Personal Injury Compensation Claim for RSI Against Virgin Atlantic

14/03/2011 10:37:59

Two women who launched a personal injury compensation claim for repetitive strain injuries (RSI) may eventually see the compensation claim rise to a staggering £500,000.

Jayne Evans and Michelle Hindmarch worked as beauty therapists at Virgin Atlantic's Heathrow Club House lounge. They believe their injuries were caused by having to work long shifts without sufficient breaks for a large amount of customers having Shiatsu pressure point massage.

Mrs. Evans, who is still employed by the airline as an administrator, is claiming £327,000 in compensation while Mrs. Hindmarch is pursuing a claim for £235,000.

Both women claim to be devestated over having to give up their careers because of the RSI and are claiming the money for lost earnings in relation to their injuries.

Virgin Atlantic are not disputing the claim, but are disputing the amount the claimants are asking for.

Suffolk County Council Pay Out £330,000 Compensation for Slip and Trip Accidents

14/03/2011 10:26:30

Suffolk County Council have revealed that over the last four years they have paid out in £330,000 in personal injury compensation just to people who have suffered slip and trip accidents on the pavements in the county.

The statistic, which was revealed in a freedom of information request, shows compensation sums ranging from £50 right through to a £70,000 payment for an accident in Needham Market.

During the four year period it was found that 34 people had successfully made personal injury claims against the council for slip and trip accidents, despite a spokesperson for the council claiming that they have a robust policy of inspection and repair.

Man Wins Personal Injury Compensation After Falling From Makeshift Forklift Platform

14/03/2011 10:15:53

A man from Somerset who fell from a makeshift platform has suffered serious personal injury. Douglas Mowat balanced on the forks of a forklift truck to change a marker light on the back of a wagon at Vincents Car Sales Ltd when the incident occured.

He was using the forklift because the step ladder that he was provided with was not tall enough for the task. He instead placed a metal cage onto the forks of the forklift, standing on the improvised platform as a colleague raised him up.

Unfortunately the metal cage slipped as he was being raised up, which led to Mr Mowat falling to the ground below. He suffered a fractured elbow, bruised shoulder and now sufferd back problems.

Vincents Car Sales Ltd was fined £5,000 at Bristol Magistrates Court for a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act. The HSE claim a proper risk assessment would have prevented the work accident.

It is unknown if Mr Mowat aims to file a personal injury compensation claim.

Families of two Women Exposed to Asbestos win Personal Injury Compensation Claims

14/03/2011 10:01:06

The families of two women who were exposed to what is described as "low level" amounts of asbestos have won groundbreaking personal injury compensation claims over their deaths.

Dianne Willmore and Enid Costello both died from malignant mesothelioma.

Mrs Willmore is believed to have contracted the cancer when she was a student at Bowring School in Huyton, while Mrs Costello likely breathed in the particles while employed by Grief UK Ltd as a secretary.

Both Grief UK and Knowsley Council had initially lodged appeals against the personal injury claims on the basis of the low level of exposure, however the supreme court has ruled in favour of the women's families.

Mrs Willmore, from North Wales, died in October 2009, aged 49, the day after a judge said she was entitled to £240,000 compensation. Mrs Costello's family also won personal injury compensation for her asbestos related death, however it is unknown how much her family attained.

$16.59 Million Award for a migrant worker

12/03/2011 18:31:45

After a catastrophic construction accident left a migrant worker paralyzed and unable to remember his past, the Miami personal injury lawyers at Friedman, Rodman & Frank, P.A. secured more than $16.5 million in compensation for a migrant worker who was paralyzed along with memory loss, after a catastrophic construction accident.

The victim, Antonio Acevedo came to the United States legally in an effort to secure construction work to provide for his wife and daughter in Mexico and was hired to work alongside his brothers at the Opa-locka warehouse, in 2006.

The construction workers were required to work on the roof and deck of the building despite a crumbling roof and a no-entry order by the company occupying the building. While at work one afternoon, Acevedo's life was forever altered when the deck collapsed beneath him, causing him to fall 20 feet onto the concrete floor below.

Acevedo was in a coma for three months following the construction site fall and his injuries after the fall included a fractured spine and skull, paralysis and significant memory problems.

The egregiousness of the negligence exhibited by the construction company in allowing their employees to work on a dilapidated roof and deck enabled Acevedo's attorney to file a personal injury lawsuit, while this claim would ordinarily have been covered by worker’s compensation. Personal injury lawyer Ronald Rodman, at the law firm of Friedman, Rodman & Frank, took the case and challenged the defense's argument that they were unaware of the danger on the roof.

Including lost wages and compensation for pain and suffering the jury agreed with attorney Rodman's arguments and awarded construction accident victim Acevedo more than $16.5 million for past and future damages.

GBP 1.35 million for woman involved in car accident

12/03/2011 18:30:24

A woman horrifically injured in a road accident was awarded personal injury compensation of more than GBP 1 million.

The victim, Sophie Wilkinson, now 20, was a passenger in a car being driven by David Brookman in October 2007 when the Peugeot 106 was hit by an 18-ton lorry, the Portsmouth News reports.

The teenager suffered grave injury and her condition was so bad that doctors admitted that they didn’t expect her to wake up.

Ms Wilkinson eventually emerged from her coma although she sustained a fractured skull, major abdominal injuries and a ruptured pancreas.

However she has been unable to return home from a specialist rehabilitation centre now needs 24-hour care.

She took legal action against the responsible parties and at a hearing at London's High Court this week through her family and was awarded at least GBP 1.35 million in personal injury compensation, although the full amount is to be decided at a later date and is likely to be more substantial.

The money will be used to buy a specially-adapted home for her. Her father Andrew said he hopes they can all move in together by Christmas.

"We have got a long way to go yet. We have got a big trial at the end of next year. But we are delighted," he added.

Quality mark gained by Blakewater Solicitors

10/03/2011 17:20:28

A solicitor is celebrating after having been awarded a major professional qualification.

The coveted Law Society ‘Lexcel ‘accreditation quality mark has now been attained by Blakewater Solicitors.

“Each firm that applies for the Lexcel quality mark is assessed by independent experts appointed by the Law Society, who scrutinise a practices quality of advice and client care thoroughly, and only if the firm is able to offer Excellent Client Service, Cost efficiency and minimum risk to its clients will it be awarded the Lexcel mark of excellence.” Senior Partner Abdul Hafeez Darr stated to a news agency.

“This means that Blakewater Solicitors like Rovers are a “Premier League” player, with only 9% of all solicitors firms in England and Wales attaining this award, the only one in Blackburn, and one of only 4in East Lancashire. “ In addition to which the Firm has achieved the Investors in People accolade with the assessment report stating: “People understand and live the practice ethos on client care: ‘it’s the partner’s top priority, everything is done to keep the client happy and get their matter sorted as quickly as possible”

Formerly based on Preston New Road the firm has also recently moved into it’s new offices on Richmond Terrace, Blackburn.

The firm includes solicitors Ross Fletcher, Babar Hussain and Shabaz Hussain and senior Legal Executive Miss Theresa New, specialising in Personal Injury, residential & commercial Conveyancing, Employment and Immigration Law.

No Win No Fee Personal Injury Solicitors

10/03/2011 15:48:00

A good compensation is needed by people who are suffering the consequences of an accident. The first choice of these people would usually be a personal injury solicitor so that they can be well represented for any compensation that they need during this difficult time.

There are personal injury solicitors whom people mostly commonly call no-win, no-fee solicitors. As the name implies, clients can rely on a lawyer to properly handle their case so that they can get the compensation that they deserve, when a person is looking for a no-win no-fee policy. Whenever there’s an instance where a lawyer wasn’t able to get what his client needs, he may not get a fee for his services.

After winning a case, clients need to consider that some lawyers would charge a significant amount of fees, probably a lot more than what clients have anticipated. The best advice in this case, is to constantly read contracts which are usually written up by these solicitors. Doing research about specific law firms is essential as well. We all know that not all lawyers are there to seek for your welfare, sometimes they’re out there just to win the game. So it’s up to your jurisdiction.

Injured cheerleader's injury claim rejected by Palo Alto trustees

10/03/2011 15:34:08

Instead of settling a claim filed by a cheerleader who alleges lax supervision led to a serious knee injury, Palo Alto school has moved court.

16-year-old Francesca Gencarella's request for $9,900 to cover medical bills was rejected by the trustees on Tuesday. In her claim, the Gunn High student alleges a cheer coach, identified as "Doris," was negligent when she allowed cheerleaders to practice in the school's dance room without supervision on Jan. 15, 2010.

According to her claim, Gencarella was positioned as a flyer, the person typically at the top of a stunt -- a role she was not trained for. She was thrown without sufficient spotters and suffered a dislocated knee, the claim says.

The claim alleges that the cheer coach was fired as a result of the incident.

On Wednesday Superintendent Kevin Skelly said that he didn't know whether anyone had been disciplined in connection with the incident, but added he wouldn't be able to discuss personnel issues anyway.

On Tuesday night trustees also took action on two other claims filed against the school district.

The trustees rejected a claim from a Jordan Middle School student who was seriously injured on Nov. 8 near Oregon Avenue and Carmel Drive. The California Highway Patrol determined the student, who was 13 at the time, ran a stop sign on his bicycle and crashed into a district bus.

Elijah Edward Givens is seeking roughly $1,160 to pay medical and ambulance costs that weren't covered by his insurance, according to his claim.

However, trustees did agree to pay Palo Alto resident Bo Li about $2,300 to cover damage to his vehicle caused when a district bus turned into it near the intersection of Waverley Street and East Meadow Drive on Nov. 29.

Personal Injury case against council rejected

09/03/2011 18:06:19

Personal injury compensation has been denied to a man who was injured when he was struck by a horse at Smithfield fair three years ago.

The High Court didn’t accept the man’s claim that Dublin City Council should be liable for the injuries he suffered.

The victim, retired engineer Patrick Loughran (64), of Swords, Co Dublin, claimed he was eligible to injury compensation from the council after an  accident on February 3, 2008, when a horse and a small carriage, called a sulky, collided with him, whose owner, incidentally was never identified.

The victim claimed that the accident took place as he was standing on a pavement while two sulkies racing one another came towards him and as one mounted on the footpath he was stuck by the horse and thrown over a bollard, leaving him with injuries to his shoulder, neck and back.

He claimed that the council was negligent in allowing the fair and lacked to provide adequate supervision over it. He also alleged that the council failed in its duty to take reasonable care for the safety of pedestrians and failed to remove foreseeable dangers, like bollards.

However, the council denied the claims and said it had no role in the running of the fair and had been trying to have it closed down for years.

The case came before the High Court on appeal and had been dismissed in the Circuit Court.

Solomon & Relihan’s Website offers resources for car accident claims

09/03/2011 18:05:02

To provide necessary information on those who need car accident claims, Solomon & Relihan who are personal injury attorneys based in Arizona have a newly modified and styled website. This can provide advice and steps in helping people evaluate their options, who otherwise are still unsure and undecided on the steps they need to settle their loans.

The site of Solomon & Relihan’s has an Accident Help Center that can inform the individual whether he is eligible for a car accident claim. Besides, details in resolving auto insurance issues from the application to the actual claiming of the insurance coverage will also be provided. The newly designed site also became more helpful through the link it provides with the Phoenix Police since one can request a copy of the incident report.

Additionally, before consulting a lawyer there are also legal information provided in the site that one can check for technicalities and legal requirements. The website can, furthermore, respond to any queries and concerns by dedicated professionals available at the site.

Motorist awarded £1.35m personal injury compensation

09/03/2011 18:03:32

Following a road traffic accident a female motorist has been awarded in excess of £1 million in personal injury compensation

The victim ,  20 years old Sophie Wilkinson, sustained life-threatening injuries and was left in a coma due to the effects of an incident in 2007 and, as a direct result of the crash, requires round-the-clock care.

In 2007 when the victim was 17,the accident  occurred while she was a passenger in a friend's vehicle - and left her with major head injuries and a ruptured pancreas.

The High Court in London has now granted her an interim compensation settlement of £1.35 million, which will then be increased at a further hearing scheduled to take place in 2012.

The personal injury compensation   will be used to adapt Ms Wilkinson's family home in Hertfordshire for her care needs.

"We're over the moon that we can finally get Sophie home" remarked the victim’s father.

32 months jail for mastermind in false personal injury claims

09/03/2011 18:01:39

A jail sentence of 32 months was granted to a man believed to be mastermind behind false motor personal injury insurance claims, on Wednesday.

The accused, Ong Ai Peng, 48, had pleaded guilty to 10 charges of conspiracy to cheat NTUC Income Co-operative and India International Insurance. To settle personal injury accident claims between 2005 and 2009 both companies were deceived into paying out sums of money.

Besides, twenty-one other similar charges were taken into consideration. In all, he cheated the two insurance companies of $181,563, and the total payout was $65,207.

The scam involved nineteen accomplices and phantom passengers of motor vehicle accident lodging fraudulent insurance claims. He roped in not only his wife and his friends but also his teenage daughters and their friends.

Ong, a former truck driver, had surrendered himself in July last year after being on the run for some 16 months.

“Such insurance scams, if left unchecked, would undermine the foundations of Singapore's compulsory motor insurance regim,” said District Judge Kessler Soh .

After collision with roadworks cyclist receives personal injury compensation

08/03/2011 18:38:33

After getting hurt during a collision with some roadworks a cyclist has been awarded personal injury compensation.

The victim, Roger Excell had been cycling to work through Poole when the accident occurred in August 2007

Although he had a good light on his bicycle, Mr Excell claims a temporary sign was blocking the cycle path ahead of him.

Suffering injuries to tendons and muscles in his groin and legs after crashing into the sign, which meant he had to stay off work for a week.

After the accident Mr Excell  was unable to walk properly for several weeks.

Claiming that the sign was unlit and therefore dangerous to road users the victim took legal action against the Borough of Poole.

A judge this week found in Mr Excell's favour and ordered the Borough of Poole to pay £5,000 in compensation and £8,099 costs.
The victim commented that the money side didn’t bother him and he just wanted the Poole council to be punished by the court.

According to the Department for Transport, under section 17(2) of the Interpretation Act, temporary road signs must be placed where they will be clearly seen and cause minimum inconvenience to drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and other road users.

£330,000 in personal Injury Compensation for Pavement Fall’s by Suffolk Council

08/03/2011 18:37:00

Suffolk County Council has paid out over £330,000 in personal injury compensation, to people who have tripped on pavements in the area, over the last four years.

£331,546 has been paid out in compensation since 2007, with damages ranging from £50 for a fall in Hanover Court, Elmswell, up to the largest single payment of £70,000 for an accident in Primrose Way, Needham Market, a freedom of information request submitted by the East Anglian Daily Times has revealed

The report revealed that thirty four people had claimed successfully against the council although it didn’t provide the claims and types of injuries sustained.

Some of the larger payouts included a payment of £22,766 for a fall in Strawberry Fields, Haverhill and £12,561 awarded to an individual injured in East Street, Sudbury.

Suffolk County Council has a robust policy of inspection and repair, a spokesman from the council stated, adding that the vast majority of claims against the council were successfully defended.

However, the courts had decided that the council had fallen short of its own high standards in a minority of cases, which they were continually trying to both meet and exceed.

Teenage Horse Rider Granted Compensation After Accident With Camper Van

07/03/2011 13:06:36

A teenaged horse rider who suffered a terrible personal injury when her horse collided with a camper van is to receive almost £90,000 in personal injury compensation for the road traffic accident.

Sally Stoddart, who was 14 at the time of the road traffic accident, suffered serious damage to her pelvis in the crash. The personal injury may force her into a hip replacement later in life.

Sally had been returning to her stables with her horse Trigger at the time of the accident. The camper van struck her horse, which then fell on top of her and caused the personal injury. Luckily the horse survived the accident, however its weight caused her injuries in the process.

The courts decided that there was a 50/50 spread of blame between the driver of the van and Sally, resulting in her receiving reduced personal injury compensation. Initially the driver of the van, Joseph Perucca, appealed against the decision and claimed the girl had ridden out in front of him. However the compensation settlement was upheld by the court of appeal.

Taxi Passenger Receives Personal Injury Compensation for Brain Injury

07/03/2011 12:51:18

A taxi passenger is to receive a large and undisclosed personal injury compensation settlement after winning his compensation claim for the brain injuries he suffered due to the negligence of the taxi driver.

Grant Parfitt had been travelling home after a night out, however when the passengers began to leave the taxi, it drove off unexpectedly with the vehicle doors still open. Mr Parfitt was thrown out of the cab and suffered severe brain injuries that left him in a coma for four week. He also required hospital treatment for nine months.

The driver of the black cab, Yasir Al-Kauraishi of Horfield, in Bristol, was found not guilty of the charge of causing actual bodily harm by dangerous driving, when he was charged in relation to the incident. However Mr Parfitt's family pursued and finally won a civil personal injury compensation claim against the driver's insurance company.

Cyclist May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Pothole Accident

07/03/2011 12:42:31

A fire fighter who suffered a personal injury when his bike struck a pothole and sent him flying over the handlebars is to make a personal injury compensation claim against the council for allowing the pothole to develop on the road.

Tony Clough had been cycling to home from his shift and, despite his bicycle having a good light set-up, did not spot the pothole in the ground. The cycling accident resulted in him suffering facial lacerations, bruising and a dislocated finger which kept him off work for five weeks. He has been told that the scars on his face are permanent and he may opt for plastic surgery in the future.

He told a local newspaper that he is considering the compensation claim as he believes he could have been killed in a road traffic accident if a vehicle had been behind him.

The council have filled in the pothole since, but Mr Clough deems the repair to be "pathetic", claiming it is uneven and already showing signs of collapsing.

Travel Company to Pay Hundreds in Personal Injury Compensation

07/03/2011 12:01:14

A travel company is set to pay out hundreds of thousands in personal injury compensation to a string of British tourists who were left trapped in what is being termed a holiday from hell.

Thomson and First Choice have finally agreed to the settlement after a number of tourists fell ill at the Riu Miramar hotel in Obzor, Bulgaria.

Heavy rain had flooded the resort, causing problems with the hotel's water and electricity. This left the tourists unable to complete basic tasks, such as flushing the toilet. This also led to poor standards within the hotel, with customers having to wade through mud to get to the reception and being served food cooked in kitchens with terrible health and safety standards.

Due to the conditions many holidaymakers began to fall ill, with symptoms such as stomach cramps and sickness and diarrhoea, with some still suffering five years after the incident.

The personal injury compensation claim was brought forward as a group action but Thomson initially held out and refused to accept liability. However they finally caved at the last minute and accepted responsibility for the incident just before the case was due in court.

Bradford Man Wins £1.5 Million Personal Injury Compensation

07/03/2011 11:50:05

A man has won personal injury compensation totalling over £1.5 million following a case of medical negligence in which a hospital botched his surgery.

Stuart Morley, who suffers from learning difficulties, suffered severe complications during the surgery as a result of the blunder, when his bowel was inadvertently closed. This eventually led to it bursting and requiring further life saving surgery.

Stuart's family placed a personal injury compensation claim almost ten years after the case of medical negligence and he has finally been awarded the enormous personal injury compensation settlement.

The payment is to include a half a million pound lump sum, followed by regular annual payments of £25,000 for the rest of Mr. Morley’s life. The botched surgery resulted in Mr Morley suffering from peritonitis and septicaemia.

Steeplejack May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Fall From Church Roof

07/03/2011 11:36:16

A steeplejack, who suffered a personal injury when he fell from the roof of a church on which he was working, will likely sue for personal injury compensation after the 8 foot fall after his employers were fined by the HSE.

The man, who has asked not to be named, was employed by Alliance Technical Services Ltd at the time of the work accident. He had been repairing the roof of the Holy Trinity Church.

The work accident happened when an anchor which had been holding his ladder in place gave way, sending him falling to the ground. He was hospitalised for three weeks with personal injuries that included a broken wrist, spinal fracture and broken ankles. He has been unable to retrun to work,

The company were fined £3,334 and ordered to pay costs totalling £4,000 after pleading guilty to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Man to Sue for Medical Negligence Compensation After Being Given Wrong Medication

07/03/2011 11:19:04

A man from Chesterfield is to make a personal injury compensation claim after he was told that he would no longer be fit enough to cope with a kidney transplant following a case of medical negligence in which he was given the wrong medication.

Raymond Johnston, aged 49, had gone to Chesterfield Hospital on two occasions complaining of shoulder pain. Both times he was given morphine to relieve the pain. However he has an allergy to opiate based medicine and on both occasions where he was given it he slipped into a coma and spent time in intensive care.

He has now been told he is no longer fit enough to go through with the kidney transplant that would have relieved him of the problems associated with his failed kidney. He commentec "If they hadn’t given me that dose, I wouldn’t be in the position I am now, unsuitable for a transplant."

He has approached claims solicitors to make the personal injury compensation claim for medical negligence.

Steel Firm Fined After Worker Suffers Personal Injury in Terrible Work Accident

07/03/2011 11:07:20

A steel company has been fined £20,000 by the Health and Safety Executive after a worker at the company suffered a terrible personal injury while attempting to fix a packing machine.

Tata Steel received the fine after the unnamed employee was crushed between a large electromagnet and fixed parts of the machine's structure that he had been working on.

The man suffered a number of terrible personal injuries, including crush injuries to both his chest and abdomen which resulted in a number of broken bones. A subsequent HSE investigation found that Tata Steel had not placed adequate guard measures in place around the machine, leading to the fine for breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

The company may also face a personal injury compensation claim from the employee for the work accident.

Local Council Fined After Exposing Public to Asbestos

07/03/2011 10:57:56

Nottingham City Council have been fined £30,000 by the HSE after they allowed 150 members of the public to come into contact with the lethal substance asbestos at a council run depot.

The lapse, which occured at the Woolsthorpe depot in Bilborough, was noticed when a contractor spotted debris on the floor and made the link that it may have contained asbestos.

At the time the building was being used by the council's 'Street Scene' team, which works to maintain and improve the environment of the local area. The building was used as storage, a mess room, garages and offices.

The council was fined after the investigation by the HSE, and will also likely have to defend against mesothelioma and asbestos related personal injury compensation claims in the future.

Man Wins Personal Injury Compensation Claim for Asbestos Exposure

07/03/2011 10:04:15

A pensioner has won a £70,000 personal injury compensation claim against his former employers after he was exposed to asbestos while working for them.

William White approached claims solicitors to make the compensation claim against Plessey, who he had worked for since the 1970's. Mr White claimed to have been continually exposed to asbestos over the period in which he was working for the company, with his personal injury lawyers also claiming that others working with him may also have been exposed to the substance.

His personal injury lawyer commented "Mr White was continuously exposed to asbestos after joining Plessey in 1972. The company had buildings made of asbestos sheets and the sides and roofs of all four buildings contained asbestos.

"The fork-lift truck drivers regularly used to hit the walls of the building and Mr White had to repair them. This meant he had to saw the asbestos sheets and drill into them. The company also had large boilers lagged with asbestos where Mr White had to work and eat his lunch."

Austrian Kidnap victim files compensation claim

05/03/2011 18:56:33

A kidnap victim in Austria has filed a compensation claim for personal suffering during her eight year captivity.

Natascha Kampusch’s lawyer Gerald Ganzger called on the Republic of Austria to transfer one million Euros to Kampusch, 23, for what she had to endure in her eight years in captivity.

Kampusch was snatched off the road on her way to school in Vienna in March 1998. She managed to free the clutches of Wolfgang Priklopil – who kept her in a basement room under his house in Strasshof an der Nordbahn near Vienna – in August 2006, but her lawyer has argued that she may have been freed much earlier had the police worked more carefully.

The federal interior ministry - which is in charge of the police - has three months to make a statement on the appeal before juridical officials rule over whether Kampusch is eligible to receive financial compensation.

Kampusch’s autobiography "3,096 Tage" (3,096 Days) made eighth place in last year’s chart for the sale of non-fiction books in Austria. It is currently in 44th in the sale ranking of online retailer Amazon in Germany and Austria.

Court ruling paves way for compensation claims against miners in South Africa

05/03/2011 18:55:30

A class action lawsuit might cost South African mining companies billions of rand following a ruling by the Constitutional Court that mineworkers who had been laid off because of occupational diseases can make compensation claims against their employers.

According to news reprorts, the court handed down judgment in the matter of late Thembekile Mankayi, who had sued AngloGold Ashanti for damages of R2,6m.

Before the judgment was delivered, Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo said the court expressed its "heartfelt" condolences to Mankayi’s family, who died of lung disease last week.

Mankayi’s attorney, Richard Spoor, said he would not take Mr Mankayi’s case on its own to the high court for damages as he was preparing a class action on behalf of thousands of mineworkers .

"We will proceed on a broad front. The doors are open for mineworkers to seek justice," Spoor said, according to newspaper reports. The human rights lawyer had led a class action lawsuit against Gencor on behalf of thousands of workers suffering from asbestosis. This case was settled out of court in 2003.

Mankayi received compensation of R16320 in 2004 for contracting silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis . When he sued AngloGold Ashanti for R2,6m in the South Gauteng High Court in 2008, the company argued that he was not entitled to sue in terms of section 35(1) of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act .

The high court upheld the company’s exception and the Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed Mankayi’s appeal.

Delivering a unanimous judgment, Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe said yesterday that the Occupational Diseases in Mines and Works Act did not preclude Mankayi from suing the mine.

She said the employee referred to in section 35 (1) of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, whose common law claim was expunged, was limited to an employee who had a claim for compensation under that act.

"It is this ‘employee’ that section 35(1) of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act excludes from instituting a claim for the recovery of damages against the employer for occupational disease resulting in disablement or death," the judge ruled. "The expungement does not extend to an ‘employee’ who is not entitled to claim compensation in respect of occupational diseases under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act."

AngloGold Ashanti said yesterday its first impression was that should the executor of Mr Mankayi’s estate wish to pursue his claim, he would need to return to the high court . The company "will defend the case on its merits. Should other individuals lodge similar claims, these too would ultimately be defended by the company and judged on their merits," said spokeswoman Khosi Shongwe .

Fired official history writer wins compensation claim against Aston Villa

05/03/2011 18:50:46

A compensation claim for unfair dismissal has been won by Aston Villa’s ex- full-time history writer.

John Lerwill, from Hodge Hill, won the compensation claim against the football club after he was fired for allegedly making “inappropriate” comments about supporters and club colleagues in an online article.

Fans were unhappy with Lerwill’s article on Villa’s official website about William McGregor— the founder of the Football League, who held every office within the club in the late 19th century—and expressed their disapproval on the Heroes & Villains fanzine website, the tribunal was told.

Richard Santy, representing Villa, said Lerwill responded with inappropriate comments in an unprofessional manner and he was dismissed for misconduct.

But the tribunal was also told that Lerwill had not written the McGregor article.

“I was defending my reputation as an author by responding to the comments,” Lerwill said.

Tribunal judge Ann Coaster said Villa had not acted within the bounds of a reasonable employer in sacking Mr Lerwill, and said the tribunal would discuss the amount of compensation to be awarded at a later date.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa has expressed its disappointment at the decision.

“We value the input of our supporters and acted immediately when one of our employees behaved in a manner the club believed to be unprofessional and inappropriate towards a number of them,” a spokesman said, adding, “We stand by our decision to dismiss Mr Lerwill.”

Man convicted for taking income benefit’s from false compensation claim

05/03/2011 18:48:58

A man who received income benefits from a false worker’s compensation claim has been convicted.

The Office of Eastern Judicial Circuit/Chatham County District Attorney Larry Chisolm announced, today, the conviction of defendant Tony Andrew Harris, 42.

Harris had pleaded guilty on March 04, 2011, in State Court to eight counts of receiving income benefits that he was not entitled to receive and a single count of making false statements in a Worker’s Compensation claim.

During investigation it was revealed that he illegally took $7,342.69 in temporary full-time disability while continuing to work as a longshoreman between August 20, 2007 and December 26, 2007.

State Court Judge Greg Fowler sentenced Harris to eight years of probation, during which he is required to pay full restitution in the amount of $12,175.00, which includes both the money that was illegally taken and the full cost of prosecution. Besides, he will be required to pay an additional fine of $200.00. The case was investigated by Detective Doug Williams and was prosecuted by State Court assistant district attorney Sneh Patel.

Court dismisses $500,000 compensation claim

05/03/2011 18:47:43

A $500,000 compensation claim against seven environmental activists who stopped coal loading in the Port of Newcastle last year has been dismissed.

Last year, on September 26, seven activists from the group, "Rising Tide" dressed as Port Waratah Coal Services'(PWCS) employees and broke into the company's coal terminals at Kooragang and Carrington.

Some chained themselves to boom cables attached to ship loaders more than 40-metres above the ground.

PWCS was pursuing the group for $500,000 saying 140,000 tonnes of coal was not loaded and they are out of pocket.

But, magistrate Elaine Truscott dismissed the victims’ compensation claim, doubting the reliability and accuracy of the prosecution's figures about the actual loss to PWCS.

Meanwhile, while welcoming the decision, “Rising Tide” has said it will push for amendments in the victims’ compensation law, in order to put an end to "corporate bullying".

Notwithstanding warnings by Magistrate Truscott that they could be liable for hefty victims’ compensation for any future protests, Rising Tide spokeswoman, Carly Phillips has said that while the State and Federal Governments continue to approve coal expansion “they will be met with protests from the community.”

"The state of the environment is at stake here and we've seen increasing extreme weather events across Australia.

"There is too much at stake here for the coal industry to expand."

Australian Government to face compensation claim from UXC

05/03/2011 18:45:37

Following its cancellation of various green schemes, the Australian Federal Government is likely to face a large compensation claim from ASX-listed integrator, UXC Group (ASX:UXC).

Claiming losses in millions of dollars due to the Australian Government’s cancellation of various Green schemes in its half-yearly results, the company said it will be pursuing a claim against the Government for selected costs incurred.

“The Federal Government’s recent decision to cancel the Greens Loans program, to cease the Green Start program before its commencement, and to further slash environmental programs… make it imperative that we exit lines of business and services that are contingent upon Federal Government funded initiatives,” UXC said in its report.

“The operational losses we have incurred in the areas to be divested net to some $5.1 million,” it said. “Much of this is due to building infrastructure and capability to deliver Federal Government supported environmental programs that should’ve delivered substantial revenue, but which instead were poorly utilised.

But the company has been forced to write down another $6 million because the units in question are unlikely to reach the sales costs needed to pay for the investment.

Other environmental programs cited included the discontinued solar hot water and insulation schemes, which the company also claimed caused similar revenue fluctuations and losses.

“We are no longer prepared to make major investments in capital and staff based on programs that are not de-risked for industry,” the company report said.

UXC reported a massive 75 per cent drop in net profit to $3.8m. Total net losses from discontinued operations, including the failed greens scheme units, rose by 22 per cent to $14.85m.

Cyclist mulls compensation claim after personal injury in pothole accident

04/03/2011 17:32:57

Following serious personal injury in a pothole accident, a Lancashire fire-fighter is mulling to file a compensation claim against Lancashire County Council.

Tony Clough of St John’s Road, in Padiham, was returning home from his shift at Nelson Fire Station, when he was catapulted over the handlebars of his bicycle, after hitting a five inch deep pothole.

Clough has said even though his cycle had good lights— he was cycling home from work in the dark— he was not aware of the pothole until his front wheel went into it, sending him over the handlebars and head first into the road.

He suffered severe facial lacerations, bruising and a dislocated finger in the accident, which kept him off work for five weeks. The firefighter has been informed that his scars may never fully heal and he could require plastic surgery in the future.

Company fined after Plumber Suffers personal injury in Work Accident

04/03/2011 17:31:42

A property maintenance company has been fined £5,000 and ordered to pay £2,965 in costs after one its employees, a plumber suffered acid burns to his face and upper body, while trying to unblock a sink with a sulphuric acid solution.

Neil Kelly of Bury, in Greater Manchester, was attempting to unblock a sink at a domestic property in Heywood, when the solution he was using, which was made up of 96% sulphuric acid, reacted with water from the sink, causing an exothermic explosion.

Kelly suffered burn injuries in his face, neck and arm, and had to stay off work for more than two months due to the severity of the injuries.

During a hearing at Trafford Magistrates’ Court, Kelly’s employers, City Response Ltd of Oldham Broadway Business Park, in Chadderton, admitted to have breached Health and Safety Regulations.

An investigation by the Governments, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that Kelly was wearing paper overalls at the time of the incident, which the acid solution simply dissolved. He had also received no formal training on how to use the abrasive chemical.

Brain Injury Compensation for Taxi Passenger

04/03/2011 17:28:33

A Bristol taxi passenger who won his claim for brain injury compensation has been awarded an undisclosed amount in damages.

Newspaper reports say that Grant Parfitt of Hengrove suffered serious brain injury when he was travelling home with friends, in a black cab after enjoying an evening out and was thrown out when, after dropping a few passengers, the driver drove off suddenly with the vehicle's doors still open .

The serious brain damage left Parfitt, then 19, in a coma for four weeks and required over nine months of hospital treatment.

The driver of the black cab, Yasir Al-Kauraishi of Horfield, in Bristol, was found not guilty of the charge of causing actual bodily harm by dangerous driving, when he appeared at Bristol Crown Court shortly after the incident in 2006.

However, the teenager’s family pursued a civil claim for damages against the taxi driver’s insurers and were recently awarded an undisclosed amount of compensation, after the out of court settlement was approved by a High Court judge.

The exact amount received by the family has not been disclosed but is believed to be ‘substantial’, as it will have to provide care and ongoing rehabilitation to Mr. Parfitt for the rest of his life.

Teenager awarded compensation for personal injury in Horse Riding Accident

04/03/2011 17:26:02

Personal injury compensation has been awarded to a teenager who suffered serious personal injury when her horse collided with a camper van.

According to newspaper reports, almost £90,000 in road traffic accident compensation has been awarded to Sally Stoddart, who was only fourteen years old at the time of the accident, and suffered serious damage to her pelvis; she may require a hip replacement operation in the future.

Sally’s horse Trigger was struck by the van when she and a friend were crossing Burdon Lane while returning to Stoneygate Stables, in Sunderland after going out for a summer evening’s ride. Trigger survived the collision but rolled onto Sally, causing her injuries.

Newcastle County Court ruled that the teenager and the driver of the van were equally to blame for the accident and awarded Sally £87,400 in accident compensation.

However the driver involved in the accident, Mr. Joseph Perucca, appealed against the decision, claiming that Sally rode straight into the vehicles path, making the accident unavoidable.

London’s Civil Appeal Court ruled that the original verdict reached by the County Court Judge was correct and dismissed Perucca’s appeal, allowing the compensation award to remain unchanged.

British tourists to receive millions as Travel Company agrees to settle compensation claims

04/03/2011 17:24:14

British tourists trapped in a ‘holiday from Hell’ will receive hundreds of thousands of pounds in compensation from a leading holiday travel company.

In a last minute settlement, who fell ill at the Riu Miramar hotel in Obzor, Bulgaria, the holiday travel company TUI UK Ltd, also known as Thomson and First Choice in the United Kingdom, agreed to pay compensation to the disgruntled tourists.

According to reports, the holidaymakers were unable to carry out basic tasks such as washing and flushing their toilets as heavy rain at the resort flooded the four star hotel’s ground floor, causing problems with the hotels water and electricity supply.

They were left to wade through mud to get to reception, and poor food hygiene standards and frogs hopping around inside the building made matters worse.

As a result, many holidaymakers began to fall ill, with symptoms such as stomach cramps and sickness and diarrhoea, with some still suffering five years after the incident.

A group action holiday compensation claim was brought against the company but just days before the hearing, due to be held at Birmingham County Court, the holiday company y admitted liability for the incident.

The actual amount of compensation that guests who suffered with illness will receive has yet to be decided but the total cost could run into hundreds of thousands.

£1.5 Million Compensation Claim won by disabled man after botched surgery

04/03/2011 17:20:55

A disabled man who suffered severe complications following a botched surgery has won his compensation claim against the NHS.

Stuart Morley, 29, from Bradford, in West Yorkshire, suffered severe complications during surgery, at the St Mark’s Hospital in Middlesex.

During the operation Morley’s bowel was inadvertently closed and according to his mother Kath Morley it eventually burst and required further life saving surgery.

Almost ten years after the botched medical procedure Stuart’s family has been awarded medical negligence compensation which could amount to £1.5 Million.

The payment is to include a half a million pound lump sum, followed by regular annual payments of £25,000 for the rest of Morley’s life.

Facebook helps out of court settlement in personal injury lawsuit

03/03/2011 09:03:48

Popular social networking site Facebook has brought about an out of court settlement in a personal injury lawsuit.

According to reports, the plaintiff, Erica Sparks, got injured in a 2008 car accident and sued the other driver.

The defendant’s insurer fought the claim and apparently Judge Fred Ferguson of New Brunswick’s Court of Queen’s Bench ordered the plaintiff’s lawyer to seize her Facebook photos through a third party, to check out how severely Sparks was injured.

The Judge figured that Sparks would delete her photos, her profile if she knew that the counterparties in her lawsuit wanted to see the images, and came up with a plan some of us might consider sketchy behavior for someone in the legal profession.

Ferguson asked the plaintiff’s attorney to hire another lawyer to invite Sparks to a meeting without explaining the purpose to her. Upon their meeting up, that hired party was supposed to tell her she was under a court order to log on to Facebook and immediately hand over her photos.

Not surprisingly, the plaintiff’s attorney decided to appeal the judge’s order rather than comply with it. And that’s when the insurance company wisely decided to settle the case with a generous cash award for Sparks. She never had to show any of her Facebook photos to a court, nor did she have the opportunity to delete them.

Girl impaled on fencing spike seeks personal injury compensation

03/03/2011 08:36:50

An 11-year-old girl who was left scarred after being impaled on a fencing spike has sought personal injury compensation.

Maisie London, had been returning a library book in Harpenden in November last year, when she tripped and fell on to the spiked chain fence, causing one of the sharp pieces of metal to penetrate the skin on her thigh.

Maisie required eight stitches and further medical attention when the wound did not heal straight away; doctors said her wound could have been fatal if it had been on her head or stomach.

"I feel self-conscious to wear a skirt at school because people stare at my scar," the little girl was quoted in newspapers as saying. She added that she still suffers from nightmares as a result of the incident.

Maisie is now taking legal action against Harpenden Town Council, with the help of her mother, in a bid to stop the same thing from happening to somebody else.

"I'm angry on her behalf," Mrs London said.

High death, personal injury cases in UK construction industry: HSE ‘clampdown’ proves effective

03/03/2011 08:35:05

The Health Service Executive’s is closely monitoring how construction sites provide safety measures and personal injury compensation for its construction workers, in the wake of recent reports showing that death rates and injury are still high in United Kingdom’s construction industry.

For example, in the south west, during 2010 there were about five less deaths and 171 less injuries compared to 2009, suggesting that the HSE’s clampdown on construction sites regarding safety has been effective.

HSE’s efforts for the worker’s personal injury compensation can help save lives and reduce the number of injuries, which is supported by the dropped in construction related accidents and fatalities from 2008 to 2010, according to a recent report.

Although 2011 would be HSE’s fifth year in carrying out the initiative for construction worker’s personal injury compensation, need for further inspections in construction sites has been emphasized because the numbers of seriously injured workers in 2009/2010 were still 2,304, plus 17 fatalities in the South West.

According to the HSE, the inspection initiative in the area last year resulted in 31 improvement notices served for the 58 site visits. HSE’s record stated that majority of the fatalities happened during maintenance and repair, activities, and renovations.

Councils could face more personal injury claims due to potholes

01/03/2011 18:49:22

Councils are likely to face more personal injury claims as a result of potholes on the roads.

According to the AA, potholes have led to a number of road users being either seriously hurt or killed.

Paul Watters, spokesman for the organisation, said cyclists in particular are especially vulnerable to involvement in this type of accident.

Potholes can be "particularly bad" for those who choose this form of transport, he told the BBC News.

"A couple of broken wrists is not uncommon if they hit a pothole and go over the handlebars," Watters said.

In view of the injuries to pedestrians, the local authority in charge of maintaining the roads could be held liable for any accident and be ordered to pay personal injury compensation.

The BBC during a survey discovered that authorities across the UK are already having to pay more in damages to consumers whose vehicles have been damaged by potholes.

For example, the amount North Yorkshire County Council had to pay out as a result of highway maintenance matters rose by £5,000 in 2010-11 to almost £74,000.

Figures also showed that Shropshire Council – which paid nearly £3,000 to compensation claimants in 2008-09 – paid approximately £40,000 last year because of potholes.

Man ‘crushed’ by backhoe files personal injury claim against company

01/03/2011 18:47:59

A man claiming to have been crushed by a piece of the Bates Backhoe Service equipment is suing the company for personal injury.

Jacob Walker said he was taking measurements for an electrical conduit in a ditch at Texas City High School for his employer LECS Ltd. on Jan. 18 when the incident happened.

According to his suit filed February 23 in Galveston County District Court, Bates Backhoe was operating equipment behind Walker as he was working.

The backhoe in question became fully extended and split the ditch, causing a side wall to collapse and the piece of equipment to fall on the plaintiff, the original petition says.

Walker consequently seeks unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial. He is represented by The Buzbee Law Firm.

Galveston County 212th District Court Judge Susan Criss is presiding over the case.

Steeplejack suffers personal injury in work accident

01/03/2011 18:46:47

A steeplejack suffered serious personal injury in a fall from the roof of a church in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.

The forty year old man, who didn’t wish to be named, was employed by Alliance Technical Services Ltd, of Hampton Street, in Hanley and was repairing tiles on the roof of the Holy Trinity Church, when he met the accident.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Magistrates’ Court heard that an anchor securing the steeplejack’s ladder to the church’s brickwork gave way, causing the worker to fall from an almost eight metres to the ground below.

He was hospitalised for three weeks following the incident with injuries that included a broken wrist, a spinal fracture and breaks to both of his ankles. Due to the extent of his injuries he has been unable to return to work.

Alliance Technical Services was fined £3,334 and ordered to pay costs totalling £4,000 after pleading guilty to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act, following a successful prosecution by the Governments Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Speaking after the hearing an inspector from the HSE said that the company had failed to provide adequate training and tuition, on the installation and testing of anchors.

Faulty scaffolding leads to worker’s personal injury; company fined

01/03/2011 18:44:42

A construction worker sustained serious personal injury after falling from a height of nearly four metres from his scaffolding platform.

Tyne and wear construction worker Kevin Clark from Swalwell, in Gateshead, fell almost four metres when he was working on the windows of a new development in County Durham.

He suffered crushed vertebrae and a broken left foot as a result of the fall and had to spend two weeks in hospital.

An investigation carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) blamed Clark’s employers Ian Allan Building Contractors Ltd, of Jesmond Road, Jesmond, in Newcastle for failing to identify alterations to the scaffolding, saying the company had failed to carry out routine inspections which led to employees using unsafe scaffolding.

During an appearance before Consett Magistrates’ Court, the company was fined £1,500 and ordered to pay the same amount again in costs after it admitted to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Clark hoped that other employers would now recognise the importance of carrying out regular safety checks on scaffolding, to ensure the safety of workers.

Reformed personal injury law to make claims tougher

01/03/2011 18:43:23

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has signed into law a comprehensive tort reform bill, which is likely to alter the personal injury landscape in Wisconsin, making it more difficult for plaintiffs to fully recover for their injuries.

The tort reform legislation, passed as part of a special legislative session aimed at the creation of jobs, , imposes a cap on punitive damages and amends state product liability law.

"Improving Wisconsin's litigation climate is vital to reviving our economy. [This bill] sends a message directly to job creators that Wisconsin is open for business," Gov. Walker said.

Except cases involving the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated, the legislation imposes a cap on the amount of punitive damages that may be recovered in all tort cases. Punitive damages are now limited to the greater of two times the compensatory (economic) damages recovered or $200,000.

Prior to the law, there was no cap on the amount of punitive damages recoverable by injured plaintiffs.

Punitive damages are not automatically awarded in all tort cases. Such damages are meant to punish the person who caused the accident or injury, so they are reserved for cases when it can be shown that the defendant acted maliciously or was intentionally reckless.

The new bill does not change an injured individual's right to compensatory damages, which are meant to compensate the individual for actual economic loss, such as medical bills and ongoing treatment and lost wages.

The legislation also provides a presumption that a product is not defective if a product meets state and federal standards.

Commuter Granted Personal Injury Compensation After Incident With Ticket Inspector

28/02/2011 11:59:52

A passenger on the London Underground has been granted over £11,000 in personal injury compensation after an incident which saw him suffer personal injury at the hands of a ticket inspector.

Leib Spektor had been challenged by a ticket inspector about his route upon arriving at the Canada Water tube station. The situation escalated, with the employee eventually grabbing Mr Spektor and forcing him backwards over a barrier.

Mr Spektor suffered personal injury to both his neck and lower back in the incident. He did not utilise the services of a personal injury solicitor during the proceedings, resulting in initial attempts to claim £1 million for the incident. This compensation sum was later reduced to a more realistic £11,925.

Worker Suffers Crush Personal Injury in Work Accident

28/02/2011 11:43:55

A worker may make a personal injury compensation claim after he suffered a terrible crushing personal injury to his hand when it became trapped in a machine at the tissue manufacturing company for whom he worked.

Phillip Evans had been employed at the Intertissue factory in Neath and had been helping his supervisor clear a wraparound of paper from a rewinding machine.

His hand got pulled into the machinery during the process, resulting in the crushing injuries.

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West Ham to Seek Personal Injury Compensation for Early Retirement of Striker

28/02/2011 11:36:03

West Ham United are to appeal for personal injury compensation from the FA for a training ground incident that prematurely ended the career of promising striker Dean Ashton in 2008.

Ashton injured his ankle in the incident, which occured in August 2006, with complications from the injury eventually leading to his retirement from the game. He has settled a personal injury compensation claim with the FA recently, but West Ham are now claiming that they should also be compensated.

The club may be forced to sue for damages of up to £6.8 million if the FA refuse to compensation the club for the ankle injury which ended Ashton's career.

The FA's insurers claim that the fact that Ashton played a further 30 games after the personal injury before retiring means that his retirement was not directly caused by the injury.

Lancashire Engineer Suffers Personal Injury to Hand in Work Accident

28/02/2011 11:22:28

An engineer from Lancashire has suffered a serious work accident after his hand became entangled in an unguarded drill. Michael O'Brien had been attempting to drill holes into a steel plate during the installation of a new machine when the work accident happened.

His hand became tangled in the drill's chuck, resulting in a personal injury so severe that he required a skin graft and had permanently lost movement in three of his fingers.

A HSE investigation found that a guard for the drill had been missing, leading to Jex Engineering Company Ltd being fined £4,000 with £3,250 in court costs.

It is unknown if the engineer intends to contact personal injury claims solicitors to make a compensation claim for the incident.

Shropshire Man Burnt in Work Accident

28/02/2011 11:13:03

A 44 year old has suffered a number of second degree burns after he was injured while working on the installation of an underground safe,

Nigel Gibbon had been lining up the interior of the safe using a flocking machine. However the adhesive required to apply the nylon flock created a volatile atmosphere which eventually ignited and caused burns to his left hand and wrist.

Mr Gibbon suffered damage of tendons in the hand in addition to his other personal injury and will require surgery to fix the issue.

SMP Security Ltd was fined £2,000 with £6,000 in costs after they admitted breaching Health and Safety Regulations.

A HSE inspector stated that the company should have provided Mr Gibbon with equipment for use in potentially flammable environments.

High Court Awards £400,000 Personal Injury Compensation for Birth Injury

28/02/2011 11:02:42

The High Court has granted a girl he suffered a birth injury that resulted in her being born with Erb's Palsy has been granted £400,000 in personal injury compensation.

Jessica Taylor suffered serious complications during her birth, resulting in her having damaged nerves in her upper arm which have resulted in paralysis of the limb.

Staff failed to recognise that Jessica was above average size and had become stuck during the second phase of labour, leading to intense pain for her mother and the second stage of labour going on for far longer than it needed to.

The settlement has been reached between the family and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Pedestrian to Claim Personal Injury Compensation After Road Traffic Accident

28/02/2011 10:52:05

A pedestrian from County Durham has been granted the right to claim personal injury compensation after he suffered personal injury in a road traffic accident in which he was struck by a bus.

Stephen Lightfoot suffered life threatening personal injury in the road traffic accident, including serious head injuries which have left him requiring 24 hour medical care for the rest of his life.

The driver of the vehicle, Derek Kent was captured on CCTV, looking down at a bus timetable that was on his lap seconds before the collision.

Mr Kent has since been fined £800 for careless driving, but the driver denies causing the accident due to negligence.

The amount of personal injury compensation Mr Lightfoot will receive is likely to be substantial in light of his injuries.

North Wales Woman Awarded Personal Injury Compensation for Botched Op

28/02/2011 10:41:42

A woman from North Wales has been awarded medical negligence compensation after surgeons bungled an operation to correct her over-lapping toes.

The Daily Post is reporting that the woman, who does not want her full name revealed, had been suffering from pain caused by her toes overlapping and pointing inwards.

However during surgery, medical negligence led to one of her joints being damaged. This led to her big toe being made shorter, which has in turn affected her balance.

The woman's foot is now misshapen and in constant pain after two further surgeries to correct the problem went wrong. She now has to use crutches and a mobility scooter to ger around.

The personal injury compensation attained by her claims solicitors is believed to be a considerable amount, though exact figures have yet to be released.

Work Trainee Suffers Terrible Personal Injury in Work Accident

28/02/2011 10:22:55

A sixteen year old trainee worker has suffered a terrible personal injury after his arm became trapped in a mincing machine in what has been described as a horrible work accident.

The trainee had been working for Malpass Direct Ltd when the work accident happened. He had been attempting to remove a blockage from the machine during the preperation of sausage mix.

The trainee suffered a number of personal injuries, including bone damage and the lose of a large amount of muscle from his left forearm. He no longer has the use of two of his fingers.

A subsequent HSE investigation found that the trainee was not properly supervised while removing the blockage, resulting in Malpass being fined £5,000 with just over £4,000 in costs.

It is unknown if the trainee intends to make a personal injury compensation claim for the work accident.

Pensioner May Make Personal Injury Claim After Falling Through Trap Door at Boots

28/02/2011 10:13:48

A pensioner from Shropshire has suffered a gash to his leg and other minor personal injuries after he fell through an unprotected trap-door while shopping at his local branch of Boots.

Martin Habberley fell through the hole at the Welshpool branch of the store after an electricity meter reader left it open when he used it to access the company's electric meter, which was in the cellar of the shop.

A member of staff who was guarding the door was distracted by another customer, leaving it open for patrons to fall into. Mr Habberley fell down three steps when he failed to spot the trap door.

Boots UK Ltd was fined a total of £10,000 and ordered to pay court costs of £1,240.

They may yet face a personal injury compensation claim from the pensioner.

Walgreens faces $1m personal injury claim after man is given wart remover instead of eye drops

26/02/2011 19:12:16

A pharmacy chain is facing a $1million compensation claim from a man who was reportedly given wart remover instead of eye drops.

After having a routine eye surgery in June Smith Maceus, from Queens, New York, was given a a prescription for Durezol, which is the brand name for difluprednate, a corticosteroid used to treat post-operative ocular inflammation and pain.

Smith took the prescription to the Walgreens in Elmont, Long Island, but instead, he claimed, he was given the similarly-named Durasal, a salicylic acid solution used to remove warts.

Although the boxes for both medicines are similar, the box for Durasal specifically states 'Not for use in eyes.'

Smith claimed in the suit, filed in Queens Supreme Court, that he suffered 'grievous personal injury' when he used the solution

Over the counter wart removal products usually contain 40 per cent salicylic acid, a very mild form of acid derived from willow bark— caustic enough to burn off the top layer of skin that covers the wart. The salicylic acid then continues to penetrate the skin, killing the virus cells that form the wart, while encouraging the growth of healthy cells.

Careforward’s ‘Carnival of Care’ for survivors of personal injury accidents

26/02/2011 19:10:58

Careforward, an auto injury case management, is holding its annual Carnival of Care at the Sterling Inn of Sterling Heights, Michigan. The event, being held on March 12, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., is being sponsored by Buckfire and Buckfire, P.C., a Southfield law firm which specializes in personal injury claims in Michigan.

Carnival of Care is held to help raise money for The Brain Injury Association of Michigan. Music, food, face-painters, balloon artists, clowns, carnival games and more for survivors of auto accidents and brain injury, and their caregivers are the main highlights of the event.

Buckfire and Buckfire, P.C. represents individuals who have suffered serious and catastrophic injuries such as brain injuries due to car and motorcycle accidents, lead poisoning, medical malpractice and hospital negligence, dog bites and attacks, slip/trip and fall accidents, and wrongful death cases.

British High Court blocks prisoners’ compensation bid for voting ban

25/02/2011 16:25:32

The British High Court has blocked compensation bids by hundreds of prisoners who were barred from voting in last year's general election.

During a hearing in London, Mr Justice Langstaff heard was told that 585 serving prisoners have claimed compensation in county courts across Britain, and another 1,000 claims were expected . He ruled that the prisoners had no right to vote under the the law including the UK's Human Rights Act.

“A prisoner will not succeed before a court in England and Wales in any claim for damages or a declaration based on his disenfranchisement while serving his sentence," he ruled.

The prisoners claimed compensation for having been barred from voting, arguing that the ban, under the Representation of the People Act 1983, was incompatible with Article 3 of the European Convention. David Cameron welcomed the High Court ruling, but European human rights chiefs are pressing Britain to relax the ban.

Jason Coppel, for the Ministry of Justice, said the cases should be struck out as they were “misconceived and bound to fail”.

“Any remedy is to be sought in Strasbourg and not the domestic courts,” he said.

Papermaking company fined after worker falls to death at work

25/02/2011 16:23:38

A company has been fined £260,000 after one of its employee fell to his death during work.

Thomas Sturrock was working for Tullis Russell Papermaker Ltd's factory in Glenrothes in September 2008 when he fell through an asbestos cement roof and fatally hit the concrete floor below.

During a hearing at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court, Markinch, Fife-based Tullis Russel pleaded guilty on indictment to breaching the Health and Safety At Work Act by failing to provide a safe system of working that left employees placed in danger of serious injury and death between 3 September and 29 September 2008.

The court heard that the contractors who employed Sturrock could still face prosecution over the incident.

Fiscal depute Issma Sultan told the court that the contractor had been brought in to clear 24.5 tons of vegetation from the fragile roof of the factory at Southfield Industrial Estate.

Company fined for burn injuries to worker

25/02/2011 16:21:32

A security safe manufacturer has been fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £6,000 costs following burn injuries to one of its employees during a work accident.

SMP Security Ltd, of Halesfield 24, Telford, was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after Nigel Gibbon, 44, from Telford, sustained burn injuries while operating a flocking machine to apply a soft lining to a safe on 28 June 2008.

SMP Security’s failure to conduct a proper risk assessment for the work led to Gibbon creating a flammable atmosphere inside the safe when he used an adhesive spray for the task, which was then ignited by the flocking machine.
Gibbon was left with second degree burns to his left wrist and hand; he still requires surgery as a result of the incident.

SMP Security Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 5(1) of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002.

Ex-marine wins personal injury claim

23/02/2011 16:49:15

A multi-million pound payout to a former royal marine who was involved in a road has been made by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

After being involved in a 4x4 crash that left him with a psychotic illness, Steward Daglish from South Tyneside made a personal injury claim.

Mr Daglish, from South Shields, suffered a work accident in 1994 while on exercise. He was sitting next to a co-worker who was driving a Land Rover near Glencoe, Scotland when the vehicle overturned after hitting a cliff.

Although the MoD, said that the 39-year-old's mental health issues were not a result of the crash and admitted that it was liable for the incident, a judge upheld Mr Daglish's claim in 2004.

The former marine was left with a number of psychological problems including psychotic symptoms after
sustaining a brain injury in the work accident.

Now London's High Court has ruled that a settlement should be made and the MoD paid an unknown sum.

Pertinently, last year three soldiers - Christopher Hamilton, Dahrll Duncan and John Falconer - won an accident claim brought against the MoD after a helicopter crash.

Lawyer successful in compensation claim receives justice award

23/02/2011 16:47:44

The lawyer who led Dr Mohamed Haneef's compensation claim has been recognised for his efforts in the successful campaign.

Rod Hodgson, who leads the Queensland practice of Maurice Blackburn, is the recipient of this year's Australian Lawyers Alliance Civil Justice Award in Queensland.

Mr. Hodgson accepted the award before 340 of his peers at the Alliance's state conference on Queensland's Gold Coast.

Dr Haneef was awarded compensation by the Federal Government in 2010 after being wrongly arrested on terrorism charges in 2007.

ALA Queensland president, Adam Tayler said that Mr Hodgson was chosen for this year's award because his passionate pursuit of justice, and his dedication to ensuring those most marginalised by circumstances such as personal injury and discrimination under the law, were better able to find redress through his efforts

"As an advocate providing access to justice, Rod has also been involved in cases that benefit not only individuals but the community as a whole," he said.

Personal injury solicitors launch competition

23/02/2011 16:45:22

Announcing a new, imaginative and fun way to secure a summer internship Thompsons Personal Injury Solicitors Scotland launch a competition” Law Idol: the no win no fee internship” which is open to all Scottish, college and University students with the winner landing a 2 month paid internship at one of their Scottish offices.

Given Thompsons’ reputation and track record of winning high profile awards such as Law Firm of the Year 2009 and Frank Maguire as Solicitor of the Year in 2010 at the annual Law Awards the prize itself is an extremely prestigious. On the other hand, the competition is a fresh and modern take on the interview process that should grab the imagination of the Scottish student population.

The competition will involve students preparing a blog post on the subjects of No Win No Fee, Accidents at Work or Car Accidents; something that Thompsons specialize in and deal with on a day to day basis. Law Idol will work on the premise that the students use their social networking skills to gain votes on the blog post they submit after selecting the semi-finalists which will be the 20 best blog posts.

The final will see 5 blog posts with most votes and the ultimate winner will be decided by the votes they attract for a video they prepare on “why I should win the no win no fee internship

Thompsons aim for Law Idol is to give students the experience of what it is like to work for one of Scotland’s top Personal Injury Law Firms besides striving to create open relationships with colleges and Universities to facilitate the growth and personal development of their students in a corporate setting.

New law office opened by mayor

23/02/2011 15:21:45

As leading Queensland personal injury law firm Trilby Misso officially opened its new office in the city Mayor Peter Taylor and member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine joined in the celebrations.

The firm prided itself on offering outstanding client services and was determined to make a difference to the people of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs region said Trilby Misso chairman Tony Hanmer. He further added that the firm is contributing in every possible way to getting Toowoomba back on its feet after a horrendous few weeks.

Over the last 18 months Trilby Misso has expanded from its Brisbane CBD head office and opened client service centres at North Lakes and Morayfield on Brisbane’s northern outskirts, as well as at Ipswich, Logan and at Robina on the Gold Coast.

With highly respected Toowoomba solicitor and personal injury specialist Bill Munro heading the team, the Toowoomba office at 123 Margaret Street is the first Trilby Misso centre outside the Brisbane CBD to have a resident lawyer.

Mr Hanmer said the firm founded by lawyer and businessman Trilby Misso at Redcliffe in 1956 is continuing with major expansion plans after being acquired last year by listed law company Slater & Gordon.

“We plan to open another six or seven centres over the next couple of years,” he said.

Pedestrian wins personal accident

22/02/2011 19:01:43

Personal injury compensation will be offered to a pedestrian who was injured in a bus accident.

Stephen Lightfoot suffered serious injuries when he was hit by a single-decker bus in Langley Park. He was rushed to the University Hospital of North Durham, with serious head injuries, which have left him requiring round the clock care for the rest of his life.

The driver of the vehicle, Der

Woman seeks personal injury compensation after fall on uneven road

22/02/2011 19:00:10

Personal injury compensation has been sought by a woman who broke both her ankles after falling on an uneven road.

Dorothy Bradbury, 61, was shopping with her husband in Hanley when she met the accident.

According to newspaper reports, Dorothy fell and was trapped in the road for some time when she was crossing Goodson Street and landed her feet on a piece of tarmac which, according to her, had subsided in the middle of the road.

She was shifted to a hospital, only to be told that she had broken both ankles.

Ms Bradbury is still in plaster and has been virtually confined to her house since the accident, which also required her to have a metal plate inserted into her foot.

She has criticised Stoke-on-Trent City Council for failing to keep the highway in a proper state of repair and is now seeking personal injury compensation.

"I think the state of the roads in the city is disgusting," she said.

"The injuries have caused us both a lot of problems. The road is a disgrace and needs to be repaired so it doesn't happen to anyone else," her husband Clive added.

Girl seeks personal injury compensation

22/02/2011 18:58:29

A victim who was pierced by a spike in a nightmarish accident is seeking personal injury compensation.

The incident occurred when the victim Maisie London was returning a book to Leyton Green library in Harpenden back in November. The 11 year old was injured when she tripped and fell onto spiked chain fencing.

The victim was injured as one of the spikes penetrated her thigh through her jeans and left a large wound on her leg. She was taken to Luton and Dunstable Hospital for treatment on her injuries, and required eight stitches in her leg followed by another eight stitches after the first set didn’t hold properly. Doctors stated that had the wound occurred on her chest or head, it could have proved fatal.

The victim has reported that she has been left with a scar on her leg that makes her feel very self-conscious when wearing a skirt at school while her mother is angry that the spiked chain fence has been left in place despite the fact that it is used purely for decoration around a piece of grass.

Her mother was told to put the details of the accident in writing after initially speaking to someone at the council about the dangers of the fencing. This led her to inquire about compensation, but this has so far been rejected by the insurers of Harpenden Town Council. Consequently , legal action has reportedly been initiated.

Woman secures personal injury compensation after road accident

22/02/2011 18:57:14

After being involved in a road traffic accident a woman has secured personal injury compensation.

The victim from Hull was an unnamed passenger in a car that had a crash while heading to work in Malton, North Yorkshire, the Hull and East Riding Mail reports.

The victim sustained was left unable to work and in need of two operations after sustaining serious injuries to her right arm.

The victim was told she would be eligible for GBP 3,000 in compensation after seeking the advice of an insurance company, and was pressured into signing a disclaimer to agree not to ask for more.

The 32-year-old was consequently able to claim GBP 19,000 in personal injury compensation after she decided to seek advice from a specialist lawyer.

"At first, the insurance company put me under a lot of pressure to accept their offer of GBP 3,000 and said I didn't need a lawyer. To anyone in the same position I'd tell them not to sign away their legal rights," the victim commented.

The most recent figures published by the Department for Transport show that there were 222,146 reported road casualties in 2009, with 2,222 people killed and 24,690 seriously injured.

As it is the responsibility of the motorist to drive safely, anyone involved in a car crash may be eligible to claim compensation, even if they were a passenger in the vehicle.

Former Prison Officer Awarded Personal Injury Compensation for Stress

14/02/2011 13:37:01

A former prison officer has claimed personal injury compensation due to the stress he had to endure while working at the prison.

Steven Heaven, 44, was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in 2007 after he spent time supervising therapy sessions with sex offenders at Grendon Prison.

Mr Heaven claims the discussions, which took place five days a week, caused him much distress, eventually leading to him signing off work.

He commented "It was awful having to hear the prisoners' descriptions. I suffered from depression and had panic attacks, once I had one while holding my sister's baby."

He hopes his experience will lead to others coming forward.

Demolition Firm Employees May Make Injury Compensation Claim for Asbestos Exposure

14/02/2011 13:23:23

The employees of a company that exposed its workers to asbestos may be eligible to approach personal injury solicitors to make a compensation claim due to the exposure.

Berry Estates Development, which is located in Kent, took inadequate precautions and thus enabled the exposure during the demolition of an old church in Snodland.

The company failed to carry out proper risk assessment, leading to its employees all suffering from exposure as a result. The exposure to asbestos may lead to further problems down the line as the substance is the cause of a number of problems, including mesothelioma and pleural plaques.

NHS Nurses May be Able to Claim for Personal Injury Compensation

14/02/2011 13:13:02

Nurses may soon make a raft of personal injury compensation claims after it was revealed that around 80,000 members of NHS staff struggle with a back injury every year.

The study, conducted by BackCare, revealed that claims from nurses may become more widespread as a result after it noted that 3,600 were forced to retire early due to the pain caused by their back problems.

It is estimated that back injuries in the NHS currently cost the UK taxpayer in excess of £400 million every year due to the fact that nurses and care workers are forced to take sickness leave due to their injuries.

Chief executive officer of BackCare, Sean McDougall, claims the research highlights the need for "better training and systems of management" within the NHS.

Family May Seek Personal Injury Compensation After Fatal Food Poisoning

14/02/2011 13:05:40

the family of a man who has died as a result of food poisoning may decide to seek personal injury compensation on his behalf after the incident which resulted in his death.

Mitchell Carey, who was the son-in-law of ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson, died after he contracted lostridium perfringens type A. The condition is so rare that there have only ever been seven recorded cases.

Mr Carey died after eating a contaminated corned beef sandwich, which he ate in August 2010. He collapsed 25 minutes after eating the sandwich and died two days later.

The family may now approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim against the manufacturers of the corned beef in question.

Factory Worker Had Hand Amputated After Work Accident

14/02/2011 12:46:07

A meat factory worker has had to have his left hand completely amputated after he got it trapped in a meat processing machine in a terrible work accident.

James Hardcastle had been feeding meat into the machine at Cranswick Convenience Foods when he got his arm dragged into the mechanism. Mr Hardcastle was trapped in the machinery for almost ten minutes before eventually being freed. He had to have his left hand amputated as a result.

An investigation by the HSE revealed that a supervisor at the company had blocked a safety sensor with the blade of a butcher’s knife, to speed up the processing operation. Said supervisor has since lost his job with the company.

Studleigh-Royd Ltd was fined £8,000 because of the accident involving Mr. Hardcastle and a further £6,000 for an incident involving another employee, who severed the tips of two fingers in a similar accident mere weeks later.

Both are likely to approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Construction Worker Suffers Electric Shock Personal Injury in Work Accident

14/02/2011 12:10:19

A construction company has received a fine from the HSE after a worker suffered terrible personal injury in a work accident that saw him get electrocuted when he touched overhead power cables.

John Dodsworth had been carrying out renovation work on sewers and had been operating a concrete pump. As Mr. Dodsworth manoeuvred the pump, a boom that was attached to the pump came into contact with overhead power cables, which were carrying 22,000 volts of electricity.

Mr Dodsworth received a massive electric shock, which caused by internal and external burns that required a skin graft and several operations. He also had to have part of his skull removed.

Lumsden & Carroll Construction Ltd in Durham was fined £5,000 with £3,600 in costs by the HSE.

James Kennedy, who hired out the equipment and was Mr. Dodsworth employer, was fined £2,000 with just over £1,800 in costs.

Mr Dodsworth may also make a personal injury compensation claim for the accident.

Plastering Firm Fined After Work Accident Leaves Man in a Coma

14/02/2011 11:57:37

A plastering firm has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after he was left with serious head injuries due to a work accident.

Carl Major's personal injury resulted in him being in a coma for two months after he was knocked from his stepladder by a lighting pelmet which fell from a wall and struck him on the head, causing him to fall a distance of three metres onto a concrete floor.

Mr Major now suffers from epilepsy as a result of the accident and has been unable to return to work.

MacDonald Joinery & Construction Ltd was fined £15,000 with an additional £6228.75 in court costs by the HSE after being found guilty of violations of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Mr Major may look to make a personal injury compensation claim for the work accident as well.

Man Who Suffered Crushed Hand Personal Injury Awarded Compensation

14/02/2011 11:32:09

A factory worker has been awarded a staggering £300,000 in personal injury compensation after an accident at work left him permanently disabled.

Wayne Miller had been repairing machinery at James Cropper PLC when his arm was dragged into the machinery's rotating rollers.

Mr Miller suffered numerous personal injuries in the work accident, including friction burns, nerve damage to his wrists and a shattered left hand. He has since had reconstructive surgery but has been left with no grip in the left hand.

James Cropper PLC admitted liability for the incident and initially awarded £375,000 in an out of court settlement, however this was reduced to £300,000 when Mr. Miller accepted the fact that he had contributed to the cause of the accident, by removing some of the machines guards and choosing to work on his own, contrary to the companies safety policy.

Mr Cropper will never work in manual labour again.

Man Suffers Broken Arm in Work Accident

14/02/2011 11:25:03

A food firm has been fined after a work accident resulted in a man suffering a broken arm after it was pulled onto a moving conveyor.

Zubair Hussain had been cleaning the conveyor when his arm was dragged in by the moving machinery. He spent nineteen days in the hospital and underwent two operations on the broken arm. He will also likely require more surgery in the future.

Soleco UK Ltd, trading as Florette, was fined £10,000 with £2,587 in court costs for violations of the Health and Safety Regulations.

Mr Hussain may also approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim in the near future.

Packaging Company Employee Suffers Severed Fingers in Work Accident

14/02/2011 11:07:01

An employee of a large packaging company has suffered a terrible personal injury in which he had the tips of three of his fingers severed in a horrible work accident.

The 49 year old employee, who has not been named, had been attempting to unblock a machine at a Linpac Packaging Ltd factory when his hand was struck by a rotating screw.

Linpac Packaging Ltd wasfined £5,000 with £2,553 in costs, after appearing at St Helens Magistrates’ Court.

An investigation revealed that the company were aware that the machine became blocked on a regular basis and yet did nothing about it.

Man May Claim Personal Injury Compensation After Suffering Toxic Burns at Work

14/02/2011 10:55:57

A work accident has led to a 58 year old man suffering terrible toxic burns after a chemical explosion.

the anonymous worker has been mixing sodium cyanide pellets with hydrogen peroxide at the Abacus Chemical Plant when the concoction exploded and soaked him in the mixture.

Abacus Chemicals were fined £12,000 and ordered to pay costs of £14,000 after an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency.

The company was found to have not carried out a proper risk assessment on the task, as well as failing to provide adequate protective clothing.

The unnamed employee may make a personal injury compensation claim for the work accident.

McDonalds Pay Personal Injury Compensation to Broken Tooth Sufferer

14/02/2011 10:38:31

McDonalds, the American fast food giant, has been forced to pay a man personal injury compensation of £1,000 after he damaged a tooth while eating one of the chain's quarter pounder burgers.

Kevin Smith has been enjoying his meal until he bit down onto a piece of metal, which then broke his tooth. The piece of aluminium, which was said to be about an eighth of an inch square, led to Mr Smith taking several trips to the dentist to have the tooth fixed.

Mr Smith made the personal injury compensation claim and states that he will likely never dine at McDonalds again.

Student Suffers Personal Injury During Health and Safety Lecture

14/02/2011 10:23:03

A student who was being taught about health and safety has suffered an ironic personal injury after she fell from a forklift truck while participating in an emergency evacuation class.

Monicak Kowalczyk sprained her ankle, bruised her spine and suffered rope burns to her hands in the accident after free falling almost four metres from the cabin of a fork lift truck, as she was being taught how to evacuate the vehicle in the event of an emergency.

An investigation found that her instructor, Steven Roadknight, had encouraged her to climb out of the cabin even though her safety harness had too much slack.

Mr. Roadknight was fined £500 and ordered to pay costs amounting to £1,500 after pleading guilty to exposing his students to health and safety risks.

Mr Roadknight will likely have to close his business as he will lose his licence as a Health and Safety instructor. He may also face a personal injury compensation claim from the student.

Woman Claims Personal Injury Compensation Against Nursing Home

14/02/2011 10:12:33

A woman has claimed personal injury compensation against the nursing home in which she lives after suffering terrible scalding burns when she was lowered into a bath that was far too hot.

Jeanette De Bono suffers from Retts Syndrome, which has left her with severe learning difficulties, a speech impediment and epilepsy. The 28 year old struggled when lowered into the bath, with her carers mistakenly thinking that she was having an epileptic fit.

Miss De Bono has successfully claimed personal injury compensation against the nursing home after suffering burns to 40% of her body.

Fatal Plane Accident Claims the Lives of Six

14/02/2011 09:59:40

Six people have fied in a fatal accident when a plane crashed on its third attempt to land in fog at Cork Airport. Six other passengers were also injured when the plane crashed and caught fire on the runway.

The flight, which had taken off from Belfast earlier in the day, was a small commuter flight with ten passengers and two crew members. Debris from the wreckage scattered all across the runway, with fire crews being drafted in from across the country to help the rescue efforts.

A spokeswoman for the Irish Aviation Authority said "It had been trying to land in foggy conditions. This was its third attempt to land."

A spokesman for George Best Belfast City Airport said "We can confirm that the Manx 2 aircraft was scheduled to leave Belfast City Airport en route to Cork, flight number NM 7100. It left here at 0812 this morning with 10 passengers and two crew on board. We understand there has been an incident at Cork Airport involving this aircraft."

The families of the victims and those who suffered personal injury may be eligible to make a personal injury compensation claim if the accident is proven to have been avoidable.

Factory worker wins compensation

11/02/2011 16:43:16

£300,000 has been awarded to a factory worker as compensation after he was left permanently disabled due to an accident at work.

Wayne Miller, of Kendal, in Cumbria suffered serious injuries when his arm was dragged by the sleeve into a machine’s rotating rollers, which he was attempting to repair at Burneside based James Cropper PLC, a specialist paper and materials company.

The accident left him with severe friction burns, which damaged nerves in his wrist and required reconstructive surgery. Miller was also left without a grip in his left hand, forcing him to give up manual work.

Initially, James Cropper PLC admitted liability for the incident and awarded £375,000 in an out of court settlement, which was reduced to £300,000 when Miller accepted that he had contributed to the cause of the accident, by removing some of the machine’s guards and choosing to work on his own, contrary to the companies safety policy.

Personal injury compensation won by siblings

11/02/2011 16:40:47

A combined $120,000 in personal injury compensation has been awarded to two Lafayette siblings who saw their 6-year-old sister crushed by a vehicle on Greenbush Street.

The settlement was approved and signed Wednesday afternoon by Judge Don Daniel of Tippecanoe Circuit Court, ending the negligence lawsuit that Typhanie McRoberts, the mother of 6-year-old Dynasty Wortham-McRoberts, filed in February 2008 in Tippecanoe Superior Court 1 against the city of Lafayette, Lafayette's street department, the Lafayette School Corp. and Glen Acres Elementary School.

However, after Superior Court 1 Judge Randy Williams found that LSC and Glen Acres had no "duty to care" for students beyond school property both parties were removed from the lawsuit in November 2009.

Dynasty, a first-grader at Glen Acres, and two older siblings— Luis Torres, then 11, and Dawnya Torres, then 9—were crossing Greenbush Street at Shenandoah Drive on Oct. 2, 2007, for Glen Acres' optional breakfast program when she was hit and killed.

Parents claim personal injury compensation for conker hitting daughter’s head

11/02/2011 16:38:45

A personal injury claim by parents against Derby City for a conker falling on their daughter’s head in the school playground has evoked sharp criticism.

Sean Marshall, cabinet member in charge of resources, termed the claim as “frivolous.”

Marshall said he had lived in America for seven years and “it has a massive blame-claim culture over there and now I see it coming over here and some of the claims are absolutely ridiculous.”

"People may think it comes out of the insurance companies' pockets but somebody pays for it in higher premiums, and for the council that person is the taxpayer of Derby. If there is a genuine claim for something that's happened, fair enough, but when we start looking at frivolous things like a conker falling then common sense has gone out of the window,” Marshall said.

Council leader Harvey Jennings said he found it frustrating that the council had to spend money on fighting spurious claims.

"It is unfortunate the authority has to defend itself against frivolous claims for compensation," he said.

"The money it costs to defend these claims should be spent delivering the services that the community requires and needs."

New Tampa squad targets fraud auto insurance and injury claims.

11/02/2011 16:36:21

A second fraud squad in Tampa targeting the growing number of staged auto accidents and fraudulent auto insurance claims has been created by Florida Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater.

Atwater in announcing the new personal injury protection, or PIP, squad noted that more than 40 percent of Florida's insurance fraud referrals every year involve PIP fraud.

Tampa, Miami and Orlando rank among the top five cities associated with staged car accidents and related fraudulent personal injury claims.

a PIP coverage that typically provides $10,000 per person for medical bills regardless who is at fault is required by the drivers according to the Florida law.

By Lt. Darrell Wilson, who will oversee five detectives will lead the personal injury protection fraud squad. The first fraud squad is headed by Lt. Carlos Rosario.

Personal injury solicitors firm donates car to charity

09/02/2011 17:05:53

A firm of personal injury solicitors has made contribution to a charity that helps people suffering from brain injury rebuild their lives.

A new Vauxhall Corsa 1.2l SXi was donated by the personal injury solicitor firm Bonnar & Company to Headway, a brain injury association. The car was raffled off by the brain injury association for more than £18,000.

The donation would make a huge difference to those affected by brain injury, said Gaille McCann of Headway.

The car was won by Ian Ralph of Rotherham, who says Headway helped him cope after his wife sustained a brain haemorrhage in June 2006.

Disabled man contests compensation split with ex-wife

09/02/2011 16:58:31

A disabled man has started a legal battle against a decision which awarded his ex-wife half of his injury compensation.

Last May, Kevin Mansfield, 41, who lost his leg in a road accident, had been ordered to pay half of£500,000 compensation in a divorce settlement.

However, at the Court of Appeal Civil Division in London, Mansfield recently won the right to contest the divorce judge’s ruling.

Mansfield, of Chelmsford, Essex, was a student when he was hit by a car in 1992, leaving him with serious spinal injuries.

He married Catherine five years after receiving£500,000 compensation in 1998. They had two children but split in 2008.

During the divorce hearing, Mansfield was told by a judge that his compensation had to be “put in the pot” and divided as an asset of the marriage.

Mansfield’s lawyer Barrister Alan Barton told the Court of Appeal that his client could lose his specially adapted house after his 37-year-old ex-wife was given £285,000 from what was his only means of support.

Barton said that, if the decision was allowed to stand, Mansfield would have to move to a cheaper part of the country away from his children.

Survivor files lawsuit against shooter

09/02/2011 16:55:18

A personal injury compensation claim is being filed against Amy Bishop, who is accused of pulling a gun at a faculty meeting and shooting at her colleagues, by survivor Dr. Debra Moriarity.

The shooting incident that took place last February 12 claimed the lives of Dr. Maria Ragland Davis, Dr. Adriel Johnson and Dr. Gopi Podila, and caused serious injuries to two other biology professors and a staff assistant. Moriarty survived because the gun jammed when it was pulled on her, and was not physically injured in the attack.

Wrongful death lawsuits have already been filed by the families of doctors Davis and Johnson, which names Bishop, her husband James Anderson, the University, and Vistasp Karbhari, UAH's provost. Karbhari is named because the plaintiffs allege that he knew Bishop had psychological problems but failed to follow the policies of the University of Alabama in responding to that information.

Two survivors, doctor Joseph Leahy and staff assistant Stephanie Monticiollo, have also filed lawsuits against Bishop and her husband. Both Leahy and Monticiollo survived the attacks but were left with major injuries. Personal injury claims can be filed against people whose intentional acts caused a compensable injury or wrongful death. The second injured professor, Dr. Luis Cruz-Vera, has not filed a lawsuit.

Sports journalist wins compensation

09/02/2011 16:53:42

A huge amount of compensation has been paid to a sports journalist who suffered injuries in a ladder accident at a well-known football club, according to news reports.

The fall caused the sports journalist shoulder and neck injuries and gave him concussion.

The money he received as ladder accident compensation was decided in an out-of-court settlement.

The journalist's ladder accident claim solicitor said that his client had previously complained about the 'Dickensian' state of facilities for radio and TV reporters at the ground.

"In my view this was an accident waiting to happen, and the case highlighted the need for all clubs to provide safe access to their premises," the solicitor was quoted as saying.

Personal injury compensation won by Tiawanese singer

09/02/2011 16:52:00

Taiwanese pop singer, Selina Jen will receive personal injury compensation after a filming accident left her with severe burns three months ago.

This was announced by the singer's music label HiM International Music recently.

The amount awarded has not been revealed, but it is estimated to be more than NT$100 million (S$4.4 million), the star’s annual income before the accident.

HiM and Hunan Television, the broadcaster which had invited Jen to participate in "I Have A Date With Spring", had been negotiating compensation matters after the accident.

The compensation would cover hospitalisation and plastic surgery expenses incurred, cost of future therapy sessions, as well as financial losses suffered as a result of the loss of earnings,  a statement issued by HiM said.

"The two men (her father and fiance Richard Chang) who love me can finally relax and enjoy the New Year. I am very happy," said Jen through her record label.

Jen and her co-star Ham Yu suffered severe burns when explosives went off earlier than planned on the set of the Chinese drama on October 22.

FA agrees to pay injury compensation to Ashton

08/02/2011 20:27:37

The Football Association has agreed to pay an undisclosed amount of injury compensation during an out of court settlement with former West Ham striker Dean Ashton .

The injury caused by a tackle from Shaun Wright-Phillips just days before the start of the 2006-07 season, eventually led to Ashton’s retirement in December 2009.

He had been called into the England squad to play Greece and was set to make his international debut when he sustained the long-term ankle injury.

Although he did play for West Ham again, the injury did not heal properly and he was forced to retire from the game just after his 26th birthday. He won one England cap, against Trinidad & Tobago in June 2008.

The former West Ham player took legal action against the FA for compensation.

"The FA is pleased to announce that the legal proceedings brought by Dean Ashton following his unfortunate injury during training the day before his debut for England in August 2006 have been settled upon terms mutually acceptable to the parties and their insurers. It is a term of the settlement that no further statement will be made by any of the parties,'' the Football Association said in a statement.

Tooth injury at McDonalds restaurant wins man £1,100 personal injury compensation

08/02/2011 20:26:35

A man who broke his tooth after biting a piece of aluminum stuffed inside a McDonald’s burger has won over £1,000 in personal injury compensation.

According to news paper reports, Kevin Smith was having his quarter-pounder meal at the McDonalds restaurant in Rose Crescent, Cambridge, in November 2009, when a u-shaped piece of aluminum metal tucked inside the meal broke his tooth.

Since then, Smith has had to pay five visits to the dentist for treatment on his broken tooth, and was unhappy with the way his complaint to the restaurant’s mangier was dealt with. He decided to seek compensation, saying the incident could have caused serious problems had it happened to a child.

Now with the help of a solicitor he has been awarded £1,100 personal injury compensation. A spokesperson for the fast food giant confirmed that the incident was investigated fully, which had now been successfully resolved with the complainant.

£9600 in personal injury compensation awarded to shop assistant

08/02/2011 20:25:11

Personal injury compensation has been awarded to a shop assistant who was hurt during work.

Elizabeth McLachlan fell from a ladder while trying to fetch a toy from a high shelf at the Early Learning Centre in Glasgow's Parkhead Forge in October 2007.

According to newspaper reports, a colleague was unable to retrieve a toy from the stock room for a customer, and Elizabeth was called in to help and she fetched a ladder to assist the colleague get up to the high shelf, but as she climbed down again, she slipped and fell.

She suffered soft tissue damage to her lower back, calf and elbow which required hospital treatment and had to have the weekend off work. Despite showing improvement, Elizabeth still struggles with walking or driving for long distances.

The employee decided to take legal action against the Early Learning Centre after leaving her job to work elsewhere, claiming that the ladder the employees had to use was faulty.

The retailer has now admitted to breaching the Work at Height Regulations and has agreed to pay £9600 in personal injury compensation.

Under this legislation, all employers must ensure the risks of working at height are assessed and the proper work equipment is selected and used.

Insurance scam mastermind gets 27 months term

08/02/2011 20:22:41

A man accused of masterminding several insurance scams fake personal injury claims in Singapore has been awarded 27 months imprisonment.

Between August 2008 and March 2009, Phang Choon Meng, 38, a former accident claims advisor, and his accomplice are said to have staged a traffic accident by deliberately jamming on the brakes of the car they were in, in front of a lorry driven by an innocent foreign worker. Besides, they also employed other methods such as phantom passengers and bogus personal injury accident claims during this period.

Meng and his accomplices are also said to have conned companies, including NTUC Income and AXA Insurance, out of nearly S$96,000.

He pleaded guilty to eight charges in December last year, while nine remaining charges were taken into consideration.

The scam first came to fore after an NTUC Income executive lodged a police report on April 7, 2009, alleging that five motor injury claims he had received were fake.

The claim forms stated that five people were in a car that was hit by a lorry along Ayer Rajah Expressway on December 17, 2008.

After interviewing the lorry diver, the executive said he discovered that only two people were in the car when the accident took place and that the whole accident had been staged.

Several months before the incident, Phang was approached by Lim Boon Wee, 31, who told him that his car had a big dent on the front bumper and he did not have enough money to replace it.

Phang and one of his accomplices, Raymond Ng Yang Kheng, 30, then suggested they stage the accident so that Lim could make a claim against his insurer for the dented bumper.

Lim agreed to be part of the ruse and handed his car keys over to the pair.

Phang took the car for a spin along various expressways, with Kheng sitting beside him - looking out for vehicles driven by foreign workers as they felt that such individuals were less familiar with local regulations.

When they saw the lorry, Phang deliberately jammed on his brakes, causing the bigger vehicle to slam into the rear of the car.

Besides this, Phang played a role in 12 other cases involving bogus claims.

Seven of his accomplices, including Lim and Kheng, have already been jailed between two and six months for their role in the scams.

$46.4 million personal injury compensation for shooting victims

08/02/2011 20:17:49

$46.4 million have been paid in personal injury compensation to victims of a shooting incident at Denny’s Restaurant in Kent, the highest for a personal injury claim in Washington.

Kent resident Steve Tolenoa, 31, who was left a quadriplegic during the 2007 shooting spree at the restaurant, will receive most of the compensation.

Besides, two other customers— Lisa Beltran-Walker, who was shot in the knee, and her husband Carl Walker, for emotional distress and medical bills— who were present at the restaurant, have been awarded smaller compensations.

However, that will not be the dollar amount that Tolenoa and the couple will be receiving.

In order to keep his clients from having to wait through years of possible appeals, attorney Ron Perey, representing the three, agreed to a $13 million settlement from Denny's insurance carrier. The two parties struck the agreement before the jury returned with a verdict.

"We entered into an agreement that gave us some security...In 14 days, we should be getting a check for $13 million," Perry was quoted in newspapers as saying.

Denny's in a statement said : "We continue to believe that this tragedy was the result of a random act of violence that could not have been foreseen or prevented by the Company or its local restaurant personnel. We understand that our insurance carrier chose to enter into a settlement for a much lower amount in the interest of bringing closure to this matter. Our sympathies have always been with the victims of this senseless act and we hope the best for them in the future.”

Council Fined Over Worker Develops Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

07/02/2011 14:03:58

Cheshire East Council has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after a worker suffered permanent loss of movement in his hands.

The maintenance worker, who will remain anonymous, has developed hand arm vibration syndrome while working for the Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council, which later became part of Cheshire East Council. He operated machinery such as pneumatic drills and hand held grinders in his work.

The man joined the council in 1984, with the early stages of his condition being diagnoses in 2005.

It was recommended that the worker undergo assessments every year, however, he was not seen between 2006 and 2009, the court heard.

He now finds it difficult to pick up small objects and may also file a personal injury compensation claim against the council.

Cheshire East Council pleaded guilty to two breaches of the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. The council, of Westfields in Sandbach, was also ordered to pay £5,860 costs.

Female Council Staff to Receive Personal Injury Compensation Payout

07/02/2011 13:50:22

Hundreds of female council staff are to receive personal injury compensation after winning a claim for equal pay. The women, who were employed as cooks, cleaners and carers, will share the compensation payout.

The personal injury compensation has run into the millions and will be used to pay 900 workers who worked for Bury Council. Some of the workers will receive as many as four years of backpay.

The women mostly worked as carers, catering assistants, cooks, cleaners, domestic assistants, school crossing patrol attendants and home carers.

The women's claims solicitors commented "We are satisfied this judgment now paves the way for the council to pay all those affected staff the money they are legally entitled to.

"We will now be pushing the council to apply for capitalisation funds, which will allow them to spread the cost of the equal pay settlements over a longer period.

"Better managed councils resolved most of their past equal pay problems long before the present crisis."

Wedding Couple Seeking Personal Injury Compensation

07/02/2011 13:31:25

A Scottish couple are seeking personal injury compensation from the hotel that hosted their wedding reception, claiming that the entire reception was a disaster.

Garry and Lorraine McKay are seeking a refund and £10,000 in personal injury compensation after their wedding reception left a host of guests with food poisoning.

The compensation claim will now move on to the next stage after a request for dismissal was rejected by a judge.

A list of grievances from the McKays includes the wedding reception starting late, guests being served the wrong meals and only five waiting staff arriving to serve 15 tables.

"It was supposed to be the most important day of my life, but instead it turned out to be the worst," claims Mrs McKay.

Widow Receives Personal Injury Compensation After Husband's Asbestos Related Death

07/02/2011 12:53:58

A widow has received personal injury compensation from the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) after her husband died of mesothelioma.

Jenny Hissey received the mesothelioma compensation a month before the case was set to go to trial, stating "This compensation does not make up for our loss, but does give us a sense of relief that the employer has taken responsibility for his death."

Mr Hissey has been exposed to asbestos while working for the CLG between 1990 and 1993.

Widow May Make Mesothelioma Personal Injury Compensation Claim

07/02/2011 12:34:23

A widow may approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim after her husband died of asbestos related diseases.

Anne Matcalfe may seek compensation from her husband's former employers after he died from mesothelioma, a cancer linked to asbestos exposure.

Her husband had worked for Metropolitan Vickers as an electrician briefly between 1954 - 1955, when he was exposed to asbestos fibres which eventually caused his death.

"His illness grew worse with time, but we were never given a diagnosis until March last year - the news was a crushing blow and we were devastated." she claims.

Age Concern Fined After Minibus Road Traffic Accidnent

07/02/2011 12:00:37

A branch of Age Concern in Westminster has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after a pensioner was involved in a fatal accident while being transported to a day-care centre.

The road traffic accident killed 88 year old Olive Sarti, in which the driver had to perform an emergency stop, resulting in the woman being thrown from her wheelchair. The accident left her suffering a broken neck and head injuries. She died two months later.

A subsequent HSE investigation found that Ms. Sarti had not been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident and equipment to restrain wheelchairs found on the bus had not been used.

Age Concern Westminster admitted a breach of Health and Safety legislation and received a fine of £10,000 along with costs totalling £5,000.

They may yet face a personal injury compensation claim from the woman's family.

Food Company Fined After Work Accident

07/02/2011 11:38:13

A food packaging company in Lincolnshire is to receive a fine from the HSE after a work accident resulted in a female employee suffering personal injury when she was struck by a falling crate of potatoes.

The woman suffered the personal injury when the potatoes fell from a forklift truck and struck her while she was applying labels to boxes. She required hospital treatment for bruises to her back and also suffered a fractured knee in the incident. She was left unable to work for a number of months.

AQV Foods Ltd was fined £15,000 with £4,606 costs after being found guilty of violations of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The woman may yet approach claims solicitors to make a compensation claim.

RAF Worker Can Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Suffering Injury at 'Fun Day'

07/02/2011 11:30:14

A man from Cornwall has been cleared to make a personal injury compensation claim against the RAf after he broke his neck at a services 'fun day' event.

Robert Uren has since been discharged from the RAF on medical grounds after damaging his spinal cord while diving into an inflatable pool for an 'It's a Knockout' style game.

Mr Uren is now a tetraplegic and only has movement in his arms. His original claim for £6 million in personal injury compensation was dismissed after a judge decided there was no breach of care at the event, however this was overturned by the court of appeal.

Mr Uren will now contact claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim for the incident.

Pedestrian in Road Traffic Accident May Receive Millions in Compensation

07/02/2011 11:20:16

A pedestrian who was involved in a terrible road traffic accident will likely receive a multi-million pound personal injury compensation payout after suffering a terrible personal injury to the head in the accident.

James Sedge was thrown across the street when struck by the car, resulting in his head striking a bollard and leaving the 25 year old requiring around the clock care.

A hearing decided that the driver of the vehicle involved in the road traffic accident had been driving too fast, however it also found that Mr Sedge was 25% liable for the incident as he walked into the road seemingly oblivious to traffic.

However Mr Sedge will likely still receive millions in personal injury compensation due to the extent of his injuries.

Businesswoman to Sue for £54m Personal Injury Compensation from Plastic Surgeon

07/02/2011 11:07:17

A businesswoman is set to make a personal injury compensation claim against a plastic surgeon after stating that botched surgery ruined her career.

Penny Johnson is making a staggering compensation claim for £54 million after plastic surgery on here face left her with a twitching pain around her eye and an involuntary grimace.

Mrs Johnson’s claims solicitors said that her injuries had a direct impact on her business skills, as face to face meetings, which were necessary to her work, had been made almost impossible.

Mrs Johnson claims the successful IT and consultancy business that she owned was taken over as a result of the surgery, losing her £600,000 per year income as a result.

The plastic surgeon in the case has admitted medical negligence, but also claims that any number of other factors may have led to the fall of Mrs Johnson's business.

Misidagnosed Breast Cancer Patients to Receive Medical Negligence Compensation

07/02/2011 10:54:24

A group of fourteen women who were misdiagnosed after breast cancer screening are to each receive £5,000 on medical negligence personal injury compensation.

The women had all been given the all clear by a consultant radiologist, however the diagnosis for all fourteen proved incorrect, with a number of the women having to undergo aggressive cancer treatment after the disease was eventually spotted.

The personal injury compensation has thus far been paid to four of the women, with the NHS Trust claiming it will pay the rest as soon as possible,

A mother who was misdiagnosed described the compensation as "an insult" after she suffered a mastectomy and chemotherapy treatment.

Marquee Collapse Work Accident Injures Two Employees

07/02/2011 10:46:38

Two employees of a Birmingham company that places marquees for special events may make a personal injury compensation claim against their employees after they were involved in a work accident that left both with personal injuries.

They has been constructing a marquee for the premiere of the Christmas film 'Nativity' when it collapsed. It injured both men and council officials later moved the premiere to a new location when officials decided the marquee could potentially collapse again.

Crest Marquees, of Small Heath, in Birmingham was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £5,000 for breaches of the Health and Safety Act

The company's managing director claims that standards at the business have since improved, though he may still be liable to face a personal injury compensation claim.

Man Receives Personal Injury Compensation for Electric Shock

07/02/2011 10:32:56

A man from Bristol may make a personal injury compensation claim for a work accident after he was exposed to an 11,000 volt electrical current while working as a cable jointer.

Stephen Edwards has been employed by Powersystems UK Ltd and was also under the supervision of an engineer at the time of his accident. The supervisor advised him that a cable connection box he was to work on had been earthed, however there was still an 11,000 volt current running through it.

When Mr Edwards began work, electricity arced up towards his spanner and ignited his clothes, causing him to suffer multiple burn injuries.

Powersystems UK was fined £5,000 with an additional £8,000 in costs by the Health and Safety Executive, who commented that the accident could have been avaoided.

Mr Edwards may now approach claims solicitors.

Couple Claim Compensaton After Medical Negligence Led to Removal of Woman's Fallopian Tubes

07/02/2011 10:25:20

A couple who wish to conceive a child have won medical negligence personal injury compensation after a hospital error made it even more difficult for them to conceive.

Gillian Hanlon underwent surgey after a miscarriage for endometriosis, with doctors telling her it would increase chances for conception. However during the operation Mrs Hanlon's fallopian tubes were also removed, making it more difficult for her to conceive.

Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust have apologised to the couple for the distress caused and paid an undisclosed amount of compensation for the error, which the couple intend to use for further IVF treatment or possibly an egg donation.

Personal Injury Potentially Caused by High Street Refurbishment

07/02/2011 10:00:30

The refubishment of the High Street in Sutton has led to a number of health and safety issues as the council has been faced with five cases of personal injury that could potentially be blamed on the controversial refurbishment work.

Sutton Council is now considering a review of the developments, with the majority of the incidents recorded relating to a raised section of the street called the stage. It is claimed that it is dangerous and that it is also difficult to see the raised area.

A number of slip and trip injuries have been caused by the stage, with a pensioner and cyclist both suffering a variety of personal injuries. Both could now potentially make a personal injury compensation claim for the incidents.

Personal injury compensation likely for 60 workers

05/02/2011 17:35:59

60 workers who worked at the Foden truck factory in Sandbach and now suffer from hearing problems will be paid personal injury compensation.

Each of the workers, previously employed at the now-closed facility at different times between 1959 and 2001, could receive sums of up to £12,000, according to a news publication.

One of the workers involved in the successful legal action against the company's former insurers is Stephen Bailey, who was employed by Foden for 33 years.

He told the publication that individuals in his position deserve to be compensated because they will suffer problems for the rest of their lives.

"I worked in all the production shops at Foden, some of which were very noisy. I now have a constant noise in my ears which sounds like a car engine ticking over," Bailey was quoted as saying.

According to the Health and Safety Executive, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 dictate that employers must assess such risks to their staff and make sure noise is kept within legal limits.

Employee wins compensation

05/02/2011 17:25:29

An employee who injured his right hand while at work at a bagel factory in London has won compensation.

Ixxy’s Bagels Ltd, of Harley Street, London, was instructed to pay costs of £9,719 and fined £2,250 after Raakeesh Patel injured his right hand in a machine in November 2007

The company admitted breaching Regulation 5(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

"Ixxy’s Bagels were aware of the fault on the machine, at least two days before the incident and failed to take adequate steps to protect their staff," Health and Safety Executive inspector Jack Wilby said.

The City of London Magistrates Court was told that a bagel machine was faulty as the rotating blade within it remained running even when the unit's rear doors were opened.

In another recent work accident case, B&B Group Ltd, a Wigan manufacturer, was fined £12,500 when a worker injured their hand when it became caught in a drill.

Woman gets $240k in personal injury compensation

05/02/2011 17:18:28

Nearly $240,000 in personal injury compensation have been awarded to a woman after she hurt her back while lifting a box of photocopying paper at work in 2004.

Kathryn Jane Dank, 54, said she was working at Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast in October 2004 when she sustained the injury.

Last year, a personal injury hearing in the Southport District Court heard Ms Dank "felt a twang in her back" when she bent at an angle to awkwardly lift a 12kg box containing five reams of paper.

Even though Ms Dank, who was secretary of the casino's health & safety awareness committee, agreed during cross-examination that out of “common sense” she should have moved closer to the box before trying to lift it, she argued that her employer was responsible for her injuries because she had never been given any instructions or any training on how to properly lift heavy objects.

Judge Clive Wall agreed and ordered Jupiters to pay Ms Dank $239,613, plus costs, to cover medical expenses and the loss of past and future income.

Businesswoman sues surgeon for £50 million in personal injury compensation

05/02/2011 17:15:53

A businesswoman has sued her plastic surgeon, who she said ‘ruined’ her career by a botched facial surgery, for more than £50 million in personal injury compensation.

Penny Johnson, a mother of three, said she was left with severe nerve damage to her face after being operated on by Leeds based plastic surgeon Dr Le Roux Fourie.

She said she was enduring "uncontrollable facial movement, pain around the right eye and grimacing" due to the (surgeon’s) "experimental" cosmetic procedure.

Her legal team has claimed that the injuries had a direct impact on her business skills, as face to face meetings, which were necessary to her work, had been made almost impossible.

As a result the successful financial and IT consultancy business, which Mrs. Johnson and her husband controlled, was taken over and her potential earnings, had the company’s success continued, of an estimated £600,000 per annum had been lost.

Dr Fourie’s lawyers admitted negligence but argued that the surgery could not be held responsible for any direct result on Mrs. Johnson’s potential earnings, as this could have been caused by a number of different factors, such as the current financial down-turn.

A High Court hearing is scheduled for the near future, with a number of medical and financial experts likely to give evidence.

Man to receive compensation for ‘catastrophic’ brain damage in road accident

05/02/2011 17:14:00

A man will receive personal injury compensation after he sustained ‘catastrophic’ brain injuries in a road accident.

25-year-old James Sedge was hit by a BMW being driven by Christopher Prime in June 2006, while crossing a road in Sheerness, newspaper reports said.

Sedge was thrown across the road and his head hit a bollard. He now needs 24-hour care for the catastrophic damage to his brain.

Through his mother Yolanda Skinner, legal action was taken against the BMW driver and a High Court hearing took place this week.

Judge Gary Burrell ruled that Prime had been driving too fast at the time of the accident and had therefore been "negligent".

He decided that he was "75 per cent responsible" for the accident, meaning Sedge is now likely to receive millions of pounds in personal injury compensation to cover his long-term care.

Pedestrian to receive personal injury compensation for 'catastrophic' brain damage in accident

05/02/2011 17:07:01

A man will receive personal injury compensation for ‘catastrophic’ brain injuries he sustained in a road accident.

25-year-old James Sedge was hit by a BMW being driven by Christopher Prime in June 2006, while crossing a road in Sheerness, newspaper reports said.

Sedge was thrown across the road and his head hit a bollard. He now needs 24-hour care for the catastrophic damage to his brain.

Through his mother Yolanda Skinner, legal action was taken against the BMW driver and a High Court hearing took place recently.

Judge Gary Burrell ruled that Prime had been driving too fast at the time of the accident and had therefore been "negligent".

He decided that he was "75 per cent responsible" for the accident, meaning Sedge is now likely to receive millions of pounds in personal injury compensation to cover his long-term care.

Boilerplate waiver might not be enough to save ski resorts from personal injury claims

03/02/2011 17:20:56

Lawsuits against ski resorts in recent years by patrons who were injured on the slopes while skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling in spite of the fact that boilerplate waivers appear on the back of nearly every single ski lift pass printed in the country have forced ski resorts in Colorado to be on the defensive ahead of this year’s winter sports season.

The resorts argue that these fine-print waivers protect them from liability, but several significant personal injury cases against ski areas and winter sports lodges have been decided recently by the courts, and they show a common theme: a "one-size-fits-all" waiver is not sufficient to protect a ski resort from liability caused due to lack of ordinary care. This means, a simple waiver is not enough to keep you out of trouble- ski resort owners, like owners of all businesses, must still exercise care to keep their land safe and passable for customers.

27 states in the US have laws specifically addressing ski safety. These laws are aimed at protecting skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, arctic walkers and snowshoers and making sure that resort owners maintain their property in a responsible manner.

Boilerplate waivers not enough to keep personal injury claims away from Ski Resorts

03/02/2011 17:12:22

Like others around the country, some Colorado ski resorts are on the defensive before this year's winter sports season gets underway.

Lawsuits against ski resorts in recent years by patrons who were injured on the slopes while skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling in spite of the fact that boilerplate waivers appear on the back of nearly every single ski lift pass printed in the country have forced ski resorts in Colorado to be on the defensive ahead of this year’s winter sports season.

The resorts argue that these fine-print waivers protect them from liability, but several significant personal injury cases against ski areas and winter sports lodges have been decided recently by the courts, and they show a common theme: a "one-size-fits-all" waiver is not sufficient to protect a ski resort from liability caused due to lack of ordinary care. This means, a simple waiver is not enough to keep you out of trouble- ski resort owners, like owners of all businesses, must still exercise care to keep their land safe and passable for customers.

27 states in the US have laws specifically addressing ski safety. These laws are aimed at protecting skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, arctic walkers and snowshoers and making sure that resort owners maintain their property in a responsible manner.

iPhone application to help personal injury claimants

03/02/2011 17:10:23

An iPhone application created by Manchester law firm Croftons could help claimants gather accurate evidence and information at the scene of an accident work or on the road and result in a personal injury claim.

The app is capable of saving immediate details after an accident, pinpointing the exact location of the scene using Geolocation technology and taking photographs of damage or injuries. It can also collect voice-recorded statements from eyewitnesses. User can then send this information to a lawyer who will be able to quickly assess the claim and provide them with legal advice.

Croftons managing partner Simon Leighton has said the app will revolutionise the personal claims process. "The accident app uses modern-day technology to deal with old issues around claims evidence. It is the perfect channel for data capture because accidents tend to happen when you are on the move, and these days people tend not to move without their mobile phone. Traditional law firms like ourselves have got to redefine our offer and start communicating and interacting using 21st century tools. The accident app has been widely welcomed already by many of our clients, and I am convinced it's the way forward," he has said.

Boilerplate waivers not enough to keep personal injury claims away from Ski Resorts

03/02/2011 16:59:23

Like others around the country, some Colorado ski resorts are on the defensive before this year's winter sports season gets underway.

Lawsuits against ski resorts in recent years by patrons who were injured on the slopes while skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling in spite of the fact that boilerplate waivers appear on the back of nearly every single ski lift pass printed in the country have forced ski resorts in Colorado to be on the defensive ahead of this year’s winter sports season.

The resorts argue that these fine-print waivers protect them from liability, but several significant personal injury cases against ski areas and winter sports lodges have been decided recently by the courts, and they show a common theme: a "one-size-fits-all" waiver is not sufficient to protect a ski resort from liability caused due to lack of ordinary care. This means, a simple waiver is not enough to keep you out of trouble- ski resort owners, like owners of all businesses, must still exercise care to keep their land safe and passable for customers.

27 states in the US have laws specifically addressing ski safety. These laws are aimed at protecting skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, arctic walkers and snowshoers and making sure that resort owners maintain their property in a responsible manner.

Plastic Surgeon sued for £54 Million Compensation

03/02/2011 16:47:24

After claiming that botched cosmetic surgery ruined her career, a once successful businesswoman is to sue her plastic surgeon for more than £50 million in personal injury compensation.

The victim, Penny Johnson claims twitching, pain around her eye and an involuntary grimace after she was left with severe nerve damage to her face after being operated on by Leeds based plastic surgeon Dr Le Roux Fourie.

Her injuries had a direct impact on her business skills, as face to face meetings, which were necessary to her work, had been made almost impossible by the injury, said a representative from Mrs. Johnson’s legal team.

The injury resulted in the loss at her business of financial and IT consultancy, consequently taken over and her potential earnings, had the company’s success continued, of an estimated £600,000 per annum had been lost.

Dr Fourie’s lawyers argued that the surgery could not be held responsible for any direct result on Mrs. Johnson’s potential earnings, as this could have been caused by a number of different factors, such as the current financial down-turn, but admitted negligence on their part.

A High Court hearing is scheduled for the near future, with a number of medical and financial experts likely to give evidence.

Asbestos compensation claim victims urged to act fast

03/02/2011 16:45:52

To claim £5,000 as injury compensation under a government scheme, victims of an asbestos-related lung disease in York and North Yorkshire are being urged to act fast.

Some people with pleural plaques – small areas of fibrosis in the lung caused by exposure to asbestos – can now claim the money up until August 1.

The injury compensation stands for those who issued proceedings against former employers for negligence or sent a formal letter of claim before October 17, 2007.

The injury compensation was announced when the House of Lords decided that because pleural plaques were typically symptom-free, victims could not claim compensation. The Ministry of Justice was led to introduce last August a compensation scheme for former pleural plaques claimants after a campaign started by asbestos support groups, trade unions and lawyers.

For those who had worked at York’s carriageworks, and those who worked at power stations such as Eggborough and Ferrybridge before use of asbestos for fireproofing was ended, the news came as a relief.

Woman given $240k as personal injury claim

03/02/2011 16:44:11

A woman has been awarded almost $240,000 as personal injury compensation for hurting her back while lifting a box of photocopying paper.

Kathryn Jane Dank, 54, was working at Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast in October 2004 when the accident took place.

A personal injury hearing in the Southport District Court last year heard about Ms Dank’s injury which had occurred when she bent at an angle to awkwardly lift a 12kg box containing five reams of paper.

Ms Dank, who was secretary of the casino's health & safety awareness committee, agreed during cross-examination that "common sense" should have made her move closer to the box before trying to lift it.

Her employer had never given her instructions or any training on how to properly lift heavy objects and was, therefore, responsible for her injuries however, Ms Dank argued.

To cover medical expenses and the loss of past and future income Judge Clive Wall agreed and ordered Jupiters to pay Ms Dank $239,613, plus costs.

Friendly match to settle Robben injury compensation dispute between Munich and Dutch

02/02/2011 17:21:54

A months-long dispute over a long-term injury of the German champions' Dutch winger Arjen Robben has come to an end as Bayern Munich and the Dutch national team will meet in May 2012 for a friendly match.

Even though no details were given in a statement issued by Munich, it is believed that the income of the match will serve as compensation for Munich on the issue.

“Bayern Munich and the Netherlands FA (KNVB) have struck an agreement to settle the parties' differences regarding the injury sustained by Arjen Robben. The parties have agreed to stage a friendly match on May, 22, 2012 at the Allianz Arena in Munich,” the statement said.

The compensation had been sought by Munich over a hamstring injury that the player sustained in a World Cup warm-up match, aggravated during the event and later sidelined him for the first half of the Bundesliga season until January.

Munich blamed the KNVB and doctors for the injury, saying Robben himself was not at fault because every player wants to be in the World Cup. They also called on the ruling body FIFA to introduce an adequate insurance policy to protect clubs in a better way.

“'We are delighted that this agreement now brings the matter to a close,” said Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, adding that it was good for “the football family that we have found a fair and satisfactory solution.”

KNVB CEO Bert van Oostveen said: "We have accepted that no consensus has emerged regarding the fundamentals of the discussion, so the best course of action was to put aside our differences and seek a solution acceptable to both sides. This has now happened."

"We're satisfied with the outcome, and we are now looking forward to a fantastic friendly match in Munich,"he said.

NHS pays £8 Million Compensation to girl’s family eight years after birth errors

02/02/2011 17:16:48

The National Health Servic(NHS)e has agreed to pay the family of an eight year old girl, who was left with severe injuries due to a catalogue of hospital errors, £8million in birth injury compensation.

Holly Woods, according to newspaper reports, was deprived of oxygen, during her birth at Lewisham Hospital in London.

Hospital staff has been accused of numerous errors, including failing to perform an emergency caesarean on Holly’s mother. The failure deprived Holly of vital oxygen, causing damage to her brain. She now suffers from cerebral palsy and will require the use of a wheelchair for the rest of her life.

The NHS Litigation Authority agreed to pay damages of around £8 Million, at London’s’ High Court, which will ensure Holly receives round the clock care for the rest of her life.

After the Court ruling, Holly’s mother Sarah Woods said the money could never repair the damage done but ensure that Holly would receive the care and attention she requires and help her get the most out of life.

A spokesperson for Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust said that the trust was pleased that an amicable settlement had been reached and wished Holly and her family all the best for the future.

£218,000 Compensation paid by CICA to Victims of Cumbria Shooting Tragedy

02/02/2011 17:14:01

A total of over £218,000 compensation has been paid so far to victims of the Cumbria shootings tragedy by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

Newspaper reports said that the CICA has released the figure of compensation it has paid out so far. Up to now 48 victims of the tragedy have applied to the organisation to make a claim. These include those injured and the immediate relatives of those killed .

12 people were killed and another 11 injured on the 2 June last year, in a shoot-out by Derrick Bird, a 52 year old taxi driver.

£84,025 has been paid out amongst the injured, whilst £134,257 has been split amongst the grieving relatives. It is expected the number of claims made will rise.

The CICA has been under criticism for cutting the compensation paid to the grieving parents of one of the killed. They were given half the amount of other victims due to the fact that their son had a criminal record for a minor offence committed twenty years ago.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is a government organisation set up to compensate the victims of crime.

NHS Worker seeks £200,000 Work Injury Compensation for being overworked

02/02/2011 17:11:43

A National Health Service worker, claiming to be overworked , has claimed £200,000 work injury compensation after developing a shoulder problem at work.

Julia Graham had worked as a sonographer at Scarborough Hospital and Malton Hospital since 1997. She said she was left with increased workload after a colleague of hers took some time off work due to illness, in 2007, and was not replaced.

As a sonographer, Mrs Graham said she was repeatedly leaning forward and twisting her body to perform an ultrasound, while using her left hand to input data. Towards the end of 2007, Mrs Graham said, she started to develop pain in her right shoulder.

She took leave at the start of 2008, and after physiotherapy returned to work, but her pain returned when faced with the same heavy workload.

In the summer of 2009 she took time off work again and underwent an operation on her shoulder. She returned to work but was deemed permanently unfit for work by medical staff after the pain returned once again.

Newspaper reports say that Mrs Graham has sought £200,000compensation from the NHS, as she is claiming they failed in their duty to her in regards to causing her to work a greatly increased workload, failing to reduce it once it became known she had a work injury, and failing to carry out full risk assessments on her job.

Even though the NHS Litigation Authority has admitted partial liability for Mrs Graham’s injuries, it is arguing that she contributed to it partly herself, because she was highly experienced and in charge of her own lists. The NHS Litigation Authority argues that Mrs Graham could have arranged her own workload. The case will be decided at a hearing in the future.

Singapore Government proposes amendments in Work Injury Compensation Act

02/02/2011 17:08:39

An employee who gets injured during a fight at work will not be allowed to claim compensation for injuries, unless acting in self-defence, in the defence of others, or acting on his/her employer's instructions to break up a fight, the Singapore Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is proposing among one its revisions to enhance the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA).

MOM is inviting members of the public to give feedback on the proposed revisions to ensure that it strikes a fair balance between compensation for employees and the obligations placed on employers.

The MOM, in a statement released recently, said it welcomed feedback to help ensure that the proposed WICA amendments will continue to keep the Act “a simple, low-cost and expeditious method of resolving claims for work-related injuries.”

Having encountered instances of employers facing financial difficulty in compensating injured employees as the insurance purchased excluded certain work scenarios, the Ministry proposes to prohibit all exclusions in WIC insurance policies to ensure that employees receive the compensation due to them, and in a timely manner, MOM.

Insurers will continue to have the flexibility to make provisions in the insurance policy to recover from the employer any sums paid out under the policy.

The Ministry will also consult industry stakeholders including insurers as well as employer and employee representatives as part of the consultation process. Legislative changes are expected by the first half of the year and will be effective in the second half.

Personal Injury Claims Exaggerated: GPs say in survey

01/02/2011 19:53:17

A recent survey conducted by a leading insurance company among 250 GPs indicates that 92% of them feel that patients’ personal injuries are exaggerated when making an insurance claim adding that whiplash is the most commonly exaggerated claim.

It is anticipated as a result that insurance companies will carry out a greater degree of covert surveillance in high value personal injury claims where they suspect the nature and extent of the injuries sustained have been fraudulently stated. Except for the injured party's own home Surveillance is legally permitted in public places. It is the duty of both the claimant's and defendant's lawyers to ensure that the claim is genuine before reaching court and that the court's time is not wasted, although it is the court that decides if surveillance evidence will be permitted.

The evidence must be of good quality, presented in chronological order and supported by a statement from the investigating agent reconciling the video with his written log in order for the courts to permit video surveillance evidence. Defendants need to comply with all requirements in respect of making surveillance films otherwise the evidence will be deemed inadmissible and incur court costs.

Claimants who have acted dishonestly will have their award for compensation reduced or denied and also incur costs. Claimants should make sure all the facts entered on their claim form are accurate, and should not claim to be unable to perform an action which they are in fact capable of. The correct extent of the debilitation should not be overstated but stated. There should be precision about the actions for which they need assistance and should not attempt to carry out those actions unaided.

Half a million pounds in compensation claim for delivery driver

01/02/2011 19:24:51

Becoming a matter of political and social debate, health and safety in the workplace, over the past few years has led many people claiming legislation has gone far enough. But as a recent case shows that it is still an issue that can have a dramatic effect on people’s lives.

Mr Colin White, a delivery driver working from Altrincham was awarded over £500,000 in compensation after falling from his van whilst working in York. The 53 year old father of 2 from Altrincham fell from his van whilst working for a company called Home and Retail Deliveries in York.

Tail lift is the equipment they were using to move furniture out of the van. However, it seems that neither Mr White nor his colleague in the van had received training on how to use the equipment.

As Mr White stepped backwards onto the lift , the lift had moved which caused him to fall backwards and hit his neck on the lift. Mr White suffered a serious injury which left him temporarily paralyzed by the accident.

Mr White is still suffering constant pain and it is likely that he will never be able to return to work although through intensive medical treatment the paralysis has gone.

Every year more than 150,000 people are injured in workplace accidents and this case explains why employers are obliged to offer their employees a safe working environment, to make sure all equipment used is safe and that adequate training has been undertaken.

Half a million pounds in compensation claim for delivery driver

01/02/2011 19:20:42

Becoming a matter of political and social debate, health and safety in the workplace, over the past few years has led many people claiming legislation has gone far enough. But as a recent case shows that it is
still an issue that can have a dramatic effect on people’s lives.

Mr Colin White, a delivery driver working from Altrincham was awarded over £500,000 in compensation after falling from his van whilst working in York. The 53 year old father of 2 from Altrincham fell from
his van whilst working for a company called Home and Retail Deliveries in York.

Tail lift is the equipment they were using to move furniture out of the van. However, it seems that neither Mr White nor his colleague in the van had received training on how to use the equipment.

As Mr White stepped backwards onto the lift , the lift had moved which caused him to fall backwards and hit his neck on the lift. Mr White suffered a serious injury which left him temporarily paralyzed by the accident.

Mr White is still suffering constant pain and it is likely that he will never be able to return to work although through intensive medical treatment the paralysis has gone.

Every year more than 150,000 people are injured in workplace accidents and this case explains why employers are obliged to offer their employees a safe working environment, to make sure all equipment used is safe and that adequate training has been undertaken.

Holiday compensation for couple

01/02/2011 18:45:57

Included among a group of more than 300 holidaymakers who have launched a legal bid for compensation after illness ruined their holidays in the sun is a newlywed couple.

Paul Swannick, 30, and wife Tracy, 33, In August 2008, travelled to the Holiday Village Turkey in Dalaman, where they planned to celebrate their marriage with 27 family members and friends. However the couple and 24 of their guests were hit by severe gastric symptoms just three days after arrival.

Their wedding day, they claim, holds nothing but bad memories and they can hardly bring themselves to look at the photos, as the unhappy couple became ill.

Lawyers acting for 337 holidaymakers, including 125 children, lodged papers at the High Court in Birmingham seeking compensation from First Choice over problems at the resort in 2008.

While 103 of the original 440 holidaymakers have accepted compensation, the remaining 337 are taking legal action.

They include 12 children and seven adults who contracted salmonella.

Personal Injury Claim Increase caused by the New £3.2million Sutton High Street?

01/02/2011 18:43:14

Concerns have been raised that the £3.2 million redevelopment could lead to an increase of personal injury claims as two more accidents take place on the new Sutton High Street.

According to a newspaper report, an elderly woman was injured in an accident on Friday of last week as she reportedly tripped off of the new raised ‘stage’ section of the town square development and fell to the ground below. She was admitted to hospital for treatment on her head and back injuries.

At the same ‘stage’ section of the High Street late on Tuesday night a second unrelated accident took place. A cyclist suffered a suspected broken nose as he fell off the end of the raised section at speed.

To the locals the incidents come as no surprise, as some describe the raised area as being like an infinity pool, with people unable to see the edge until it is too late.

Five personal injury compensation claims have already been lodged allegedly, against Sutton Council for
incidents involving the area, even before the latest two accidents. It is unclear if any of these have been successful although as all cases are believed to be ongoing  Safety considerations and safety audits were integral to the town centre’s design a spokesperson for the council assured everyone that.

They, however, hinted that the council were also willing to look at whether additional measures could help highlight the town square’s edges.

Compensation after work-related hearing loss in offering for workers

01/02/2011 17:39:48

60 workers previously employed at the Foden truck factory in Sandbach, who now suffer from hearing problems will be provided with personal injury compensation.

For workers who worked at the now-closed facility at different times between 1959 and 2001, sums of up to £12,000 could be in the offering for each of the people involved in the case.

Involved in the successful legal action against the company's former insurers is Stephen Bailey, one of the staff members who was employed by Foden for 33 years.

He told a publication that individuals in his position deserve to be compensated because they will suffer problems for the rest of their lives.

"I worked in all the production shops at Foden, some of which were very noisy. I now have a constant noise in my ears which sounds like a car engine ticking over," Mr Bailey was quoted as saying.

According to the Health and Safety Executive, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 dictate that employers must assess such risks to their staff and make sure noise is kept within legal limits.

Widow of Man Who Died of Complications Relating to Mesothelioma to Launch Compensation Claim

31/01/2011 15:24:51

The widow of a man who died of complications relating to mesothelioma is to laucnh a personal injury compensation claim against his former employers.

George Feasey died of a brain haemorrhage brough about during his treatment for the cancer, with his widow now seeking around £150,000 from Sun D'Or after it became apparent that he was exposed to the dangerous substance while working for the chocolate maker.

Mrs Feasey believes that Sun D'Or are responsible for her husband's death, despite an injury sustained during treatment being the primary cause. She argues that her husband would never have had to have the treatment if he hadn't been exposed to the asbestos.

Gay Couple Awarded Personal Injury Compensation After Hotel Incident

31/01/2011 15:11:33

A gay couple have been granted £3,600 in personal injury compensation after they were unlawfully turned away from a hotel by the hotel's Christian owners. Martyn Hall and Steven Preddy both hailed the decision, claiming it shows that nobody is against the law and people should not be allowed to discriminate.

In a statement, the pair said "We’re really pleased that the judge has confirmed what we already know – that in these circumstances our civil partnership has the same status in law as a marriage between a man and a woman, and that, regardless of each person’s religious beliefs, no-one is above the law."

It is believed that Mr and Mrs Bull, who operate the Chymorvah Private Hotel in Cornwall, will lodge an appeal against the verdict. This will lead to the case being heard in the High Court.

Mrs Bull said "We are obviously disappointed with the result. Our double-bed policy was based on our sincere beliefs about marriage, not hostility to anybody. It was applied equally and consistently to unmarried heterosexual couples and homosexual couples, as the judge accepted.

"We are trying to live and work in accordance with our Christian faith. As a result we have been sued and ordered to pay £3,600. But many Christians have given us gifts, so thanks to them we will be able to pay the damages."

She also added "I do feel that Christianity is being marginalised in Britain. The same laws used against us have been used to shut down faith-based adoption agencies. Much is said about ‘equality and diversity’ but it seems some people are more equal than others."

Family of Man Who Died Due to Asbestos May Make Personal Injury Claim

31/01/2011 14:58:47

The family of a man who died as a result of previous exposure to the deadly substance asbestos may be able to make a personal injury compensation on his behalf.

Jerome De Castellnou Trilles died aged 67 after he contracted an asbestos related illness after spending a time working as an air frame fitter for the Royal Air Force. It is believed he was exposed to the deadly substance during this period.

An inquiry has also found that the man's heavy smoking would also have played a part, meaning any personal injury compensation attained would likely be reduced as a result of this.

Three Women May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Pothole Accident

31/01/2011 14:45:51

Three women may decide to pursue a personal injury compensation claim after they all sustained injuries in a road traffic accident that was caused by a pothole on the B1253.

Catherine Farnan struck the pothole while driving home, causing her four-wheel drive vehicle to overturn and flip onto its roof. In the car with her were Helen Lane and Ms Lane's 15 year old daughter Georgia. All three suffered personal injury in the road traffic accident, including whiplash injuries.

In addition Georgia broke her collarbone.

"It was such a dangerous situation and I'd be surprised if we were the only ones this has happened to," remarked Ms Lane. The trio may now seek personal injury compensation.

Family of Road Traffic Accident Victim May Make Compensation Claim

31/01/2011 14:35:43

A road traffic accident has claimed the life of an elderly man, meaning his family may be eligible to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Thomas Dodge, who was 75 years old, died when he was involved in a road traffic accident on the Aberaman bypass in Wales. He was taken to hospital but later died due to his personal injuries.

The police in the region are now investigating the accident to determine its cause. If it is found that the accident was not the pensioner's fault, his family will be eligible to contact claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Family Awarded Personal Injury Compensation for Man's Mesothelioma Death

31/01/2011 13:29:46

The family of a man who died as a result of contracting mesothelioma due to his exposure to asbestos materials are to be awarded personal injury compensation for his death.

Alan Clark, aged 59, had come into contact with the deadly substance on numerous occasions while working and had been staying at the Hartlepool and District Hospice after it was confirmed that he had the cancer.

His family then began legal proceedings on behalf of him and the nurse who cared for him. The family have since been awarded personal injury compensation for Mr Clark's ordeal.

Family Receive Personal Injury Compensation After Woman Dies from Superbug

31/01/2011 13:05:05

A family has been granted a five figure personal injury compensation sum after a woman died from a hospital superbug while she was being treated for a broken bone.

Rosemary Congdon was aged 56 when she passed away due to the effects of C. Difficile, a condition which is caused when bacteria reacts with antibiotics to cause symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting.

Mrs Congdon had initially been admitted to the institution on the short term to deal with a broken leg that she has suffered, however she was re-admitted three weeks later due to the bug.

The medical organisation have issued an apology as well as a five figure personal injury compensation sum for the incident.

Family May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Mesothelioma Death

31/01/2011 12:56:07

The family of an elderly man may look to appraoch claims solictors to make a personal injury compensation claim after the man passed away from the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma.

Henry Carr died at the age of 76 when he contracted the lethal cancer, which affects the inner linings of the lungs and can lay dormant for many years. It is believed that he was exposed to asbestos on many occasions while working for a variety of different companies.

The firms that he worked for are no longer in existence, however his family may look to make the compensation claims against the insurers who were linked to them.

Mr Carr had previously written in a witness statement that he "looked like a snowman at the end of each day as the asbestos fibre would be in my hair, all over my overalls and in my hair."

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) Pays out £218,000 to Victims of Cumbria Shootings

31/01/2011 12:47:18

Figures have recently been released by CICA which reveal that the organisation has paid out £218,000 in personal injury compensation to the victims of the Cumbria shootings.

The shootings, which happened in June last year, resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries. Forty eight people have made formal applications to CICA for personal injury compensation as a result, including many who were injured or related to those killed by Derrick Bird.

Official figures have revealed that £134,257 has been awarded to the families of the twelve murder victims and the remaining £84,025 to the injured survivors of the massacre, a CICA spokesperson commented that these figures were expected to rise as more claimants came forward.

There has been some controversy over CICA's decision to award a reduced amount of personal injury compensation to Darren Rewcastle's family, their reasoning being that he had a prior conviction 20 years ago.

Child Awarded £8 Million in Birth Injury Compensation

31/01/2011 12:08:59

A eight year old girl has been granted £8 million in personal injury compensation after birth injury lawyers worked to secure the money when she was left severely brain damaged as a result of medical negligence.

Holly Woods was deprived of oxygen during her birth, leading to her suffering cerebral palsy and requiring a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Hospital staff made a catalogue of errors, including failing to perform an emergency caesarean on Holly's mother.

The NHS Litigation Authority have paid the £8 million personal injury compensation, which will ensure care for Holly in the future.

Driving Instructor's Widow Receives Personal Injury Compensation for Fatal Accident

31/01/2011 11:41:50

A widow from Northampton has been awarded £180,000 in personal injury compensation after her husband was killed in a road traffic accident while supervising a heavy goods vehicle driving lesson.

Alan Underwood had been analysing a student's ability to perform an emergency stop in the vehicle, however he suffered a fatal accident when he was crushed between the lorry and a parked trailer.

Mr Underwood has stood what he believed to be a safe distance away from the vehicle in question while his student accelerated to 20mph and performed the stop. However she failed to stop in time, and Mr Underwood was unable to avoid the vehicle.

Mrs Underwood's claims solicitors state that the personal injury compensation, gained from the driving school for whom he taught, initially amounted to £250,000, but this was reduced due to Mr Underwood's contributory negligence.

Construction Worker Suffers Personal Injury in Roof Fall

31/01/2011 11:31:44

A construction worker he was carrying out some sub-contracting work for another construction company has been left a paraplegic after a terrible work accident.

Richard Cooke had been working on a roof at Manor Farm in Corston when the sheeting he was standing on collapsed, leading to him falling over six metres to the floor.

Mr Cooke suffered catastrophic personal injury to his head and spine in the work accident and will no longer be able to work again. He now relies on a wheelchair for mobility.

The HSE have fined CW Pearce £12,000 after it was revealed that Mr Cooke had been working at height with no safety equipment on. In addition DB Gibbons (Construction) Ltd have also been £14,000 for the involvement in the work accident.

Both may also face personal injury compensation claims from Mr Cooke in the future.

Bagel Factory Worker Loses Fingers in Work Accident

31/01/2011 11:15:02

A bagel factory may become the subject of a personal injury compensation claim after an employee suffered a work accident while he was operating a faulty bagel dividing machine.

Raakesh Patel had been working at Ixxy's Bagels at the time of the work accident when he severed two of his fingers while trying to clear a blockage in the machine. A subsequent investigation by the HSE revealed that the machine was faulty and would continue to operate even when the machine's rear doors were opened.

Ixxy's Bagels were fined £2,250 when it became apparent that they knew about the machine fault, with an inspector claiming the company had a duty to ensure the machine was well maintained.

Employees of Truck Manufacturer May Receive Personal Injury Compensation for Hearing Loss

31/01/2011 10:58:43

The ex-employees of a truck manufacturing firm in Cheshire are to receive personal injury compensation from the company for hearing loss and tinnitus caused by poor health and safety standads at the firm.

Foden trucks, who built both trucks and buses, ceased manufacture in 2006 but agreed that workers at their plant should receive injury compensation for the hearing loss. Up to sixty workers could be entitled to personal injury compensation, with some getting as much as £12,000.

The workers had been subjected to large amounts of noise while working at the factory, which had come from a variety of different hand tools. This left many with hearing problems like tinnitus, making the firm liable for personal injury compensation claims.

Man Loses Leg in Construction Work Accident

31/01/2011 10:45:15

A labourer has lost his leg in a terrible work accident after he was crushed by falling debris when a floor he was working on collapsed from underneath him.

Lukasz Taborek had been working for Howper 291 Ltd at the time of the accident, in which he plunged 3 metres from the first floor of a building, landing on the ground floor and getting covered in debris in the process.

Mr Taborek suffered a number of personal injuries in the work accident, including the crush injuries that forced him to have his leg amputated. An investigation revealed that concerns had been raised about the building's safety and sub contractors had failed to build the first floor correctly.

Howper 291 were fined £10,000 by the Health and Safety Executive for breaches of Health and Safety Regulations, with an investigator describing the work accident as totally preventable.

Mr Taborek may yet make a personal injury compensation claim for the work injury.

Wigan Man Loses Finger in Drilling Work Accident

31/01/2011 10:31:35

A man from Wigan has lost a finger in a terrible work accident. He servered the index finger after his hand was pulled into a drilling machine and may be eligible for personal injury compensation as a result.

The worker, who is currently anonymous, had been drilling holes into an iron bar when his hand became caught up in the machines rotation mechanism, severing one finger and breaking another.

The B&B Group have been fined £12,500 by the HSE for breaches of Health and Safety Regulations after it was found that the drill didn't have a safety guard in place.

The group may now have to face a personal injury compensation claim if the man approaches claims solicitors about the work accident.

Man Suffers Personal Injury in Lift Shaft Fall

31/01/2011 10:17:28

A worker has suffered a terrible personal injury in a work accident in which he fell down a lift shaft at a luxury apartment complex.

David Homewood had been delivering kitchen units to the newly designed complex. However he suffered the work accident after stepping backwards into an open lift shaft. He fell 30 feet, suffering lift threatening personal injury in the process which included fractures to both his pelcis and his spine.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive revealed that a previously placed guardrail had been removed so that engineers could carry out maintenance work on the shaft.

Brighton Construction have pleaded guilty to violations of Health and Safety Regulations, but their punishment has been adjourned pending further investigation. They may also face a personal injury compensation claim for the man's claims solicitors.

Demolition Firm Fined for Employee's Work Accident

31/01/2011 10:06:58

A demolition firm has received a £12,000 fine from the Health and Safety Executive after an employee suffered a terrible personal injury in a work accident.

The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, shattered his leg and broke his wrist when he fell 7ft from the top of a garage that he was helping to demolish. He had been working with another employee when the fragile asbestos roof gave way.

The employee has had to have a number of operations since the work accident and will have to wait some time before he is able to work again. When he does so it will be unlikely that he could continue working in the construction industry.

A HSE investigation found that H Cope and Sons Ltd had carried out inadequate planning and they were fined under the Health and Safety at Work Act. They may also yet face a personal injury compensation claim for the work accident.

Brain Damaged Boy Awarded £6.4 Million Birth Injury Compensation

31/01/2011 09:56:15

An NHS Trust is to pay personal injury compensation to the tune of £6.4 million to a boy who suffered terrible brain damage during delivery.

Theo Kramer was awarded the compensation for his terrible birth injury, which he received at Edgware Birth Centre. The birth injury was adjudged to have been caused by medical negligence.

The judge presiding over the case, Mr Justice Tugendhat, commented on the case, stating "It is, I'm afraid, not unique to read about events as awful as these, but one sitting as a judge can only be in admiration of the way in which Theo's parents have looked after him."

Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust offered their "sincere apologies" for the birth injury and the personal injury compensation will go towards ensuring that Theo can be taken care of.

Three Organisation Fined Over Hospital Asbestos Leak

31/01/2011 09:48:49

An NHS Trust, a security systems firm and the director of the same firm have all received fines after releasing potentially lethal asbestos fibres into a hospital. The fibres, which are known to cause a number of illnesses including mesothelioma, are a constant cause of personal injury compensation claims due to unwanted and unprotected exposure.

The incident occured when Nutec Security Systems were upgrading security at the hospital in 2008. They ran cables through partition walls and false ceilings, causing asbestos to be released into the hospital in the process. An investigation by the HSE showed that the NHS has failed to make the firm aware of the asbestos before work began.

Northamptonshire NHS Teaching Primary Care Trust pleases guilty to breaching the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 and were fined £4,000.

Nutec Security Systems were fined £4,200 for similar offences. The director of the firm, Paul Beeby, was also fined £1,200.

Hopefully nobody will encounter any issues as a result of the exposure, otherwise they may need to contact claims solicitors to put in a personal injury compensation claim.

£10k compensation to be paid by horse trainer

29/01/2011 09:57:36

A North Yorkshire trainer has agreed to pay personal injury compensation to a stable hand after he was thrown from a horse while working at his yard

Tim Easterby agreed an out-of-court settlement worth £10,000 with Johnathon Frazer, who suffered concussion, a shoulder injury and cuts to his face and body in the accident in May 2008.

Frazer said despite having raised his concern over difficulties in controlling one of the horses in the stable Easterby instructed him to ride the animal the following day.

Frazer said he was thrown to the ground when the horse hit a tree after refusing to turn.

Though Easterby disputed Frazer's allegations, he reached an out-of-court settlement after the National Association of Stable Staff (NASS) agreed to help Frazer handle his case.

"I have a job waiting for me in racing," Frazer said.

He also thanked the NASS and Racing Welfare for supporting him during the case, claiming it "kept me going after every operation".

The British Horse Society recommends that all riders wear body protectors, as they have been shown to reduce the severity of injuries.

California public-sector paying more compensation to injured employees

29/01/2011 09:47:18

Notwithstanding the tight budgets they are grappling with local government and other public agencies in California are paying more for their injured workers, much like the private sector.

California cities, counties, schools, fire and other special districts paid $7.1 million more for workers’ compensation claims last fiscal year than they did the previous year, the California Workers’ Compensation Institute(CWCI) reported after analyzing data from the California Office of Self-Insurance Plans.

The compensation costs for these public self-insured employers rose $7.1 million to $318 million in fiscal 2009-2010, despite a drop in the number of public employees and the number of individual job injury claims .

But the cost of individual claims is escalating. The CWCI reported that these public self-insured agencies paid an average of $2,621 per claim in fiscal 2009-2010, an increase of 6.2 percent from the previous year, and 20 percent more than in fiscal 2005-2006, which was the low mark after the state’s workers’ comp system was reformed.

Payments for lost-work time rose 5.1 percent to an average of $1,243 in fiscal 2009-2010 while the average medical payment moved 7.3 percent upward to $1,379— 28.5 percent more than the post-reform low of $1,073 in fiscal 2005-2006.

Prisoners seek compensation from SPS

29/01/2011 09:45:48

Prisoners forced to share their cells with smokers have sought compensation from the Scottish Prison Service.

The compensation claims are being made following the European Court of Human Rights’s ruling in favour of Anesti Elefteriadis, a murderer in Romania whose health had been damaged by spending six years of his sentence with three smokers.

The court ruled that Elefteriadis rights were violated under Article 3, which prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment.

Tony Kelly, the lawyer for the Lockerbie bomber, has revealed he is pursuing cases on behalf of about half a dozen Scottish prisoners or former inmates, who were non-smokers, but had been forced to share a cell with smokers.

The first cases would come to court within months, Kelly said.

Meanwhile, a Scottish Prison Service spokesman said finding out if inmates smoked was now part of an on assement on entry into the prison system. However, the spokesman said the SPS was not aware of any compensation claims.

Missed deadlines costing NI health trusts millions

28/01/2011 18:46:26

Failure to meet necessary deadlines could be costing health trusts in Northern Ireland millions of pounds as recovery from insurance companies.

An audit report into the Compensation Recovery Unit (CRU) said it should become more efficient in order to increase the recovery money. The report has made several recommendations.

The CRU, responsible for recovering the cost of health service care and social security benefits in personal injury cases, can lodge a claim to recover money from an insurance company for the care received, if a person has a road accident and receives hospital treatment.

Even though such action has put over £100m back into the public purse during the last 10 years the report says the figure could increase.

The report highlights that some trusts are failing to meet a 14-day legislative deadline to lodge a claim ,and observes that some insurance companies are submitting incorrect forms or failing to notify the unit of potential claims.

It said the system which ensures that information is accurate needs to improve while recommending that the Social Security Agency continues to press for changes

BP receives 7,000 plus false claims for Gulf of Mexico oil spill compensation fund

28/01/2011 18:43:06

More than 7,000 false claims have been received for the £13.5billion fund set up by British Petroleum (BP) for compensating victims of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Attorney Kenneth Feinberg, who is administering the fund, recently told a Senate panel that out of the 481,000 applications made against BP, 7,575 were considered "to be multi-claimant scams or even efforts at criminal fraud."

Terming the programme a success, Feinberg told the senators that 168,000 claimants had already been paid more than £2billion.

However, he said that roughly half of all claims have been denied because of ineligibility or lack of documentation.

Eight claimants have already been indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The fund was set up in August last to deal with thousands of claims for compensation from residents, business owners and fisherman across the Gulf Coast and beyond who can prove they suffered financial losses from the April 20 oil well explosion off the coast of Louisiana, that killed 11 crew members and spilled millions of gallons of crude oil into the Gulf.

Special report on personal injury law available online for Missouri accident victims

27/01/2011 22:25:19

A special report on personal injury law to help Missouri accident victims determine whether to hire an attorney to help with their accident insurance claim is available for free download.

The report “7 sound reasons to hire an attorney if you’re injured in an accident” is being made available by Gonwa Law Group, a local Wentzville law firm headed by attorney and longtime Lake Saint Louis resident Tom Gonwa, on its website at no cost to provide important information for St. Louis area residents injured in car accidents, truck accidents and premises accidents.

Gonwa noted that there’s a lot at stake when someone is injured in an accident and said  some key considerations had been outlined in the special report to help Missouri accident victims decide whether hiring an attorney to help on a personal injury or accident case is the right decision for them.

“Injuries from an automobile accident, truck accident or other type of vehicle or premises accident can have a serious impact on a person’s health, their finances and even their ability to earn a living. In addition, car or truck accidents and premises accidents involve both insurance as well as personal injury law, which can be complex and confusing. On top of all that, it can be overwhelming to deal with all of the phone calls, medical appointments and insurance paperwork. A personal injury lawyer can help accident victims navigate through all of the paperwork, help them understand what their options are, and help make sure they receive the compensation they deserve."

Parents may take Silver Cross to court over pushchair injuries

27/01/2011 22:10:59

Pushchair manufacturer Silver Cross may face legal action from a group of parents after it surfaced that a design fault has been responsible for a number of injuries to children's fingers.

Notwithstanding the company’s notices via Facebook and Mothercare to recall the GBP 415 Halo model with batch numbers 150209, 15040 and 150509 following incidents in which toddlers lost fingernails and suffered severe bruising because they got trapped in the folding mechanism, some parents may claim personal injury compensation.

Maintaining that the fault was due to "premature wear" on the workings of the buggies, the company has offered to replace the products.

But some parent’s don’t seem impressed. Kerria Whitton-Davies said her 11-month-old daughter had a nail ripped off when she got her finger caught. "It was horrific. She was in agony," she said.

Silver Cross has also drawn flak for not doing enough to raise awareness about the problem. Some peoplepoint out that parents may not have seen the recall notices because they have not been published in the national press.

However, the Yorkshire-based company insists being “totally transparent" about the problems.

Pertinently, pushchair maker Maclaren agreed in May 2010 to pay compensation to scores of children in the UK who were injured by its products.

The company was taken to court by parents over allegations that umbrella hinges on the buggies severed their children's fingers. Maclaren agreed to payouts of between GBP 2,500 and GBP 10,000 without admitting liability.

Accident claim won by soldier

27/01/2011 20:48:05

A Sergeant who lost one of his legs while trying to save a wounded colleague from a minefield has been paid 100 percent compensation by the Ministry of Defence(MoD).

Sergeant Stuart Pearson, 35, was awarded the accident compensation as damages for the suffering and pain he had to go through following the incident in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province in 2006.

The High Court was also successfully persuaded by an injury lawyer to rule that the MoD will pay Sergeant Pearson £270,000 to cover his care in the future and £600,000 for prosthetic limbs.

While launching a negligence claim, the Sergeant had had previously charged the MoD with a 'breach of duty'.

The mission Sergeant Pearson was involved in was criticised for a number of failings in a 2008 inquest.

In a case last year, three soldiers won £300,000 personal injury compensation each from the MoD after they were badly injured in a 2007 helicopter crash.

Compensation paid to driving instructor’s family

27/01/2011 20:46:41

£178,357 compensation has been paid to the family of a driving instructor who was killed standing in front of an LGV which failed to successfully carry out an emergency stop.

Alan Underwood died in the incident at the A5 Truck Shop at Crick, near Northampton, judge Sir Christopher Holland heard at London’s High Court.

The accident took place when 48-year-old Underwood was teaching Corinne Radburn how to complete the manoeuvre safely in March 2008 and the training lorry failed to brake from its 20mph speed.

The judge said Underwood was a conscientious man who had misplaced faith in the driver. He said he was taking a risk allowing someone to drive at him, but was doing so in order to check whether the 18-ton vehicle deviated when it braked.

Bruce Gardiner – counsel for Underwood’s widow Dawn, 13-year-old son Alan, and five-year-old daughter Reann – said the £250,000 claim was reduced by 30% to reflect contributory negligence.

The judge approved sums of £150,357 to Mrs Underwood, of Clinton Road, Far Cotton, Northamptonshire, and £10,500 and £17,500 for Alan and Reann respectively.

The damages will be paid by the insurers of Underwood’s employers and Mrs Radburn, of Rugby, Warwickshire.

Under fire, Senator drops injury case

27/01/2011 19:26:31

Following severe criticism from voters in his district and GOP leaders, a Rochester state senator has dropped his case against some constituents whom he had sued for negligence.

Veteran lawmaker Sen. James Alesi   took back the case against a couple he had accused of wrongly allowing him to hurt himself in the home he entered without authorization. The Republican has decided to end his damage case as he pushes a reform to exclude convicts injured during a crime from receiving workers' compensation.

Last week, Alesi filed a claim against the homeowners and the builders of the unfinished house where he was found with a broken leg in January 2008. The action came after the statute of limitations on criminal trespass charges lapsed.

"Recently, I filed a personal injury lawsuit for injuries I sustained on a home construction site nearly three years ago. I filed the suit without regard to the anxiety that it would cause the homeowners, the builders or the community where we live, and I'm sorry for that," Alesi said through the Senate Republican majority press office. "With that in mind, I've decided to withdraw the lawsuit and hopefully move on and do the job I was elected to do."

Alesi’s leg was broken after he entered an under construction home using a back door and slipped from a ladder leading from the cellar to the first floor.

Alesi later said the suit, which claimed the defendants had not reasonably secured the home, spoke for itself.

On Monday, Alesi claimed to have dropped the suit as he introduced a bill that would amend the workers' compensation law to exclude employees from the benefit if they were injured while committing a crime for which they were convicted.

£10,000 accident claim won by labourer.

26/01/2011 15:07:00

Accident compensation has been won for a man injured in the workplace by compensation solicitors.

Lukasz Taborek, of Acton, Ealing, was badly injured in a fall while working in a domestic property in South Kensington and sought help of personal injury solicitors for pressing his claim for compensation.

Howper 291 Ltd (formerly known as Urang Ltd), of New Kings Road, Hammersmith in London, admitted to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety etc. at Work Act 1974. As a result, City of London Magistrates' Court fined the company £10,000 and ordered it to pay £4,172 in costs.
Mr Taborek, 23, during the incident on November 12th 2007, landed more than three metres below, where he was pinned to the ground by falling debris after falling through a first floor that collapsed. The victim had to amputate a limb as a result of the work injury.

In addition, an employee won £4,500 in personal injury compensation after an accident in a warehouse. Paul Pritchard received the sum after the incident at the Rolls Royce Depot in Sunderland, according to reports.

Fraud increase in car insurance due to rising injury claims and fraud

26/01/2011 15:05:03

Drivers will pay an average of £845 for their car insurance policies, up 34 per cent from the average policy price last year, according to a new report.

Increasing number of injury claims and cases of fraud taking place being the main reasons behind this increase, the growing personal injury market is exacerbating the problem by proliferation of personal injury claim lawyers has led to the number of injury claims across the board sharply increasing, while fraud has eaten into insurers’ costs, according to experts.

Number of people making claims for whiplash injuries has increased by 25 per cent in the past six years and a crackdown on personal injury lawyers to help keep costs down is being requested by the insurance industry.

Another major issue facing the industry and driving up insurance costs for honest motorists is fraud.

Fraud is another major issue facing the industry and driving up insurance costs for honest motorists. According to new figures, £44 of the cost of each policy goes on covering the costs of fraudulent claims or fakes accidents. The Insurance Fraud Bureau claims that 30,000 car crashes were faked in 2010 and the average claim for each 'staged' crash was valued at £17,000.

£50,000 in staff injury claims over three years paid by Gwent police

26/01/2011 15:00:18

Almost £50,000 in personal injury claims has been paid out by GWENT Police to staff over the past three years.

Between April 2007 and March 2010A total of 20 injury claims were made, according to information released under the Freedom of Information Act.

In 2007/2008, a total of £34,565.80 was paid out, £7,618 for a shoulder injury, £6,815.80 for insect bites, £10,667 for a back injury, £2,250 for a head injury, £5,105 for another head injury, £1,000 for a chest injury and £1,100 for burn injuries. A further claim for stress was denied.

Injury claims in 2008/2009 amounted to £10,906.50 with £10,187.50 for a dog bite, a £369 for a head injury and £350 for stress. One injury claim for a leg injury was denied and six out of seven claims made during the year are ongoing.

A total of £4,166.50 was paid out in 2009/2010 for a head injury, with the other three injury claims made during the year, for a foot injury, back injury and wrist injury, ongoing.

As the majority of the claims were ongoing, the force could not speculate over trends and the figures listed, a Gwent Police spokeswoman said.

£500,000 accident claim won by delivery driver

25/01/2011 19:10:01

A personal injury claim of £500,000 was won by a man, who suffered an accident at work, with the assistance of compensation solicitors.

The victim, a delivery driver received the pay out after falling from a van while at work.

Colin White, 53, fell from the vehicle while in north York close to the outer ring road in 2005, suffering injuries.
White, of Altrincham, was using a van with a tail lift – which himself and a colleague had not been trained to operate – when he fell after stepping back onto the platform to find that the tail lift had been moved, according to claim solicitors.

Following the fall, the father of two was rendered temporarily paralyzed and is now in constant pain. He has also been informed that he cannot work again.

Furthermore, Nestle last year paid out a six-figure injury at work claim to a member of staff, Susan Ashe, who had a section of a limb amputated after an accident in a company warehouse.

Personal injury compensation secured by stable hand

25/01/2011 19:08:19

GBP 10,000 in personal injury compensation was awarded to a stable hand following an accident with a horse.

The victim, Johnathon Frazer had been working on the yard of renowned racing trainer Tim Easterby in North Yorkshire when the accident occurred in May 2008.

Mentioning that he had expressed concerns regarding a particular horse that was posing problems when it came to controlling it, but was sent out on it the following day.

Mr Frazer was slammed into a tree while trying to turn the horse, which bolted.

Besides a severe concussion, the victim suffered a shoulder injury and cuts and bruises to his body.

Taking legal action against Mr Easterby for failing to protect him, the parties have now agreed upon an out-of-court settlement for personal injury compensation worth GBP 10,000.

Mr Frazer thanked the National Association of Stable Staff for its support in securing the compensation.

As statistics from the British Horse Society - published in the medical journal Spinal Cord - show serious injuries to the nervous system are the most dangerous type of injury to horse riders and many people affected by them never get better, the victim may be considered fortunate in that he was able to recover.

There are eight accidents a day in the UK involving horses, many of which involve severe head injuries.

Ex-security guard seeks injury compensation of £300k

25/01/2011 18:36:40

A personal injury compensation claim of £300,000 is sought by a man from his former employer after a robbery incident at his place of work left him with a bullet lodged in his body.

The victim, Arthur Leckenby, who is 53 years old, was shot at a branch of the Bank of Scotland in Kilmarnock - an urban area in East Ayrshire located around 75 miles away from capital Edinburgh - in May 2006, by an armed criminal during a raid on the bank.

Still nursing a bullet in his body, Mr Lackenby, - told the Court of Session in Edinburgh that a bulletproof vest would have "easily" prevented it from entering his abdomen, the news source continued.

However, he was denied a body amour when asked to respond as part of a security team to the incident, which was handled by Manchester-based company Brinks.

The victim is pursuing a damages claim of £300,000 against the firm following the incident.

Injured paratrooper gets £1.7 million personal injury compensation.

25/01/2011 18:29:05

A paratrooper was awarded £1.7 million by the Ministry of Defense (MoD) in personal injury compensation after losing a leg while serving in Afghanistan.

A corporal in the 3rd Battalion, sergeant Stuart Pearson, Parachute Regiment, after being injured by an anti-personnel mine opted to start court proceedings for personal injury compensation as it turned out that British aircraft did not feature the equipment to winch soldiers to safety.

The victim’s leg had to be amputated by Healthcare professionals following the incident and experts believe there is a 70 per cent chance he could lose his right limb also.

A further personal injury compensation claim can be made by Mr Pearson, who was handed the Queen's Gallantry Medal for his services to his country.

The accident happened while the soldier was trying to rescue an injured colleague.

MoD, last year, accepted liability for a helicopter crash in 2007 and may be forced to hand out up to £1 million in personal injury compensation to survivors.

Delivery driver awarded GBP 500k personal injury compensation

25/01/2011 17:45:05

GBP 500,000 was awarded to a delivery driver after an accident at work that left him with constant pain.

The driver, Colin White, 53, from Altrincham, suffered the accident in 2005 while working for Home and Retail Deliveries in York.

Provided with a tail lift to get items of furniture out of the back of their van, he and a colleague hadn’t undergone training on its usage. As a result, Mr. White while stepping backwards on to the lift, found it to have been moved and fell, hitting the back of his neck on the metal.

Suffering serious injuries and temporary paralysis, the victim was told that he will never work again due to the constant pain he is now in.

To cover pain, suffering and future lost earnings, the victim took legal action against his former employer and has now been awarded in excess of GBP 500,000 in personal injury compensation.

All employers are required by law to ensure their staff - including self-employed contractors - are clearly instructed and trained for their duties, according to the Health and Safety Executive.

This includes providing information on what hazards and risks they may face, how to deal with them and what to do in case of an emergency.

Anyone who has been involved in a workplace accident that they believe was not their fault should seek the advice of a solicitor specializing in personal injury claims.

Personal Injury Compensation May be Claimed for a Number of Road Traffic Accidents

24/01/2011 14:29:42

There have been a number of road traffic accidents recently for which the victims could make a personal injury compensation claim, and all have been in one area.

There were 30 road traffic accidents in Dorset on the 21st January, as icy conditions created havoc amongst road users.

A number of people suffered personal injury and may now be able to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Inspector Bob Jacobs of Dorset Police said "The message to motorists once again is please, please slow down. You will not see the ice and by the time you know you've hit it, it will be too late."

Family of Man Who Died of Mesothelioma May Make Compensation Claim

24/01/2011 14:25:53

The family of a man who was killed by mesothelioma may seek to make a personal injury compensation claim after the coroner's report confirmed that the death was related to asbestos.

William Paskin died aged 79 of mesothelioma, a cancer which had lain dormant in his body for several decades.

It is believed that Mr Paskin was exposed to asbestos while working as a welder between 1961 and 1971, though he moved between a variety of companies at the time.

His family may now be able to claim for personal injury compensation against all of his former employers.

Woman May Seek Personal Injury Compensation After Road Traffic Accident

24/01/2011 14:15:56

A woman who was injured in a road traffic accident recently may choose to make a personal injury compensation claim if it is found that the accident was not her fault.

Emergency services were called to an accident on the A414 recently, and attended to a woman who had suffered what were described as "serious arm injuries."

Three other people escaped the collision without any injury, but it is likely that the injured woman will seek the advice of claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Stable Hand Granted Personal Injury Compensation for Work Accident

24/01/2011 14:08:45

A stable hand has been granted personal injury compensation after he suffered a head injury in a terrible work accident.

Johnathan Frazer was granted £10,000 in personal injury compensation after the work accident in which he was hurt riding a horse that he had previously told his manager he was likely unable to control.

In addition to the personal injury to his head, Mr Frazer also suffered personal injury to his shoulder when the animal ran into a tree in May 2008.

He decided to contact claims solicitors after the work accident.

Children Awarded Personal Injury Compensation for Exam Incident

24/01/2011 14:02:42

A number of pupils from a school in Kent have been awarded personal injury compensation after an incident during an exam which left a number of them suffering personal injury, including cuts and bruises.

The accident occured at the Minister College in Kent when a heating duct fell from the ceiling of the school's sports hall.

In addition to the six who successfully claimed for their personal injury, a number of other pupils also suffered from shock and may make a personal injury compensation claim in the future.

Sam Stickings, a student at the school, described the incident as like it "was happening in slow motion" as a large part of the duct landed in an aisle between desks of those present.

Delivery Driver Receives Six Figure Personal Injury Compensation

24/01/2011 13:55:43

A man has received £500,000 in personal injury compensation after he fell from his van in a terrible work accident.

Colin White suffered the personal injury while making deliveries in York. He had been operating a tail lift on the van for which neither man had been trained to use.

Mr White stepped backwards from the van while unloading furniture, epxecting the tail lift to be there. However it wasn't and he fell, suffering personal injury including temporary paralysis in the work accident. He still suffers pain from the work accident to this day, meaning that he may never return to work again.

Demolition Worker Suffers Personal Injury in Garage Fall

24/01/2011 13:45:16

A demolition worker from Grimsby has suffered a terrible personal injury when he fell through the roof of a garage that he had been helping to demolish.

The man, who remains anonymous, had been working for H. Cope and Sons Ltd when the garage roof he was standing on collapsed. He suffered personal injury in the fall, including a shattered leg and a broken wrist.

He required surgery after the incident and an investigation by the HSE revealed a number of violations that led to the demolitions company being fined £12,000.

It is unknown at this point if the man intends to contact personal injury lawyers over the work accident.

ASDA Fined Over Employee's Work Accident

24/01/2011 13:36:12

ASDA have received a fine from the Health and Safety Executive after a worker was involved in a work accident that left her suffering a personal injury.

Shelly Quinn suffered a fractured jaw when a warehouse door moved unexpectedly, hitting her on the head in the process. ASDA were subsequently fined £20,000 by the HSE for violations of Health and Safety Regulations.

An investigation has also revealed that the door was known to have been malfunctioning for some time before the work accident and should have been much more promptly fixed, making the work accident avoidable.

The woman has now made a full recovery from the personal injury and it is unknown if she has been in contact with claims solicitors.

Woman Receives Personal Injury Compensation for Pothole Cycling Accident

24/01/2011 13:29:13

A hairdresser who suffered personal injury in a cycling accident when hey bicycle struck a pothole in the road was received £7,350 in personal injury compensation.

Lauren Wilkinson was seventeen at the time of the incident, in which she was catapulted over her own handlebars and broke her jaw.

She proceeded to approach claims solicitors, who made a personal injury compensation claim against the City Council of York due to their negligence in clearing the road of potholes.

The council denied liability and appealed against the intial compensation decision. However they lost the subsequent appeal, allowing the cyclist to claim her personal injury compensation.

Mother Wins Personal Injury Compensation for Amputation Error

24/01/2011 13:22:35

A mother from North Wales has won what is believed to be a five figure personal injury compensation sum after a case of medical negligence in which surgeons mistankenly removed her right leg.

Michelle Richards was told by doctors that she was suffering from a rare bone disease and that she would need to have her leg amputated to stop the infection.

However a post-op examination of the leg bone showed no signs of an infection, with Mrs Richards simply being told "Sorry there’s been a mistake."

Mrs Richards also suffers from spina bifida and was said to be devestated by the mistake, prompting her to contact claims solicitors and make the personal injury compensation claim.

Carphone Warehouse Fined After Toddler is Scalded

24/01/2011 12:11:58

The Carphone Warehouse has received a fine from the Health and Safety Executive after a three year old suffered a scalding personal injury at the Swindon branch of the store.

They have been ordered to pay a £6,000 fine with additional costs after admittiing violations of Health and Safety Regulations.

The toddler scalded herself on the chin and chest when she attempted to drink water from a dispensing machine in the store. The water was hot however, much to the dismay of the workers who believed that the water was cold.

Further investigation also discovered that a child proof button was not operational on the dispenser at the time of the accident.

The company is now also discussing personal injury compensation with the girl's family and their claims solicitors.

Teenager Wins Personal Injury Compensation for Oxygen Starvation at Birth

24/01/2011 11:58:22

A teenager has been awarded personal injury compensation after claims solicitors successfully argued that it was medical negligence that led to her being starved of oxygen at birth.

Sophie Taylor will receive £5.3 million in personal injury compensation after she was left with severe cerebral palsy when her birth was delayed by medics.

Her mother made the medical negligence compensation claim, stating that if the birth had been made just six minutes earlier, Sophie would never have suffered her injuries.

The money will be used to provide for Sophie's long term care, including modifications of their home to allow for suitable living conditions.

A spokesperson for the NHS Trust apologised to the family and promised improvements to the maternity service.

Road Traffic Accident Victim Receives Personal Injury Compensation

24/01/2011 11:52:05

A young boy who was the victim of a terrible hit and run road traffic accident, has won a personal injury compensation claim in which he was granted £14,000 in compensation.

Liam Brickell was just three when he was struck by an uninsured and disqualified driver when crossing the road while accompanied by his mother.

Liam suffered serious personal injury in the road traffic accident, including head injuries and internal injuries, resulting in him being treated in a high dependency unit.

His family claim they will use some of the personal injury compensation to fund plastic surgery to cover the scarring on Liam's face.

In addition to the compensation, the driver of the vehicle was also sentenced to two years in jail and banned from driving for five years.

Teenager Wins Compensation Claim With Help From Birth Injury Solicitors

24/01/2011 11:42:29

A teenager has won personal injury compensation after birth injury lawyers successfully argued that her birth had been subject to gross medical negligence.

The girl, who is currently thirteen, has been awarded a sum in the region of £8 million after a delay by hospital staff to recognise that Ayesha Canning-Kishver had contracted two super-bugs after a premature birth led to the girl being left close to death.

The NHS Trust denied the claims of medical negligence but the High Court decided that the NHS were liable.

The personal injury compensation will be split into a lump sum and regular annual payments that will continue for the rest of her life.

BUPA Care Home Fined for Medical Negligence

24/01/2011 11:32:03

BUPA have been fined £150,000 by the Health and Safety Executive after a case of medical negligence led them to fail in protecting an old woman who later died of personal injuries.

Brigid O'Callaghan was found dead on October 28th 2005 when she was strangled by her wheelchair lap belt. The court heard that there was a "degree of sloppiness" at Amberley Court Nursing Home at the time of the incident, leading to the woman being left unattended.

Judge Robert Juckes QC described the medical nagligence claim, stating "Plainly there was a falling away from the standards which the defendants in this case do set for nurses. Inspections both before and after the death demonstrate there was a degree of sloppiness in the running of the house in the months leading up to the death."

It is now possible that the family of the woman may approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim for the fatal accident.

GlaxoSmithKline to Pay Out £2.2 Billion in Personal Injury Compensation

24/01/2011 11:18:07

GlaxoSmithKline, the world renowned drugs giant, has been forced to pay £2.2 billion in personal injury compensation claims due to product liability cases related to its diabetes drug Avandia.

The personal injury compensation follows a £1.57 billion bill in the second financial quarter of the year to handle the legal costs of dealing with the various personal injury compensation cases.

The calls for compensation were made after it was revealed that Avandia may harm health, including increasing the risk of a heart attack.

GSK has said it remains determined to do all it could to reduce the risk of further litigation, stating "We recognise that this is a significant charge, but we believe the approach we are taking to resolve long-standing legal matters is in the company's best interests."

Quarry Owner Fined After Man Suffers Broken Leg in Work Accident

24/01/2011 11:08:21

A quarry owner has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after a work accident that left a forklift driver with a broken leg.

The driver suffered the personal injury, in which his leg was broken in two places, when pieces of stone pre-cut into a block fell onto him at a quarry in Moreton-in-Marsh.

Stanley's Quarry was fined £5,000 for violations of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, in addition to almost £9,000 in costs when the court was told that the blocks which fell on Mr Enston were not properly stabilised.

Mr Enston was also alone at the time and was only able to alert others to his situation when he climbed into the cab of his forklift and sounded the horn.

It is unknown at this point if he intends to contact Claims Solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Firm Fined For Failing to Protect Workers from Asbestos

24/01/2011 10:58:26

A property management firm has been fined £30,100 after it failed to prevent its staff from being exposed to asbestos fibres.

MA Estates pleaded guilty to a series of charges relating to the incorrect removal of asbestos from a site that it was working on. This led to workers potentially being exposed to the fibres, which may cause them problems in the future as asbestos is linked to mesothelioma.

The HSE were called to the premises on which the company was working after a call from a local business who suspected that the materials they were stripping from a roof may contain asbestos.

The subsequent investigation found that the company had failed to carry out an asbestos survey or run any risk assessment for the task.

In addition to the fine, the company may also face personal injury compensation claims from its employees in the future should any issues arise from the asbestos exposure.

Brazilian Woman Wins Personal Injury Compensation for Medical Negligence

24/01/2011 10:43:21

A Brazilian woman who was left brain damaged has won a personal injury compensation claim after it was ruled that the doctor treating her displayed medical negligence in failing to refer her to hospital in time.

Morwenna Ganz had ben ill for a number of days before finally being submitted to Kingston Hospital, where it was found that she was suffering from bacterial pneumonia.

Ms Ganz claimed that Dr John Lloyd attributed to her current condition after his medical negligence left her unable to speak. She claimed that he delayed too much in sending her to the hospital, a claim that was later upheld in court,

The amount of personal injury compensation that will be received will be discussed by claims solicitors in a later hearing.

Retired Barrister Settles Professional Negligence Personal Injury Compensation Claim

24/01/2011 10:34:05

Retired barrister John Hoggett QC has settled a long running professional negligence compensation claim for £2.6 million.

Hoggett heard that the claim made against him by D Morgan plc was recently settled without admission of liability, with the details forming part of a £40 million ruling made for the construction firm against Mace & Jones.

Mr Justice Coulson also concluded that if damages were due from Mace and Jones, they would not exceed the £2 million plus costs paid by John Hoggett.

The claim was made after Mace and Jones failed to sort out problems relating to planning permission for a quarry granted in 1990.

However, Coulson J said "this large claim was only ever pleaded in outline for years and years, and was not the subject of a comprehensible formulation until recently, when the detail – such as it was – was only provided following an unless order and a good deal of other cajoling from the court.

"In such circumstances, it is not appropriate for a claimant to say to the court: ‘Well, our huge and very late claim has turned out to be fundamentally flawed, but there must have been some loss somewhere and you must do your best with what we have chosen to give you’."

Boat Worker Receives £7.2million Personal Injury Compensation

17/01/2011 14:45:50

A boatyard worker from the Isle of Wight has received a £7.2million personal injury compensation package after a terrible work accident left him suffering catastrophic work injuries.

Kevin Cleightonhills, of Bembridge, had been working for Bembridge Marine Ltd when a metal gantry he was standing on collapsed from underneath him. He fell 15 feet to the floor below but managed to stay on his feet. Unfortunately parts of the metal gantry struck him on the head and caused him severe brain injury.

Kevin was given a five percent chance of survival during the ensuing surgery, but managed to pull through. However he will require constant care and support for the rest of his life, despite the ability to lead a fairly active lifestyle.

His claims solicitors claim the compensation will give Kevin peace of mind for the future and his parents have begun a brain injury charity, named 'Headway'.

Petting Farm May pay Millions in Personal Injury Compensation

17/01/2011 14:35:00

A petting farm in Surrey may be forced to pay out millions in personal injury compensation after an outbreak of E.coli that affected 93 people.

The farm is contesting the compensation claim, meaning that those who were taken ill could appraoch claims solicitors and make a personal injury compensation claim against the company. Many of those affected have since developed kidney problems.

The farms owner Jackie Flaherty said that she could not comment on the legal aspects of the E.coli outbreak as this was in the hands of the farms insurers.

Rolls Royce Worker Wins Personal Injury Compensation for Work Accident

17/01/2011 14:16:27

A warehouse worker made a personal injury claim for a work accident that eventually resulted in claims solicitors managing to get him £4,500 personal injury compensation.

The worker had suffered personal injury while packing aeroplane components at the Rolls Royce depot in Sunderland, in which he seriously strained his chest and was unable to go to work for four months.

He had been packing components that weighed around 24kg each and had injured himself while stooping to pick them up.

Mr Pritchard claims he brought the personal injury compensation claim because he felt that Rolls Royce could have done more to ensure his safety in the task.

Birth Injury Child Wins Medical Negligence Personal Injury Compensation

17/01/2011 14:02:39

A teenage boy has successfully claimed personal injury compensation for the medical negligence that led to his birth injury.

Brandon Hudson, of Sunderland, will receive £500,000 in personal injury compensation for the medical negligence, which caused severe damage to his left arm after a doctor exterted too much pressure on it while freeing his head during birth complications.

Brandon is described as effectively one-armed and has difficulty gripping anything with his left hand. His family made the personal injury compensation claim through claims solicitors on his behalf, with the trust eventually admitting 87.5% of liability.

Litter Collector Injured in Work Accident May Approach Claims Solicitors

17/01/2011 13:51:20

A council employed litter collector may look to make a personal injury compensation claim through claims solicitors after he suffered a terrible personal injury when he fell down a well in Mansfield.

The worker, alongside two others, hd been clearing litter away from a wire mesh over the well when, under the mistaken impression that the mesh was being held stable by something underneath, he stepped on it. However, the mesh gave way and the man fell through into the well, suffering a dislocated shoulder and lacerations in the process.

Mansfield District Council were fined £5,000 for breaching the Work at Height Safety Regulations. They may also face a personal injury compensation claim from the worker.

Company Fined After Work Accident Which Nearly Severed Employees Arms

17/01/2011 13:33:04

A company has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after a furniture assembler suffered personal injury in a terrible work accident.

Daniel Gaskin sliced through his own arms with a cross-cut saw that he was using to slice up wooden offcuts in the work accident. he almost completely cut through his own left arm in the accident.

A HSE investigation found that mr Gaskin had only received five minutes training in the use of the saw, which was not suitable for use by a novice.

The company for which he was working received a fine of £12,500 and will also likely face a personal injury compensation claim if Mr Gaskin chooses to approach claims solicitors.

Man Approaches Claims Solicitors About Compensation For Medical Negligence in Leg Amputation

17/01/2011 13:20:41

A man has approached claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim after medical negligence caused him to have a leg amputated when a doctor failed to spot a blood clot that had been forming on his leg.

Brian Dowsett had been suffering severe pain in his leg that had been preventing him from sleeping. He was sent home by an out of hours doctor, despite showing all the signs of arterial blockage.

He was rushed into hospital three days later, where he was forced to have his leg amputated, and he is now making a personal injury compensation claim against the doctor. The doctor responsible has since been struck off the medical register.

Steel Manufacturer Fined for Work Accident and May Face Compensation Claim

17/01/2011 13:09:31

A steel manufacturer has received a fine from the HSE after a worker suffered a terrible work accident in which he was struck by a three tonne processing tank.

Edward Baxter had been working for Wefco when the work accident happened. He was struck by the tank when it became detached from a lifting bracket as it was being hoisted by a crane.

Mr Baxter suffered numerous personal injuries, including broken ribs, pelvis, spine, ankle and leg in addition to a terrible head injury,

The company were fined £15,000 by the HSE for failing to ensure the safety of their employee. They may yet face a personal injury compensation claim from the injured man, who may never return to work again.

Man May Approach Claims Solicitors After Suffering Serious Personal Injury in Work Accident

17/01/2011 13:00:48

A man may look to make a personal injury compensation claim for a terrible work accident in which he was pulled between two rollers, suffering serious friction burns to his arms and upper body that required skin grafts.

The Health and Safety Executive have investigated the incident and revealed that the company had disabled an infrared sensor that was intended to halt the machine if people got to close to it as it had been reacting to paper dust particles.

Elliot's have been fined £27,500 for the work accident after admitting breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Regulations.

The worker will be scarred for life and may look to make a personal injury compensation claim for the work accident.

Claims Solicitors Help 60 People Gain Compensation After Opening of New Bypass in Stoke

17/01/2011 12:07:48

Approximately 60 people have been granted personal injury compensation after approaching claims solicitors over the amount of dust, noise and damage caused by the creation and opening of a new bypass in Stoke.

It is unknown exactly how much has been paid out to families living near the Tunstall Northern Bypass and 53 personal injury compensation claims have aldo been rejected.

There are still 370 residents waiting on news of whether their personal injury compensatino claim will be successful or not.

Pete Price, head of highways, said "Each claimant has appointed an agent to act on their behalf and, where compensation is agreed, they have negotiated the settlement with the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), which is working on behalf of the city council. The remaining claims are yet to be decided on because they are still being discussed. The VOA is working hard to process these as quickly as possible."

American Man Awarded Initial Personal Injury Compensation for Wrongful Imprisonment

17/01/2011 11:59:18

An American man who wrongfully spent 23 years in jail has been granted an initial personal injury compensation payout of $25,000, with more to come in the future.

The personal injury compensation was announced by his claims solicitors, who will ask for a further $90,000 for Robert Lee Stinson's wrongful incarceration.

Stinson has been unable to find a job since release, but states "I’m very grateful we got this outcome. This $25,000 is the first step toward readjusting toward society."

Stinson was wrongfully imprisoned after a supposed dental expert identified bite marks on a murder victim's body as his, despite the face that Stinson was missing a tooth where one was found to have bitten into the victim.

His claims solicitors will now attempt to gain further personal injury compensation for the time he spent in jail.

Catholic Church Fails to Pay Personal Injury Compensation to Abuse Victims

17/01/2011 11:52:03

Recent reports have revealed that the Catholic Church in Ireland has paid only a fraction of the personal injury compensation that it promised to the government last year to compensate victims of sexual abuse in the church, as revealed by the Ryan Report in 2009.

The Ryan Report found that rape and sexual abuse in facilities housing boys was “endemic”. Girls were not subjected to as much sexual abuse as boys, but were physically beaten and humiliated more regularly.

The report also showed that the church knew of the abuse and had simply moved the guilty parties to other institutions to carry on their abuse.

The National Secular Society have revealed that the church have thus far only paid £16.6m of a promised £289m, with none of the property that was part of the agreement having been handed over.

The church also still owe £21.6m for a previous personal injury compensation agreement with the state in 2002 for different abuse claims.

Ruairi Quinn, the Irish Labour Party's education spokesman, stated "I hope that it does not represent an attempt by the Religious Congregations to renege on the agreement and the Government must now insist the pace of payments and transfers is accelerated, particularly given the horrendous economic problems we are facing."

Firework Show Operator Jailed for Failing to Pay Personal Injury Compensation

17/01/2011 11:40:30

A fireworks display organiser has been jailed for 88 days after failing to pay the personal injury compensation due to an employee who was injured in a work accident at one of his displays.

Jason Edgecombe had been ordered to pay £5,000 in personal injury compensation to Chris Hignell after the work accident after a professional grade mortar exploded in his face at a display put on by Edgecombe.

After a campaign by claims solicitors, Edgecombe was ordered to pay personal injury compensation, as well as being handed a suspended jail term for falsifying insurance documentation.

At the end of October he failed to pay a £200 installment of personal injury compensation to Mr Hignell, and later failed to appear at a court hearing on a charge of breaching his suspended sentence.

He was jailed for 88 days for failure to pay the personal injury compensation at Bristol Magistrate's Court.

Residents of Scottish Village Contact Claims Solicitors After Month Without Water

17/01/2011 11:32:59

The residents of Lanarkshire in Scotland have contacted Claims Solicitors as they plan to sue for personal injury compensation from Scottish Water after spending a month without water.

About 30 houses in the area were left without water when underground pipes which supplied the village were frozen by bad weather in December.

A group of homeowners are now seeking to claim injury compensation for the incident and have approached claims solicitors after they were initially told the problem rested with their own pipes raher than being the responsibility of the water company. They want compensation for the cost of hiring plumbers with no need and the day to day cost of going without water for a month.

One man, retired driver Reg Moulder, 86, only had his supply fully restored on January 2nd. He said "It first went off on December 8 and came back on again on the 14th, before going off again on the 21st. I rang up Scottish Water on two occasions and they said someone would phone me back, but I waited in all day and no one called, no one came out.

"I had to use my neighbour’s house, but that’s quite an inconvenience. You don’t really feel right having a bath in someone else’s house. I’ve lived here for 21 years and that’s the first time I’ve had this problem."

£800,000 in Personal Injury Compensation Claimed for Lost Post in Scotland

17/01/2011 11:21:54

30,000 people have received a total of £800,000 in personal injury compensation from the Royal Mail for improperly delivered post between January 2009 and January 2010.

The company were forced to apologise after they received over 84,000 complaints in Scotland alone for lost, damaged or mis-delivered mail between those months.

A spokesman for Royal Mail said "The amount of complaints received last year is a small percentage of the mailbag we deal with every day. Obviously, we apologise to any customer whose mail is lost or missing, and they will receive compensation if it is required."

Consumer Focus Scotland, the postal watchdog, added "If you consider that Royal Mail delivers on average around five million items every working day in Scotland and around 30 million items every week, then the number of complaints is remarkably low. However, every consumer who makes a complaint feels he or she has been let down by Royal Mail, which everyone relies on to get it right every single day. We know that Royal Mail has been working hard to reduce the number of complaints it receives. The compensation it pays out to customers when things have gone wrong is money that should be spent on keeping down the cost of postage."

However the company have still had to apologise after the raft of compensation payouts.

Company Fined By HSE and Pay Work Accident Compensation After Glass Crush Work Accident

17/01/2011 11:10:31

A company has been fined £80,000 by the Health and Safety Executive, in addition to paying £10,000 in personal injury compensation, after an employee was crushed to death in a terrible work accident.

Vitalijus Orlovas became trapped under a heavy sheet of glass at Arken POP's site in Cambridgeshire. Despite fellow worker's attempts to free him, he was tragically crushed to death in the work accident, alongside another employee who had his hand crushed by the glass.

The firm admitted breaches of health and safety regulations, with Judge Sean enright stating "It seems to me death or injury was foreseeable." He also ordered a full account of the incident and actions taken be sent to the man's family.

Mr Orlovas had been hired by the firm to help unload glass that had been packaged incorrectly and thus couldn't be removed via machine. He worked alongside two other men, including a Gambian man named Seedy Kinteh.

Ruth Barber, on behalf of the HSE, descibed how Mr Kinteh heard a scream as the accident happened, stating "Mr Kinteh put out his hands to try to stop the glass, but it carried on falling on Mr Orlovas who was pinned across his chest between the falling glass and the remaining container opposite it. Mr Kinteh’s right hand was trapped between the fallen glass on the pallet and the other side of the container."

It is unknown if Mr Kinteh will make a personal injury compensation claim for the work accident through claims solicitors.

Claims Solicitors Earn Bus Driver Personal Injury Compensation

17/01/2011 10:53:46

Claims Solicitors have gained personal injury compensation to the tune of £8,000 for a former driver with bus company Stagecoach after the firm were found to be guilty of discriminating against the man.

Paul Smith attained personal injury compensation for disability discrimination and unfair dismissal after an employment tribunal, despite it being decided that his actions played a part in his dismissal.

Mr Smith had begun experiencing back pain in 2008, forcing him to take time off work. The problem happened again in May 2009 and, a month later, doctors gave him a continuous certificate of sickness absence after a road traffic accident exacerbated his back problems.

The company offered him the position of conductor in an attempt to get him back to work, however Mr Smith turned it down and was given 12 week's notice of dismissal soon after for his bad attitude.

A spokeswoman for Stagecoach said "We are disappointed in the outcome of the tribunal. However we note that the panel did find that, although the claimant was dismissed prematurely, he would have been fairly dismissed around two months later in any event. They also found that the claimant had contributed to his dismissal."

Family of Brit Murdered in Texas Struggle to Gain Personal Injury Compensation

17/01/2011 10:35:50

The family of a British man who was murdered while road-tripping across America are fighting for personal injury compensation after all attempts thus far have been blocked by Texas' Crime Victim's Compensation Fund due to the victim not being American.

Thomas Reeve had been enjoying his holiday when he was killed during a robbery in Amarillo. He left behind a nine month old daughter.

His mother states "We have had nothing but genuine sympathy and understanding from everyone we have dealt with in Amarillo and Texas. But – and it is a huge but – despite the fact that my son was doing absolutely nothing wrong, his daughter will lose out all her life unless we can get some compensation for her."

State law requires a victim be a resident of Texas or the US to qualify for the compensation program, meaning that currently the family's efforts are bearing no fruit.

It is unknown at this point if the family intend to contact claims solicitors to make an accidents abroad personal injury compensation claim.

Van Firm May Face Personal Injury Claim After Platform Fall

17/01/2011 10:24:25

A van firm based in Cardiff may soon face a personal injury compensation claim after the Health and Safety Executive fined them £20,000 after a work accident in which a man fell from a makeshift platform and fractured his hip.

The 21 year old, who was working as a HGV mechanic, was repairing a forklift truck at Fairwood Truck Centre when the accident happened. He had been using a platform fashioned out of wire and screwed to a wooden pallet placed on the forklift truck. However the platform was not fully fixed and collapsed when the man, who wishes to remain anonymous, tried to catch a lightbulb thrown to him.

The man was out of work for a month after the work accident and has had an operation on his hip. He is still unable to run and suffers from continuous pain.

Watts Truck & Van Ltd were fined £20,000 by the Health and Safety Executive after plaeding guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

NHS Managers Criticised for Not Supplying Warnings Over Asbestos in Hospitals

17/01/2011 09:57:09

The Health and Safety Executive have criticisedvarious NHS managers for failing to protect their staff from asbestos exposure within their hospitals. The substance is linked to a number of potentially fatal illnesses, including pleural plaques and mesothelioma, and as such should be treated with care.

However chiefs at Cwm Taf have been told they have until the beginning of March to implement proper protection procedures to manage asbestos on the hospital sites after three previous managers were suspended over asbestos related issues in the past.

In addition to this, Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital has been forced to shut six of its operating theatres for 14 months as they undergo procedures to remove asbestos from the premises.

Inspector Janet Viney said it was "obviously disappointing" that the hospitals had failed to put the proper procedures into place given the possibility for personal injury to both patients and staff.

Eurostar to Pay Out £10 Million in Personal Injury Compensation

10/01/2011 17:04:34

Eurostar will pay out around £10m in personal injury compensation to thousands of passengers who ended up stuck in over Christmas as a result of snow.

Over two thousand people were left stranded in a tunnel after a number of trains broke down due to "the wrong kind of snow", leaving a hundred thousand more passengers affected by cancellations.

Eurostar has issued a letter to customers in which it apologises, stating "I am acutely aware that we have to win back the trust of our customers following the disruption to our services before Christmas. We failed to deliver the standard of service you expect and I apologise unreservedly for the problems that occurred."

A Eurostar spokesperson continued "There were over a hundred thousand people actually affected by the disruptions over the three days, so as a result the compensation we expect to pay is around £10 million."

Jogger Locked in Toilet on Christmas Day Awarded Personal Injury Compensation

10/01/2011 16:51:52

A jogger who was locked in a public toilet on Christmas Day has been granted £500 in personal injury compensation by the local council for the distress caused to him in the incident.

Southwark Council granted the man the compensation after he spent 17 hours in the public toilet in south east london. The man was forced to wrap himself in a bin liner underneath a hand dryer to keep warm.

He was trapped from 4.30pm on Christmas Eve until 9.30am on Christmas Day when an attendant failed to check if anybody was in the toilet before locking it.

Man Awarded Compensation for Tinnitus Personal Injury

10/01/2011 16:38:20

A man has been granted £12,000 in personal injury compensation after his former employer admitted liability for causing the tinnitus that the man claims plagues his life to such an extent that he will now require hearing aids for the rest of his life.

The 46 year old had worked in a warehouse operating pump-trucks for his employer, stating "The noise was constant, mainly from a battery operated ‘pump truck’ which I operated to lift pallets from the back of trucks. The pump truck had hard nylon wheels and had to run over a kind of metal bridge between the warehouse floor and the rear of the lorry. There was additional noise from things like metal carrying cages which rattled along and the cumulative effect was literally deafening. Despite this, we were given no form of ear protection until we suddenly got given some in the summer of 2007."

The man eventually approached claims solicitors when he found that he was asking people to repeat themselves and he had a constant ringing in his ears.

Parents of Child Who Suffered Whiplash in Coach Accident May Make Personal Injury Claim

10/01/2011 16:19:58

The parents of a child who suffered whiplash during a school trip may approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim for the accident after he had to be airlifted to hospital.

The child suffered the whiplash injury when a coach taking children to a school trip crashed into several walls and fences in Wales.

The coach driver, named as Stuart Unwin, aged 38, apparently continued his journey up a narrow mountain road, despite having a burst tyre. This eventually led to the accident. He was apparently led up the road by his sat nav system and didn't stop despite pleas from children and teachers.

Family of Man Who Died of Mesothelioma May Make Compensation Claim

10/01/2011 15:37:12

The family of a man who died of asbestos related cancer mesothelioma may approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim after it was confirmed that the man was exposed to asbestos unlawfully.

Raymond Wilson, aged 79 at the time of his death, had apparently come into contact with the substance "for decades without protection".

Mr Wilson had formerly worked for ICI, a chemical plant company, for many years before he was warned about the dangers of asbestos and how it may affect him in the late 1980's.

As a result of the exposure, Mr Wilson eventually contracted mesothelioma, with the coroner finding "traces of both the blue and brown types of asbestos" in his system.

Oil Rig Worker May Seek Personal Injury Compensation for Work Accident

10/01/2011 15:29:10

A man who suffered terrible personal injury, including severe burns and scarring, in a work accident has claimed that he will contact claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim for the injuries that he suffered.

Clark Longmuir suffered 20% burns to his eyes, face, left leg and hands in a terrible work accident at an offshore oil rig in July 2006. He had to be airlifted to hospital after the accident, where he was placed into an induced coma for two weeks and also suffered a stroke as a result of his injuries.

His employer, Maersk Drilling, offered him a compensation package for his work injury, however Mr Longmuir deemed it unacceptable and contacted claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim.

He claims "I just want a better offer from them and then I can get on with my life."

Bus Driver May Seek Personal Injury Compensation for Whiplash Injury

10/01/2011 15:19:07

A bus driver may look to claim personal injury compensation after a road traffic accident led to him suffering whiplash. The driver of the single decker Arriva bus crasjed into a wall in Teesdale last week after skidding on the road.

An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the accident and, if found to not be the driver's fault, the bus driver may be able to contact claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim for his whiplash injury.

There were no passengers on board the bus at the time of the incident.

Family May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Mother Dies in House Fire

10/01/2011 15:05:39

The family of a woman who died in a fire may approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim after firefighters at the scene said the blaze may have been caused by a faulty Christmas light.

Frances Austin was killed by the blaze that engulfed her home and she likely suffered severe personal injury, including burns and extensive scarring. Mrs Austin was trapped in the upstairs of the house, while her son and husband managed to escape from the downstairs area of the home.

“The intensity of the fire was increased because the family had a real Christmas tree in their home which unfortunately dried out over the Christmas period," commented Andy Bates, manager of Warwickshire Fire Service.

Three Workers Suffer Work Accident Falling Off Same Roof

10/01/2011 14:34:36

IN a bizarre accident, three workers have all suffered personal injury in a work accident that saw all three of them fall off the roof of the same industrial unit in Wakefield.

The incidents occured within weeks of each other, two involving Bizspace Investments employees;

A caretaker who fell through a skylight while cleaning guttering. He suffered personal injuries including broken ribs and sever bruising.

An employee who was sent out to photograph the accident scene of the first work accident fell through a seperate skylight and suffered minor personal injury.

A man who was sent to repair the skylights three weeks later by Massey Roofing and Building Contractors fell from the roof and suffered serious personal injury to his spine that has ledft him paralysed.

Bizspace Investments Ltd were fined £5,000 by the Health and Safety Executive for violations of the Health and Safety at Work Act. Anthony Massey escaped a fine but received a conditional discharge.

It is unknown at this point if any of the workers involved intend to make a personal injury compensation claim via a claims solicitor for the work accident.

Widow Awarded Personal Injury Compensation for Husband's Asbestos Related Death

10/01/2011 14:22:35

A widow has been granted personal injury compensation of £74,000 after her husband passed away from asbestos related cancer mesothelioma.

George Combe had been exposed to the asbestos fibres when he was employed as an apprentice turner at John Brown Engineering during the late fifties and sixties.

Mr Combe had already been in touch with claims solicitors before he died as he attempted to gain compensation for the asbestos exposure, however he died before completing the compensation claim.

His widow, Majorie, continued the claim and eventually gained £74,000 in personal injury compensation for the asbestos exposure. She said that she was pleased that the company had been forced to pay for what they did to an innocent man.

Joiner May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Work Accident

10/01/2011 12:58:27

A joiner may make a personal injury compensation claim after he suffered an injury to his hand when it was dragged into a moulding machine in a terrible work accident.

David Head had been working as a bench joiner for G J Bream & Son Ltd when his left hand came into contact with the cutting blades of a moulding machine, causing his index finger and thumb to be severed.

Fortunately Mr Head's digits were successfully re-attached, however he will never regain full manoeuvrability in his damaged hand after the work accident.

The company he worked for have ben fined £10,000 by the HSE, with the accident being described as totally avoidable. It is unknown is Mr Head will contact claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Welsh Police Pay £280,000 Personal Injury Compensation to Force Members

10/01/2011 12:08:31

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act have revealed that around £280,000 has been paid in personal injury compensation to police staff by police forces across Wales between 2007 and 2010.

The figures revealed that 93 personal injury compensation claims were made by police during the period, with Dyfed-Powys Police paying out the most with £94,000 in personal injury compensation since 2007.

The single largest compensation payout was £37,862, made by South Wales Police, and compensation claims included personal injury caused by defective office furniture and objects falling from cupboards.

UNICEF Members Granted £27m in Personal Injury Compensation for Work Accidents Last Year

10/01/2011 11:57:34

UNICEF, the UK's largest public sector worker's union, has confirmed that its members have received a total of £27m in personal injury compensation during the course of 2010. Slips and Trips, road traffic accidents and criminal assaults all made up compensation claims that led to the multi-million pound total.

Other personal injury cases that resulted in claims solicitors securing personal injury compensation included a man who hurt his foot while pushing a bin down a slope, a council worker who broke his foot and ankle while unhitching a trailer and a nursery nurse who was injured by a falling metal door.

The majority of the accidents could have been avoided, however poor health and safety practices led to the large amount of work accidents.

NHS Pays Out £200,000 Personal Injury Compensation for Faulty Contraceptives

10/01/2011 11:43:24

Recent statistics have shown that the National Health Service have been forced to pay out over £200,000 in personal injury compensation after claims of unwanted pregnanices stemming from faults in a contraceptive device.

The implant, known as Implanon, is a matchstick sized implant that is inserted just below the skin of the upper arm and is intended to slowly release the hormone progesterone, preventing pregnancy for three years if properly inserted.

However recent statistics have revealed that there have been over 1600 complaints about the device, many of which have come from doctors who complain that the implant is difficult to insert and could not be checked once inserted.

The implant is being held responsible for at least 584 unwanted pregnancies and the NHS has thus far paid out around £200,000 in personal injury compensation because of the device.

Grandmother May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Fall

10/01/2011 11:28:33

A pensioner has suffered personal injury after she fell through the floor of a local shop, falling 10 feet when the floorboards that she was standing on collapsed from under her.

Ellen Williams may approach claims solicitors after it was revealed that she broke her foot in the fall. The break has seriously affected her mobility and may never fully recover due to Mrs Williams' age. She now has to rely on family members to do her shopping for her.

Her family have now taken legal advice from claims solicitors and may look to make a personal injury compensation claim on Mrs Williams behalf.

North Eastern Hospitals Pay Out £102m in Personal Injury Compensation Over Three Years

10/01/2011 11:20:10

A recent freedom of information request has revealed that hospitals in the North East of the country have paid out around £102m in personal injury compensation for medical negligence over the past three years.

The figures revealed that City Hospitals Sunderland paid out a total of £16.6m over the period, while Northumbria Healthcare was close behing, paying out £15.8m in personal injury compensation over the period.

The highest amount of compensation in an individual case was £3.5m for a child who suffered brain damage as a result of a birth injury, while other compensation payouts were made for injuries as diverse as having the wrong wisdom tooth removed and failure by doctors to identify lung cancer.

Council Fined For Fluid Death

10/01/2011 11:10:18

East Sussex County Council have been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after their negligence led to a man with Down's Syndrome dying when he drank what he thought was orange juice but was actually dishwasher fluid at a centre for adults with learning disabilities.

Colin Wood drank the fluid believing that it was orange juice, however the sodium hydroxide within the dishwasher fluid gradually eroded his internal organs, making it difficult for him to eat and eventually causing his death.

The court also heard five other people drank the fluid and are still suffering from related problems. They may look to make personal injury compensation claims through claims solicitors for the incident, in which all six immediately began vomiting and coughing up blood after drinking the fluid.

£300,000 in Personal Injury Compensation Awarded to Family of Man Who Died During Drugs Trial

10/01/2011 10:46:57

The family of a man who died during a drug trial at University College London have been granted £300,000 in personal injury compensation after the man received twice the amount of prescribed chemotherapy for testicular cancer.

Gary Foster suffered lung damage as a result of the error, described as "an accidental healthcare event" by the college.

His family approached claims solicitors to reach a settlement with the UCLH NHS Trust, with their personal injury solicitor stating there has been "a systemic failure in the setting up, running and monitoring" of the trial.

The solicitor continues "Mr Foster enrolled on the trial in the hope that it would improve his chances of successfully recovering from his testicular cancer."

NHS May Face Personal Injury Compensation Claims Due to 'Inferior' Night Time Birth Facilities

10/01/2011 10:40:56

A recent report has revealed that pregnant women giving birth at night time are apparently offered an inferior service due to junior staff being on duty. This may pave the way for women to make personal injury compensation claims against hospitals in the cases of medical negligence or mistakes caused by staff inexperience.

Dr Tony Falconer, one of Britain's top maternity doctors, recently said in an interview with The Guardian "Obstetric care isn't the same at 3am as it is at 3pm, and it should be. This is a matter of huge concern."

He added "Care overnight isn't as robust as it is at it is at 9am or 2pm. It's not as good. At 2am, you do not have the same experience."

He also pointed out that junior doctors do not have the skill or training to use forceps or a vacuum to ease a child's birth if they are needed.

He continued "One of the ironies of the health service, and this view is shared by very senior people, is this culture that the NHS basically runs at one level for 40 hours a week, and at a completely different level for the rest of the week."

He believes that there may be a disproportionate amount of personal injury compensation claims made through claims solicitors for medical negligence cases stemming from night time incidents.

Mother May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Hospital Fed Baby Wrong Breast Milk

10/01/2011 10:30:32

A mother may approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim after a case of medical negligence has led to the need for a HIV test to be carried out on the woman's premature baby after the baby was twice given breast milk that wasn't intended for her.

Zene Yates was fed a stranger's breast milk through a tube while at the neonatal ward in Lewisham Hospital. Nurses discovered the blunder as she was being fed, however a second mistake was made when the girl's mother, Sarah, was sent home with a bottle of somebody else's breast milk.

Mrs Yates told the London Evening Standard: "We were devastated at the thought of what diseases she could have been given. It would have been a nightmare."

A hospital spokesperson commented "We have apologised to Mr and Mrs Yates, and made improvements to how we store and manage breast milk in the neonatal intensive care unit to reduce the risk of this happening again. This includes making sure that all bottles of frozen breast milk which are being taken home are individually checked by two nurses to ensure that they are for the named baby."

The child has since tested negative for any illnesses, however the hospital may yet face a medical negligence compensation claim.

Street Preacher Receives Personal Injury Compensation

04/01/2011 14:25:19

A preacher who was arrested for supposedly making homophobic remarks in a street sermon has been granted £7,000 in personal injury compensation after he sued the police force for unlawful imprisonment and breach of human rights.

Dale McAlpine of Workington claims that his sermon contained no reference to homosexuality however he was still warned by a community support officer that he would be arrested if he made homophobic comments.

Dale McAlpine, of Emmanuel Church, Workington, was arrested on the 20th April this year in the town centre for supposedly making homophobic remarks whilst making a sermon.

Mr McAlpine said he was taken to Workington police station and was kept in a cell for almost eight hours before he was charged with using threatening, abusive or insulting words to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Teacher to Receive Personal Injury Compensation for Student Attack

04/01/2011 14:16:00

A teacher is set to receive a personal injury compensation payout totalling £280,000 after she was assaulted by a teenage pupil, leaving her with permanent back pain.

Sharon Lewis was 26 when the 13 year old jumped on her back and put her in a headlock, eventually causing her to fall to the floor and hitting a wall and window.

She was attacked at a school for pupils with learning difficulties in Nottingham five years ago, ending her career and causing her much distress.

The compensation sum is believed to be the largest ever awarded to a teacher.

Birmingham Man Dies Due to Medical Negligence

04/01/2011 13:55:51

A man from Birmingham has died after he was given an overdose of Amphotericin in a terrible case of medical negligence while he was a patient at Heartlands Hospital in 2007.

Paul Richards was undergoing chemotherapy at the time and ended up being given five times the recommended dosage of the anti-fungal drug, which eventually caused his death.

His wife was granted a six figure compensation sum for the fatal accident but she said "No amount of money can ever give me and my children the wonderful husband and father we had. What we are going through will be with us for life and no amount of money can ever change that."

Soldiers Who Suffer Military Injury to Receive Double Personal Injury Compensation

04/01/2011 13:37:04

Defence Ministers have elected to double the amount of personal injury compensation received by members of the armed forces who have suffered a military injury from £285,000 to £570,000 after claims that civilians receive much higher compensation sums for similar injuries.

Around 140 soldiers will receive the additional compensation within the next few days, with Defrence Minister Kevan Jones stating "Our armed forces are inspirational and they deserve the very best support – that is why I am determined to see through the package of measures we announced in the Service Personnel Command paper. This increase in our compensation package will be a great boost to our injured personnel and their families."

Lincolnshire Schools Award Thousands in Personal Injury Compensation

04/01/2011 13:12:17

It has been revealed that over the past five years schools in the Lincolnshire area have awarded thousands of pounds in personal injury compensation to students who have suffered personal injury while at school.

Damages awarded were between £1,000 and £14,000, including compensation for a child involved in an accident with fixtures and fittings.

16 successful cases have been brought in five years, totalling £85,000 in personal injury compensation payouts.

Debbie Barnes, assistant director of children's services at the county council, said: "If we receive a direct letter for claims against an injury or it is passed on to us from a school, we will look at the case carefully and form an opinion on liability."

Families of Pleural Plaques Victims to Get Compensation

04/01/2011 12:20:46

A large amount of people in the North-East of the country will receive personal injury compensation payments of £5,000 due to suffering from the asbestos related condition pleural plaques.

The Ministry of Justice has made the decision to award the compensation to the loved ones of employees who have passed away as a result of the disease, which is brought about by exposure to asbestos.

However families who made compensation claims after sutomatic payments stopped three years ago will not receive anything.

Labour MP for the Jarrow, Stephen Hepburn, claims "It's a great victory for all involved. It was never just about the money, but the principle," after a campaign led by him and local residents helped to gain the turnaround.

Scottish Bus Company Pays Out £500,000 Compensation Over Three Years

04/01/2011 11:54:36

Lothian Buses, a bus company based in Scotland, has revealed that it has paid out around £500,000 in personal injury compensation over the last three years to people who have suffered a personal injury while using one of its buses.

A freedom of information request showed the majority of injuries claimed for occurred inside the bus as it was travelling, with a total of 2,045 cases being filed over the three year period.

A spokesman for Lothian Buses said: "With a business which last year carried well over 100 million passengers there are bound to be a number of accidents."

Man May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim for Whiplash

04/01/2011 11:45:39

A man who suffered whiplash in a road traffic accident which involved three other vehicles may make a personal injury compensation claim for the personal injury.

The man was involved in the collision on December 14th that occurred between a Ford Transit van, a Volkswagen Beetle and a blue Ford Focus on Tuesday.

Police are currently searching for the driver of a black Audi, who left the scene. It is not known if any of those involved in the accident have contacted claims solicitors.

Couple Awarded £6,000 in Personal Injury Compensation for Road Traffic Accident

04/01/2011 11:37:10

A couple have been awarded £6,000 in personal injury compensation after they suffered a number of personal injuries in a road traffic accident.

James Brand and his pregnant wife were injured when Damian Pritchard overtook both a lorry and a bus before hitting them head on. They suffered broken bones and whiplash in the incident

Judge Francis Gilbert QC, presiding over the case, told the defendant: "The accident was entirely your fault and it is a miracle that no-one was more seriously injured."

Pritchard will now pay the personal injury compensation in installments.

Man May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim Against Tesco

04/01/2011 11:28:51

A man has claimed that he may make a personal injury compensation claim against supermarket giant Tesco after he suffered a personal injury in a slip and trip accident while fleeing the store as a fire alarm went off.

Robert Ballard, aged 57, slipped on ice in the supermarket car park as he fled the store, aggravating an existing back injury which led to him requiring crutches and morphine for the pain.

He said "I'm unhappy as we were trying to get out due to the fire alarm … I've taken it up with Tesco's head office and I could sue."

Asbestos Widow to Receive Personal Injury Compensation

04/01/2011 11:20:28

A widow from County Durham in Ireland has been granted personal injury compensation for her deceased husband after he passed away from the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma.

Jim Sellwood had been a senior chemistry lecturer at York St John University between 1963 and 1975 and his lectures and lab experiments involved the use of asbestos as advocated by the "Chemistry, Collected Experiments" book released in 1967.

Mr Sellwood contracted mesothelioma in 2008 and died 9 months later, with Mrs Sellwood's claims solicitors claiming that the organisation for which he worked had needlessly exposed employees to asbestos without providing them with proper protection.

The personal injury compensation sum was not revealed.

Pub Landlord Suffers Personal Injury in Work Accident

04/01/2011 11:07:40

A pub landlord may seek to make a personal injury compensation claim after a work accident in which a fryer exploded, causing him severe personal injury in the process.

Colin Purdy suffered serious burns to his upper body when the fryer in the pub kitchen overheated and exploded, showering him in hot oil. He was transferred to Newcastle's Royal Infirmary in a critical condition with burns on 40% of his body.

A spokesperson for the Sizzling Pub Company, owners of the County Hotel, said that the matter was being investigated and added that staff safety at work was a priority.

It is unknown if Mr Purdy intends to make a personal injury compensation claim after the accident.

Grandmother Receives Personal Injury Compensation for CS Gas Attack

04/01/2011 11:01:23

A grandmother has been granted £7,000 in personal injury compensation after CCTV footage showed a police officer spraying her in the face with CS Gas after she has asked him why a person she recognized was being arrested.

Debbie O'Reilly of Dewsbury in West Yorkshire had been out for a meal when the incident occured, leaving her with a number of personal injuries inclulding burns and blisters to her face. She was also arrested and charged with obstructing a police officer.

Ms. O’Reilly described the incident as being the most terrifying moment of her life and stated "It was never about the money, it was just about them admitting they were wrong."

She has yet to receive an apology for the incident.

Fumigation Company Fined After Fatal Work Accident

04/01/2011 10:57:18

A Dutch fumigation company has recieved a fine from the Health and Safety Executive after one of their employees suffered a horrific fatal work accident in a fall.

Robert Schmelter had been installing fumigation units at Anchorage Storage Ltd's premises on behalf of Bergwerff Numansdrop BV when he slipped on a ladder and fell to the floor, striking his head and later dying of his personal injury.

A HSE investigation found that the work had not been properly planned and the company were fined £60,000 in an accident that the inspector claimed was avoidable.

It is unknown if the man's family plan to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Man Paralyzed due to Medical Negligence to Seek Personal Injury Compensation

04/01/2011 10:22:29

A hospital will be forced to pay personal injury compensation for the medical negligence which resulted in a man being left paralysed from the neck down.

Steven Johns of Essex developed a spinal abscess which doctors failed to diagnose, leading to an infection which left him paralyzed from the neck down.

Mr Johns also required a tracheotomy and needed a tube inserted into his neck to help with his breathing. Lewisham Hospital accepted responsibility for the incident and his claims solicitors are now working out a personal injury compensation settlement for Mr Johns.

Disabled Man Awarded Personal Injury Compensation for Slip and Trip on Cracked Step

04/01/2011 10:13:13

A severely disabled man had been awarded £35,000 in personal injury compensation after a slip and trip accident over a cracked step.

Colin Adamson is a double amputee who has to walk with the aid of crutches after a terrible road traffic accident in 2004. He suffered a personal injury to his shoulder after the fall, requiring plates and screws to be inserted into the damaged joint, limiting his mobility in the process.

The friend he was visiting confirmed the steps were cracked and stated it was a "feature of the estate" as local council officials have failed to remedy the problem.

Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan awarded the £35,000 personal injury compensation, adding "The plaintiff sustained a nasty injury which will impede his function in the longer term."

Print Company Fined for Employees Fatal Work Accident

04/01/2011 10:04:32

A worker has suffered a terrible fatal work accident at a printing company after the machine he was workin on was started up by a colleague who didn't know that he was inside it.

Clive Hall was struck on the head and killed by parts inside the machinery while carrying out maintenance work on the 'cut and crease' machine which is used to create packaging materials.

His employers, Glossop Carton and Print Ltd, were fined £50,000 by the Health and Safety Executive, with an inspector stating that shutting off the machine's power while work was underway would have prevented this fatal accident.

It is unknown if the man's family intend to approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Boy Scout Wins Personal Injury Compensation for Shoulder Injury

04/01/2011 09:56:18

A former boy scout has been granted personal injury compensation to the tune of £7,000 after he suffered what his claims solicitors called a 'permanent impaction injury' to his shoulder while playing a variation of the game Grab. The game involves grabbing wooden blocks, with their always being one less block than there are scouts. The scout who doesn't get a block is eliminated.

Mark Barnes, who is now 22, was playing a version of the game in the dark when he suffered his injury as a boy after he crashed into a bench while attempting to grab a block.

The Scout Association paid up £7,322 in personal injury compensation to Mr Barnes and the Scout Association said that the court's decision would be taken into account when deciding upon new safety measures.

Ex Police Officer to Receive Personal Injury Compensation for Bus Accident

04/01/2011 09:43:58

An ex police officer has won his battle for personal injury compensation after a bus road traffic accident resulted in him rupturing a bicep.

Robert Pattison, of Nottingham, was making his way to a seat after boarding the bus when it jolted into life as it continued on. He made a grab for a safety rail and ruptured his bicep in the process. He claims the pain from the injury kept him awake at night and prevented him from doing any heavy lifting.

Mr Pattison received £4,000 personal injury compensation in an out of court settlement with Nottingham City Transport, a sum he described as 'derisory'.

Pharmaceutical Company Fined For Work Personal Injury

04/01/2011 09:36:51

A Swindon based pharmaceutical company company has been fined for causing the personal injury of a number of employees who developed allergic contact dermatitis after coming into contact with hazardous materials while working for the company.

Ten employees contracted the condition at Catalent Pharma Solutions after working with a substance called olanzapine. The condition is irreversible. A Health and Safety Executive investigation revealed that Catalent had identified the substance as the potential source of the outbreaks, but had failed to do anything about it.

Catalent were fined £50,000 and ordered to pay over £50,000 in costs after pleading guilty to violations of the Health and Safety at Work Regulations.

The cases could have been avoided with proper risk assessment procedures and Catalent may now face personal injury compensation claims from the employees for the work injuries.

Men May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Service Station Explosion

20/12/2010 16:00:23

Three men who suffered personal injury after they sustained burns and scarring in a terrible accident when a gas tank exploded at a service station may decide to contact claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim.

The three men suffered life changing personal injury during the incident, which experts believe was caused by vapours from a cylinder containing oxyacetylene igniting.

The HSE are currently investigating the incident.

Pensioner May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After House Fire

20/12/2010 15:41:28

A pensioner who suffered terrible personal injury, including burns and scarring, during a fire at his home may now be eligible to make a personal injury compensation claim if it is discovered the blaze was caused through no fault of his own.

The man was rushed to hospital after being rescued by two friends, who pulled him out of a window. the 65 year old suffered burns to his chest and legs.

The fire is not currently being treated as suspicious and Steve Arnold, the watch manager at Bispham Fire Station commented "Paramedics worked on him for some time before he was taken to hospital."

Parents Seek Personal Injury Compensation From Thomson For Food Poisoning

20/12/2010 15:27:11

The parents of a baby who ended up with food poisoning after a family holiday are to sue Thomson for personal injury compensation for the incident.

Melissa Mevlit was struck down with the bug during her stay at a four star hotel in Morocco. The family have accused the hotal of providing them with food that had not been properly re-heated, leading to their daughter contracting the potentially fatal bug.

Ediz and Jenny Mevlit both also suffered stomach cramps and illness, but they feared for their daughter the most as she was more susceptible to the bug.

They have since approached claims solicitors.

Prison Inmates Seek Personal Injury Compensation

20/12/2010 15:16:38

A group of inmates at Wandsworth prison are to make a personal injury compensation claim against the prison after they contracted food poisoning.

The prisoners, who number 164, are each seeking damages of around £1,800 from the Ministry of Justice after it admitted that kitchen staff at the facility had been responsible for serving food contaminated with salmonella.

A news source for The Sun newspaper stated the prisoners had been "confined to their cells for the duration of their symptoms", which included "diarrhoea and vomiting".

The personal injury compensation claim could reach a final sum of £300,000.

Pensioner May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim For Road Traffic Accident

20/12/2010 15:03:56

A pensioner may make a personal injury compensation claim after she was involved in a head on road traffic accident that left her suffering terrible personal injury to her head.

The woman, who is aged 80, crashed head on into the vehicle of an 18 year old woman in the road traffic accident. The teenager suffered whiplash in the accident.

The pensioner is still undergoing treatment and may choose to contact claims solicitors when she is able.

Worker Suffers Personal Injury in Electrocution and Fall

20/12/2010 14:47:46

A man has suffered terrible personal injury after he plummeted five metres to the ground after being electrocuted in a terrible work accident.

David Minor was climbing a crane ladder when the work accident occured. He ended up fracturing his vertebra, breaking his heel and burning his hands in the accident.

A HSE investigation revealed that there were no warning signs about the main power channel that Mr Minor came into contact with and that it should have been isolated before work began.

Ridgeons Ltd were fined £5,000 for the work accident and may yet face a personal injury compensation claim.

Workers Win Compensation Claim Against MG Rover

20/12/2010 14:37:39

MG Rover has been forced to pay almost £1m in personal injury compensation to a group of 79 former employees, all of whom are now suffering from occupational asthma.

Compensation payouts ranged from £500 up to £180,000 for the worst case in what is believed to be one of the worst outbreaks of lung disease.

The workers, who had been based at the company's Longbridge plant, came into contact with metal working fluids that had built up to unacceptable levels, leading to the spread of harmful substances.

The court battle had been long and protracted, however MG Rover eventually settled out of court.

Group of Customers Win Personal Injury Compensation for Chinese Toxic Sofas

20/12/2010 14:28:55

A group of disgruntled consumers have won a protracted personal injury compensation battle against a defunct furniture company that manufactured faulty sofas which led to their users suffering terrible burns.

The group have won a combined £750,000 in personal injury compensation for their injuries, which were caused by a chemical used to protect the sofas.

The sofas, which were bought at Land of Leather, were manufactured by a Chinese company. The group initially feared for their compensation after Land of Leather went defunct and their insurance company claimed that they had violated their terms and conditions, making their insurance invalid.

The victims will receive between £1,175 and £9,000 after Zurich agreed to a compromise payout.

Man Awarded Birth Injury Compensation After 33 Years

20/12/2010 14:17:53

A man has been awarded £5.7m in personal injury compensation after he suffered a terrible birth injury that led to him receiving terrible brain damage.

Ian Murphy, aged 33, was left suffering cerebral palsy after medical negligence during his birth led to him suffering terrible birth injuries.

His parents only recently made the personal injury compensation claim for the birth injury suffered by their son when they began looking into ways to have him cared for when they are gone.

The compensation agreement is believed to be £5.7m and will be split into a lump sum and annual payments to ensure Ian's care for the rest of his life.

Building Firm Fined After Skylight Work Accident

20/12/2010 14:05:12

A building firm has received a £10,000 fine from the Health and Safety Executive after one of their employees suffered a terrible personal injury in a work accident.

Mark Amass was working on a first floor extension when he stepped onto an insulating board which was being used to cover upa skylight. Unfortunately, the board gave way and he fell through.

Mr Amass fell three metres onto the concrete floor below, breaking his back in the process and suffering other minor personal injuries.

A HSE investigation revealed that the accident could have been avoided if the proper precautions had been taken. Mr Amass may now look to make a work accident personal injury compensation claim.

Excavating Company Fined After Work Accident

20/12/2010 13:52:23

An excavator manufacturer has received a fine from the Health and Safety Executive after one of their workers suffered a terrible work accident that resulted in personal injury.

John Watson was operating a drilling machine for Komatsu UK Ltd when his hand became trapped in the machine's rotating parts, leading to two of his fingers being severed.

The resultant surgery also saw him have a bone from his hand removed after the terrible work accident.

An investigation by the HSE revealed that operating the machinery was not usually a part of Mr Watson's work routine, meaning the work accident was entirely avoidable if he had not been made to use it.

Komatsu were fined £6,000 and may yet face a personal injury compensation claim from Mr Watson.

Buckinghamshire Couple Awarded Birth Injury Compensation

20/12/2010 13:39:16

A Buckinghamshire couple have been granted £9m in personal injury compensation after their daughter suffered a variety of borth injuries that led to her becoming severely brain damaged.

Amy Smith now suffers with Cerebral Palsy after delays and medical negligence during her delivery left her brain damaged.

Amy was born only twenty minutes after her healthy twin sister, however the delay was enough to levae her temporarily starved of oxygen. She now requires around the clock care for the rest of her life.

The family will receive a personal injury compensation lump sum of £3.29m, as well as yearly payments to enable them to ensure Amy's quality of life.

Man Suffers Personal Injury in Work Accident at Saw Mill

20/12/2010 12:35:32

A saw mill worker has suffered terrible personal injury in a work accident after his leg became trapped inside a machine that he was attempting to unblock.

The man, who worked on a machine known as a drop sorter, was attempting to clear a jam on the conveyor belt by using his legs to kick the logs through.

However the machine had not been turned off so, when he cleared the blockage, the man's legs got caught up in the machinery and led to him becoming trapped and suffering serious injury.

His leg was broken in three places and he also suffered severe nerve damage in the work accident. His employers, Windymains Timber Ltd, were fined £20,000 for breaches to Health and Safety Regulations. They may yet face a personal injury compensation claim from the man.

Scottish Power Fined Over Electric Cable Accident

20/12/2010 12:27:54

Scottish Power UK, an electricity provider, have received a fine of £130,000 after a terrible accident resulted in the death of a man who was attempting to warn motorists away from a live electricity cable.

Simon Lines, aged 20, was killed when the live cable he was trying to warn motorists away from was dislodged by a passing van and struck him in the face, causing massive personal injury in the process.

The cable has initially begun to sag due to high winds, leading to it becoming a danger for passing motorists. After being dislodged by the van, the cable was then run over in the road, causing it to strike the man in the face. The man died eight days later as a resuly of injuries caused by the cable striking him.

An investigation by the HSE showed that there was massive potential for personal injury to be inflicted due to the poor conditions of the block used to secure the cable.

Scottish Power may now also face a personal injury compensation claim from the family of the man.

Second Warning Given to Hospital Trust Over Poor Conditions

20/12/2010 12:09:16

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) have issued a second warning to Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust over what they deem "major concerns" relating to how it deals with serious untowards incidents (SUIs), including missed diagnoses and cases of medical negligence.

The CQC had intially criticised the trust after a surprise visit had turned up evidence of poor sanitary conditions, including blood stained floors, soiled mattresses and out of date medical equipment. This left the trust in danger of putting its patients at risk and leaving itself liable for a personal injury compensation claim.

A later visit in June of this year showed some improvements had been made but more work was to be done. However a September visit revealed the problem relating to SUIs.

The trust will now be subject to a wider review next year.

BT Pay Personal Injury Compensation to Mesothelioma Sufferer

20/12/2010 11:46:30

A former BT worker from BT has been granted personal injury compensation to the tune of £115,000 after he was exposed to asbestos while installing a telephone line into a formerly secret government bunker in the 1990's.

Bernard Mottramnow has asbestos related cancer mesothelioma and claims that he was given no protection against the material or warning that he would be working with it prior to beginning the work.

He claims there were "No masks, nothing like that in them days. Looking back all the time I was on BT I never heard the words asbestos mentioned to be honest."

BT is paying the personal injury compensation, but it refusing to admit the man was exposed to asbestos. They released the following statement;

"For the purpose of this case BT has agreed to make a compensation payment to Mr Mottram in respect of his mesothelioma. The agreement has not been specific to any part of his employment. BT does not admit there was any exposure in the 1990s in Corsham."

Woman Dies After Waiting Seven Months for Surgery due to Medical Negligence

20/12/2010 11:31:07

A woman who was made to wait for seven months for surgery in a terrible case of medical negligence eventually died while complaining of stomach pains outside a hospital in Southport.

Angela Owen, aged 45, was autistics and unable to speak. She had previously visited a GP in October 2008 with stomach pains. A catalogue of medical errors and negligence led to her eventually dieing 14 months later due to a strangulated hernia.

Southport and Ormskirk Hospital Trust have admitted the delay in treating Ms Owen was unacceptable, but have thus far refused to admit to medical negligence in the case.

Despite a plan being co-ordinated for the woman's surgery, and inquest has heard that the plan was not followed and resulted in Ms Owen becoming anxious and "uncooperative" as she was forced to wait for the surgery.

It is unknown at this point if her family intend to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Paul Hogan to Make Compensation Claim After Tax Authorities Falsely Accuse Him of Tax Violations

13/12/2010 15:06:54

Paul Hogan, the Australian actor who brought the role of Crocodile Dundee to life for millions of movie goers, is demanding both an apology and personal injury compensation for the Australian government after they failed to provide evidence of supposed tax violations.

The Australian Crime Commission dropped their five year, £6.2m investigation into the actor for tax fraud after the investigation provided "insufficient prospects of securing convictions".

The actor has always denied any wrongdoing and is now demanding personal injury compensation, stating "They have nothing on me, they never had anything on me. They are just trying to live up to their promise years ago of scalps. They picked the wrong guy to intimidate. I’m an old westie – we don’t like that."

City Banker Wins Work Discrimination Compensation Claim

13/12/2010 14:48:44

A banker has won a work discrimination compensation claim after claims that he was overlooked for a senior position at Credit Agricole because he isn't French.

Michael Wardle pocketed £375,000 in personal injury compensation for race discrimination, victimisation and unfair dismissal after he brought the case following his rejection at the London branch of the bank for whom he worked.

Mr Wardle has worked for the bank as a risk management analysts for 17 years and came highly recommended by colleagues, including the outgoing head of interest rate derivatives (IRD).

However the job was instead given to a Paris based banker named Gregoire Mazuel, who had little experience in risk management or as a trader. Mr Wardle was not even interviewed for the job.

Mr Wardle initially took his complaints to senior management, claiming he was “treated unfairly and was disillusioned” due to the appointment. When his comlaint was rejected he approached personal injury solicitors to make a compensation claim.

Hicks and Gillett Seek Personal Injury Compensation after Liverpool Ownership Battle

13/12/2010 14:32:27

Tom Hicks and George Gillett, the unpopular former owners of Liverpool FC, are going to go back to court with personal injury lawyers in tow in an attempt to gain some compensation from the new owners of the football club.

The Americans will probably first look to have an anti-suit injunction taken out by the club's new owners back in October dismissed before launching a new compensation claim against them.

London-based personal injury solicitor Keith Oliver said "It is hoped that the hearing will enable the dispute between the various parties to be unravelled and the way forward to be determined. They (Hicks and Gillett) feel very wronged by the process and will consider their options."

Hicks had stated when he and Gillett first lost the club "(I’m) Shocked. Devastated. Frustrated. I’m very disappointed. It’s hurt my family tremendously. This is a very valuable asset that was swindled away from me in an epic swindle. I’m very angry about it."

Ray Wilkins Awarded Compensation for "Unfair Dismissal" from Chelsea

13/12/2010 14:17:29

Former Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins has reached an amicable agreement with his former club after his dismissal, which the man himself described as unfair.

Wilkins was sacked from his position as assistant manager of the club last month and asked personal injury lawyers to pursue a personal injury compensation on his behalf, eventually the club and Wilkins reached an agreement for compensation relating to the dismissal.

Commenting on his sacking Wilkins said "It has obviously been a big wrench leaving such an illustrious club and one which has played such a huge role in my playing and coaching career. I have great affection for the club, the staff, the players and its supporters and wish them all the very best for the remainder of this season and the future. I would also like to thank the club and the LMA for ensuring that matters have been brought to a swift and harmonious conclusion."

Chelsea also released a statement through chief executive Ron Gourlay, stating "I am pleased to announce that we have come to a swift and amicable agreement with Ray Wilkins and all unresolved matters have now been settled. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ray for his service to the club and wish him all the best for the future."

Holidaymaker to make Compensation Claim for Whiplash Accident Abroad

13/12/2010 14:07:16

A woman who suffered a personal injury while on holiday is to contact claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim after she suffered from a severe case of whiplash when the boat that she was on crashed into a harbour wall at the Greek resort of Kos.

The woman suffered the accident abroad in an crash that affected a number of other people, with 200 reported to be on the boat at the same time. A number of those passengers may look to make personal injury compensation claims due to injuries suffered in the accident abroad.

Deborah Ward commented "I've been having sleep problems and nightmares about what happened and feel like my nerves have been shredded by what should have been a relaxing trip as part of my summer holiday."

Police Officers May Pursue Personal Injury Compensation for Food Poisoning

13/12/2010 13:59:27

A group of police officers may pursue a personal injury compensation claim against the owner of a cafe who provided them with contaminated sandwiches as they prepared to marshall a protest involving English Defence League members.

The Meal Machine Cafe provided 47 officers with tuna sandwiches as they prepared for the protest. However the tuna used was later found to be unfit for human consumption and all of the officers suffered food poisoning to various degrees as a result of the contamination, with nine requiring hospital treatment.

Muriel Morris, who owned the cafe, has already pleaded guilty to breaching hygiene regulations and the cafe has since been closed. She may now have to face personal injury compensation claims however.

Welsh Hospital Patients May Have Been Exposed to Asbestos

13/12/2010 13:47:57

Patients who have received treatment at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital in the Welsh town of Rhyl may be able to make a personal injury compensation claim after it emerged that they had been exposed to asbestos while receiving medical treatment at the hospital.

Over 50% of the hospital's operating theatres have been closed after inspectors found that many of them were found to contain the lethal substance, which is linked to a number of medical issues, such as mesothelioma.

However the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has claimed that it has no intention of moving surgical procedures to any other locations, meaning many now believe that the hospital may implement mobile operating theatres instead.

Group May Make Personal Injury Claim After Road Traffic Accident

13/12/2010 13:30:08

Up to four victims of a road traffic accident may now be eligible to make a personal injury compensation claim after they suffered a number of personal injuries, including whiplash and broken bones.

The incident occured when an ambulance driver who was under the influence of alcohol became involved in a pile-up. Robert Else was answering a 999 call when he became embroiled in the seven car pile up on the A52.

It resulted in a broken leg for one person, a fractured pelvis for another plus a couple of cases of whiplash. Else has since been suspended and may now face personal injury claims as well as a potential fine for his actions.

Doctors Report Rise in False Personal Injury Compensation Claims

13/12/2010 11:55:15

Doctors have claimed that they have seen a surge in false personal injury compensation claims, with 60% stating that they have had patients who have exagerrated injuries in an attempt to claim personal injury compensation over the last two years.

The research, conducted by car insurer LV=, also revealed that around 17% of personal injury claimants mande their compensaion claim as a reuslt of marketing from personal injury lawyers.

The statistics also reveal that personal injury lawyers have spent more than £80m on advertising, including offering no win, no fee services to potential claimants.

Company Fined After Worker Loses Fingers in Work Accident

13/12/2010 11:39:25

A packaging company has received a £22,500 fine from the Health and Safety Executive after one of its employees severed four fingers while operating machinery for them in a terrible work accident.

The woman was threading silver foil into the machine, which produced lids for packaged foods, when it suddenly restarted, servering a number of her fingers in the process.

A HSE investigation revelaed that Chadwicks Ltd has disabled sensors in the machine that would have prevented the accident so that they could modify it for use in cutting paper as well as foil.

The company received a fine and may also face a personal injury compensation claim if the woman decides to contact personal injury lawyers.

Woman to Make Personal Injury Claim Over Faulty Hip Implant

13/12/2010 11:28:57

A woman from Suffolk has contacted personal injury lawyers to begin making a compensation claim against pharmaceutical giants Johnson and Johnson after a faulty hip implant left her in massive pain.

The hip implant, which has since been recalled due to the large number of revision surgeries required by patients who had it installed, was developed by the companies orthopaedic division, DePuy.

It was one such device that Charlotte Bird had installed, being told at the time that it would last for more than fifteen years. She had to have it removed after 2 due to the pain that it caused.

Ms Bird suffered personal injury as muscle tissue was poisoned by the metal that the implant contained, and she is now part of a group of 280 patients who have launched a personal injury compensation claim against Johnson and Johnson because of the pain caused by the implant.

Ms Bird stated "These companies never apologise, but the apology can come as a signature on a big cheque and I would like someone to say that they screwed up."

Lorry Driver May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After HGV Over Turns

13/12/2010 11:21:03

A lorry driver may make a personal injury compensation claim after a work accident saw him get trapped in an accident that saw his lorry overturned at a waste disposal site as it was loaded with scrap metal.

The driver had to be cut free from the cab, having been knocked unconcious in the accident. He also suffered a number of personal injuries, including pain to his back, shoulders and arms.

The Health and Safety Executive are now to carry out an investigation to determine just how the accident happened and on whom the blame should be placed.

The personal injury suffered in the work accident is not believed to be life threatening, and the man may contact claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim in the near future.

NHS Pays Out £22m in Personal Injury Compensation to Patients Discharged Early

13/12/2010 11:14:14

The NHS have revealed that they have paid out £22m in personal injury compensation in relation to medical negligence due to discharging patients to early.

The money was paid out over 8 years to 235 patients, all of whom suffered complications as a result of being discharged from hospital too early. Some, such as support group 'Patient Concern', believe that the rush to meet NHS targets for waiting times and hospital stays has resulted in some patients being overlooked or not properly treated.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley claims that he is planning to introduce new targets for hospitals that will see them penalised shold a patient have to be re-admitted after 30 days, claiming the current system encourages hospitals to discharge patients too early.

Family Receive £6m Personal Injury Compensation for Son's Birth Injuries

13/12/2010 11:05:08

A young boy has received a personal injury compensation payout of £6m after hospital errors and medical negligence left him with massive brain damage. The child was subject to a number of errors which resulted in his borth injury, most serious of which was the administration of the Syntocinon drug, which caused the strength of contractions in the uterus to increase.

Unfortunately the drug also had the effect of causing the womb to crush the child's body, starving it of oxygen and leading to him suffering severe brain damage which led to disabilities such as cerebral palsy and hampering of mental and physical fuctions.

After an eight year compensation battle with the NHS Trust, who denied responsibility for the incident, the parents of the boy finally won personal injury compensation which guarantees them yearly payments of £100,000, rising to £185,000 when the boy reaches eighteen. The money will be used to provide care for the boy as he grows up.

The claims solicitors representing the boy stated "To add insult to severe injury the hospital denied responsibility almost until the very end."

Man Wins Personal Injury Compensation for Son After Medical Negligence Left Him Paralysed

13/12/2010 10:51:33

A man from Exeter has secured what is believed to be a large sum of personal injury compensation for his son, who was left partially paralysed after medical negligence resulted in his son waiting a month for a meningitis diagnosis, time which proved critical in relation to the child's subsequent recovery.

The delay led to complications and left the child, who is now 16 years old, paralysed down one side of his body. His father made the personal injury compensation claim against the doctor who initially saw Jason Goby as he believed that he had been negligent in not referring his son to a doctor immediately.

The compensation claim was settled out of court after two hearings decided the doctor's liability.

McDonald's Fined After Worker Blinded in Work Accident

13/12/2010 10:14:45

World renowned fast food chain McDonalds has been fined £20,000 and may face a personal injury compensation claim after an employee suffered a serious personal injury that left him partially blinded in one eye.

The man was working as a maintenance operative and attempting to unblock a waste pipe when the drain cleaner he had poured into the pipe blew back and hit him in the face. He was treated for burns to his face and eyes, where it was discovered he had only 55% visibility in his left eye.

The company was taken to court by Wandsworth Council for violations relating to Health and Safety regulations at work, with the council claiming the McDonald's didn't carry out a risk assessment on the drain cleaner, nor did it provide protective clothing.

The man may still approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim after the company admitted that it had failed to folow its own health and safety policy.

Journalist Wins Personal Injury Compensation After Being Struck with Riot Shield in G20 Protests

13/12/2010 10:03:52

A journalist has been awarded £30,000 in personal injury compensation after he suffered personal injury when he was struck in the face with a riot shield during the G20 protests in 2009.

David Hoffman had been taking photos of the protests on April 1st 2009 when he was attacked by police in riot gear, who proceded to knock a number of of his teeth out when he was charged and smashed in the face with a riot shield.

Mr Hoffman's personal injury compensation was awarded in a settlement out of court, with the General Secretary of the National Union of Journalists, Jeremy Dear stating "David’s case is a shocking example of police brutality and totally unacceptable."

Nurse Wins Personal Injury Compensation After Work Accident

13/12/2010 09:57:16

A nurse has been awarded £100,000 in personal injury compensation after she was forced to quit her job when she suffered a back injury while trying to lift the leg of a morbidly obese man.

Linda Andrew had already told her employers of the difficulty that she was having lifting the 22 stone patient before the work accident, resulting in her suffering the personal injury when she lifted one of the man's legs, which weighed 44 pounds each, to apply dressings to his feet.

Surrey Primary Care Trust has to pay £107,246 in personal injury compensation after the High Court ruled that the trust could have done more to help Ms Andrew with the lifting by either sharing the task of providing her with specialist equipment.

Paper Firm Fined After Man Left Paralysed in Terrible Work Accident

13/12/2010 09:46:53

An employee at a paper firm has been left paralysed after he was crushed by a two tonne reel of paper in a terrible work accident. The man, who was paralysed from the chest down, may now look to sue his employer for personal injury compensation after the accident at work.

Christopher John Shaw was working as an assistant winder for SCA Hygiene Products UK Ltd when the work accident occured. He was using his body to slow down the moving paper reel when he slipped and was crushed underneath. he suffered massive personal injury, leading to his eventual paralysis.

The HSE fined the paper firm £120,000 for violations of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, with an inspector stating "Employees using their body weight to slow down such large and potentially dangerous items as paper reels, clearly isn't a safe way of working. There were clear risks that weren't properly managed by the company, which resulted in Mr Shaw's horrific injuries."

Labour Party Condemned For Failing to Get Compensation to Welsh Miners Quickly

06/12/2010 14:42:35

Welsh miners have poured scorn on the Labour Party after they took an exorbitant amount of time to pay the miners personal injury compensation.

Figures obtained by Plaid Cymru have revealed that more than 3,000 Welsh miners died while waiting for personal injury compensation for chest diseases caused by their work.

"This is Labour's legacy in the coal compensation scheme and they have to live with that," said Bleddyn Hancock, general secretary in South Wales of mining union Nacods and Plaid candidate for South Wales East.

However a Labour MP struck back, pointing out how the party had paid £4bn in personal injury compensation to affected parties.

Motorist to Make Personal Injury Claim for Whiplash Injury in Teeside

06/12/2010 14:33:31

A motorist in Teeside may make a personal injury compensation claim after suffering a whiplash injury in a road traffic accident while driving in difficult conditions.

While few details are available, it has been indicated that a large rise in traffic related incidents has occured in the area thanks to the adverse weather conditions.

"We want people to look at the road conditions and drive as safely as they can do," Inspector Mick Little, head of Cleveland Police roads polici

Aston University Fined for Exposing Workers to Asbestos

06/12/2010 14:20:45

Aston University has been fined £4,000 by the Health and Safety Executive after it was found that they put two workers at risk of personal injury by allowig them to be exposed to dangerous asbestos fibres.

Both the university and Access Fire and Security Ltd admitted breaching asbestos regulations over the incident, with both organisations receiving seperate fines.

They may now also be open to a personal injury compensation claim from the employees, who had been fitting CCTV cameras when they drilled into material which contained the deadly substance.

Access Fire and Security Ltd were also fined £1,000 for the incident.

Mother Gives Personal Injury Compensation to Injured British Soldier

06/12/2010 14:09:03

The mother of a woman who received £1000 in personal injury compensation after he daughter was killed in a terrible road traffic accident involving a lorry has given the money to an injured British soldier amid claims that she never wanted the money in the first place.

Louise Cooper was killed when she was struck by a lorry being driven by Lee Baker, who had been smoking cannabis and driving at 60mph on a foggy day.

The woman's mother, Julie Willis, did not pursue a road accident compensation claim, but she was awarded the personal injury compensation anyway.

Talking of her decision to give the compensation to the soldier, she said "Within around two to three weeks of Louise being killed, I was contacted by her insurer’s solicitor who asked a host of questions. I received a letter back saying that as Louise was over 18, was not married, and had no dependants, I was not entitled to any compensation.

“I had not asked for compensation, but I told them my daughter was priceless and they had made her worthless. They then decided I was entitled to something for Louise’s pain and suffering. Again, I said I did not want anything as whatever was offered would be the final insult. However, the solicitor pursued this for several months. I would rather have had nothing. All I wanted then and all I want now, is Louise back."

A woman is to Pursue Personal Injury Compensation After Husband Dies of Salmonella

06/12/2010 13:58:50

The widow of a man who died of food poisoning while the couple were on holiday is to pursue a personal injury compensation claim for the accident abroad.

Jean Appleyard is to pursue the compensation claim on behalf of her deceased husband Geoffrey, who fell ill after eating at the Grand Hotel in Lake Garda. His death was confirmed by a coroner as being caused by salmonella and he commented that Appleyard died "as he was unable to withstand this infection."

A number of other guests also became ill while staying over at the hotel and many of them now plan to make a joint compensation claim against the holiday operators.

Man to Sue Marks and Spencers After Suffering Allergic Reaction

06/12/2010 13:48:49

A man is to make a personal injury compensation claim against Marks and Spencer after a member of staff served him food that he is allergic to.

Chris Dutton suffered an allergic reaction after he was given a vegetarian salad that contained anchovies, telling the Evening Post that he came out in hives and blotches within 20 minutes of wating the meal. He believes his case highlights the need for food establishments to better cater for those with allergies.

He said "The itching got worse and worse, resulting in swelling around my eyes which lasted for four days. In addition, one eye became badly infected through broken skin and in total I was in pain and looked awful for over two weeks."

He has since approached claims solicitors to make the personal injury compensation claim.

Family of Teenager Killed by Freight Train to Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim

06/12/2010 13:40:32

The family of a teenager who died of his personal injuries when he was struck by a freight train are to make a personal injury compensation claim against Network Rail after it emerged that the company had failed to comply with strict health and safety protocols leading up to the accident.

The rail operator pleaded guilty to health and safety violations in a recent hearing, leaving them open to facing a personal injury compensation claim in addition to the £75,000 fine they received from the HSE.

An investigation revealed that the company should have done more to reduce the risk of using a level crossing as the teenager was carrying a sack of coal at the time that he was struck.

Deputy chief inspector of railways at the ORR Allan Spence said: "Network Rail was aware of the dangers of this crossing and possible steps to improve safety - yet failed to take action to reduce the risks to users."

Daughter Demands Personal Injury Compensation for Elderly Man's Train Accident

06/12/2010 12:41:47

The daughter of an elderly man who was trapped in a train door has claimed that she will be seeking personal injury compensation on his behalf after the man suffered soft tissue injury in the accident.

Eva Turner is to seek compensation from National Express after he disabled father was trapped in the doors. She received no assistance when trying to get her wheelchair bound father onto the train, and her father was injured when the train doors closed and trapped him between the train and the platform.

Ms Turner claims she was scared that the train would start moving and that there was nobody available to communicate the issues to.

Laminate Flooring Company Fined After Worker Suffers Personal Injury in Saw Accident

06/12/2010 12:33:18

A laminate flooring company has been fined £5,000 by the Health and Safety Executive after one of their workers suffered personal injury in a work accident that saw his hand come into contact with a circular saw.

Christopher Sillitoe had been cutting laminate for the company when his hand came into contact with the spinning blade, cutting off a number of fingers from his left hand which have since been re-attached. However he is unlikely to ever regain full movement in his left hand again.

An investigation by the HSE has revealed that it was common practice at the factory to reach underneath the rotating blade to remove laminate without damaging it and that there had been several near misses in the past.

Universal Mouldings Ltd have since fixed the machinery and made it more suitable after being fined £5,000. They may still face a personal injury compensation claim if Mr Sillitoe decides to approach personal injury lawyers.

Man Wins Personal Injury Compensation for Work Accident

06/12/2010 12:19:32

A Doncaster man who suffered a personal injury when he was struck on the head at work has won a personal injury compensation claim for £210,000.

David Prince has been working at Rampton Hospital when the work accident occured when he was conducting a securty check on a vehicle entering the hospital. He had asked the driver of a van to open a side curtain so that he could look inside his vehicle. While inspecting the van, the driver let go of the iron weighted curtain and it struck Mr Prince on the head, causing a personal injury.

Mr Prince suffered initial dizziness and blurred vision but was discharged after a short hospital visit. However since then he has suffered chronic headaches, has had difficulty concentrating and has begun to act out of character. This led to his eventual retirement.

He was awarded the £210,000 in personal injury compensation after making the claim against EH Lee Ltd, the company who owned the van involved.

Tree Surgeons Suffer Work Accident in Cherry Picker

06/12/2010 11:59:17

A pair of tree surgeons suffered personal injury after their cherry picker toppled over in a horrible work accident. The pair were air-lifted to hospital after the work accident in which they had been working on an overgrown tree before plummeting twenty feet to the ground below.

Both man suffered severe personal injury, which led to the decision to air-lift them to the hospital. One of them is being treated at the intensive care department of Devon County Hospital.

The HSE were informed of the accident and will conduct an investigation into the site to see if the area was safe for work. If not then the men's employer may face a fine and possible personal injury compensation claim if they bring their case to claims solicitors.

Psychiatric Patient Receives Personal Injury Compensation After Jumping from Hospital Window

06/12/2010 11:50:45

A psychiatric patient is to receive £126,000 in personal injury compensation after he leapt from the second floor of a hospital ward. The man was being treated for schizophrenia at St Brendan's Hospital in Dublin when he suffered personal injury in the jump.

The man, who can't be named for legal reasons, suffered serious personal injury in the fall, fracturing a hip and damaging his wrist and heel. He has been left needing a wheelchair and zimmer frame after the accident.

The man had initially admitted himself into the hospital, but he became unhappy about the standard of care he was receiving, leading to him being transferred to the second floor of the hospital after he became agitated.

The man then proceeded to jump from the second floor window of the room, which he claims was unsupervised. He also claimed that the hospital had failed to take any preventative measures to stop people from jumping out of the window.

Teenager to Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Pool Injury

06/12/2010 11:34:15

A teenage girl who suffered a terrible personal injury in a swimming pool accident is to make a personal injury compensation claim after she was left paralysed from the chest down.

Kylie Grimes suffered the personal injury when she was just 18 years old, after she accepted an invitation to go for a swim at a friend's house. She dived into the pool and struck her head on the bottom, with the force of the blow causing a vertebra at the base of her neck to shatter.

The result of the personal injury was that she was left tetraplegic and confined to a wheelchair. She is now suing her friend's father for personal injury compensation due to the fact that there were no signs around his personally owned pool to provide any indication of the depth of the pool.

She has also made a personal injury compensation claim against Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, who she claims displayed medical negligence and contributed to her disability.

Mother Makes Birth Injury Compensation Claim for Son

06/12/2010 11:17:14

A mother is making a personal injury compensation claim against the hospital that she claims caused her son's birth injury due to their medical negligence.

Rachel Dewis is hoping that her personal injury claim will enable her son to have financial security for the rest of his life after his birth injury left him with cerebral palsy that has left him unable to stand unaided. Her son Jake also has problems with his sight and struggles with learning difficulties.

She claims midwives were negligent by not recognising and reacting to an abnormal heart rate during the birth, leading to the child being born "grey, floppy and not breathing."

If successful the compensation claim could run into the multi-million pound mark and will pay for the care of the young man, now aged 18, for the rest of his life.

New Figures Indicate Mass Medical Negligence

06/12/2010 10:59:35

An annual report has highlighted the amount of deaths and blunders resulting from cases of medical negligence at NHS Trusts across the country. The Dr Foster Hospital Guide collects information from the Department of Health and the Office for National Statistics and has highlighted the number of deaths which currently occur after a patient undergoes surgery.

Hospitals have also recorded a total of 62,800 medical blunders, with almost half of these being related to avoidable blood clots, which the report claims are killing more people than hospital superbugs.

The report also highlighted another series of medical blunders and cases of personal injury caused by medical negligence, including;

13,000 mother suffering obstetric tears while giving birth.

10,000 accidental lacerations and punctures.

56 cases of surgery being conducted in the wrong place.

150 foreign objects left in patients.

1,300 cases of post-operative blood poisoning.

The figures reveal an unsettling amount of medical negligence occuring throughout the country If you have been a victim of medical negligence, get in touch with Claim Time Personal Injury Lawyers today.

Print Worker Suffers Work Accident Due to Unguarded Machinery

06/12/2010 10:43:47

A print worker from Oxford has suffered a personal injury in a terrible work accident in which his hand was dragged into a booklet stacking machine. The man, who was working for BenhamGoodHeadPrint, was clearing booklets from the jammed machine when it started up again and dragged his thumb underneath a moving roller, causing a number of lacerations which required stitches.

The company was fined £4,000 by the HSE for the work accident after it was discovered that a safety guard was missing from the machine which would have prevented access to any moving parts.

The company have since installed the guards on the machine to ensure that another work accident doesn't occur, but they may yet still face a personal injury compensation claim from the man if he decides to approach claims solicitors.

Businesswoman Jailed for Asbestos Dumping Scam

06/12/2010 10:32:28

A businesswoman has been jailed after she told her employees to dump asbestos in holes they had dug. Petra Bond was given a nine month sentence for the illegal disposal of around 3,000 tonnes of material, including masses of the dangerous asbestos substance, which is linked to mesothelioma and other diseases.

She ran the firm Auto Disposal and Bideford Skip Hire in Devon and it was also found that the offences contined after the company had its watse removal licence suspended.

Bond conducted the scam after finding that legal disposal of the substance was too expensive. In doing so she left her employees and any who came across the asbestos dump in danger of suffering a personal injury.

Bond's son and business partner Julian Goddard was ordered to pay £7,750 in fines by the HSE in addition to his mother's jail sentence.

Demolition Firm Fined After Employee Suffers Work Accident Personal Injury

06/12/2010 10:22:31

A demolition firm has received a fine from the HSE after one of their employees suffered a serious personal injury in a work accident. The young man was left blinded after the work accident, in which he was levering a floorboard with a pickaxe in a building when a splinter caughthim in the eye.

Doverstone Contractors Lts were fined £8,000 after the HSE found that the accident could have been prevented if the young man had been provided with googles. They have also been ordered to pay £4,000 in costs.

The former employee has claimed that he has no intention of resuming his career in the demolitions industry over fears of a similar accident occuring. He may now approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim for the work accident.

E-Coli Outbreak Discovered at London Hospital

06/12/2010 10:15:02

A strain of E Coli 0157 has been found on the skin of infants at a London hospital, potentially leaving the hospital open to personal injury compensation claims if they are found to be liable for the outbreak of the rare form of the strain.

E Coli 0157 is more resisitant to antibiotics than other versions of the virus, making it a particularly dangerous strain. South London Healthcare NHS Trust have closed down their neonatal ward after the findings, and are now undertaking a vigorous cleaning of the ward to ensure that all of the outbreak is correctly dealth with.

It is unknown at this point if medical negligence has led to the outbreak, with a spokesperson for the trust commenting "The trust's other two neonatal units at the Princess Royal Bromley and Queen Mary's Sidcup remain open as normal. None of the babies are clinically affected by the bacteria. Babies who appear to carry the bacteria have been isolated. The trust is working with the Health Protection Agency to ensure that the correct measures are being taken to prevent any further spread of the infection and we can assure our patients that the rest of the hospital is not affected."

Hospital Trust Fined After Medical Negligence Led to Hospital Bed Fall

06/12/2010 10:07:50

A hospital trust has received a £50,000 fine for medical negligence after an 89 year old man died two weeks after he fell from a hospital bed which only had a single rail. The hospital staff may now be open to a personal injury compensation claim after they failed to ensure that Francies Steele's bed had two rails to ensure that he didn't fall out.

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust was fined £50,000 after admitting breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, with the HSE finding that the trust failed to provide the man with the proper bedding.

The hospital failed to make the extra effort to find another rail after it was decided by a senior nurse that Mr Steele required the bed rails, with the lack of the other rail eventually leading to his fall.

HSE Making Unannounced Visits to Construction Sites

30/11/2010 11:52:58

A group of Health and Safety Executive inspectors spent the 25th of November making unannounced visits to a number of construction sites across Mancherster to see what measures they were undertaking to ensure that none of thwir workers would suffer personal injury in a work accident.

The intiative comes after the HSE revealed that falls from heights are the biggest cause of workplace deaths in the UK.

Polly Tomlinson, a principal inspector for HSE said "We are concerned that companies may be trying to cut down on costs or to undercut competitors by not using suitable scaffolding or other safety equipment."

This leads to firms leaving themselves open to personal injury compensation claims by placing their workers at risk of suffering a work accident.

Construction Firm Fined £6,000 for Work Accident

30/11/2010 11:33:56

A construction firm has received a £6,000 fine from the Health and Safety Executive after a couple of employees suffered serious personal injury in a work accident involving a stone staircase.

Ossian Construction Ltd received the fine when Paul Irvine and Frank Dever, both employees of the group, were injured when a stone staircase they were dismantling with sledgehammers collapsed on them.

The due fell almost four metres to the basement and were then struck by falling debris.

A HSE inspector claimed the incident was "...serious and entirely preventable. Ossian Construction failed in their duty of care to their employees and both Mr Dever and Mr Irvine are lucky to be alive."

It is unknown if the group intend to make a personal injury compensation claim for the work accident.

Family Launch Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Holiday Illness

30/11/2010 11:27:57

A family have launched a personal injury compensation claim through claims solicitors after their holiday in Egypt was ruined when they contracted a range of bacterial infections at the resort where they were staying.

Janine Dunlop had paid £3,500 for the holiday, but soent much of the two week vacation locked up in a hotel room suffering from bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea instead.

Upon her return, both she and her husband were diagnosed with bacterial infections. They are part of a group of 80 tourists who are making a personal injury compensation claim against First Choice after they all claimed to have picked up infections at the same resort.

Pub Firm Fined for Exposing Employees to Asbestos

30/11/2010 11:18:25

Mitchells and Butlers Retail Ltd has been ordered to pay a £14,000 fine after it was found guilty of placing 5 workers at risk of suffering a personal injury by exposing them to asbestos. Three electricians and two plumbers were exposed to the substance while refurbishing a Darlington pub in 2007. The workers may now be able to make a personal injury compensation claim if they develop any symptoms of mesothelioma or asbestiosis.

The group were exposed to the asbestos as the ceiling tiles in the kitchen contained the deadly substance, which the men unwittingly disturbed when they drilled into the tiles. Although an asbestos survey had been carried out prior to work beginning, the area of refurbishment had changed by the time work began.

Mitchells and Butlers Retail Ltd were fined £14,001 for breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006.

An HSE inspector commented "Construction and maintenance workers are among those most at risk from asbestos-related diseases due to the nature of their work. Asbestos is still widely present in buildings constructed prior to 2000, so workers can often inadvertently disturb materials containing asbestos if the correct survey has not been carried out to check for its presence and appropriate control measures put in place."

Man Who was on Death Row for 18 Years Seeks Personal Injury Compensation

30/11/2010 11:07:09

A man who was recently freed from prison after spending over ten years on death row is now making a personal injury compensation claim for $1.4m after it emerged that he should never have been sent to prison in the first place.

Anthony Graves is to make the compensation claim against the Texas Comptroller's Office and, if he is successful, he could be granted personal injury compensation of around $80,000 for each year that he was falsely imprisoned, along with free college tuition.

Graves was found to have been wrongly imprisoned after Burleson County District Attorney Bill Parham and Special Prosecutor Kelly Siegler examined the evidence used to convict Graves and concluded he was innocent. In order to receive the personal injury compensation, Graves will need a judge to agree with this and have the wording on his release document changed to "actual innocence."

Woman May Make Personal Injury Claim for Whiplash Suffered in Road Traffic Accident

29/11/2010 16:32:37

A woman who suffered whiplash in a road traffic accident with a motorcyclist may seek to make a personal injury compensation claim for the personal injury.

The woman, who had been driving on the A357, crashed into the motorcyclist when he came speeding round a blind bend on the wrong side of the road. She was unable to brake in time and crashed head on into the bker.

A Dorset Police investigator said "The Rover was clearly on the correct side of the road when the collision occurred. The Suzuki motorcycle was completely on the wrong side of the road when the impact occurred."

The motorcyclist had just been returning from a succesful job interview when the road traffic accident occured, with the deputy coroner stating "It is tragic that somebody so young should die in these circumstances especially on a day when he was offered a job."

Woman Dies of Asbestos Poisoning Despite Never Coming into Contact With Asbestos

29/11/2010 14:18:10

A woman has died from mesothelioma, despite having never knowlingly come into contact with asbestos in her life. Neither Lavern Ponting or her husband had ever worked in a place where asbestos was present before Mrs Ponting went to the hospital complaining of a persistent cough.

She was later diagnosed with the deadly form of cancer, which is almost always associated with asbestos. Mr Ponting could not think of any occasion where he has worked with asbestos, despite having worked in some dusty environments in the past.

The coroner said he would need evidence of a time that either one of them had come into contact with the substance before he could pass a verdict of death by industrial disease, eventually being forced to record an open verdict.

Nuclear Bomb Tester Suffers Setback in Compensation Battle

29/11/2010 14:04:31

A man who was involved in nuclear bomb tests during the 1950's has suffered a setback in his claim for personal injury compensation after it was ruled that he and nine other former servicemen had brought their compensation claim against the Ministry of Justice outside of the legal time limit.

The man, who was exposed to radiation poisoning during the tests, believes that they were instrumental in his developing bowel cancer. He was ordered to stand on the top deck of a ship as it sailed through the aftermath of a nuclear explosion back in the 1950's to test the effects it would have on the servicemen.

Mr. Hart said after the ruling "The judges and the MoD have been very cynical. I think we were all guinea pigs so they could see how servicemen reacted to nuclear warfare."

Firm Fined After Child Suffers Personal Injury While Working For Construction Firm

29/11/2010 13:39:20

A teenaged boy was hospitalised with serious personal injuries when a dumper truck that he was driving overturned at a construction site. The firm that hired him has since been fined by the Health and Safety executive for breach of construction regulations.

Kevin Banks, who hired the boy to work for his building firm KB Building Services, was fined £2,000 plus more than £4,000 in costs by the Health and Safety Executive after allowing the boy to manoeuvre a truck down a slope. The truck overturned, leaving the teenager suffering personal injury to his leg and foot. The boy had not been giving training in how to drive the truck and was also not wearing a seat belt.

It is illegal for children to work on construction sites and a HSE inspector said "Children and construction work do not mix”

It is unknown if the child has approached claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Woman Battles for Personal Injury Compensation After Having Her Finger Torn Off

29/11/2010 13:23:59

A mother is currently involved in a bitter battle for personal injury compensation with Kempton Park Racetrack after she had her finger torn off in a terrible accident while she was attending the weekly market at the racetrack.

The accident occured when she was directed down a small pathway by a member of staff when she told them she was looking for a cash machine. She encountered a small fence and attempted to climb over it, however she got her ring finger caught in the fence, leading to it being torn off. Unfortunately the finger could not be saved after the incident.

Claire Wiffin claims she has been suffering from depression since the accident and has contacted claims solicitors to make a personal injury claim against the racecourse, who are not accepting liability for the incident.

Suffolk Woman Claims Personal Injury Compensation for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

29/11/2010 13:16:01

A woman has been granted £2,500 in personal injury compensation after she suffered carbon monoxide poisoning while seven months pregnant soon after having their boiler serviced. The woman had to spend time in a hyperbolic chamber after she was found to have large amounts of carbon monoxide in her blood.

Sarah Hitcham had to undergo the oxygen treatment to bring her blood levels back to normal after initially heading to hospital when she feared for her unborn child.

Ms Hitcham received the personal injury compensation after the insurers for Zips Plumbing and Heating admitted liability for the incident and resulting personal injury.

Ms Hitcham gave birth to a healthy baby, though she may have to wait a couple of years to ensure that the exposure to carbon monoxide didn't have any negative effects on the child.

Schoolboy Could Get Multi-Million Pound Personal Injury Compensation For Classroom Accident

29/11/2010 12:24:39

A schoolboy who suffered a devestating personal injury in a horrific classroom accident may be entitled to over £2m in personal injury compensation.

Thomas Brown was ten years old when his class was given the task of painting scenery for a school play. The children painted the scenery by laying large pieces of paper in the floor and kneeling on it to paint it.

Unfortunately, as Thomas was painting a fellow student bumped into him and caused him to fall forwards. Thomas then suffered massive personal injury when his left eye was pierced by the upturned paint brush of a fellow student. The brush then entered his brain and led to him spending six weeks in hospital. He eventually emerged with brain damage and blindness in one eye, with the current belief being that he will require care for the rest of his life.

His father claims the school had been negligent and exposed his son to risk, with a judge agreeing that the school had not carried out adequate risk assessment before undertaking the lesson.

The parents of Thomas had placed a claim of £2.5m in personal injury compensation with claims solicitors, and they will be told how much compensation they will receive in a 2012 court hearing.

Potato Producer Fined After Man Suffers Personal Injury in Work Accident

29/11/2010 12:11:38

A potato producer has been fined £10,000 by the Health and Safety Executive after one of their employees was involved in a work accident that left him with a number of personal injuries.

David McMullan suffered burns, internal injuries and had to have his big toe amputated when he came into contact with a 33,000 volt power cable when an irrigation pipe that he was lifting struck the cable.

Waldersley Farms Limited, his employer, were fined £10,000 by the HSE for the work accident after they discovered that the company offered very little training or information to employees and contractors.

The accident has been described as avoidable by the HSE and it is unknown at this point if Mr McMullan will decide to contact a personal injury solicitor to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Firm Fined After Work Accident Leads to Fatal Personal Injury

29/11/2010 11:56:50

A number of people, including a forklift driver and a house building company, have been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after a terrible work accident left one person dead and another two people suffering serious personal injury at an Oxfordshire building site.

The work accident happened when a forklift truck overturned while on an extendable arm, landing on the vehicle in which the three workers were sitting. The forklift landed directly on the vehicle, crushing it and causing massive personal injury to the occupants, plus a fatality.

The HSE reported that the forklift was being operated on uneven ground, with incorrect tyre pressue. They also concluded that the driver was carrying out unnecessary tests on the vehicle, leading to it being extended on thetelescopic arm in the first place.

The house building company, Linden Limited, were fined £7,500 plus £25,000 in costs for breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act. The forklift driver was also fined a further £7,000.

House building company Linden Limited, who were the principal contractor at the site were fined £7,500 for breaches of the Health and Safety rules and ordered to pay £25,000 in costs.

An HSE inspector said "With competent operation and suitable maintenance, tragedies like this should not happen."

It is unknown if those involved in the work accident intend to approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Man Awarded Personal Injury Compensation After Being Hurt by Giant Christmas Tree

29/11/2010 11:44:29

A man from Essex has been granted £35,000 in personal injury compensation after he was suffered a personal injury when he was struck by a falling Christmas tree.

Malcolm Tuffin has been on holiday in Prague when he suffered the accident abroad after the hundred foot tree installed in the town square was blown over by high winds, injuring five people in the process. Mr Tuffin was rushed to hospital with injuried to his head, upper body and legs.

He then spent a month in intensive care as a result of his personal injuries, and he was left wheelchair bound for months following the accident. He still requires a walking stick to move around.

The accident abroad happened in 2003 and, after a seven year personal injury compensation battle, Mr Tuffin was granted the £35,000 compensation when the Czech Supreme Court ruled that the company who had organised the market were negligent for not ensuring the tree was bedded securely.

Motorist May Make Personal Injury Claim After Road Traffic Accident Caused by Gas Workers

29/11/2010 11:32:24

A motorist may make a personal injury compensation claim after his car was overturned when it collided with a metal plate that was left in the road by gas workers.

An investigation into the road traffic accident was carried out by the Health and Safety Executive, who discovered that the plate, which was around two and a half metres in length, had been raised off the ground by a number of inches to allow for easier collection at a later date.

However the plate was expose

Campaigner Claims Stafford Hospital Still Guilty of Widespread Medical Negligence

29/11/2010 11:20:48

A campaigner has claimed that Stafford Hospital, which is currently facing an inquiry for medical negligence, are failing to up their standards and are thus still failing patients on a daily basis.

Julie Bailey formed the campaign group 'Cure the NHS' after her mother died at Stafford Hospital. She believes that the 86 year old was not given the proper care she required before she died and believes the hospital still operates with a certain degree of medical negligence, which may see them facing personal injury compensation claims in the future.

Miss Bailey believes the hospital has contributed to hundreds of deaths by putting targets and cost-cutting first and she comments "I believe things have improved a lot at the hospital. We're getting far less complaints but we are still getting very worrying complaints coming through to us. We have still got huge concerns about what is going on at the hospital regarding vulnerable and elderly patients."

Construction Firm in Norwich Fined for Asbestos Violations

29/11/2010 11:01:50

A construction firm based in Norwich has been fined £30,000 by the Health and Safety Executive after they failed to safely remove a batch of asbestos, putting their employees at risk of suffering an asbestos related personal injury, while also placing themselves at risk of having a personal injury compensation claim made against them.

East Anglian Construction were fined the maximum possible amount after admitting to breaking the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. They also had to pay £10,000 in legal fees. The company were fined for carrying out asbestos removal work on a property owned by their parent company, despite not being licensed to do so.

A health and safety officer, Susan Thomas, commented "The magistrates clearly viewed this as a serious breach of the regulations. Six charges in total were laid and the maximum fine available to the court was made in each case. These were not trivial health and safety matters and I hope that others who may be thinking of acting in the same way think again. The dangers of working with asbestos are well known and have been for many years and those in control of premises should know what they are dealing with."

UK Terror Victims Accuse Government of Delaying Personal Injury Compensation

29/11/2010 10:52:32

The British victims of terrorist attacks abroad have slammed the government for apparently shelving a deal to pay them personal injury compensation for the personal injuries that they suffered in the attacks. They claim the government is purposefully delaying the compensation deal, with the Ministry of Justice now claiming that the personal injury compensation scheme is under review after it was initially backed by the Conservative government.

Victims who have suffered personal injury abroad in terror attacks in Mumbai, Bali and in other atrocities have been outraged by the decision, with their fury being compunded after a recent multi-million pound compensation deal was handed over to a group of former Guantanamo Bay detainees.

Will Pike, who was left paralysed after attempting to escape a Mumbai gunman by leaping from a third floor windown commented "It is absolutely disgraceful that we are being left hanging like this."

Rogue Personal Injury Lawyer Jailed for Stealing From Clients

22/11/2010 15:36:42

A personal injury lawyer from Wigan who stole thousands from his clients while acting as a trustee for their money has been jailed.

Martin Davy, stole compensation money from a number of clients, including a vulnerable survivor of child abuse, and used the money to refurbish his own home. He used false accounting to cover his tracks.

All told he stole £38,000 in persoal injury compensation, leaving a number of compensation claims unresolved and forcing his employers to pick up the slack.

Davy has since been struck off and has been sentenced to three years in jail for the crimes.

Durham County Council Pay Out £4m in Personal Injury Compensation

22/11/2010 12:47:29

Durham County Council have been forced to reveal that they have paid out almost £4m in personal injury compensation solely to people who have suffered a slip and trip accident on their footpaths, bringing the total they have paid out in personal injury compensation to nearly £5m in five years.

The figures have been prepared for a meeting of the council's cabinet in an attempt to provide information to the new authority put in place to handle the paving issue.

They have since agreed a plan of action which should reduce the amount of personal injuries suffered on the pavement.

Teenager to Claim Seven Figure Personal Injury Compensation for Medical Negligence

22/11/2010 12:32:34

A teenager is to make a multi-million pound personal injury compensation claim after medical negligence left her suffering a disability from which she will never recover.

Alice Fallon suffered the birth injury when Dr John Aymard Wilson failed to spot that she was gravely ill when he saw her after she was delivered prematurely. He simply advised the child must be "kept warm" despite her needing to be sent to hospital urgently.

Because of the delay, Alice suffered oxygen starvation which has left her with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, mental retardation, epilepsy, behavioural problems and blindness.

She is now making the compensation claim against the NHS and the doctor who failed to provide adequate treatment.

Foam Manufacturer Fined After Work Accident Leads to Personal Injury

22/11/2010 12:14:34

A foam manufacturer based in Derbyshire has received a fine of £13,000 after one of its employees suffered a personal injury when he fell through a roof in a terrible work accident.

The man was working for Recticel Ltd when the work accident occured, with the man falling through a roof light after having repaired a leak in the firm's roof.

A HSE inspector said "The work had not been properly planned by Recticel and the company failed to take into account the risk posed by the roof light."

The company also have to pay £5,000 in costs and may yet face a personal injury compensation claim from the man.

Food Firm Fined After Work Accident

22/11/2010 12:06:30

PinguinLutosa Foods UK Ltd, a food firm based in Bourne, have been fined £4,700 by the Health and Safety Executive after an employee suffered personal injury in a work accident in November 2008.

Thomas Munford suffered the personal injury while he was clearing ice from the inside of a freezer when one of his colleagues switched it on. He was hit by the blades of the vegetable flow freezer's stirrer, suffering severe bruising to the legs.

An HSE inspector claims the work accident could have been a lot more severe, stating "If he had slipped on the wet, icy floor instead of being able to jump clear, it might have been a very different outcome."

It is unknown if Mr Munford has approached claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Construction Firms Fined After Work Accident Leads to Personal Injury

22/11/2010 12:01:23

A pair of construction firms have been fined a total of £10,000 by the HSE after an employee suffered personal injury in a terrible work accident after he was struck by timber roof trusses being unloaded from a lorry trailer by a mobile crane.

Neil Anson, aged 44, suffered his work accident at a construction site in Bilston last year, which resulted in Kent Road Construction Ltd being fined £6,000 and Fortmere Construction being fined £4,000.

An HSE inspector said "This case should remind companies managing construction sites and directing cranes to ensure all operators are properly trained and competent to do so."

It is unknown at this point if Mr Anson intends to pursue a personal injury compensation claim.

Norfolk Firm Fined for not Possessing Adequate Insurance Against Personal Injury Potential

22/11/2010 11:50:56

A landscaping firm based in Norfolk has received a fine of £70,000 from the HSE after it was revealed that they did not possess compulsory insurance that would have protected their employees in the event of a work accident, thus leaving them open to facing a personal injury compensation claim in the process.

The Norfolk Ranger Ltd did not have Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance (ELCI), resulting in the firm being issued the fine and ordered to pay £300 in costs.

An HSE inspector said "Injuries can stop employees from working for a significant period of time - or even for life. ELCI means those employees will not be left to fend for themselves and their families if unable to earn a wage."

Birth Injuries May Increase After Maternity Units Face Budget Cuts

22/11/2010 11:46:17

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) have completed a survey that reveals that mothers and babies are now at increasing risk of suffering a birth injury after maternity units across the country faced major budget cuts, despite a higher national birth rate.

Around a third of maternity units have suffered cuts, increasing workload and giving rise to the potential for serious personal injury to occur during birth.

General Secretary of the RCM, Cathy Warwick, said "I am deeply worried that we are seeing static or falling budgets, yet midwives and maternity services are faced with a continually rising demand. The NHS will be facing a fall in its income in real terms in the next few years and I have great fears for the future."

The amount of midwives has not risen in conjunction with the birth rate and Tony Falconer, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, claims "The rising birth rate and increase of complex pregnancies mean that maternity services are facing many challenges. As well as need for more midwives, there is a need for more consultants to deal with the increase in the number of high-risk pregnancies."

Family of Jean Charles de Menezes Receive Personal Injury Compensation for his Death

22/11/2010 11:33:51

The family of Jean Charles de Menezes, who was mistankenly shot and killed by police officers under the assumption that he was a terrorist, have been awarded what is believed to be around £100,000 in personal injury compensation under a deal with the Metropolitan police.

The family released a statement to inform that all litigation between them and Scotland Yard had been resolved, following speculation that the compensation settlement would be lower than expected.

In a joint statement released by the Metropolitan Police, the family said the agreement would allow them to "move forward with their lives."

The Met continued "The commissioner would like to take this opportunity of making a further unreserved apology to the family for the tragic death of Jean Charles de Menezes and to reiterate that he was a totally innocent victim and in no way to blame for his untimely death."

Woman Receives Multi-Million Pound Personal Injury Compensation for Brain Tumour Medical Negligence

22/11/2010 11:18:56

A woman from Maidstone who suffered irreversible brain damage after massive delays in treating a brain tumour has been awarded £4.5m in personal injury compensation due to the medical negligence.

Frances Bowra was initially rushed to Maidstone General District Hospital suffering from vomiting and violent headaches before later being transferred to King's College Hospital where she received emergency treatment to alleviate pressure on her brain. She was awarded the personal injury compensation after her claims solicitors successfully argued that the delay in transferring her and diagnosing the condition led to her rapid deterioration.

She now suffers from impaired vision and is partially paralysed, with her husband Kenneth claiming "All of her wishes, all of her hopes, no longer exist. They cannot be fulfilled."

Waste Management Company Fined After Work Accident Leaves Employee With Crushed Legs

22/11/2010 11:09:50

A waste management company has received a £14,000 fine from the Health and Safety Executive after a worker suffered massive personal injury in a work accident at the company.

The driver had both of his legs crushed in the accident when a steel frame fell onto them. The frame had a weight of around three quarters of a tonne and fell onto the worker when he was loading them onto a truck using a crane with chains atached to the frames.

The driver spent six months in hospital with his personal injury after the accident, which caused him to suffer nine fractures to his leg and kept him out of work for 14 months.

The HSE claims the accident could have been avoided if the company had planned the loading operation correctly. It is unknown at this point of the man plans to approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Woman Makes Medical Negligence Personal Injury Compensation Claim for Botched Hysterectomy

22/11/2010 10:41:39

A mother from Leicester is to make a medical negligence personal injury compensation claim against the NHS after a botched hysterectomy left her unable to site down for three years due to sharp, stabbing pains in her abdomen whenever she tries to bend or sit down.

She was given painkillers and told that the problem was probably a result of a grumbling appendix, however the pain returned after the appendix was removed. She now requires painkillers on a daily basis and she claims the personal injury has prevented her from leading a normal life as she can no lonher drive or sit at a desk and has since lost her job.

She is now seeking advice from personal injury lawyers as she believes the pain may have been caused by the surgery that she got three years ago and is to now make a personal injury compensation claim for the pain that she has suffered since.

Catering Student to Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim Against Landlord

22/11/2010 10:29:20

A Norwich based catering student is suing her landlord for £2m in personal injury compensation after she suffered horrendous personal injury when her flat caught fire, leaving her with severe burns.

Layla Skalli suffered burns across 80% of her body after a fire tore through her flat in Norwich. She was given only a 1% chance of survival by medical staff but miraculously pulled through. She is now pursuing the personal injury compensation claim through claims solicitors against her former landlord after he was sentenced to 30 months in prison after admitting breaches in Health and Safety Fire Laws that allowed for the accident to occur.

He has already made a compensation payment of £20,000 to Ms Skalli as a gesture of remorse, however she is now seeking civil personal injury compensation after claiming that her landlord failed to provide even the most basic in fire prevention and protection methods, such as fire alarms, extinguishers and fire exits.

Cyclist Wins Six Figure Personal Injury Compensation After Lorry Road Traffic Accident

22/11/2010 10:20:36

A cyclist and former triathlon champion has won £280,000 in personal injury compensation after she was involved in a road traffic accident with two lorries that left her with horrific personal injuries.

Doris Barrera-Torrico was crushed between the two lorries while cycling to her job as a charity worker, resulting in a number of personal injuries including most of the skin tissue of her leg being torn away.

Her leg has been left permanently deformed despite nine surgeries to save it. Surgeons intially feared that it would have to be amputated and the former Chilean national triathlon champion is now left unable to walk without the aid of crutches.

She was awarded the £280,000 personal injury compensation in an out of court settlement negotiated by her claims solicitors.

Teenage Wins Personal Injury Compensation After Road Traffic Accident with Police Car

22/11/2010 10:12:35

A teenager has been awarded a large amounf of personal injury compensation after he was onvolved in a Road Traffic Accident with a police car which was attending a 999 call.

Greg Love was cycling home from his air cadets training when he was hit by the vehicle, which was travelling too fast in a poorly lit area. He suffered severe personal injury and was in a coma for three weeks before being left with severe brain damage and requiring round the clock care.

An independent investigation bu the Police Complaints Commission has already concluded that the officer was not at fault for the accident, however the teenager still received an undisclosed personal injury compensation payout from Dorset Police Authority.

Government Cuts to Legal Aid May Cause Problems for Those Seeking Personal Injury Compensation

22/11/2010 10:03:29

Concerns have been raised in the personal injury sector about the Government's plans to slash £350m from the legal aid budget, with fears that less well-off families may be left behind if they need to seek legal aid and thus won't have the money to seek out their legal rights.

Justice Secretary Ken Clarke has already stated that state help will be removed from the following;

Some Family Law

Education

Employment

Medical Negligence

Immigration

Benefits

Debt

Housing Cases

Mr Clarke has already admitted to MPs that the reforms were driven solely by cost-cutting needs after claiming that the UK legal aid system was one of the most expensive in the world. He stated that the Ministry of Justice need to make a "substantial contribution" to Government savings but also insisted "Legal aid will still routinely be available in civil and family cases where people's life or liberty is at stake, or where they are at risk of serious physical harm, or immediate loss of their home."

Single Faulty Camera Linked to 9 Cases of NDM Personal Injury

22/11/2010 09:52:06

The failure to disinfect a single endoscope camera in a UK hospital has emerged as a gross case of medical negligence that has led to nine people being infected with bacteria that carried the New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM) enzyme, which causes bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics and has been linked to a number of deaths in the UK.

A report by the Health Protection Agency shows that there have been a total of 59 cases of NDM hospital infections in the UK, according to the Nursing Times. NDM is believed to have been spread by patients who have had surgery in the New Delhi area, though hospitals deny this.

The Nursing Times obtained the information through the Freedom of Information Act, claiming links with the Indian sub-continent "remained strong." Medical negligence caused the endoscope camera in the UK to not be fully disinfected.

Cyclist Receives Multi-Million Pound Personal Injury Compensation After Road Traffic Accident

15/11/2010 16:29:32

A cyclist has received £2.45m in personal injury compensation after he suffered brain damage when he was struck by an unaccompanied learner driver.

Hamish McCullough, who was 24 at the time of the accident, was left in a coma following the road traffic accident. He suffered a fractured skull and damage to an artery lef to eventual bleeding on the brain, leaving him brain damaged.

He now requires 24 hours medical care. The driver of the vehicle, named as Gordon Mitchell, was jailed for two years, reduced to one on appeal, for failing to stop at the accident.

Mr McCullough will receive the £2.45m lump sum as well as annual payments of £120,000 for life after his father made the personal injury compensation claim on his behalf.

Housing Firm Fined After Electrocution Work Accident

15/11/2010 16:20:23

A housing firm has been fined £8,000 by the Health and Safety Executive after a worker was electrocuted while carrying out work for the company.

Robert Stubbs, aged 24, suffered a number of burns in the work accident when he hit an 11,000 volt electrical cable with an iron bar while carrying out work for Coast and Country Housing Ltd.

He was planting tress for the landlord at the time, however he suffered the personal injury thanks to a flame which shot 13 feet into the air after he connected with the pipe.

A HSE inspector said "Had a suitable risk assessment been carried out to highlight the risks and the proper safety systems put in place, this incident could have been avoided altogether."

Mr Stubbs may now look to make a personal injury compensation claim against his employer.

Report Says Radiologists Guilty of Medical Negligence Should Receive Additional Training

15/11/2010 16:10:07

A recent report has stated that radiologists who were guilty of medical negligence by botching breast cancer screening tests should have undertaken additional training to ensure that the mistakes didn't happen again.

The North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust halted its breast screening program when it was revealed that 1,695 women needed to be called back for further tests after initial ones were botched.

The trust apologised in August after it was revealed that eight women had breast cancer despite being given the all clear. The true figure, according to the report, is actually 16. All of these women may now be eligible to make a personal injury compensation claim.

The chief executive of the trust, Carole Heatly, stated "Our trust fully understands and appreciates the distress and anxiety this issue will have caused and apologises to all concerned. The delay in identifying the women with breast cancer does mean that there has been a delay in these cancers being treated. It is unfortunately not possible to state with certainty whether this delay in treatment has affected the prognosis other than to state that early-stage breast cancers have a good prognosis."

Cumbria's Director of Public Health, John Ashton, carried out the report. He said "The NHS breast screening programme saves hundreds of lives every year. In this incident at the North Cumbria University Hospitals Trust, 16 women have had their cancers diagnosed later than should have been the case. It is important to stress that incidents of this kind are unusual. The hospitals trust will now be working with Newcastle upon Tyne's breast screening programme to re-establish the service in north Cumbria."

Man Receives Personal Injury Compenstion for Spam Email

15/11/2010 16:00:25

A man has received personal injury compensation from an e-marketing company named Transcom after the group sent him an unsolicited email on an address that was only known his one company. The compensation case is important as it marks the first time that a British court has made a compensation ruling for a spam email.

Gordon Dick is also the first person to receive personal injury compensation for receiving spam in the landmark hearing. He commented "The courts have shown they are sensitive to putting right these misdemeanours, and the small claims procedures are ideally suited to take low-cost legal action."

He claims he was confident of winning as the offending spammer had his address on an email list when he had not given permission for it to be handed out. He states he would have been happy with an apology from the company at first however, when they reacted to his claim by telling him to take it to court he did just that.

Transcom have thus far failed to pay him the compensation that he gained and Mr Dick is now planning to enforce collection of the sum.

APIL Welcome Personal Injury Discount Rate Review

15/11/2010 15:33:14

The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) has supported the current Lord Chancellor's decision that a review of the discount rate set on personal injury compensation is required.

The discount rate is used to calculate how much personal injury compensation should be taken from a claimant to account for any income they generate through investing the money they have been given. It was previously set at 2.5% in 2001 and was based on yields generated by index-linked government stocks (ILGS).

However since 2001 yields on ILGS have declined, with the average yield now believed to be closer to 1%.

APIL head Muiris Lyons comments "For years now, injured people have been undercompensated because of the previous Government’s failure to review the discount rate in light of economic changes. Our hope now is that the Lord Chancellor’s review proceeds quickly and redresses this imbalance which has had such an impact on injured people for so long."

Electrician May Pursue Personal Injury Compensation After Wall Falls on Him

15/11/2010 15:21:33

An electrician may be eligible to make a personal injury compensation claim after he suffered a broken bone during a work accident in which a prefabricated wall fell on him.

Martin Cox suffered severe leg injuries when he became trapped under the wall on a work site owned by global firm BAE Systems in August 2008.

The work accident occured when Mr Cox was instructed to remove the wall and, in doing so, he suffered multiple personal injuries. These included two dislocated ankles and a number of fractures to his left foot.

He will now have to spend a year in a wheelchair after intense physiotherapy. This loss of work may make him eligible to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Workers May Seek Personal Injury Compensation for Asbestos Exposure

15/11/2010 15:07:26

The workers at a Tyneside company may sue for personal injury compensation from their employer after it was revealed they were put at risk of asbestos exposure thanks to poor training.

High View Services of Wallsend endangered several of their workers and put them at risk of contracting asbestos related diseases like mesothelioma and plural plaques during a project in January 2009 in which the employees were tasked with upgrading the heating system of a residential property.

Mr Brown has pleaded guilty to breaching the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 and had not provided his employees with sufficient training in the handling of the material.

The workers may now be able to file a personal injury compensation case against the company after being exposed to the deadly substance.

Worker May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Suffering Back Injury

15/11/2010 14:56:09

A worker may be considering approaching claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim after a work accident resulted in him suffering a personal injury to his spine.

Colin Ball was working for Recticel Limited when he suffered the personal injury while delivering a load of insulation board to the company's warehouse. While doing so a seperate stock of products fell onto him, causing him numerous personal injuries, including a spinal fracture and several broken bones.

He may need long term rehabilitation to recover from the personal injury, which could lead to him approaching claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim.

A Health and Safety Executive inspector commented "This incident serves to highlight the need for companies to ensure that their stacking arrangements are properly planned, managed and controlled."

Teenager May Claim Personal Injury Compensation from Goodyear Dunlop

15/11/2010 14:43:46

A teenager may yet pursue a personal injury compensation claim after he suffered a head injury while working at the Goodyear Dunlop factory as an apprentice.

Karl Illidge sustained a broken bone while operating machinery at the site in September 2009 while working alongside two other engineers when repairing a tyre press at the firm. The equipment burst during work and caused him to fall and strike his head on neraby machinery, suffering a fractured skull in the process.

The firm have been fined by the HSE after violating the Health and Safety at Work Act, which may lead to Mr Illidge making a personal injury compensation claim for the work accident.

Man May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim for Broken Wrist

15/11/2010 14:21:20

A man could still make a personal injury compensation claim after he suffered a personal injury when he broke his wrist due to a work accident.

Lee Baker broke his wrist in two places in the work accident, requiring plates to be inserted into his arm after he suffered the personal injury at Elmatic (Cardiff) Limited.

Mr Baker had not been given any formal training in the use of the drill before he was asked to use it, which he believes directly caused his personal injury after he got his glove caught in the machinery when he installed an incorrect guard on the machine.

Elmatic have already pleaded guilty to violations of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. This means they are now open to a personal injury compensation claim if Mr Baker chooses to pursue one.

Lorry Driver to Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Work Accident

15/11/2010 14:11:00

A lorry driver from Bradford will make a personal injury compensation claim after a terrible work accident left him brain damaged and partially sighted.

Nick Holmes, from Thornton in Bradford, was crushed by an industrial power saw as he was unloading it from a lorry. The saw weighed upwards of a quarter ton.

Joda Freight, his employers, have already been fined £5,000 by the Health and Safety Executive for the work accident, however they have denied liability for Mr Holmes' personal injury, instead blaming JMJ Woodworking, who loaded the saw onto the lorry in the first place.

Mr Holmes' partner, Ann Toorish, has revealed that the couple have approached personal injury lawyers with a view to make a personal injury compensation claim to pay for Mr Holmes' aftercare and future support.

Terminally Ill Cancer Patient to Receive Personal Injury Compensation for Medical Negligence

15/11/2010 13:53:02

A cancer patient who has since become terminal is making a £300,000 claim for personal injury compensation after a surgeon failed to spot the early stages of malignant melanoma.

The medical negligence claim has been started by Jon Edmonds, aged 42, after he was informed by hospital staff that a suspicious looking mole on his right shoulder was no cause for concern back in 2005. However a malignant melanoma was discovered after he underwent urgent surgery to have the mole removed in 2009. This was then followed by the news that the melanoma had spread and that he only had a 50% chance of living for more than 5 years.

He has contacted personal injury lawyers who are making the compensation claim based on the possibility that if the cancer had been diagnosed earlier, he would have been given a better chance at survival.

Widow Receives Personal Injury Compensation After Accidental Overdose

15/11/2010 13:39:34

A widow has been awarded £100,000 in personal injury compensation after medical negligence led to hospital staff giving her husband a lethal overdose at a Birmingham hospital.

Paul Richards was 35 when he was admitted into Birmingham's Heartlands Hospital to receive the drug amphotericin to combat the effects of chemotherapy. The drug was prescribed by a junior doctor at the hospital and Mr Richards died within hours of the drug being administered when it was discovered that the dose was five times greater than it should have been.

Another man, named Baljit Singh Sunner, also received the same dose of the drug on the same night. The two men died within hours of each other as a result of this startling medical negligence.

Chemical Plant Worker to Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Work Accident

15/11/2010 13:26:43

A man who was engulfed in a fireball in a work accident at a Workington chemical plant is to make a personal injury compensation claim against the company for the work accident.

David Lightfoot suffered serious personal injury while working for Indorama Polymers Ltd. His head was engulfed in flames as he attamepted welding work on a silo. He required a two and a half week hospital stay after the accident, and will have to receive ongoing medical treatment, including plastic surgery.

Mr Lightfoot claims the injury has been life changing and has made him very conscious of his own appearance. His claims solicitors have stated that the accident could have been avoided with a proper risk assessment and are hoping to achieve personal injury compensation for him soon.

Apprentice Joiner Avoids Permanent Personal Injury Thanks to Thermal Underwear

15/11/2010 12:32:01

A teenaged apprentice has managed to avoid suffering permament injury after a work accident involving an industrial sander. Owain Bancroft was saved suffering further personal injury when a portable industrial belt sander lodged on his thermal underwear after becoming embedded in his thigh.

The device was eventually removed with Owain under anaesthetic, with his mother commenting "It was miraculous that he didn’t get a very serious injury."

It is still unclear just how the teenager had managed to become trapped in the sander and it is unknown if he intends to approach personal injury lawyers to make a compensation claim.

Security Guard Receives Personal Injury Compensation From Bon Jovi Roadie

15/11/2010 12:21:13

A security guard has been awarded £33,000 in personal injury compensation after she was run over by a roadie in a golf buggy at a Bon Jovi concert.

Sally Allen suffered a broken leg, crushed foot and dislocated toe when the golf buggy was driven over her foot at the concert, which was held at the National Bowl in Milton Keynes.

Mrs Allen has previously evacuated an area after a gas canister burst into flames. However after doing so the roadie approached in a golf buggy, demanding to be let through. After refusing the roadie drove straight at her, crushing her right leg in the process. She claims "‘He rolled over my right leg. It was agony."

She has not been able to return to work since the accident, which is part of the reason why she was approached personal injury lawyers to put in a compensation claim.

Re-Cycling Firm Fined After Work Accident

15/11/2010 12:06:50

A re-cycling firm has been fined £13,000 by the Health and Safety Executive after an employee was involved in a work accident in which he was rendered unconscious by nitrogen gas.

Stephen Barnes had been working on a machine that breaks up fridges to be recycled. Nitrogen gas is present in the machine during the process to prevent the risk of explosion. Mr Barnes' personal injury was suffered when the machine jammed, causing him to climb into the chute containing the fridge to dislodge it. He was overcome by the nitrogen gas and passed out during the task.

The HSE decided that Overton Recycling had not carried out a full risk assessment and had thus not warned workers of the dangers of climbing into the chute. Mr Barnes may yet still make a personal injury compensation claim for the incident but has yet to approach personal injury lawyers.

Teacher Who Developed Vocal Chord Nodules Receives Personal Injury Compensation

15/11/2010 11:54:28

A teacher in London has been awarded £156,000 in personal injury compensation after developing vocal chord nodules due to constantly having to raise her voice in a noisy classroom.

Joyce Walters approached personal injury claims solicitors after claiming that constant over-crowding coupled with the noise from a nearby children's play area led to her constantly having to raise her voice to enable students to hear her. She developed the nodules less than a year after starting the class and has had to give up her job as a result.

She was awarded the personal injury compensation after taking her employers, Hillingdon Council, to an employment tribunal.

Mrs. Walters claims solicitors commented "Despite numerous attempts to raise her concerns with her employer Mrs Walters was ignored and it has resulted in this terrible, life altering injury for which she is owed a big apology."

Electrical Engineer May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Suffering Burns

15/11/2010 11:36:20

An electrical engineer who suffered a number of burns in a terrible work accident may approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim for the injuries he suffered.

Paul Ridlings was engulfed in a fireball after disturbing a loose wire while investigating a fault with an energy meter. The resulting explosion ignited Mr Ridlings clothes, causing burns to his face, neck and upper body.

The company for whom he was working have already been fined £130,000 by the Health and Safety Executive for breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act, with an inspector stating that Mr Ridling had been very lucky as electrical shocks kill 20 people per year in work accidents.

It is unknown if Mr Ridling intends to approach personal injury lawyers to make a compensation claim at this point.

Patients Who Received Faulty Heart Implants May Receive Personal Injury Compensation

15/11/2010 11:11:38

The American group who were at the centre of a personal injury compensation storm after manufacturing thousands of faulty leads for use in surgery may now face a wave of personal injury compensation claims from British patients after already paying out £165m in compensation to US patients.

Medtronic issued a recall of the product after the fault was discovered in the Sprint Fidelis defibrillator device, however it had already been used for heart surgeries in thousands of patients at that point. The error was in a lead for the device, which allows for uncalled for shocks to the patient's heart.

Five British patients have now launched a multi-million pound compensation claim through claims solicitors. The constant uncalled for shocks have caused weakening of the hearts for which the devices were intended with one patient, Charles Pitt of Hampshire, enduring 35 shocks in one day that left him temporarily paralysed.

Medtronic have not accepted liability for 13 deaths of patients using the device, but may face a new whirlwind of personal injury compensation claims if the British claimants are successful.

Durham Energy Company Fined For Fatal Accident at Work

08/11/2010 16:54:26

An energy support services company from Durham has been fined £120,000 after the Health and Safety Executive determined that their health and safety failings were the cause of a worker suffering a fatal accident at a coal processing plant in Lincolnshire.

Alan Noddle suffered fatal personal injuries when he was run over by a loading shovel while working for the company. The shovel was being used to transfer large amounts of coal from one area of the plant to another. The driver's view of Mr Noddle was obstructed by the bucket attached to the machine.

It is unknown at this point if his family intend to approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Slovakian Journalist Successfully Claims Compensation

08/11/2010 16:25:48

A Slovakian journalist has successfully claimed personal injury compensation after he received £1m in compensation after a road traffic accident that left him with serious brain injuries that have left him unable to walk or talk.

The amount of compensation received was reduced to reflect his share of liability in the accident, where he was hit by a car as he crossed the road at Newtownabbey. Witnesses identified that he was using his mobile phone at the time of the accident and hadn't checked where he was going beforehand.

His parents brought the compensation action after contacting claims solicitors on his behalf. They have sold their home and given up work to care for their son.

Dinnerlady to Claim Personal Injury Compensation for Unfair Dismissal

08/11/2010 16:09:00

A dinner lady from Essex has contacted personal injury lawyers to make a personal injury compensation claim after being sacked from her job for telling a father that his child was being bullied in school.

Carol Hill was fired for breach of confidentiality, but is making the compensation claim for unfair dismissal, claiming she was wrongly sacked over the incident. She also claims to have not been granted the correct period of notice and that her rights to freedom of expression had also been infringed.

The Head Teacher of the school involved claims the alleged victim had not been a victim of bullying but had actually been involved in an "inappropriate game" that had gone to far. The girl involved was apparently found tied to school railings with a skipping rope.

Businessman to Sue Colonel Gaddafi for Personal Injury Compensation

08/11/2010 15:54:29

A British businessman is set to sue for personal injury compensation from Colonel Gaddafi and the Libyan government after claiming that they kidnapped and tortured him under suspicion of being either a pimp or a gangster.

Henry Djaba, aged 46, claims he was imprisoned in a tiny, windowless cell and deprived of sleep, force-fed drugs and beaten to the point of personal injury as his captors hurled threats at him. He also claims that a Libyan business associate conspired with the security forces to cheat him out of a commission worth millions.

He claims to have have been snatched from the streets of Tripoli on the 31st March and believes that British authorities did little to help him, prompting him to make the personal injury compensation claim through claims solicitors.

He claims "I told them, ‘I’m a British citizen, I want you to call the embassy’. They beat me and kicked me and tried to get me to sign a confession admitting that I was a spy, a gangster or a pimp running an international prostitute ring. But I thought they were going to kill me anyway so I didn’t sign anything because I didn’t want to give them the pleasure of telling my parents that I was a pimp or a gangster."

Student May Pursue Personal Injury Compensation After Roof Fall

08/11/2010 15:28:08

A student is deciding whether to pursue a personal injury compensation claim after he broke a number of bones in an accident at his place of education.

The 18 year old suffered a number of personal injuries, including broken ribs and a fractured skull after falling through the roof at Liverpool's Sacred Heart Catholic College. The man dropped more than two metres through a skylight after being taken on to the roof the the college's school building.

His teacher, John Summerfield, was found to be in breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act and fined £20,000. He may also now be subject to a personal injury compensation claim made by the victim.

Airplane Manufacturer Fined After Work Accident

08/11/2010 15:13:58

Callender Aeropart Ltd, based in Lancashire, have been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after one of their employees suffered a work accident while working on a jet engine for the company. The employee suffered a nasty personal injury in which one of the tendons on his left hand was detached, He required surgery to re-attach it.

The personal injury suffered by the unnamed 28 year old revealed that he was injured by an unguarded milling machine when his hand came into contact with the rotating blades of the machine as he reached across it. The HSE raised concerns about the lack of a guard on the machine, claiming the company had failed to abide by the Provisions and Use of Work Equipment Regulations.

The company have been fined £8,000 plus costs. They may also face a personal injury compensation claim from the work if he decides to contact a personal injury lawyer.

Pensioner Involved in Bus Accident May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim

08/11/2010 15:04:23

A Stoke based pensioner is considering approaching claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim after she fell from a bus and broke both of her wrists in an accident.

Jean Ryder had been on a night out to bingo when she suffered the personal injury after slipping while attempting to board the bus to the bingo hall. Mrs Ryder claims the relocation of the usual bus stop to what she described as a "building site" had been the cause of her personal injury.

She claims her standing foot slipped on loose material as she attempted to step into the bus, causing her to fall to the floor and break both of her wrists. She spent a month with her arms in plaster as a result of the personal injury.

She now intends to sue for personal injury compensation from Stoke-on-Trent Council.

Cheshire Welder Granted Personal Injury Compensation for Industrial Deafness Claim

08/11/2010 14:49:59

A Cheshire based welder has been granted £12,000 in personal injury compensation after he approached a claims solicitor to make a compensation claim for his case of industrial deafness.

Stephen Rothwell suffered serious damage to his hearing while working as a plate welder for Henry Smith Constructional Engineering. The fifty year old was never advised to wear ear defenders in the factory and now suffers from tinnitus as a result and now only has around 50% of his hearing.

Mr Rothwell's personal injury lawyers claim his employer was negligent in not offering him protection for his ears and allowing him to be exposed to that level of noise, thus causing the personal injury.

Widow of Man Who Died as a Result of Medical Negligence Receives Personal Injury Compensation

08/11/2010 14:32:49

A widow from Salford has received a five figure personal injury compensation sum after her husband died when the Trafford Healthcare Trust failed to provide the necessary aftercare for him after his hip replacement surgery.

The Trust was deemed to have displayed medical negligence leading up to the man's death after they failed to spot a blood clot that had formed after the hip replacement surgery. The staff were accused of not responding quickly enough to the warning signs, as well as failing to provide the man with clot prevention stockings.

The widow approached claims solicitors in the wake of her husband's death and, through them, made a successful personal injury compensation claim.

Woman May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Forklift Accident

08/11/2010 13:54:53

A warehouse worker who suffered personal injury after a terrible work accident may make a personal injury compensation claim through a claims solicitor after the company she works for were found guilty of health and safety offences.

Sandra Miles was working at the Lidl regional distribution centre at Magna Park, checking stock dates, when a forklift drove into her through a plastic curtain. She suffered personal injury to her left leg, requiring six operations which have left her badly scarred. She now requires specialised footwear to walk properly.

The supermarket company were fined £80,000 by the HSE for Health and Safety at Work violations, and may yeat be subject to a personal injury compensation claim from the woman.

Mrs Miles remained on pay for 12 months after the work accident, and Lidl have claimed they will not contest a personal injury compensation claim.

Young Girl Receives Personal Injury Compensation for Birth Injury

08/11/2010 13:47:57

A 9 year old girl who suffered terrible birth injuries when she was starved of oxygen during birth has won a multi-million pound personal injury compensation claim thanks to her personal injury lawyers.

Kiera Berry was starved of oxygen for a full seven minutes during birth, leaving her brain damaged and dependent on care for the rest of her life. Her mother, Lisa Stephenson, is also to receive damages after Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust admitted liability for their mismanagement of her labour. It is believed the personal injury compensatino may reach a figure as high as £4m.

The NHS Trust will also pay the legal costs of Kiera's claims solicitors, which are believed to total around £315,000.

Stable Girl May Claim Personal Injury Compensation After Horrific Work Accident

08/11/2010 13:37:23

A young stable girl has somehow managed to avoid suffering catastrophic personal injury after she was impaled through the throat by a metal spike in a terrible work accident. Jenny Butler, aged 24, was impaled by the spike as she attempted to prevent a horse from escaping the stable. Luckily the spike pierced just millimetres away from her windpipe and major arteries.

The brave woman then used her mobile phone to call for help and was eventually aided by her boss when he saw what had happened to her.

emergency services then rushed to cut her free and perform emergency surgery to remove the spike. Miss Butler is believed to be doing well. It is unknown at this point if she intends to approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim for the work accident.

Business Man to Sue for Personal Injury Compensation for Botched Kidney Operation

08/11/2010 12:29:35

A business man who was the victim of medical negligence after his decision to donate a kidney to his sick father ended in the surgeon botching the operation due to gross medical negligence is to sue for £14m in personal injury compensation.

The man, who cannot currently be named, underwent the surgery to help his sick father. During the operation he suffered what was described as "torrential" loss of blood. This led to him suffering a heart attack and permanent damage to his kidney. The medical negligence led to him requiring a kidney transplant of his own due to the errors.

Portsmouth Hospitals Trust has admitted liability for the medical negligence, but are currently battling the man's claims solicitors over the amount of compensation to be payed. He claims the £14m in personal injury compensation is required to help him pay for medical expenses and ongoing care.

British Holidaymaker Receives Personal Injury Compensation for Accident Abroad

08/11/2010 11:23:07

A British holidaymaker who suffered a serious personal injury on a family holiday in Marbella has won his personal injury compensation battle in what is being called a landmark personal injury decision by claims solicitors and personal injury lawyers.

Clint Jacobs was struck by an uninsured driver at a car park in Marbella, suffering an array of personal injuries, including a broken pelvis and broken right leg. He was confined to a wheelchair for a year and lost his business as he was unable to go to work.

The Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) initially claimed that Mr Jacobs was only eligible for the Spanish level of personal injury compensation as the accident happened on Spanish soil. The UK level is four times more than the Spanish level.

A High Court Judge agreed with the decision intially, leading to Mr Jacobs approaching a personal injury solicitor to make an appeal to get personal injury compensation at British levels. The claim was a success, though it is currently unclear just how much injury compensation Mr Jacobs will receive.

The MIB may still launch a counter appeal however.

Nestle Employee to Receive Personal Injury Compensation After Work Accident Leads to Amputation

08/11/2010 11:08:41

A former employee of food manufacturer Nestle has received a personal injury compensation payout that is believed to be in six figures after a terrible work accident led to her having her left leg amputated.

Susan Ashe approached personal injury lawyers after a work accident in which she lost control of a fork lift truck that she was driving, crashing into a barrier in the process. Her foot was crushed for a number of minutes after it became trapped, leading to doctors having to amputate when she eventually reached hospital.

Mrs Ashe is now unable to work after the personal injury and has commented on the difficulties she now faces. For their part Nestle have paid a six figure personal injury compensation sum, provided Mrs Ashe with counselling and undertaken renovations at her home to make her life easier.

Pair Receive Personal Injury Compensation for Injuries After Surgery

08/11/2010 11:03:02

Two people who were child heart patients at the Bristol Royal Infirmary have been granted millions in personal injury compensation after they were both left brain damaged as a result of medical negligence on the part of the hospital.

A 19 year old man received almost £4m through personal injury claims solicitors after he was left with brain damage, epilepsy, behavioural problems and autistic traits after undergoing heart surgery in Bristol.

Another patient, a woman in her 20's, was brain damaged as she underwent heart surgery in 1990, suffering cerebral palsy, learning difficulties, and other difficulties. she will receive personal injury compensation for the injuries, though it is unknown what the agreed compensation sum is at the moment.

Directors of Skip Hire Company Guilty of Burying Asbestos

08/11/2010 10:33:05

The directors of a skip hire company have been found guilty of burning, burying and otherwise illegally disposing of waste products, including asbestos, by the Exeter Crown Court.

The pair placed nearby residents at risk of suffering personal injury, as well as exposing them to the possibility of a personal injury compensation claim from claims solicitors for the illegal disposal. They were convicted of seven offences in all at the trial.

Petra Bond and Julian Goddard had previously instructed workers to bury the materials as quickly as possible in an effort to cut costs.

NHS Foundation Trust Made to Pay Fines for Medical Negligence

08/11/2010 10:22:03

The Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust has been told by the Health and Safety Executive that they must pay thousands in fines and personal injury compensation after a routine examination of the facility found that staff were guilty of constant medical negligence, with the trust itself displaying "systematic failings" in its approach to care.

The inquiry ruled that a pre-occupation with cost cutting measures may have been responsible, claiming that the medical negligence may have been the cause of between 400 and 1,200 deaths at Stafford Hospital.

The trust claims it can't accurately calculate the level of medical negligence compensation owed as claims were still being settled, but it is believed personal injury compensation between £1,000 and £27,500 will likely be paid to the families of the victims of medical negligence.

Rate of Fatal Accidents in Construction Industry Fell Last Year

08/11/2010 10:03:54

Recent figures released by the Health and Safety Executive have revealed that the amount of fatal accidents amongst construction workers fell last year.

Construction workers are amongst those in the workforce most likely to suffer an accident at work which would enable them to make a personal injury compensation claim with a claims solicitors firm.

The HSE revealed that the fatal accidents per 100,000 construction workers dropped to 2.2 between 2009/2010. This is a fall from the 2.5 experienced last year.

All told there were 42 fatal accidents for which the families of the victims may be eligible to claim for personal injury compensation.

Woman May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Suffering Illness Abroad

01/11/2010 13:53:03

A Nottinghamshire woman has approached a claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim on her behalf after she contracted an illness abroad while on holiday at Cape Verde.

Sara Black was travelling with her 8 year old son on the package holiday, provided by Thomson, when she contracted salmonella from the food provided by the hotel.

Miss Black claims there were flies in and around food at the hotel, with dogs, cats and birds also allowed in the restaurant area.

She claims "I feel angry at that fact that I have fallen ill due to the poor hygiene standards at the hotel. You normally expect to feel rejuvenated from holiday but instead I have been left with bad memories. I would definitely think twice about flying back to Cape Verde or travelling with Thomson again."

She now intends to pursue her personal injury compensation claim to the fullest.

Justice Secretary Ken Clarke Indicates 'No Win, No Fee' Cap

01/11/2010 13:41:10

A recent statement from Justice Secretary Ken Clarke has pointed towards a cap on the fees claims solicitors can gain from the opposing party when they are successful in making a personal injury compensation claim for a client.

Currently personal injury lawyers working on a 'no win, no fee' basis can double the fee they gain from the opposition when they win. Mr Clarke recently told BBC Radio 4's Law in Action programme that he is considering implementing a similar system to the one used in the US, where some legal fees are recovered from the personal injury compensation that the claims solicitors gain for the claimant.

The possible change comes after Lord Justice Jackson's review of the current system and is being considered by the Justice Secretary as a possible alternative.

Printing Firm Fined for two Work Accidents

01/11/2010 13:30:11

A printing firm based in Essex has been fined a total of £25,000 for two seperate work accidents that left two employees suffering personal injury. Both men worked for printers and binders Wyndeham Heron Ltd when they had their hands crushed by printing presses in seperate work accidents.

The first work accident involved press assistant Paul Howard, aged 49. He fractured his thumb when clearing a paper jam on the machine. Later in 2009 Mark Frost, aged 46, injured his fingers while working on a seperate machine that had no safety guard.

A Health and Safety Executive inspector claimed "Incidents like this are entirely preventable. It is not good enough to rely on ad hoc practices to clear paper jams and to deal with other mechanical failures."

It is unknown if either man has contacted a claims solicitors to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Man Receives £60,000 in Personal Injury Compensation for Medical Negligence Claim

01/11/2010 12:55:17

A hospital has been forced to pay £60,000 of personal injury compensation to a man who contracted MRSA after a surgery that his claims solicitors argued he didn't even need in the first place.

The 74 year old man, who wishes to remain anonymous, underwent major surgery in 2007 at Basildon Hospital for a chronic bowel condition. He had his rectum and colon removed but problems arose in the aftermath of the surgery.

The man contracted MRSA while recovering, prompting his personal injury lawyers to claim he didn't require the surgery as the condition could have been handled by medication.

After initially denying the arguments by the claims solicitors, the trust eventually paid out £1,000 personal injury compensation for the MRSA compensation claim, as well as £59,000 for the unecessary surgery.

Two Companies Fined After Fatal Work Accident

01/11/2010 12:29:19

A pair of companies have been fined after an employee suffered a fatal work accident while working for them at Altham. Peter Walton fell five metres from scaffolding at the Altham Industrial Estate in 2006.

His widow may now make a personal injury compensation claim for the fatal accident, and commented on the fine implemented by the Health and Safety Executive. She said "It has been four long, stressful years since the incident that eventually took Peter's life. He meant everything to me and I will love, miss and mourn him for the rest of my life."

Glenmill Group (Developments) Ltd and Howorth Scaffolding Services Ltd were both prosecuted by the HSE. Howorth were fined £25,000 while both firms we ordered to share payment of £13,793 in costs.

They may yet face a personal injury compensation claim from claims solicitors representing the man's widow.

Pizza Manufacturer Fined for Poor Health and Safety Practices

01/11/2010 12:23:52

A pizza manufacturer has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after ignoring repeated calls to improve their health and safety practices, thus placing their workers at risk of suffering a personal injury in a work accident.

Capri Foods Ltd has previously been served with an improvement notice by the Health and Safety Executive but did not act on it, forcing the £15,000 fine to be imposed.

The notice has related to a first floor doorway used to load and unload goods from a forklift truck. The door was left permanently open and unguarded, despite being four metres above ground. This left workers at risk of suffering a work accident related personal injury if they had fallen through the doorway.

A HSE inspector stated "It's incredibly frustrating to see a company like Capri Foods blatantly ignoring calls to protect employees when such a clear and obvious risk has been identified."

Roofer Fined by Health and Safety Executive After Placing Workers at Risk of Personal Injury

01/11/2010 12:13:07

A roofer has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after they discovered that he was placing his workers at the risk of suffering a personal injury in a work accident due to poor health and safety practices.

Joseph Jones, aged 61 from Cheshire, was spotted by a HSE inspector giving instructions to four employees were were working about four metres above the ground with no safety measures put in place.

Mr Jones was found guilty of breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and fined £1,000 plus £1,000 of costs. However the ruling has saved him from potentially facing a personal injury compensation claim from an employee in the occasion of a work accident.

Woman Who Fell From Window May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim

01/11/2010 12:06:29

A woman may make a personal injury compensation claim after she fell from a window during an aerobics class. She may seek out a claims solicitors after the incident at the recently refurbished Meadowside Leaisure Centre in Burton on Thursday of last week.

The East Staffordshire Borough Council is now investigating the incident, stating "We are also working with the Health and Safety Executive to make sure the incident is fully investigated."

Damage caused to the building at the time of the incident had initially been boarded up but has since been repaired. However they may still be liable for a personal injury compensation claim from the woman.

50 Staff Evacuated From Factory to Avoid Personal Injury From Fire

01/11/2010 11:44:46

50 workers have been evacuated from a factory after a fire broke out, creating the potential for one of the workers to suffer a personal injury if they has been left unattended.

The fire occured when an industrial press caught fire at IMI Norgen premises in Lichfield on Wednesday. The fire lasted approximately two hours, with six crews attending the blaze. The Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service praised the company's sprinkler system in the aftermath of the blaze.

The service's station manager, Mick Jahn said "We'd urge all businesses to fit sprinkler systems, there are misconceptions that should there be a fire several sprinklers will operate, this isn't the case. They will only operate where the fire is located. As this incident has highlighted, they do prevent the spread of fires, and so minimise the economic cost of a fire - which is even more important during these difficult financial times."

Luckily there were no personal injuries or work accidents suffered, which means noone from the factory will need to approach a claims solicitor to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Recently Released Figures Show People in Britain Have Less Reason to Make Compensation Claims

01/11/2010 11:36:14

Recently released statistics have revealed that British people have less cause to make a personal injury compensation claim for work accidents or fatal accidents than anywhere else in Europe, casting serious doubts on the current Conservative administrations assertions that Britain is run by a 'compensation culture'.

The statistics, releaaed by the Health and Safety Executive, showed that 152 people suffered fatal accidents at work between April 2009 and March 2010, down 27 from the previous year's statistics. The figure is the lowest ever recorded.

There were nearly 2,000 fewer minor work accidents thanks to increased health and safety, with the amount of people requiring three or more days off from work falling by almost 10,000.

Man to Seek Personal Injury Compensation After Farming Work Accident Results in Leg Amputation

01/11/2010 11:25:58

A young man from Whitby may seek personal injury compensation after a work accident at a farm resulted in him losing his leg after it got caught in some farming machinery. The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, suffered the personal injury in a work accident while at Skipsters Hagg Farm in November 2009.

The victim's leg became trapped in a harvesting machine, resulting in the young man suffering a catastrophic personal injury that eventually resulted in his having his leg amputated. The company have received a £100,000 fine from the Health and Safety Executive.

The man may yet seek to contact a claims solicitor with a view to make a personal injury claim for the work accident.

Yorkshire Groups Hoping Student Films May Reduce Road Traffic Accidents

01/11/2010 11:10:46

A number of road traffic safety bodies have expressed their hopes that a recent scheme that encourages students from the region to make films informing youngsters of road safety will help cut down on the number of road traffic accidents in the region, thus driving down the number of personal injury compensation claims that come as a result of these road traffic accidents.

The 95 Alive York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership launched the scheme, which it calls 'Call the Shots'. It encourages film students from school, college and university to create the road safety videos, with the winners of the competition having their video featured on the firm's YouTube channel.

County Councillor Gareth Dodd commented on the campaign, stating he wishes that "...youngsters take up this challenge because they’re the ones who know what will grab the attention of other young people".

Man May Face Personal Injury Compensation Claims After Causing Massive Road Traffic Accident

01/11/2010 11:02:50

A man from the East Midlands could possibly face a number of personal injury compensation claims after he was accused of causing a huge road traffic accident as a result of alledged drink driving. The road traffic accident occured on Sunday night just outside Derby and involved three cars, two minibuses, a van and an ambulance responding to a 999 call.

Four people involved in the road traffic accident may make a personal injury compensation claim, with a number suffering personal injury including a fractured pelvis, broken leg and claims of whiplash.

The driver who caused the pile-up was suspected by police of drunk driving but was released on bail pending further inquiries.

Hospital to Pay Mother Personal Injury Compensation After Failing to Diagnose Birth Injury

01/11/2010 10:45:43

A hospital had been forced to pay a mother personal injury compensation after they failed to diagnose her unborn child with the spina bifida birth injury. The failure to spot the condition led to the mother's child being born with disabilities, which should have been noticed in scans.

The NHS have since agreed an interim payment of £515,000 after admitting the medical negligence charge, with the money going towards providing aid for the woman's child. However this is simply the first part of the settlement and the NHS will pay further personal injury compensation to the family to pay for the child's upkeep and care throughout his life.

The NHS trust will not be held liable for any other birth injuries suffered by the child, with the exception of the aforementioned spinal bifida.

Family of Concrete Worker May Claim Personal Injury Compensation After Fatal Accident

01/11/2010 10:37:58

The family of a man who was involved in a fatal accident at a concrete plant may make a personal injury compensation claim after the worker was crushed in a terrible accident.

Gary Walters was killed in the work accident at the concrete plant in Derbyshire, suffering massive chest injuries, after being crushed by a lorry. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he later lost his life.

Bison Manufacturing Ltd, who were responsible for the concrete plant, have been involved in a number of fatal accidents, receiving fines on a number of occasions for health and safety violations.

The Health and Safety Executive are to launch another investigation into the company to discover the exact causes of the work accident. On this occasion police have also become involved.

It is likely that Mr Walters' family will approach a claims solicitor to make a personal injury compensation claim in the wake of the fatal work accident.

Gardner Blinded in Work Accident May Claim Personal Injury Compensation

01/11/2010 10:30:19

A young gardner has been blinded in a freak work accident when a piece of metal was thrown into his eye while he was using a ride-on mower to cut a four foot hedge. He may now seek to make a personal injury compensation claim after losing the sight in his right eye permanently.

Ashley Brabbin had previously checked the hedge for traces of dangerous objects, however he was struck in the eye by the piece of metal when he looked back while on the mower.

The company he worked for, Glendale Managed Service Ltd, have admitted liability for the personal injury suffered by Mr Brabbin in the work accident as they failed to provide him with eye protection for the task.

Mr Brabbin has since contacted a claims solicitors to start a personal injury compensation claim. He talked about the incident, saying "I now have to learn to live with the fact that I will never be able to see out of my right eye. I am trying to stay positive even though currently my future is uncertain. I remember when it happened, I put my hand up to my face and it was covered in blood. I just kept saying, I hope I won’t go blind. When they told me I wouldn’t get my sight back in that eye, I kept crying, it was devastating. Some days, it still upsets me."

Unfortunately there was nothing medical staff could do to save the young man's eye and he may have a glass one put in place to replace it.

Suicide Victim's Family to Claim Personal Injury Compensation for Medical Negligence

01/11/2010 10:23:24

The parents of a man who committed suicide after being allowed to walk free from a psychiatric hospital have finally won a personal injury compensation battle with the hospital who released him.

David Thompson, a natural sciences student at Cambridge, had battled depression for years and was recently found dead on railway tracks after being allowed to leave the psychiatric hospital that he was a patient at, despite multiple requests from his parents that he not be left unsupervised.

His parents contacted a claims solicitor to make a personal injury compensation claim against the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust after accusing them of medical negligence in the wake of a coroner's verdict that David's suicide was caused by mental illness.

The family received a five figure personal injury compensation sum from the hospital but have not accepted liability for David's death, despite implementing new procedures.

After the personal injury ruling, David'd parents stated "David never stood a chance of recovery with the indifference portrayed by each member of staff. The doctor in charge of the ward, and ultimately the person in charge of David’s care, had been given specific information by David’s Mum which we feel should have been acted upon, enabling David to be cared for and kept safe from harm. Sadly the doctor chose to ignore our information and our wishes, something we cannot forgive. David had high potential in life and will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends."

Personal Injury Lawyers Accuse Insurers of Manipulating Road Traffic Accident Compensation Scheme

01/11/2010 10:14:29

Personal injury lawyers have accused insurers of abusing a system that was put in place to help speed up compensation claims for road traffic accidents. The scheme was put in place by the Ministry of Justice earlier in the year and is intended to handle claims for less than £10,000. Claims solicitors submit claims data to the insurers through an online portal, with the personal injury compensation being agreed from there.

However a number of personal injury lawyers are claiming that insurance companies are using in-house solicitors to submit the personal injury compensation data, regardless of if the claimant has chosen another claims solicitors to represent them. They can get away with it as the victims chosen personal injury lawyers would not be able to log the claim, thus preventing the victim from receiving impartial personal injury compensation advice.

The Association of British Insurers deny any wrong doing, with an ABI spokesman claiming the group are unaware of any insurers carrying out these practices.

Van Driver's Family May Seek Personal Injury Compensation After Fatal Accident

01/11/2010 10:07:34

A van driver's family may seek to make a personal injury compensation claim after he was involved in a fatal road traffic accident in Pontefract. Mr Colin Faulkner was working as a HGV technician and had just finished his shift at work and was driving his van past a lorry on his way home. The lorry struck an impact socket on the floor, which catapulted through the van's window and caused massive personal injury to Mr Faulkner's head. He later died from his injuries.

The socket is believed to have weighed as much as a bag of sugar and would have struck Mr Faulkner on the head at around 30mph.

The accident was described as a freak event by a police officer on the scene, who claimed "The odds are just so unbelievable for this pattern of events to occur."

It is unknown at this point if the man's family have approached a claims solicitor to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Soldiers Receive Total of £900,000 Personal Injury Compensation

01/11/2010 09:59:25

Three soldiers have each received £300,000 in personal injury compensation for a helicopter crash which left them suffering personal injuries and killed a number of their colleagues in Hudswell Grange in August 2007.

The trio gained their personal injury compensation from the Ministry of Defence after a protracted legal battle in which the MoD initially denied responsibility for the accident.

The three soldiers, named as John Falconer, Darhrll Duncan and Christopher Hamilton, were all forced to leave the army on medical grounds, with Hamilton breaking his shoulder and foot while Mr Duncan broke his back, suffered multiple jaw fractures and a dislocated hip. Mr Falconer dislocated his shoulder and received stomach cuts and a serious head personal injury in the accident.

Three others lost their lives in the accident. Mr Hamilton's mother compensated on the personal injury compensation victory, stating "It has been three years now since the crash and it’s difficult to describe how much this has affected Christopher, John, Dahrll and all of the families involved."

The trio initially approached personal injury lawyers after the MoD refused to accept liability for the accident.

Company Fined for Health and Safety Violation that Resulted in Injury

26/10/2010 12:00:37

A company has received a fine from the Health and Safety Executive after a friend of the company's owner suffered a personal injury when operating a piece of machinery.

Julie Thackray had been using a high-speed milling machine for the company, despite having no experience and little training. Her glove became caught in the machinery, leaving her with fractures and cuts to her forearm.

The owner of the business admitted health and safety violations and was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay £1,622 in costs.

A HSE inspector said "Julie Thackray was very lucky that the glove ripped apart - allowing her to free her arm, but not before she suffered very serious injuries."

Former Police Woman Receives Personal Injury Compensation

26/10/2010 11:51:58

An ex-Police Constable has been granted £1,000 in personal injury compensation after she was injured while in a tussle with a 20 stone woman.

The woman produced a knife and threatened to kill herself in the altercation. Catherine Mills then attempted to take the knife from the woman, hyper-extending her thumb in the process.

She claimed that she had suffered personal injury to her hand, arm, shoulder and neck as well as suffering post traumatic stress and chronic pain.

Most of these claims were thrown out however, and she was granted personal injury compensation solely for the thumb injury.

Cruise Company Accepts Liability for Glacier Accident

26/10/2010 11:38:16

A cruise company who were running a cruise ship that got too close to a glacier have admitted liability for the personal injury suffered by a number of the ship's passengers after previously arguing that the accident was unavoidable.

The company were running a cruise around the Svalbard Islands in Norway to show passengers the sights and wildlife in the area. However the ship sailed very close to a glacier, which then calved and sent an enormous chunk of ice into the sea.

The resulting wave tipped the boat to a 45 degree angle, resulting in a number of passengers suffering personal injury as they fell to the floor.

The tour operator have finally accepted liability after three years of denials and have paid personal injury compensation to one claimant. They may now face personal injury compensation claims for up to 15 more injured parties if the passengers decide to approach a claims solicitor.

Manufacturing Company Fined for Noise Pollution

26/10/2010 11:21:27

A manufacturing firm has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive after bad work practices placed its employees at risk of hearing problems, leaving itself potentially liable to facing a personal injury compensation claim.

Equestrian Surfaces Ltd have been fined £16,000 as well as paying costs of £11,000 after admitting violations of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The fine comes after the company failed to reduce noise levels in its factory, despite a warning and two extensions.

An inspector with the HSE stated "Equestrian Surfaces could have taken a number of simple practical steps to reduce noise exposure but chose instead to rely on just using basic ear protectors, which in effect is the last line of defence."

Luton Based Plumber Prosecuted by Health and Safety Executive

26/10/2010 11:13:26

A Luton based plumber has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive after carrying out illegal gas works that left customers at risk of suffering personal injury. He also placed himself in the line of fire when it comes to facing a compensation claim from a claims solicitor while completing the work.

James Tennyson was discovered by the HSE to have illegally worked on a number of gas appliances, despite not having a Gas Safe accreditation. Subsequently a couple of gas boilers he had worked on were found to be in a dangerous condition.

Tennyson had previously been issued with a warning for doing the same thing back in 2003. and his most recent prosecution resulted in a £250 fine and an order to complete 180 hours of community service.

HSE inspector Stephen Manley said "Working with gas appliances is difficult, specialised and potentially very dangerous. Only qualified and registered engineers should attempt it."

Plumber Prosecuted for Placing Customer's at Risk of Personal Injury

26/10/2010 11:03:15

A plumber has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after his shoddy workmanship put a number of customers at risk of suffering a personal injury, which in turn would have created the possibility of him facing a personal injury compensation claim.

Michael Gallimore carried out illegal work on a number of gas boilers in Suffolk and Norfolk, despite not being a Gas Safe registered plumber.

A man who hired Mr Gallimore claims he asked for paperwork to prove his credentials. Frank Simmonds claims that Gallimore never produced the documents and goes on to say "I would advise anyone hiring a tradesman to always check and double check the paperwork before you allow them to start work in your home."

Gallimore will not face any personal injury compensation claims for his actions.

Marriott Hotel Chain Fined After Contractor Suffers Personal Injury

26/10/2010 10:55:35

The world famous Marriott hotel chain has been fined £15,000 by the Health and Safety Executive after a contractor who was working for the company fell 8ft to a concrete fall in a work accident.

The woman, named as Margaret Davis, fell through a closed access hatch to the floor below at the Bristol branch of the hotel. She suffered a compressed fracture of her vertabrae and a fractured heel.

The hotel chain pleaded guilty to violations of the Health and Safety at Work Act and were fined £15,000 in addition to £4,607 in costs.

It is unknown if the woman intends to approach a personal injury lawyer to make a personal injury compensation claim at this time.

Online Risk Assessment Tool Released by HSE

26/10/2010 10:47:23

The Health and Safety Executive have released a new online tool that will aid employers in making quick risk assessments, reducing work accidents and the resulting personal injury compensation claims as a result.

The online form takes around 20 minutes to complete and is intended for low hazard workplaces. It has been created as a response to Lord Young's recent review of health and safety procedures and will aid in the consideration of office hazards.

HSE chair Judith Hackett stated "Many people assume that risk assessments need to be long, formal documents covering every hazard, no matter how minor or unlikely to occur. That's not the case and the new 20-minute risk assessments make it clear that this can be done for any office quickly and easily. Employers know their businesses better than anyone - and with a little helping hand they can easily consider what is necessary to protect workers. Complying with the law in a low risk business can be done with common sense by anyone."

The tool asks questions of the employers and then uses the answers to quickly generate a risk assessment based on a number of calculations.

Newcastle United Striker to Pay Personal Injury Compensation for Assault

26/10/2010 10:37:52

Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll has been ordered to pay personal injury compensation to the tune of £2,500 after he assaulted a nightclub patron in December 2009.

The court heard that a dispute broke out between Carroll and and man named Michael Cook. Carroll tossed his drink at Cook but the glass slipped out of his hand and caused a deep cut to Mr Cook's eyebrow.

Carroll accepted liability for common assault and paid personal injury compensation of £2,500 in addition to £1,494 in court costs and a £1,000 fine.

Carroll will soon also face charges of assault against an ex-girlfriend.

Woman Awarded £350,000 Personal Injury Compensation for Medical Negligence Injury

26/10/2010 10:29:40

A patient has been granted £350,000 in personal injury compensation after a doctor left part of a latex glove in the man's windpipe in a startling case of medical negligence.

A man known as Mr Williams was admitted to hospital with right sided heart failure in 2006, eventually requiring a tracheotomy to allow him to breath.

However he was still having difficulties breathing a couple of months later and was later referred for further throat surgery. During this procedure the surgeons discovered a small piece of a latex glove in the man's trachea, which had caused his breathing difficulties.

Worker May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Fall Into Water Chamber

26/10/2010 10:21:34

A worker may make a personal injury compensation claim after suffering catastrophic injuries in a work accident when he fell into a water chamber.

The worker fell into the 6.4 metre deep water chamber and suffered massive personal injury to both his head and spinal cord as a result, leaving him paraplegic and suffering from severe trauma.

The Health and Safety Executive have already established John Graham (Dromore) Ltd's liability for the accident after they admitted breaking health and safety laws.

An HSE inspector said "Falls from height must be prevented by the implementation of sensible and effective procedures. These systems need to be communicated to the workforce, implemented, maintained, and updated when necessary."

It is unknown if the employee intends to contact a claims solicitor to make a personal injury compensation claim for the work accident.

Woman to Make Compensation Claim After London Underground Accident

26/10/2010 10:07:08

A woman is looking to claim personal injury compensation after she was hurt when she was struck in the face after a canvas and wood barrier between two London underground trains came lose.

She was one of three passengers who suffered personal injury in the accident. She was hospitalised with a cut eye and two inch head injury.

London Underground may yet be fined up to £20,000 for the incident after admitting to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act, with a spokesperson stating "We detected there was a faulty barrier and we failed to remove it promptly and efficiently."

The woman has since approached a claims solicitor to make a compensation claim against the company.

Drivers in Devon and Cornwall Claim £400,000 Personal Injury Compensation in Five Years

26/10/2010 09:52:48

Drivers from the West Country have claimed over £400,000 in personal injury compensation in the last five years according to recently released figures. Many of the compensation claims came after potholes caused damage to the claimant's cars.

Claims have totalled £132,500 in Cornwall, whereas in Devon the sum is £272,900 in the last five years. Personal injury compensation claims are also on the increase in both counties as they both saw the number of claims increase in the 2009/10 financial year.

Head of highways management at Devon County Council, Lester Willmington, said "Damp summers gave little chance for the road network to dry out, and sub-zero temperatures created pockets of ice which exacerbated any flaws in road surfaces. Potholes form because extremes of temperature get into the matrix of roads and motorways. That causes any weak spots or cracks to break down.”

Survivor of Horrific Road Traffic Accident Awarded Personal Injury Compensation

25/10/2010 22:26:06

A man who was left with severe brain injuries after a road traffic accident killed his aunt, cousin and friend and left him with a number of personal injuries has been awarded a personal injury compensation payout after the road traffic accident left him in need of 24 hour care.

Nicholas Butler was injured in the crash in 1995 when the car he was in collided with a skip truck and got knocked down an embankment and into a tree.

The insurance company that covered the truck driver has eventually been deemed liable and will now pay a reportedly ample compensation sum to Mr Butler.

After a settlement was agreed, the Judge of the inquest said "This is a very distressing and difficult condition and his problems will require careful management for the rest of his life. This settlement will go some way to enabling him to have the level of care he undoubtedly requires."

Justice Secretary Promises Reform of Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme

25/10/2010 22:16:47

Justice Secretary Ken Clarke has revealed plans to overhaul the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICA) due to a lack of funding resulting in huge delays in getting compensation to the victims of the July 7th London terrorist attacks.

The claims came after Clark was asked how many who suffered personal injury in the attack were still awaiting compensation.

He claims that CICA "...simply has not received adequate funding in each year's budget to keep up with the level of claims".

He continued "So we are going to have to look again to see how we can produce a system that works more efficiently, is actually affordable and doesn't just depend on huge delays before anything is paid because nobody has allocated any money to settle all the claims outstanding.

"Of course everything possible is done to give the compensation that's due to people as quickly as possible. I obviously can't possibly comment on the assessment of damages in individual cases but I note your remarks about the disappointment that some have felt."

Personal Injury Claim Over Cut Finger Results in £100,000 Costs for Council

25/10/2010 21:12:52

A £3,000 personal injury compensation claim has left Hull City Council with £100,000 in court costs and legal fees after they launched multiple unsuccessful appeals against the compensation claim.

The personal injury claim came from Steven Threlfall, who cut his finger on a sharp piece of metal in a bin bag while working for the council. He claimed the gloves he was provided weren't up to standard, resulting in three court hearings that finally concluded that this was the case.

He told Hull Daily Mail "If the council had just admitted negligence this would have been over after about six months. I can't believe the costs are so high over a finger."

Traffic Management Firm Fined After Fatal Accident

25/10/2010 21:07:28

A traffic management company has been hit with a £100,000 fine after a work accident claimed the life of one their employees when he was hit by traffic while crossing the M4. Sean Luke Hale suffered massive personal injuries in the work accident when working as a trainee for R P Traffic Management in 2006. They eventually led to his death.

The 30 year old was crossing the M4 to collect traffic cones when a car collided with him. He had already been spotted crossing the road in an unsafe manner and the Health and Safety Executive deemed that poor training on the part of R P Traffic Management had led to the work accident.

The company was fined £100,000 for violations of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. They also paid £22,000 in costs. It is unknown if the family of the victim intend to contact a claims solicitor.

Two Companies Fined After Toddler Suffers Personal Injury

18/10/2010 16:26:30

A pair of companies have been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after shop hoarding collapsed on a family. Amongst those he suffered a personal injury was a two year old boy.

Luckily nobody was seriously harmed in the incident, which happened at Racecourse Retail Park at Aintree on September 9th 2008.

Commenting on the incident, a health and safety inspector stated "Not only did they sustain injuries, but I can imagine that the panic they experienced when their baby disappeared under the hoarding would have been considerable."

Two firms, Wates Construction Ltd and Hammerwich Construction, have been fined a total of £8,000 plus £12,236 court costs. It is unclear if they will face a personal injury compensation claim.

Worcestershire Hospital Fined After Medical Negligence led to Hepatitis Infection

18/10/2010 16:19:37

The Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has received a £12,500 fine after an employee contracted hepatitis C when she suffered a personal injury in which she came into contact with a needle used to take blood from an infected patient. The worker has been training for just three weeks when the work accident occurred.

The work accident occurred as she attmepted to dispose of the needle. Her access to the bin was blocked so she placed the needle on a nearby surface. Unfortunately she scratched her wrist on it when reaching for a tissue, leading to her contracting the disease.

A Health and Safety Executive inspector commented "This infection was entirely preventable. The risks and controls are well known and the trust should have had an effective safe system of work in place"

Man Claims Personal Injury Compensation After Medical Negligence Left Him Undiagnosed

18/10/2010 16:05:52

A man has been granted £2m in personal injury compensation from Addenbrooke's Hospital after a cerebral abscess that he suffered was left undiagnosed and not treated quickly enough, leading to him suffering brain damage.

This has left Neal Allen unable to care for himself and thus reliant on carers. He also suffers cognitive and decision-making problems. He was initially diagnosed with a stroke and discharged before the correct diagnosis was made.

Mr Allen even provided the staff with a medical alert card that indicated that he was vulnerable to suffering brain abscesses. Mr Allen's personal injury solicitor commented on the case, stating "I have the utmost respect for Addenbrooke's Hospital and everyone who works there, but this should never ever have happened."

Apprentice May Seek Personal Injury Compensation After Work Accident

18/10/2010 15:33:52

A young apprentice may seek personal injury compensation after he was hurt in a work accident while working at a plastics factory in Blackburn. The young man was just 17 at the time of the accident, which happened while he was operating a piece of machinery at General All Purpose Plastic's factory.

The unnamed apprentice suffered his personal injury while operating a machine intended to make decorative panels for doors. The machine jammed and, while attempting to clear the jam, the man's arm was dragged between two rollers, leaving it broken as well as dislocating his shoulder.

The personal injury has left him without feeling in his left hand over 2 years after the accident and a Health and Safety investigation later proved that there was a lack of fixed guards in place to prevent access to such a dangerous area of the machine.

The company were fined £1,000 and may face a personal injury compensation claim.

Manchester Based Firm Fined For Exposing Workers to Personal Injury Threat

18/10/2010 15:11:47

The Health and Safety Executive have fined a Manchester based maunfacturing firm after they placed their workers at risk of suffering a personal injury due to their poor health and safety practices.

Fencing Supplies have been fined £14,000 after breaking a clause of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 by failing to prevent the protective guards of nine of its fence cutting tools from being disabled. This allowed workers to continue operating the machines, even though they were unsafe.

This investigation found that the organisation had allowed the protective guards of nine of its fence cutting tools to be disabled, meaning that workers could still operate the machines despite the fact that they were unsafe.

A HSE inspector claimed that employees could have suffered "serious injury" due to the firm's negligence and it was "only by chance" that this had not happened. Luckily for the company they no personal injuries were suffered by any employees so they won't have to face a personal injury claim.

Forklift Accident Causes Personal Injury to 21 Year Old

18/10/2010 13:06:04

A work accident involving a forklift has left a man with a number of personal injuries, including broken bones, after his legs were crushed when a piece of machinery fell onto him from a forklift truck.

The man suffered a number of personal injuries, including multiple fractures and a broken collar bone in the work accident.

The 21 year old was working for Carter International at the time of the work accident. The company have since pleased guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. after the employee was knocked to the floor by a two metre long piece of machinery, causing him to be off work for 10 months.

A HSE inspector commented "This was a really nasty incident and the worker is lucky to have escaped much more serious injury."

Work Accidents Among Highland Council Employees Increases

18/10/2010 12:55:43

A recent study has revealed the amount of work accidents occurring amongst employees of Highland Council has gone up for the second year running, with 845 recorded for 2010 thus far. This compares to 779 in 2008-09.

Many of the incidents of personal injury relate to verbal and physical acts of violence, however 230 were also the result of a slip or trip.

The figures have increased despite assertions that risk assessments are being carried out at a higher level than before, leading council officials to search for a reason why the amounts of work accidents would increase.

Worker Suffers Personal Injury After Accident While Working for Lighting Company

18/10/2010 12:48:21

A Bristol based firm has been fined £20,000 in addition to £1,800 costs after an employee suffered a personal injury in a work accident that saw him hit his head on machinery that was inadequately guarded.

Rolf Weber suffered relatively minor personal injuries in the incident, however the Health and Safety Executive used it to highlight the company's poor health and safety practices, as well as pointing out that a much more serious personal injury could have occurred if the man had come into contact with the blades of the machine.

An HSE inspector commented "People can help prevent similar incidents by checking machinery safeguards regularly to make sure that they are still working correctly."

It is unknown if Mr Weber intends to pursue a personal injury compensation claim through a claims solicitor.

Family of Housewife to Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Asbestos Related Death

18/10/2010 12:16:20

The family of a woman who died from an asbestos related illness are to make a personal injury compensation claim through a claims solicitors, despite the fact that the woman never worked in an environment where she would be exposed to the deadly substance.

Yvonne Moaby died from the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma and likely came into contact with the fibres when she washed her husband's clothes after he came back from work.

Gloucestershire coroner Alan Crickmore stated "Ms Moaby was enveloped in dust when washing her husband's clothes. I am satisfied that the cause of her mesothelioma was her exposure to asbestos."

It is likely that her family will make the personal injury claim against the woman's husband's former employer.

Essex Firm Fined for Failing to Produce Employer's Liability Compulsory Insurance

18/10/2010 12:08:01

An unnamed Essex based company has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after they failed to produce a valid Employer's Liability Compulsory Insurance certificate when an inspector from the Health and Safety Executive staged a visit.

The lack of such a certificate would mean that workers would have been unable to claim personal injury compensation from the company if they were to suffer a work accident. They were issued a £1,000 penalty in addition to £750 and have been forced to attain the relevent paperwork.

A HSE inspector stated "The Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 requires all employers [to] have insurance to cover employees for injury or ill health caused whilst at work."

Spate of Industrial Deafness Cases May Lead to Multiple Personal Injury Compensation Claims

18/10/2010 12:00:57

A recent spate of industrial deafness cases in 17 former ceramic workers may see the group claim personal injury compensation of up to £10,000 each after the decided to take their case to court. They are now undergoing independent tests to determine how much damage to their hearing has been done.

The problems related to industrial deafness in a certain generation of workers ar eonly now coming to light, with one legal professional stating "The legacy of this is a generation of workers who are now suffering noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus, which has greatly affected their quality of life."

We will have to wait and see if the workers are successful in their personal injury compensation claim.

School Girl Recovers From Personal Injuries Suffered in Road Traffic Accident

18/10/2010 11:54:14

Jesmin Begum, a school girl from Chadderton, has made an amazing recovery after a massive road traffic accident led her to suffering personal injuries that left her fighting for her life in hospital.

The teenager was jit by a lorry while crossing the road on the way to school and was given only hours to live by doctors. However she fought back and made an amazing recovery, claiming that she wished to get back to school and see her friends a mere week after leaving intensive care.

Commenting on the road traffic accident, Jesmin said "I really thought it was all a dream. I can’t remember anything about it and am still a bit confused.The last thing I remember is going to buy my Eid clothes the day before the accident. I can’t even remember when I woke up. I’ve got a huge chunk of my memory missing and it’s been quite scary to hear how bad I was, but I’m just glad to be back. I was really upset that I missed Eid and the start of school. I just want everything back to normal now."

It is unknown at this point if she intends to make a personal injury compensation claim for the road traffic accident.

Girl Receives Personal Injury Compensation After Holiday Accident

18/10/2010 11:46:07

A young girl has received £5,000 personal injury compensation after she fell through a plate glass window at a holiday park in Somerset. The accident left her with scarring to her face after she fell head first through a glass panelled door.

The girl has been left with a permanent red scar on her cheek after the accident, which will act as a constant reminder of her personal injury.

Purn Holiday Park were forced to pay the compensation to the 12 year old, as well as a fine of £42,500 after admitting four health and safety breaches, incouding not ensuring that the glass in the doors was safety glass. The doors also failed to comply with buiding regulations or health and safety requirements.

Worker Suffers Catastrophic Personal Injury After Cutting Through 11,000 Volt Cable

18/10/2010 11:36:00

A Kent based construction worker has suffered massive personal injuries after he cut through a power cable with a jackhammer in a horrific work accident.

Bradley Marsh had been working on the construction site for four days before he accidentally cut through the cable. He was blown back by the blast and suffered 62% burns to his face and upper body. The personal injury forced him to spend 6 weeks in hospital and required multiple skin grafts which make it unlikely that he will ever return to work.

Dwyer Engineering Service Ltd, who employed Mr Marsh, have been fined £20,000 and must pay fines of £14,532 after the HSE established that there was no qualified supervisor on site and that a proper assessment of the construction site had not been carried out.

It is likely that Mr Marsh will approach personal injury lawyers to make a personal injury compensation claim against the company.

Worker Suffers Personal Injury After Being Crushed Under Wall

18/10/2010 11:25:47

A construction worker has suffered major personal injury after he was crushed under a wall in a work accident. This means that his employer, BAE Systems Properties Ltd, could now face a fine from the Health and Safety Executive in addition to a personal injury compensation claim from the employee himself.

Martin Cox had his legs crushed after a wall that he was attempting to re-locate trapped his legs, crushing his feet and ankles. He now requires a wheelchair and can no longer work.

The company have pleaded guilty to breaches of the Construction, Design and Management Regulations, with the case being referred to the Crown Court to enable the implementation of a heavier fine than the £5,000 maximum usually afforded in these cases.

It is unknown if Mr Cox intends to approach claims solicitors to make a personal injury claim.

Safety Testing Company Fined After Fatal Accident

18/10/2010 11:16:55

A safety testing company in Nottingham has been fined £14,500 after an employee was killed in a fatal accident at work.

First Testing Ltd had just secured a contract to test safety procedures at B&Q when the work accident happened. Employee Paul Voller was working on the roof of the Bradford branch of B&Q when he fell through a skylight and plunged 30 feet to his death.

An investigation found that Mr Voller's safety harness was attached in a way that suggested he was working on the ground rather than at height, meaning it couldn't do his job when he fell.

The company were fined £12,000 for the fatal accident plus £2,500 for failing to carry out a risk assessment. It is unknown if they will face a personal injury compensation claim from the family of the worker.

Some Football Players Accused of Purposefully Attempting to Injure Other Players

18/10/2010 11:10:26

A medical official at FIFA has accused some players of deliberately causing personal injury to other players through the use of dangerous tackles that could create sports injuries that may prematurely end a career.

Belgian, doctor, Michel D’Hooghe, has claimes "Some players come on the field… simply to provoke injuries in other persons - to break a career."

The statement comes after a number of high profile tackles and injuries in the English game. Dutch international Nigel De Jong has been singled out specifically after a horror tackle that resulted in Newcastle's Ben Arfa suffering a broken leg. He is now rumoured to be subject to a personal injury compensation claim from Marseille, who were loaning the player to Newcastle.

Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier exclaimed "We will file a claim against De Jong. It’s about getting rid of this type of individual from European grounds."

De Jong was dropped from the Dutch squad as a result, but has received the full backing of Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini.

Worker Suffers Personal Injury After Being Crushed by Van

18/10/2010 10:57:34

A warehouse worker has suffered a personal injury after his ribs were broken after a van reversed into him and forced him onto a conveyor belt in a painful work accident.

The 60 year old was placing waste cardboard onto the conveyor belt when the work accident happened, with the HSE finding that the firm he worked for had failed to ensure staff were kept away from moving vehicles as they failed to erect barriers and mark out seperate areas in the warehouse.

Smurfit Kappa UK were fined £5,000 for violation of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. They also paid costs of £4,204

A HSE inspector commented "One of Smurfit's employees suffered broken ribs as a result of the company's failings. But if he had been hit harder by the vehicle, or forced into the machine which baled the cardboard, then his injuries may have been a lot more severe."

It is unknown if the man intends to contact a claims solicitor so make a personal injury claim.

Textiles Firm Fined After Worker Suffers Personal Injury

18/10/2010 10:41:05

A textiles firm in Huddersfield has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after one its employees suffered a personal injury in a work accident.

The worker crushed his ankle when he fell onto a concrete floor while cutting through a shelving rack with a circular saw. Unfortunately he feel while completing the work for Phoenox Textiles, breaking his ankle and leg in the process.

The HSE found that the men were working at height and unsupervised despite having no training. They were also provided with unsuitable equipment for the job.

The firm has been fined £12,000 and may now be open to a personal injury compensation claim if the worker decides to approach a personal injury lawyer.

Hospital Staff Apologise After Live Baby's Pronounced Dead After Scans

18/10/2010 10:22:23

The top brass at the Sussex Royal County Hospital have apologised to two women after they were both told by staff that their unborn babies had died during routine scans, despite both being very much alive.

The staff displayed medical negligence when they told 25 year old Joanna Barro that they could not find a heartbeat for her foetus and that she should anticipate a miscarriage. A further scan one week later revealed the baby to be very much alive.

The same thing happened to Sofia Taylor, aged 22, who was also told her baby was dead before a second scan revealed the mistake.

Ms Barro has since given birth to a healthy child, while Ms Taylor is still awaiting the arrival of her baby. Both may be eligible to claim personal injury compensation if they approach a claims solicitors as they have suffered uneccessary trauma as a result of medical negligence.

Government Spending Cuts May Lead to Rise in Personal Injury Compensation Claims

11/10/2010 13:41:59

Some groups are claiming that the government spending cuts will lead to a rise in personal injury compensation claims from public service workers who may be placed at greater risk due to limited resources.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) believes that the cuts will lead to workers having to deal with extra working hours, ageing equipment and a lack of training. All of these factors can lead to workers suffering a personal injury and being eligible to make a compensation claim.

The group's chief executive officer Rob Strange claims "What worries us is that hard-pressed managers looking to meet targets on savings will cut corners when safeguarding the health and safety of their staff."

Only time will tell if these cuts will lead to an increase in personal injury compensation claims.

Telford Woman May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Guillotine Accident

11/10/2010 13:34:00

A woman is likely to make a personal injury compensation claim after she suffered a work accident in which she sliced two of her fingers off while operating an automatic guillotine.

Editha Bayliss was working for packaging company Sirane Ltd when hse placed her hand under a safety guard to clear a blockage while the machine was still running. The blade sliced her hand before she had the chance to pull it clear, removing the tips of two of her fingers.

The HSE claim that Sirane "...knowingly allowed the machine to be used with inadequate safeguards". The company may now face a personal injury compensation claim if Ms Bayliss decides to approach a personal injury lawyer.

£400,000 Personal Injury Compensation Awarded to Teachers in Last Two Years

11/10/2010 13:17:15

A recent Freedom of Information request from the Sunday Sun newspaper has revealed that local councils have paid out over £400,000 in personal injury compensation to teachers who have been injured in work accidents. Personal injury compensation for the teachers ranges from £600 to £50,000 depending on the severity of the personal injuries.

Durham County Council paid out the most in the course of the two years with just over £157,000 of work accident compensation being paid out to their teachers. Other councils have had to pay smaller sums for other persoal injuries.

Claims include a Gateshead teacher who trapped their foot in a drain and a teacher who broke her wrist when she tripped over a play bed.

Teenager Receives Record Amount of Personal Injury Compensation After Road Traffic Accident

11/10/2010 13:06:25

A teenage girl is to receive a record amount of personal injury compensation after suffering massive personal injuries in a road traffic accident.

It is believed that the final sum of personal injury compensation will be about £17.5m after the sixteen year old was almost completely paralysed in the road traffic accident. The compensation will cover her aftercare, as well as £4m being granted as a lump sum of personal injury compensation for the catastrophic injuries that she suffered.

She is taken care of in care homes at current, however it is believed that much of the personal injury compensation will go towards providing her with a new house that will be customised to help her deal with her disability.

As the personal injury compensation was awarded, Mrs Justice Swift paid tribute to Chrissie, stating "Chrissie is living proof that there is hope after even the most severe brain injuries. She continues to astound her therapists with her progress, and it is good to see she has retained her great sense of humour".

Mother May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Daughter is Injured in Playground Accident

11/10/2010 12:57:57

The mother of a girl who suffered personal injuries when she fell from a climbing frame may consider making a personal injury compensation claim after the accident left her daughter with two broken wrists.

Rhianna Wallace suffered the personal injuries while playing on the climbing frame at Great Notley Country Park in Essex. She fell nearly eight feet to the ground and was in plaster for a month due to her injuries. She also required a metal pin in one of her wrists to ensure that it set correctly.

Her mother has claimed that the wood chippings placed under the equipment were not adequate for protecting somebody from such a large fall and she has expressed her concern for other parents using the play area.

While not personal injury compensation claims have been launched yet, it is understood that Ms Smith is considering approaching personal injury lawyers about the possibility of making a compensation claim.

Young Boy May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Hit and Run Road Traffic Accident

11/10/2010 12:15:45

A young boy is likely to make a personal injury compensation claim after he suffered multiple personal injuries to his head and spine when he was hit by a hit and run driver in a terrible road traffic accident. If successful he may be eligible for over £1m in personal injury compensation.

Daniel Hennessy was only five years old when he was injured in the road traffic accident. He was hit by a car driven by Sajid Hussain, who was uninsured and only 16 at the time.

Hussain received a two year driving ban but was only months later involved in another accident where he hit a lollipop lady. He was jailed for 9 months in 2007 for four counts of driving without insurance while being disqualified.

While it is agreed that Daniel will receive personal injury compensation for the road traffic accident, there is still some dispute over how much and who is to pay what.

Boy Receives Massive Personal Injury Compensation for Head Injury

11/10/2010 12:02:12

A schoolboy has received a £1.7m personal injury compensation payout after he suffered a serious personal injury to his head during a football match. He has received the compensation after it was established that medical negligence left him brain damaged and suffering with his communication skills.

Rees Ashwell-Ross suffered a clash of heads during the football match and suffered an extradural haematoma and a ruptured meningeal artery. He needed life saving surgery after the accident, however when his mother called the NHS out-of-hours service, Rees was only admitted to hospital the following morning.

The NHS Trust admitted 75% liability for the incident and were ordered to pay the massive personal injury compensation sum to Rees and his family.

Building Firm Fined and Pays Personal Injury Compensation After Work Accident

11/10/2010 11:52:02

A building firm from Wiltshire has paid an employee £1,000 personal injury compensation after he suffered personal injuries after a wall collapsed onto him.

Simon Jones Restoration and Re-design Ltd were also fined £4,000 and paid £3,000 in costs after they were prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive for breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The teenaged employee was working on a house renovation when the work accident happened. He and another employee were working on creating an opening in a gable end wall when it collapsed, injuring the pair of them. The teenager suffered a fractured pelvis, ankle injury and damage to his teeth in the work accident.

He has since received his personal injury compensation and the other employee will likely not make a compensation claim as he only suffered minor cuts and bruises in the work accident.

Family Receive Personal Injury Compensation After Child Suffers Birth Infection

11/10/2010 11:31:18

The family of a child who suffered from an infection that was passed on to her during labour are to receive personal injury compensation for the medical negligence that resulted in their child suffering the infection.

It was revealed that staff at the Epsom Hospital failed to administer the proper course of antibiotics after discovering that Alexandra Carter suffered from the group B streptococcus infection, which can cause massive problems for a child during birth if the infection is passed on.

The child's father, Andrew, revealed how the couple's daughter twice suffered blood infections as a result of the medical negligence, stating "Pregnant women should be routinely tested and should be told their results to prevent the babies from catching the infection."

The child is now healthy and was not adversely affected by the infection, however the NHS have paid the family £5,000 in personal injury compensation.

Boy Wins Medical Negligence Compensation After His Hips Were Set Incorrectly

11/10/2010 11:20:03

A schoolboy has successfully claimed personal injury compensation for medical negligence after doctors set his hips in the wrong position at the Royal Oldham Hospital. Doctors had inserted a splint at the Royal Oldham Hospital to correct his bilateral dislocatable hips, however the splint held his hips in the wrong position.

A lack of funding meant that the hospital did not carry out weekly x-rays of the child's progress, at least according to his mother, and it has resulted in the child, named Hayden Aspin, developing a limp thanks to one leg now being longer than the other.

He now suffers difficulties while taking part in sports activities, stating “After running I start getting tired and my leg will start to ache.”

He now also faces the prospect of further complications in relation to the hip injury as he develops into adulthood. The NHS trust have already admitted liability for the case of medical negligence and Hayden's personal injury lawyers are now in negotiations to determine how much personal injury compensation he should receive.

MoD to Pay Out £15m in Military Injury Compensation to Widows

11/10/2010 11:08:46

The Ministry of Defence is to make a massive £15m military injury compensation payout to the families of a group of servicemen who lost their lives in an aircraft accident while on a tour of duty in Afghanistan. It is believed the accident occurred when leaking fuel from the aircraft's re-fuelling system ignited.

A number of widows launched the personal injury compensation claim after stating that their husbands were sent into combat "ill equipped for war". A later inquest agreed that the aircraft was not air worthy.

The widows and partners of those who died in the incident are to receive £800,000 military injury compensation each, with other family members receiving smaller sums.

Health Trust May Face Personal Injury Compensation Claim for Hospital Infection

11/10/2010 10:58:51

Health chiefs have issued an apology after a boy with cerebral palsy died from an infection six days after an operation to fit him with a feeding tube at Queen's Medical Centre in April 2009. The medical centre may still face a personal injury compensation claim from the family of the boy however.

Ronan Gillott-Brandon was having the tube fitted as he suffered from difficulty eating. Unfortunately Ronan's food started leaking into his abdominal cavity when the tube became dislodged. This caused the surrounding area to become infected, which eventually killed the 9 year old.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded, however the centre may now be liable for a medical negligence compensation claim.

Biker Looks for Personal Injury Compensation After Catastrophic Accident

11/10/2010 10:44:27

A biker is making a personal injury compensation claim after a motorcycle accident led to him losing a leg. Martin Stephens was riding his motorcycle in September 2007 when he was struck by a BMW which pulled out of a side road and into his path.

Mr Stephens suffered multiple personal injuries to both of his legs, resulting in his right leg being amputated below the knee and metal pins being inserted into his left leg. He has since made a personal injury compensation claim against the BMW driver's insurance company but the two sides are disputing the amount of compensation due.

Mr Stephens is reportedly seeking £300,000 in personal injury compensation to cover the cost of his injuries, including loss of earnings and special adaptations to his car and house.

Woman to Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim for Cycle Accident

11/10/2010 10:36:05

A woman has indicated that she may contact a personal injury lawyer to make a compensation claim after she suffered a personal injury while cycling.

Joanna Arendt got the wheel of her bike caught in tram tracks in Edinburgh while cycling, resulting her being thrown off the bike. Her helmet saved her from suffering a personal injury to her head, however she suffered a personal injury to her arm and leg in the cycle accident.

She has now told her local newspaper that she is considering making a personal injury compensation claim because she believes that the company managing the setup of the city's tram system, Transport Initiative Edinburgh, should do more to warn cyclists of the dangers the tram lines pose.

The company claim they already have such initiatives in place, however they may still face the personal injury compensation claim anyway.

Man May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Fall at Work

11/10/2010 10:25:01

A man may make a personal injury compensation claim after suffering a personal injury after a work accident in which he fell from an unsecured ladder while working for a textiles company.

Dennis Hunter was part of a team of workers dismantling 30 foot high shelving units for Phoenox Textiles when he suffered the work accident. He fell from an unsecured ladder while cutting through a shelving board with a circular saw.

Mr Hunter suffered a number of personal injuries, including a broken leg, in addition to a crushed left ankle and bruising to his face when the board fell on top of him.

The Health and Safety Executive have already fined the company £12,000 plus £3,000 in costs for the work accident, however it appears likely that Mr Hunter may now make a personal injury compensation claim after it was revealed that he had not received the proper training for the work he was carrying out.

Man Wins £1.75m Personal Injury Compensation for Birth Injury

11/10/2010 10:16:02

A man has been awarded a massive sum of personal injury compensation after winning a medical negligence compensation claim for birth injuries that he suffered when he was starved of oxygen.

The man, now in his 20's, received £1.75m in personal injury compensation after it was established that staff at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Essex failed to perform a Caesarean in time, causing the man to be starved of oxygen during birth. This left him with acute brain damage which means that he cannot walk and has the mind of a small child.

The NHS has not admitted liability, despite personal injury compensation being agreed between the two parties. The compensation will be used to pay for the man's care after the birth injury.

Skegness Company Fined After Fatal Accident

11/10/2010 10:08:00

Blue Anchor Leisure Ltd, a Skegness based firm, have been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after an employee suffered a fatal accident when he fell from a barn roof. The firm may now be open to a personal injury compensation claim from the family of the man.

Clifford Hartley had been re-roofing a barn that had suffered fire damage when the work accident occurred. Blue Anchor had placed hay bales on the floor for padding should a worker suffer a fall. However they did not cover the entire floor, which resulted in Mr Hartley suffering fatal injuries when he fell.

He missed the hay bales by 18 inches and instead struck the concrete floor. He suffered massive personal injuries that resulted in his death.

Blue Anchor were fined £15,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,000 for violating the Health and Safety at Work Act. They may now also face a personal injury claim if Mr Hartley's family contact a personal injury solicitor.

Asbestos Ruling Overturned by Court of Appeal

11/10/2010 09:57:02

Three judges have decided to overturn a High Court ruling that stated that insurers need only pay personal injury compensation for fatal asbestos illness if they offered cover at the time of exposure and the sufferer displayed symptoms at the time of exposure rather than developing them afterwards.

The Court of Appeal found that responsibility should rest with the employer's insurance company when the symptoms became known, which can take decades in some cases.

The ruling comes after a number of cases where workers or their families attempted to claim personal injury compensation for being exposed to asbestos and being refused by insurance companies who stated they didn't need to make a payout if a worker didn't "sustain injury" at the time of the exposure.

This means that many people who developed symptoms later would not receive compensation, which would have been a massive blow to mesothelioma patients. The new ruling has now established that insurance companies must pay out in all cases of asbestos exposure.

Company Fined for Fatal Accident May Face Personal Injury Compensation Claim

11/10/2010 09:49:39

A construction firm has been fined £10,000 by the Health and Safety Executive after a fatal accident in which a worker died a month after being struck by a telehandler by a work colleague. They may now also face a personal injury compensation claim from the man's family.

James Swinton Co Ltd were overseeing a project in Tweedmouth in November 2008 when the work accident happened. Charles Wilkinson, aged 51, was working on a project to refurbish a street, despite the fact that the company had not requested a road closure. This led to the road being congested, resulting in the telehandler mounting the pavement and striking Mr Wilkinson.

Mr Wilkinson suffered multiple personal injuries, including injuries to the pelvis, ribs and spine. This resulted in him suffering a blood clot from which he later died.

A Home Office pathologist determined that the clot was caused by the work accident, which led to the company being fined for a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. They were also ordered to pay £4,063 in costs. They may now face a personal injury compensation claim of Mr Wilkinson's family decide to approach a personal injury lawyer.

Man Suffered Two Personal Injuries at Furniture Workshop

11/10/2010 09:40:32

The Health and Safety Executive have prosecuted the owners of a furniture workshop after a man suffered two work accidents there in the space of three months. In addition to a fine they also had to pay personal injury compensation to the man for the work accidents.

Simon Davies, aged 21, suffered a personal injury to his finger in July 2009 while working for Village Pine in Bacup when a door that he was working on shot out of its holding and pushed his hand into a rotating blade. He suffered a broken finger and also had to have most of his fingernail removed in the work accident.

Previously Mr Davies had also suffered a similar personal injury when he was hurt with a circular saw. The work accidents led to factory owners Kenneth Bramhall and Gill Brown being prosecuted by the HSE for violations of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. They were each fined £6,000, in addition to paying £2,000 costs. They have also had to pay Mr Davies £1,000 in personal injury compensation.

Glass Makers Fined for Placing Workers at Risk of Personal Injury

04/10/2010 15:48:51

A glass maker based in the West Midlands has been fined £3,600 by the HSE after it was found that there was a large amount of lead contamination at their premises that left workers in danger of suffering lead poisoning and other personal injuries.

Staffordshire Crystal, in Brierley Hill, was adjudged by the Health and Safety Executive to have not carried out an adequate risk assessment at its factory, as well as not providing workers with a place to wash their hands.

A HSE commented "Firms that are operating with lead-based materials need to ensure their workers are protected at all times, not just in the processing areas where they are carrying out their duties, but also the rest and eating area."

There are unlikely to be any personal injury claims made however, as there are no recorded cases of lead poisoning as a result of the contamination.

David Beckham to Sue for Compensation from Magazine

04/10/2010 15:19:20

David Beckham has announced that he will be suing for compensation from a magazine that he claims deliberately published false allegations about his provate life.

He is suing US magazine In Touch after they published an article accusing him of cheating on his wife. He is suing the magazine's parent company, Bauer Publishing Company LP, for libel, slander and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The suit is being filed in a number of jurisdictions, including Germany where Bauer is based.

Two Men Suffer Personal Injuries in a Fairground Ride

04/10/2010 15:02:03

The Health and Safety Executive have fined the owner of a fairground ride after two men suffered personal injuries when riding it during the British Grand Prix. The man owned and operated the Tagada ride, which was a round bowl that spins around and bounces the riders up and down at the operators whim.

The two men who were injured had gone onto the ride during the Grand Prix and were eventually thrown from it, suffering a number of personal injuries including back injuries and bruising. Luckily the cases of personal injury weren't more severe and the men have now fully recovered.

After an investigation the Health and Safety Executive found that steel work on the seating has corroded, causing the accident. The corrosion was apparently clearly visible and should have been noticed. This revelation led to the HSE fining the operator for £3,000 in addition to fining the inspector who passed the ride as safe for £10,000.

It is unknown at this point of the two men intend to make a compensation claim from a personal injury lawyer.

Manufacturing Company Fined After Man Loses Fingers in Work Accident

04/10/2010 14:42:16

Saint-Gobain Weber Ltd, a manufacturing company, have been prosecuted by the HSE after an employee suffered a personal injury in a work accident in November 2007.

Simon Partridge lost a finger and thumb when the waste extraction system at the manufaturing plant became blocked due to it becoming clogged with dust and extracts from the workshop. Mr Partridge attempted to clear the blockage himself, resulting in his suffering the personal injury.

He lost the digits when his hand became trapped in the rotating valve of the extractor, with surgery to reattach the digits proving to be unsucessful.

A Health and Safety Executive found multiple failings within the company, including insufficient and easily removed guards. The company were fined £16,000 for breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act.

It is unclear at this point if Mr Partridge intends to contact a personal injury solicitor to make a compensation claim.

Engineering Firm Fined After Fatal Accident

04/10/2010 14:29:33

A Preston based engineering firm has been fined after a fatal work accident at their plant. The work accident occurred when Michael Lohaza was working for Autoy Limited. Mr Lohaza was working on a lathe on his own next to the company's main workshop when he became entangled in the machinery.

Two colleagues later found him dead at the scene. This led to the Health and Safety Executive fining the firm after they found that the company failed to carry out a full risk assessment of the machinery, stating that suitable clothing must be worn at all times as entanglement with lathes is well known.

Autoy Limited were fined £17,500 for breaking the Health and Safety at Work Act and may yet face a personal injury compensation claim if Mr Lohaza's family decided to approach a compensation claims solicitor.

London Underground Driver Receives Compensation For Trauma

04/10/2010 14:10:35

A driver on the London underground has received a personal injury compensation payout of around £4,000 for the trauma that he suffered during the terrorist attacks in London on 7th July 2005.

The man, aged 57, was initially denied compensation after driving his train to Russell Square to help injured victims of the atrocities. The compensation claim was initially rejected as he was not judged to have been in danger of immediate harm at any time.

However the Criminal Justice Authority eventually agreed to pay him £1,000 in personal injury compensation, with the sum later being raised to £4,000.

Commenting on the day and the trauma he suffered he stated "I’m not a hero. I did what I could to help, just like anyone would, but the events of that day will always be with me…I was off work for 11 months afterwards. I couldn’t believe it when CICA said that because I was not in reasonable fear of immediate physical harm I was not entitled to compensation."

Company Fined After Worker Sustains Personal Injury in Fall

04/10/2010 13:53:25

Master Concrete, a company with UK locations in Birmingham and Glasgow, have been fined £10,000 after a work accident in which one of their employees fell through a roof panel on a construction site while taking down a building. The man suffered multiple personal injuries, including several broken bones, in the fall and he may yet make a personal injury compensation claim for the incident.

The HSE, after inspection of the incident, decided Master Concrete were liable for the work accident, paving the way for a personal injury claim to be made. The company were also ordered to pay £18,923.25 in costs in addition to their £10,000 fine.

Newsprint Firms Fined After Worker Suffers Personal Injury in Work Accident

04/10/2010 13:35:33

A pair of newsprint firms have been fined by the HSE after a worker suffered a serious personal injury in a work accident. The firms have been fined £17,500 after the work accident which resulted in the employee losing a limb as a result.

The accident occurred when the employee was pulled into a conveyor and got his leg trapped in the machinery. A subsequent investigation by the HSE found that the West Ferry Printers and Meta Management Services were both responsible for the work accident after they were found to be in violation of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

An HSE inspector stated that both defendants "were aware of the risks from dangerous machinery and had been advised to carry out an assessment" prior to the work accident.

It is unknown at this point if the worker is intending to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Company Fined by HSE After Work Accident

04/10/2010 13:25:17

WCM Europe, a company based in Essex, have been fined £6,000 by the HSE after one of its employees suffered a personal injury in a work accident.

They were found guilty of breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act after a worker got his finger caught in a mechanical blade as he sawed a block of plastic at the firm's plant.

The HSE investigated the incident, in which the employee suffered a number of personal injuries that included permanent nerve damage, and found that the company had failed to properly train its employees.

An HSE inspector, said of the incident "WCM Europe Limited failed to make sure that only properly trained employees had access and authorisation to use the saw."

It is unknown at this point if the worker has contacted a personal injury solicitor in relation to the work accident.

Dissolved Company Forced to Pay Personal Injury Compensation to Family

04/10/2010 13:09:40

A company that has since been dissolved have been told they must pay the family of a former employee personal injury compensation after he died from an asbestos related injury.

Newman Tonks have agreed to pay the family Donald Bracher £47,500 in personal injury compensation after he died aged 76 as a result of having come into contact with the deadly substance multiple times during his time working for the company.

He had suffered health problems since 2003 due to the asbestos due to working for Shapland Potter for 50 years. That firm was taken over by Newman Tonks and thus were liable to pay the compensation to his family.

Mr Bracher's son commented on the outcome, stating "It's been a very long and difficult case which has stirred up a lot of emotions but I am glad we went through with it to make things right in my father's name."

Civil Servant to Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim for Asbestos Exposure

04/10/2010 12:24:18

A retired civil servant has contacted a compensation claims solicitors after contracting the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma. The woman believes that exposure to asbestos while working for the Inland Revenue led to her contracting the deadly disease and she is now determined to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Helen Wickings is claiming that she came into contact with the fibres while working at offices in Croydon and Epsom, with her duties involving a number of trips to the archives to retrieve old files. She recalls asbestos being removed by people in specialised suits from the boiler room, which she frequented as part of her work duties.

The 65 year old onnly has a couple of months to live and said of her personal injury claim "This needs publicity, because other people need to realise they might have been in danger."

Apprentice Joiner Receives Work Accident Compensation

04/10/2010 12:09:53

Simon Davies, an apprentice joiner with Village Pine Ltd, has been awarded £2,000 personal injury compensation after a work accident caused his left hand to be permanently disfigured. He suffered his personal injury when his hand was dragged into a moulding machine, with Mr Davies later requiring surgery to repair a severed artery in his left index finger.

Mr Davies had also suffered a personal injury a number of months earlir when working unsupervised with a circular saw, which led to warnings from the HSE.

The latest incident led to the two partners in the company being fined £6,000 each, as well as having to pay Mr Davies £1,000 in personal injury compensation, after admitting breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Multiple Sclerosis Victims to Make Personal Injury Compensation Claims Against Rogue Doctor

04/10/2010 11:54:49

A number of multiple sclerosis suffered are to make a compensation claim against struck off doctor Robert Trossel after he charged them for a number of bogus treatments.

Trossel was recently struck off the medical register after it emerged that he was charging patients over £10,000 for stem cell treatment and injections which were believed by the victims to be improving their condition.

However a recent hearing concluded that the doctor was not fit to practice in the UK and his treatments were ineffective, with some involving cow's stem cells that were never intended for human use.

A member of the legal team representing some of Dr. Trossel’s ex patients said "We are actively investigating the pursuit of legal proceedings against him to right the wrongs caused to these vulnerable people."

A number of his victims are now worried that they may contract some form of mad cow disease or other afflictions after the treatments.

Biker to Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim Against Council

04/10/2010 11:41:26

A man who was involved in a road traffic accident when his Kawasaki 750 motorcycle rode over a pothole and threw him off is to make a personal injury compensation claim against the council responsible for the road.

Paul Quayle suffered a number of personal injuries, including a broken collar bone and broken ribs after he was thrown from the bike after striking the pothole.

While still in hospital, he told the North West Evening Mail "The council owns the road and it shouldn’t be in such a bad state that it causes accidents. I was lucky that my injuries weren’t any worse, but someone else might not be as lucky."

He has now contacted a personal injury lawyer to make a compensation claim against the Cumbrian highway authorities in what appears to be yet another accident that has happened as a result of poor maintenance work on roads.

Family to Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Man Dies During Heart Surgery

04/10/2010 11:31:10

A widow from East Yorkshire are to make a medical negligence compensation claim after her husband died after major heart surgery, amid claims that hospital staff could have done more to save his life.

Martin Butterick of Hull was admitted to hospital for a heart valve operation in 2008. Unfortunately he died four days after the surgery after developing cardiac tamponade, a condition which weakens the heart due to fluid build up. Mr Butterick's family claim that vital symptoms and signs of the condition were missed by medical staff, constituting a case of medical negligence.

Mr. Butterick’s widow Christina commented on his death, stating "It shouldn’t have happened, he could be here today."

It is unknown which personal injury lawyers the family have approached to make the personal injury compensation claim.

Birth Injury Couple to Claim Medical Negligence Compensation

04/10/2010 11:18:27

A couple are to make a medical negligence compensation claim against the NHS after their son was born with serious birth injuries after a catalogue of failures by the medical staff.

Emma Portogallo and Daniel Cutillo are to make the personal injury compensation claim after their son, Xavier, was born brain damaged and blind in one eye after medical staff at Scunthorpe General Hospital caused birth injuries after using both forceps and a ventouse suction cup during the delivery.

Xavier was transferred to Sheffield Children's Hospital for an emergency operation on his eye, while also suffering from a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain.

Miss Portagallo commented that "My son will have to live with the consequences of this for the rest of his life. Having a baby is meant to be one of the happiest days of your life but for us it was a complete nightmare."

BT Explosion Victim to Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim

04/10/2010 11:07:54

A victim of the gas explosion in Shrewbury earlier in the year is to make a personal injury compensation claim against telephony giant BT amid claims that the company may have been responsible for the blast.

Parts of the Shrewsbury town centre were closed for up to three months following the explosion, with leaked correspondence between National Grid and BT appearing to indicate that the cause of the explosion was BT constructing a concrete chamber too close to a gas main, causing it to fracture and leak gas.

Sarah Pearse is making the accident compensation claim after her flat was caught in the blast, causing her personal injuries that resulted in her spending seven weeks in hospital.

Commenting about her personal injury compensation claim, Sarah stated "I would rather that they spent a long time getting the right person, rather than just getting anyone who maybe wasn’t responsible in the first place."

Chicken Skinner May Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Skinning His Own Hand

04/10/2010 10:53:47

A man who works for a chicken company make make a personal injury compensation claim after getting his hand caught in a chicken skinning machine. The man suffered a severe personal injury to his hand while working for Crown Chickens Ltd.

The work accident occurred when the man got his glove caught in the machinery, which consequently dragged him into contact with the cutting blade. His hand was then skinned from knuckle to wrist by the machine.

After an investigation the HSE discovered that the machine was not properly guarded and didn't have an emergency stop button, which would have made the work accident preventable.

Crown Chickens admitted breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act, with punishment also being enacted for another separate incident at the site where a worker lost a finger. They paid a fine of £8,000, with £5,500 in costs.

A spokesperson for the HSE said "These two incidents resulted in very serious and painful injuries to both men. What is more, both could easily have been avoided if Crown Chicken had taken the correct health and safety precautions."

It is unknown at this point whether the employee in question has contacted a personal injury lawyer.

Family May Claim Personal Injury Compensation After Man Dies in Fatal Accident at Work

04/10/2010 10:22:10

A family may look to make a personal injury compensation claim after a Walker's Crisps employee was involved in a fatal work accident after inhaling poisonous fumes. Though he initially appeared to have recovered, the employee died a month later due to complications related to his personal injury.

The lorry driver was making a delivery of sodium chlorite and hydrochloric acid for the Walker's Crisp company, gases which are both used as part of the process of making the popular snack. However the chemicals were mixed in transit, forming a dangerously toxic chlorine dioxide.

A spokesperson for the Health and Safety Executive stated after the investigation "This incident was entirely preventable. Basic risk assessments and clear procedures could have avoided Mr Marriott’s tragic death but as it was there were a catalogue of serious failings."

Walkers were fined £200,000 for breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act, as well as paying £38,971 in costs. The chemicals firm Omnichem were fined £150,000 and ordered to pay costs of £29,229 for the same offences.

It is unknown at this point if the family intend to contact a personal injury lawyer to make a compensation claim for their loss, however it appears to be highly likely.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Council Fined Over Asbestos Violation

04/10/2010 10:04:53

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council have been fined £5,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,140 after pleading guilty to a number of violations of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 Act after they failed to warn an employee about the presence of asbestos at a water leak that he was sent to fix at a housing complex.

The council were prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive after sending the plumber to fix a faulty pipe in a ceiling void on the first floor of a building that had recently been found to contain asbestos. The substance is responsible for a number of deaths each year, principally through the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma.

The worker was not told that he was working on a site that contained asbestos, thus he took no precautions while repairing the pipe. Many people each year contact personal injury lawyers to make a compensation claim due to personal injuries caused by asbestos however it is unknown at this point whether the worker intends to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Child Receives Personal Injury Compensation For Medical Negligence Which Led to Brain Damage

27/09/2010 13:49:56

A five year old girl who suffered brain damage after medics at Colchester General Hospital failed to diagnose her as having meningitis has been awarded personal injury compensation for the case of medical negligence.

Ellie Sutton was admitted to hospital with symptoms of the illness when she was eight months old but was discharged by a medical student shortly after, who claimed she was simply suffering from a high fever. However her mother, Sarah Gill, took her back to hospital in the evening and she was reviewed in the morning when it was found that she had the illness.

Ms Gill believes that the delay caused the issues that she suffers from to this day, stating "Ever since the illness Ellie has had some mobility problems due to weakness and sensory impairment in her right side, and she also now suffers from severe learning difficulties, limited speech and behavioural problems."

Master of Bulk Carrier Criticised for Death of a Fisherman in Work Accident

27/09/2010 13:38:26

The master of a bulk carrier has been criticised after a work accident caused the death of a fisherman last year. An investigation by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch criticised the master for failing to report the crash. They also claim that there was evidence that documents had been altered or destroyed to hide the carrier's involvement.

The report said "There is evidence to suggest that the crew of Alam Pintar subsequently attempted to alter recorded contemporaneous data to mask the vessel's involvement in the accident."

The accident resulted in the death of Chris Wadsworth, who was on board the Etoile des Ondes crabbing vessel when it was struck by the Alam Pintar. His body was never found.

The investigation also criticised poor lookout facilities on the crabbing vessel, however the Alam Pintar took the vast majority of the blame. It is unknown at this point if the family of the fisherman will look to contact a personal injury solicitor to make a personal injury compensation claim for the fatal accident.

Textile Company Fined After Worker Suffers Personal Injury in Work Accident

27/09/2010 13:12:14

E-Leather Ltd, a textile manufacturing company, have been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after an employee suffered a serious personal injury in a work accident that left him with a crushed arm.

Robert Dunn had been operating a fabric winding machine which was later found to have inadequate safety guards fitted in a HSE inspection. His arm was crushed in the incident, resuting in all three major arm bones being broken. He also had the cartilage in his knee ripped due to the force of the machine pulling him.

E-Leather pleaded guilty to violating the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 in addition to the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. They were fined £13,500 plus £5,000 in costs.

At this moment in time it is unknown if Mr Dunn intends to make a personal injury compensation claim against the company for the work accident.

Builder Attempts to Claim Personal Injury Compensation From Home Owners

27/09/2010 12:30:33

A builder is to make a personal injury compensation claim against a homeowner after he sustained a personal injury in a work accident while working on the homeowner's property. Tomasz Kmiecic was working on the home of a Mr Isaacs when the work accident occurred. He had been contracted to do the work by Armag Decoration, however when Mr Kmiecic suffered his personal injury he found that the contractors were "cowboys" leaving him unable to make a compensation claim.

Mr Kmiecic shattered his left elbow in the work accident and has been unable to work since suffering the personal injury. He is making the compensation claim based on the fact that he believes he was forced to use a ladder that was too short for the job after Mrs Isaacs refused him permission to use her bedroom window to access the roof as she didn't want to get her carpets dirty.

He is now making the personal injury compensation claim on this basis after being granted an appeal after the High Court initially placed the blame on the contractors and not Mrs Isaacs.

Man Awarded Personal Injury Compensation After Farm Accident

27/09/2010 12:17:37

A man has been awarded £71,000 in personal injury compensation after an accident at a farm left him with a crushed leg. Stephen Hyndman was working for William Brown and contacted a personal injury solicitor after an accident resulted in the lower part of his leg being crushed by machinery.

Mr Hyndman had been working to clear a blocked machine when the terrible work accident occurred. He was clearing out the potato harvester when his trousers became caught in the machinery, dragging his foot into the machine and leading to the work accident.

He received £71,000 in personal injury compensation after making a compensation claim against William Brown through a compensation solicitor.

Firm Fined After Employee is Killed in a Work Accident

27/09/2010 11:56:51

Building Chemical Research has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after a work accident that resulted in the death of an employee after one of his work colleagues switched on an industrial mixing machine while he was inside cleaning it.

Paul Palmer, aged 44, died in the incident, with the HSE ruling that it should have been impossible to turn the powerful mixing machine on while somebody was inside it.

Building Chemical Reseach was fined £16,000 and paid costs of £8,000 for the incident while company director Stuart Reich was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,000.

It is unknown at this point if the family of the man in question intend to make a personal injury compensation claim for the fatal accident.

Woman Receives Personal Injury Compensation After Horror Train Crash

27/09/2010 11:48:22

A woman has received personal injury compensation after she was engulfed in a fireball after her train crashed in a horror accident that left 400 injured and 31 dead. Pam Warren has since had 22 operations to rebuild her face and hands after the accident.

In addition to this she has also endured a long fight for personal injury compensation after Thames Trains took four years to accept repsonsibility for the accident and pay the compensation.

The accident occurred when a commuter service run by Thames Trains passed a red signal and collided into a Great Western Express train in October 1999. She has reportedly been granted "substantial" personal injury compensation, with her solicitor claiming "She is very happy with the settlement which is a substantial one."

Thames Trains is also being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive, meaning they may have to pay a fine in the case of any wrong doing, in addition to potentially having to face a raft of personal injury compensation claims from other victims of the crash.

Construction Firm fined After Work Accident Led to Worker Suffering Massive Personal Injuries

27/09/2010 11:39:43

A construction firm has been hit with a £160,000 fine by the Health and Safety Executive after they were found to have violated the health and safety procedures after an employee fell from an open window frame while carrying out building work at Everton FC's Finch Farm training academy.

The employee suffered massive personal injuries, leading to him being in a coma for 3 months. Unfortunately, the accident eventually resulted in his death. The accident itself occurred when a temporary guard rail attached to a rubbish chute gave way while the man was working. The HSE fined the company after finding that they had not carried out a risk assessment to determine if the rubbish chute could support the weight of the rail.

It is unknown at this point of the man's family intend to contact a personal injury solicitor to make a personal injury compensation claim for the fatal accident.

Manchester Company Fined For Breaching Health and Safety Act

27/09/2010 11:31:21

A home improvement company in Manchester has been hit with a fine for £5,000 after leaving its employees at risk of suffering a personal injury via a work accident. Viewline Northwest pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005 after inspectors from the HSE witnessed an employee at risk of suffering severe personal injuries as he worked on the roof of a home while standing on a platform with no guardrail.

The company had previously been warned by the HSE for a similar violation back in March 2009, but they continued to work in the same manner, leading to the HSE eventually taking action.

HSE official Helen Mansfield stated "It is simply unacceptable that this company had not heeded previous warnings from HSE and it is lucky that this incident did not result in injury."

Ten School Children a Week Make Personal Injury Compensation Claims Against Schools

27/09/2010 11:19:17

A recent survey of Britain's local authorities has revealed that up to ten school children a week make a personal injury compensation claim against their school for personal injuries suffered during the course of the school day. The survey also reveals that £2.25m was paid out to pupils in personal injury compensation last year for classroom and playground accidents.

Successful claims included £33,500 to a student injured performing a high jump, £23,000 to a pupil who slipped on ice and £3,275 to a boy who was hit in the eye by a foam javelin.

Other incidents include personal injury compensation payouts for pupils shutting fingers in doors or for slips and trips in the playground. The survey unveiled that at least 400 students made successful claims against their schools in total in 2009.

Amateur Tennis Player to Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Road Traffic Accident

27/09/2010 11:12:29

A young tennis amateur from Somerset is to make a personal injury compensation claim after he suffered an array of personal injuries in a road traffic accident. Corey Niccolls, aged 13, suffered the personal injuries when the Peugeot he was travelling in collided with a Land Rover in November 2007.

Corey has since undergone 15 operations to repair the damage caused by the road traffic accident but has still to make a full recovery.

Sally Edwards, the driver of the Land Rover, was cleared of all blame in a police inquiry in 2008, with the inquiry apparently demonstrating that poor weather conditions, inadequate signing and a lack of street lights and road markings all contributed to the accident. She lost her son in the road traffic accident.

The personal injury compensation claim is being made against North Somerset Council because of these findings, but they have thus far refused to comment on the case.

Family Awarded Personal Injury Compensation After Asbestos Related Death

27/09/2010 11:04:46

A family from Devon have been awarded £47,500 in personal injury compensation following the death of Donald Bracher, a local man who suffered from asbestosis after being exposed to the substance over a period of 50 years. Mr Bracher worked for Shapland and Petter, with his job involving cutting windows into fire doors lined with asbestos.

He began developing health issues in 2003, passing away from asbestos related illnesses five years later. It was judged that Shapland and Petter failed to provide adequate ventilation or protection for the work with asbestos, causing the exposure that resulted in Mr Bracher's personal injury and eventual death.

It is now believed that many more former employees could make personal injury compensatiopn claims against the company as they were one of the largest employers in the region at one point. Kenneth Bracher, son of Donald, initially approached a personal injury solicitor to make the compensation claim and stated "It is comforting to know that the conditions my father and his colleagues worked in have been addressed."

Woman Attacked by Staffordshire Bull Terrier Receives Personal Injury Compensation From Owner

27/09/2010 10:54:09

A woman has been granted £2,000 in personal injury compensation after being attacked by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier while she attempted to protect her Jack Russell. She suffered a personal injury to her arm in the attack after the Bull Terrier jumped up and bit her. She will be left with permanent scarring on her arm after the incident.

The owner of the dog was later traced and charged with allowing a dog to be out of control in a public place. She has been forced to muzzle the dog whenever she takes it out, as well as having to pay the victim £2,000 in personal injury compensation.

Ex Shipyard Worker Received Personal Injury Compensation for Asbestos Related Injuries

27/09/2010 10:47:48

A former shipyard worker from South Tyneside has received £5,000 in personal injury compensation after tirelessly campaigning for workers suffering from asbestos related personal injuries to be granted the compensation that deserve.

Bob Cusworth is one of the thousands of workers who suffers from Pleural Plaques, a scarring of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos. He suffered the personal injury after working on a dock for 40 years, claiming there was little to no protection against asbestos put in place.

Mr Cusworth also claims to have lost 50 work colleagues due to complications arising from exposure to the deadly substance. He is continuing to campaign for those who have yet to receive personal injury compensation for exposure. In particular he has worked to oppose the decision by the Law Lords in 2007 that those suffering from Pleural Plaques were not eligible for compensation.

Bob commented "I still feel very sorry for all the lads who won’t receive a penny, just because they claimed after the 2007 ruling. I’m going to keep fighting for full and proper compensation for everyone who is living with pleural plaques."

Woman Involved in Train Accident to Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim

27/09/2010 10:37:06

A woman who was struck in the face by a protective barrier that became detached from a train on London's underground is to sue the operators for personal injury compensation. The woman required hospital treatment for her personal injuries, which included a cut eye and a gash to her head. There were also two other victims in the incident.

The barriers have been designed to prevent passengers from falling between train carriages in an attempt to prevent fatal accidents. In this case a breakdown in communication was blamed as the problem had been reported but the train was allowed to continue running.

Director of safety Mike Strzelecki stated "We detected there was a faulty barrier and we failed to remove it promptly and efficiently. If things had gone slightly differently we would have removed that barrier and the accident wouldn’t have happened."

In addition to the woman's personal injury compensation claim, London Underground may now also be facing a fine of up to £20,000 after breaching the Health and Safety at work act.

Hundreds of Women to Make Personal Injury Compensation Claims Over Faulty Breast Implants

27/09/2010 10:24:28

Hundreds of women in the UK may be eligible to claim personal injury compensation after breast implants provided by the French company Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP) were found to have a burst rate that was much higher than the average figure.

The Sun newspaper has reported that up to 50,000 UK women may have had implants from the company put in place, unknowingly placing themselves at risk of personal injury in an attempt to save a little bit of money. A burst implant can cause a number of personal injuries, including damage to breast tissue, intense pain and swelling and complications such as damage to milk ducts.

One such victim was Lindsey Easeman, whose implant ruptured after four years. She claims "We were mis-sold a product and were left to deal with it, with no help from anyone." She, along with a number of other women, has now approached a personal injury solicitor to make a personal injury compensation claim for the incident.

PIP has since been closed down by the French authorities due to fraudulent use of a non approved silicone gel, with a recall of all implants produced by the ordered by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.

Family Receive Personal Injury Compensation for Medical Negligence Drug Blunder

27/09/2010 10:12:45

The family of a Shropshire man who died due to medical negligence after being given a lethal cocktail of drugs have been awarded £15,000 in personal injury compensation after the fatal accident. Albert Matthews, aged 65, was admitted to Princess Royal Hospital in Telford suffering from breathing difficulties. He was diagnosed with pneumonia of the upper lung and his condition worsened over the course of the next few days.

Doctors decided to give him the drug Lorazepam, despite the fact that he had already been given Tramadol and Haloperidol. All three drugs are known to restrict breathing and the mixture of them led to Mr Matthews suffering respiratory arrest, followed quickly by cardiac arrest.

Despite the NHS claiming that Mr Matthews received an appropriate level of care, they have now paid his family £15,000 in personal injury compensation in an out of court settlement for the medical negligence incident.

Albert’s widow Mary stated "We are relieved that the hospital has finally accepted responsibility for their error in caring for Albert, after nearly four years."

Man Blinded in Fireworks Work Accident to Receive Personal Injury Compensation

27/09/2010 10:00:09

A man from Bristol has received £5,000 in personal injury compensation after a work accident left him partially sighted. Chris Hignall had been assisting a firework display being held in Bristol when one of the fireworks exploded in his face.

Mr Hignell was assisting JWP Fireworks at a wedding reception when he was instructed to light a professional grade mortar firework. Unlike regular fireworks, the mortar in question didn't have a time delayed fuse so when it was lit it shot straight into Mr Hignell's face.

He suffered massive personal injuries to his face and has had extensive surgery to reconstruct much of it. JWP Fireworks continued trading for some time after the incident, despite using a fradulently obtained insurance certificate that allowed him to buy and use industrial strength fireworks.

The owner of JWP Fireworks, Jason Edgecombe, was ordered to pay Mr Hignell £5,000 in personal injury compensation and had also received a 36 week suspended prison sentence. He has also been banned from taking part in any fireworks related event for two years.

Schizophrenic Man Receives Personal Injury Compensation After CS Gas Attack

27/09/2010 09:48:31

A man from Kirby has been granted £4,000 personal injury compensation from the Merseyside Police following a CS Gas attack. David Johnston, who suffered from schizophrenia, suffered a number of personal injuries, including burns to his head, chest and legs which required hospital treatment.

He approached a personal injury solicitor claiming that the officer who sprayed him saturated him with the spray, treating his canister as though it were a can of spray paint.

On the night of the incident in question, Mr Johnston had been found walking the streets in a depressed state, having drunk a litre of cider and overdosed on prescription medication. He was taken home by a friend but, when his behaviour became too much to handle, an ambulance and police were called.

Upon arrival the police officer was informed of Mr Johnston's condition but, when he came out of the house shouting abuse, the officer deployed his CS Gas spray. This left him liable for a personal injury claim as he used excessive force in subduing the man.

Family of Man Killed in Road Traffic Accident Claim Compensation

20/09/2010 13:05:36

The family of a man who was killed in a road traffic accident have received a large compensation sum. David Charles Ian Barnes was killed when the vehicle he was in collided with a lorry owned by Ramcrete Pumping Services Ltd. The lorry was stationary at the time and the company were eventually held responsible for the accident, leading to his widow launching a compensation claim for the accident.

The company settled out of court, granting the woman £325,000 in personal injury compensation on behalf of her deceased husband. The money will go towards supporting the couple's two children, and part of it will be given to them when they reach the age of 18.

Yorkshire Man May Make Work Accident Compensation Claim After Lorry Accident

20/09/2010 12:55:00

A Yorkshire man may make a work accident personal injury compensation claim after suffering serious personal injury when he was crushed by a lorry. Paul Gelder has been working for UPS when the accident occurred, leaving him with fractures to both hips and his pelvis in addition to other personal injuries.

The accident occurred in November 2008 when he lost his footing while adjusting a docking ramp, leading to him becoming trapped, with the reversing lorry crushing him against the wall of the dock. In addition to injuries to his hips and pelvis, he also suffered a ruptured bladder and has had to have a metal bar inserted into his spine. He also suffers psychological problems as a result of the accident.

The company responsible have already been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive after it was revealed that Mr Gelder had not been provided with proper training in regards to unloading container lorries safely.

Mr Gelder may now make a personal injury compensation claim for the serious personal injuries that he suffered as a result of the accident.

Government Set to Review Personal Injury Regulations

20/09/2010 12:48:12

According to a report by the Daily Telegraph, the government is looking into reviewing the compensation and personal injury industries after a report by Lord Young suggested around 40 changes to be carried out to better regulate the personal injury industry.

Amongst the recommendations laid out by the report are;

Someone who attempts to help others in an emergency – such as giving a stranger first aid – but in the process causes them personal injury, could no longer face a compensation claim from the victim.

Emergency workers who risk their life to help others would also be free from being sued.

A cut down in ‘red tape’ for schools and “low risk” workplaces such as offices.

It has also been reported that the "no win, no fee" system in place for many personal injury lawyers could be altered. The report recommends that this should be amended so that personal injury solicitors receive a portion of their client's personal injury compensation instead, reducing the compensation gained by the victim in the process.

Bungled Cosmetic Surgery Responsible for Large Amount of Personal Injuries

20/09/2010 12:43:23

A report released by the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) has revealed that the cosmetic surgery industry still remains dangerously unregulated after 52% of surgeries called by the group as part of their survey failed to respond.

Those that did respond unveiled statistics that highlighted major issues with training and equipment, with 56% of clinics not having enough equipment to perform surgery safely, while 18% of clinics did not have a policy on re-admitting patients of they suffer personal injury as a result of a botched surgery.

There is apparently a culture amongst plastic surgeons to simply 'have a go' at procedures that they have never performed, with the lack of frequency and training in many surgeries putting patients at risk of suffering a personal injury.

The group is now calling on the government to begin regulating the industry to reduce the danger to patients, who are eligible to make a personal injury compensation claim in the event that a cosmetic surgery procedure goes wrong.

Seven Suffer Personal Injury in Coffee Machine Explosion Incident

20/09/2010 12:35:29

A group of seven customers have been left with personal injuries and burns after an industrial sized coffee machine exploded during a busy lunch time in a supermarket. Debris from the machine struck employees and customers, resulting in the seven personal injuries being suffered.

The leading supermarket chain is now bracing itself for a string of compensation claims as a result of the incident, especially if they are found to have been negligent in maintaining the coffee machine prior to the accident.

The explosion led to the store being evacuated and three fire crews being called to the incident to put out a blaze and ensure that everbody left the scene safely.

Although none of the people hit by the debris suffered serious personal injury, it is still likely that some will make a personal injury compensation claim after the incident, as the potential for suffering a personal injury was there.

Security Guard Wins Personal Injury Compensation for Slip and Trip

20/09/2010 12:21:29

A security guard has won £9,000 in personal injury compensation for a slip and trip accident in which he slipped on a dusty floor while chasing shoplifters in a Doncaster branch of Sainsbury's superstore.

Darren Mason, aged 38, was working for Chubb Security in the Sainsbury's store when customer services alerted him to customers acting suspiciously in the meat section. However, when on his way to investigate he slipped on the dusty floor and fractured his hip upon landing.

The personal injury forced him out of work for five months, leaving him compelled to contact a personal injury solicitor to make a compensation claim as a result.

Restaurants Warned About Dangers of Dirty Cloths

20/09/2010 12:11:03

A number of restaurants in the North East have been warned that they could be placing their customers at risk of infection and other personal injury due to not changing and cleaning their cloths regularly.

A stidy by the Health Protection Agency found that 56% of the cloths they examined at over 100 restaurants and takeaways in the region wee found to have unacceptable levels of bacteria on them. Infections such as E. Coli and Enterobacteriaceae were found on a number of the cloths, with the HPA pointing out the risk of cross-contamination.

The findings were presented at the HPA's annual conference at the University of Warwick, where the group warned that restaurants needed to take steps to ensure that cloths were changed and disinfected regularly.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes May Face Personal Injury Compensation Claim for Road Traffic Accident

20/09/2010 12:05:32

Famed explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes may face a personal injury compensation claim after a man was left with a number of personal injuries in a road traffic accident involving Mr Fiennes.

Louis Castaldo was left in a coma for 17 days, in addition to suffering collapsed lungs, a broken collar bone and a multitude of other personal injuries after Fiennes fell asleep at the wheel of his vehicle and crashed into Mr Castaldo's car. Sir Ranulph later admitted the offence and was fined £1,000.

Mr Castaldo may now pursue a personal injury compensation claim after indicating that he may never be able to use his right foot properly again.

Local Authorities to Tighten Recycling Health and Safety Policies

20/09/2010 11:51:55

Local Authorities are being advised to revise their health and safety policies in regards to waste management and recycling services ahead of a round of inspections by the Health and Safety Executive.

Making these injuries safer would help councils avoid liability in the cases of personal injury and accidents at work that occasionally crop up. The HSE's inspection program will run for three years to check if councils are following guidance issued in January that informed them of their legal duties in this matter.

HSE inspector Wayne Williams said "The industry has nine times more fatal accidents than the national average and four times as many workers suffer injuries."

Personal Injury Compensation Payouts to Prisoners Doubles

20/09/2010 11:43:12

Figures obtained by the Press Association have revealed that personal injury compensation payouts to prisoners for the period 2009/10 doubled to £3.2m in total. This is a sharp rise from £1.6m in the same period the previous year, with the bulk of the payouts being paid as a result of medical negligence.

£530,000 personal injury compensation was also paid to prisoners who were the victims of assault at the hands of prison staff, with a further £260,000 going to prisoners who were the victims of administration errors that left them detained for longer than their sentences.

This brings the total paid in personal injury compensation to prisoners to £13m over the last five years, with campaign groups calling for better care for prisoners in an attempt to cut this figure.

Man to Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim After Being Left Unable to Eat

20/09/2010 11:37:16

A man it to make a personal injury compensation claim after a gastric band procedure left him unable to eat. He plans to sure for compensation from the NHS for medical negligence after the surgery meant that he has to be fed through a tube in his stomach as he is unable to eat solid foods.

Tim Daily weight 24 stone when he initially underwent the procedure at Charing Cross Hospital. He lost 12 stone but has since been in hospital for malnutrition and suffers from constant pain as a result of the procedure.

He claims that he was not warned of the potential personal injury risks in relation to the procedure, stating he was only told the positive aspects of the surgery. He has even gone so far as to say he would have preferred staying at his own weight rather than enduring the quality of life he has now.

Glass Company Fined for Violating Health and Safety Laws

20/09/2010 11:28:32

Intercity Glazing Systems Ltd, a Bradford based glass company, has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after being found guilty of putting worker's lives at risk to personal injury due to violations in their practices. They were ordered to pay £10,000 in addition to £2,538 in costs after braching the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

The HSE found that the company were violating health and safety practices when employees were working at heights of 6m. They did not properly supervise staff during work, prompting the HSE to issue a Prohibition Notice to stop them from working.

The HSE's investigation discovered that some equipment, including tower scaffolding, was not being used safely, and guard rails were also missing from some working areas.

Subcontracting Firm Fined After Fatal Accident

20/09/2010 11:18:55

A subcontracting firm and twop businessmen have been fined a total of £30,000 after a fatal accident occurred during construction work on a job they had undertaken.

John Cain died in November 2004 while working on a project to demolish Albert Park Inn. He was struck by the bucket of a digger while working and passed away later the same day. A subsequent investigation by the Health and Safety Executive concluded that Barry Godliman, Robert Watson and Windmill Demolition Company all shared responsibility for the fatal work accident.

An HSE inspector later commented "This case demonstrates how important it is for contractors to be aware of their health and safety duties."

Largest Ever Personal Injury Compensation Payout Granted to Cyclist

20/09/2010 11:12:04

Manny Helmot, aged 39, has won a staggering £14m in personal injury compensation after his cycling career was ruined after a road traffic accident that left him with severe brain injuries, partial sight and loss of use of his right arm.

The accident occurred in 1998 when he was knocked off his bike by a speeding car. He spent 36 weeks in hospital recovering from his personal injuries. He still suffers from mental health issues and double vision, plus he requires 24 hour care due to his brain injuries. He will never work or ride his bike again.

His mother has given up work to look after him. The man driving the car has been convicted of dangerous driving, with the family making a compensation claim against his insurance company in the aftermath. Mr Helmot was originally awarded £9m, but this has increased to £13.75m to handle his aftercare.

Mr Helmot's mother, Rose, added "All the money will go into a trust to support Manny for the rest of his life. We are really thrilled by the result of the appeal. The extra money will make all the difference in the world. It’s been very upsetting but everything that has been done is to ensure Manny’s future."

Factory Worker Claims Personal Injury Compensation for Repetitive Strain Injury

20/09/2010 11:03:39

A factory worker from Cumbria has successfully claimed £3,000 in personal injury compensation after developing a repetitive strain injury through work. Geoffrey Coleman's duties involved continuously putting sheets of paper into large plastic sacks, which weighed in excess of 50kg when full.

The repetitive nature of the work caused Mr Coleman to strain ligaments in both forearms, however he has since recovered and returned to work.

The regional secretary for Unite, Paul Finegan, stated "To the company’s credit they did all the right things once Geoffrey had been injured. Following the incident they did a root cause investigation, brought a specialist in and highlighted the problems that caused the injury and put a safer system of work in to prevent his happening again."

Compensation Claims For Personal Injury to Feelings May Soon Be Possible

20/09/2010 10:31:33

The New Equality Act 2010, which will come into force on October 1st, will allow for staff who have suffered discrimination from customers or other third parties to make personal injury compensation claims for damage to feelings.

The compensation claims can only be made if the employer has been found to have not taken reasonable steps to protect their employess feelings. If they are found to have failed in this, then they will become liable for discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, disability, race, age or sexual orientation.

There is no set limit to compensation that could be received in these personal injury claims, though most estimates point to around the £30,000 range for the most severe cases.

Man Left Brain Damaged After Work Accident

20/09/2010 10:17:00

A man has been left with severe brain trauma in addition to spinal injuries after a 65kg pillar fell on his head after he was asked to remove it as part of a health and safety exercise. Tom Williams, aged 61, spent 6 months in hospital as a result of the work accident and now has to be looked after by his wife as he has problems moving and speaking.

The incident occurred at Manor Bakeries and the job undertaken had no risk assessment carried out on it beforehand. The court heard that Mr Williams used both a saw and crowbar in an attempt to remove the pillar, with part of it striking him on the head when the top section came loose.

The Health and Safety Executive have fined Premier Foods £14,000 for violations of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, with Bob King, of Premier Foods, commenting "We sincerely regret the accident at Manor Bakeries which resulted in the injury to Mr Williams. Premier Foods has an excellent health and safety record and takes it responsibilities extremely seriously. Steps have been taken to prevent a similar incident occurring."

It is unknown at this point if the man intends to approach a personal injury solicitor about making a personal injury compensation claim after the work accident.

Woman Makes Medical Negligence Compensation Claim After Swab Incident

20/09/2010 10:09:55

Susan Misiewicz is to make a medical negligence compensation claim after surgeons at Woodthorpe Hospital left a surgical swab the size of a tea towel inside her body after a routine hysterectomy. The swab was inside her for four months and during that period she developed internal bleeding and terrible cramps.

Eventually further surgery was performed to remove the swab. She is now making the personal injury claim for the pain and suffering caused by the mistake. Currently there is confusion as to who will be liable for to pay the medical negligence compensation as the surgery was performed at a private hospital after the patient was deferred from an NHS hospital.

Ms Misiewicz said of the medical negligence injury "Someone has to take responsibility. Thousands of people are having their operations done on the NHS in private hospitals and when things go wrong they both look to the other."

She has now approached a personal injury firm to make her comepensation claim.

Mother to Claim £300,000 Personal Injury Compensation For Child

20/09/2010 10:01:52

A mother is to claim £300,000 in personal injury compensation after her four month old child was hit by a falling window pane in London. Patricia Dance was pushing her son Alexander in his pram when the window fell from the second floor of the privately owned Dover Castle Hostel, striking the child on the head.

Alexander suffered multiple personal injuries, including a brain haemorrhage and a fractured skull. Health and Safety workers originally fined the owners of the hostel, Foreignmagic Ltd, £20,000 plus costs after a council investigation revealed defective and rotten window frames. A spokesperson for the council commented "Businesses cannot afford to be lax around routine maintenance of their premises and need to take all practicable steps to do the necessary work."

The incident left Alexander, who is now four years old, suffering epileptic convulsions. He will likely require care for the rest of his life. His mother is now making a £300,000 personal injury compensation claim against Foreignmagic Ltd.

Shop Assistant Could Claim £50,000 Compensation for Work Accident

20/09/2010 09:44:04

Mahendra Dhoju, a shop assistant from London, could be entitled to up to around £50,000 personal injury compensation after a work accident left him blinded in one eye. The work accident occured when Mr Dhoju was transporting deliveries in a stock room. He and a colleague were pushing a large container up a ramp when the stock cage got stuck. Mr Dhoju slipped as he attempted to free it, causing the personal injury.

The owner of the Londis convenience store has been fined £17,000 by Health and Safety officials after the incident, in addition to paying costs of £5,500. However it has now emerged that Mr Dhoju could be entitled to make a personal injury compensation claim for around £50,000 after losing sight in one eye in addition to losing his sense of smell.

A spokesperson for Richmond Council, who handled the Health and Safety proceedings against the Londis store owner, said "The injuries Mr Dhoju suffered will affect him for the rest of his life and I am pleased to see the court has taken this as seriously as the council does."

It is unknown which personal injury solicitors Mr Dhoju will make a personal injury compensation claim through, if he chooses to make one.

Croydon Construction Company Fined For Work Accident

13/09/2010 12:56:27

A Croydon construction company had been fined £28,500 as well as being ordered to pay £9,359 in costs after a young worker suffered major personal injuries in an accident at work.

Lewis Edwards, aged 17, had only just begun working for STP Solutions Ltd when he was ordered to clean out some roof gutters, depsite not having yet received proper training and being left on his own.

He fell over seven metres in the accident and suffered multiple fractures. The accident, coupled with the extent of his personal injuries, caused him to have an operation to remove his spleen.

He has since had to abandon training for his football coaching qualifications and will now likely seek personal injury compensation as his personal injuries have severely affected what he intends to do with his life.

Car Repair Firms Fined Over Electrical Defects

13/09/2010 12:45:38

Three Luton based car repair firms have been fined a total of £4,000 after they failed to fix a string of electrical defects that could have resulted in one of their employees suffering a work accident and becoming eligible to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Azhar Mohammed, trading as ANS Bodyshop and AMS Spares, Izhar Ul Haq, trading as BM's Repair Centre and Asif Butt, trading as Hydeny Autos, were all prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive after it was found that each had failed to repair defective equipment.

This failure to carry out orders issued by the HSE put their workers at risk of electrocution, electric shock, fire or even explosions.

A HSE inspector commented on the case, stating "Improvement notices are served for a reason - to correct failures of a business to properly protect workers or members of the public. We will not tolerate our notices being ignored."

Fraudster Could be at Risk to Personal Injury Compensation Claims

13/09/2010 12:40:25

A man who issued fake safety certificates for inflatable amusements has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive and is now at risk to compensation claims from those who used the inflatables without knowing about his forgeries.

Peter John Morrell was served with a prohibition notice in relation to the inflatables in November 2008, however he ignored the ban and continued serving safety certificates.

He has since received an 18 week suspended sentence and 60 hours unpaid work, with a Health and Safety Executive inspector stating "Mr Morrell not only cheated the companies he issued the certificates for, but also risked the wellbeing of the young children using the inflatable and its blower."

It is unknown if any victims of the forgery will approach a personal injury lawyer to claim compensation, however Mr Morrell would be liable if someone chose to do so.

Air France to Pay Fatal Accident Compensation to Family of Man Killed in Crash

13/09/2010 12:31:17

Air France have been ordered to pay £766,000 in fatal accident compensation to the family of one of the victims of a crash that killed 228 people last year. The payout leaves the firm open to being inundated with more compensation claims from the families of victims of the tragedy.

The company were ordered to pay the sum by a Brazilian judge for the death of Marcelle Valpacos Fonseca Lima, the Rio de Janeiro State Attorney-General.

The company was found guilty of professional negligence by the hearing and refused to comment afterwards.

They have previously offered £90,500 in compensation to the families of victims of the crash, claiming it is a compassionate gesture rather than an admission of liability.

The cause of the crash is still undetermined as the black box from the aircraft is yet to be found.

Lorry Driver Receives Personal Injury Compensation After Accident

13/09/2010 12:20:03

A lorry driver has received £86,000 in personal injury compensation after an accident at work resulted in him suffering extensive personal injuries that are now preventing him from working.

Brian Young, aged 54, was delivering a shipment of plastic bottles when gale force winds caused his lorry to tip over. He was sent on the job despite records of 8 similar incidents in the same year. His lorry was blown over by the winds, resulting in Mr Young suffering a shattered shin and ankle in addition to extensive cuts and bruises.

He was left unable to work after the accident, resulting in him approaching a personal injury lawyer to make a compensation claim on the basis that he should not have been forced to drive the vehicle in such weather conditions.

Commenting on the case Mr Young states "I wanted to highlight the dangers posed to haulage companies in high winds and want to prevent imilar accidents from happening again in the future." His personal injury solicitors got him £86,000 in personal injury compensation.

Norwich Bus Driver Makes Personal Injury Compensation Claim

13/09/2010 12:09:14

A bus driver from Norwich is making a £250,000 personal injury compensation claim after a work accident resulted in him suffering a broken back.

Paul Herrington aims to claim the compensation from his employers after his seat collapsed while his was driving his bus. throwing him backwards and causing the bus to swerve into oncoming traffic. Luckily nobody else suffered a personal injury in the incident.

Mr Herrington completed his journey into Norwich and informed his employer of the incident. He was then instructed to replace the bus and continue his duties, however he had to stop when his back became too painful for him to continue with.

Later medical tests revealed that Mr Herrington had suffered a fractured vertebra in the incident which has since caused him to suffer from intense pain in his lower limbs. He is now claiming compensation on the basis that his employers, Konectbus, failed to carry out proper inspection work on the vehicles, despite numerous complaints from both he and his colleagues.

Insurers for the company have admitted liability, however an agreement on personal injury compensation is yet to be reached.

Medical Negligence Compensation Paid to Man With Brain Tumour

13/09/2010 11:58:54

A former church minister is to make a medical negligence compensation claim after being left disabled when the NHS failed to remove a tumour that was left to grow to the size of a lemon.

The man had a CT scan nearly ten years ago which uncovered the tumour, however staff at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham failed to act on the findings and told Adrian Underwood that he was simply suffering from migraines. In 2002 Mr Underwood moved to Birmingham, where he began having problems with his vision. An emergency CT scan showed the tumour had now grown to the size of a lemon. The resulting surgery caused him to suffer permanent damage to his mobility.

His personal injury solicitors claim "Had his tumour been treated in 2001 it is likely he would not have required such drastic surgery and he would have made a full recovery."

Mr Underwood has been paid an undisclosed amount in personal injury compensation.

Engineer Seeks Personal Injury Compensation for Gas Explosion Accident

13/09/2010 11:49:35

A Cambridge engineer is to make a personal injury compensation claim for £150,000 after suffering extensive burns when he was set on fire in a terrible work accident.

Adam Segrave suffered his personal injury when he was working on the replacement of an air conditioning unit. One of his colleagues mistakenly flushed the pipes out with oxygen instead of nitrogen gas, causing a large explosion. Mr Segrave was set alight and thrown from his stepladder in the blast, suffering 14% burns and multiple cuts and bruises as a result.

He was hospitalised for a number of days and placed on morphine as he underwent treatment. He is suing for compensation from Adcock Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. Their insurers have admitted liability for the incident, but are yet to agree a figure for personal injury compensation.

Dustman Suffers Personal Injury in Work Accident

13/09/2010 11:41:43

A dustman from Darlington has managed to escape suffering a catastrophic personal injury after being crushed by his own reversing wagon. The man was rendered unconscious by the vehicle, which crushed him against a wall. He required stitches to a head wound but luckily escaped any further personal injury.

When describing the incident a council employee said "The wagon was backing into a lane when it hit him with the bin lift." The worker then went on to explain how the council have to cut many corners to save money, which may have contributed to the accident.

Darlington County Council have refuted these claims and are carrying out an investigation to prevent such incidents in the future. The dustman involved has still yet to return to work after suffering the personal injury. It is unknown if he plans to pursure a personal injury compensation claim for the incident at this time.

World Class Skier to Make Medical Negligence Compensation Claim

13/09/2010 11:29:18

A world class skier is seeking medical negligence personal injury compensation amid claims that the hospital that treated him for a personal injury he suffered during a World Cup race in 2008 failed him.

Matthias Lanzinger broke his shin and fibula in a crash during the World Cup event, and he also suffered damage to his blood vessels that restricted the flow of blood to the damaged limb. He received treatment at a specialist clinic, however his left leg was amputated below the knee after complications developed.

His personal injury lawyers are now making a compensation claim on his behalf after claiming that he received incorrect treatment that caused his career to be brought to an end. The organisers of the event have also come under criticism after it was found that they had provided no medical helicopters to airlift injured skiers to hospital. They may also face a compensation claim for this failure.

It is unknown what sort of personal injury compensation Lanzinger will be granted if the staff at the hospital are deemed guilty of medical negligence.

Compensation Offered by Manufacturer After Washing Machine Explodes

13/09/2010 11:20:26

A young family have been offered compensation after their washing machine exploded. The family luckily avoided suffering any personal injuries, however the explosion ruined their kitchen and destroyed work surfaces and tiles.

Clare Knight claims she thought a bomb had gone off when the explosion happened, stating "It was madness, all the lights tripped out and we were left in darkness." The family dog was in the kitchen at the time but escaped unharmed, with Mrs Knight adding "he was clearly in shock for the rest of the night, he didn’t move."

Indesit, the makers of the faulty appliance, have offered personal injury compensation to the family by offering to replace the kitchen for them, however the family are reluctant to accept as they fear a repeat of the incident.

A spokesperson for Indesit said "We are currently investigating the incident and are therefore unable to comment further or speculate on the cause until the product has been inspected."

The couple may yet choose to pursue product liability compensation through a personal injury firm.

Ministry of Defence Staff Exposed to Asbestos

13/09/2010 11:13:09

Staff at the Ministry of Defence may be able to make personal injury compensation claims after they were allowed to work in a boiler room on a base, despite a construction company knowing that the room was contaminated with asbestos.

Interserve (Defence) Ltd may now be liable for any after-effects the staff may suffer from being exposed to the deadly substance after ignoring a survey which indicated that the entire boiler room was covered in asbestos, which is the cause of such industrial diseases as pleural plaques and mesothelioma.

The company was fined £33,000 and have paid £17,936 in prosecution costs after an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found them to be guilty of breaking a number of regulations in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2002 bill.

Oxfordshire HSE inspector Matthew Lee said: "Around 4,000 people die each year from past exposure to asbestos and the material may be present in any building built before the year 2000."

The victims of this negligence may now be eligible to make a compensation claim for the exposure, especially if any of them suffer a personal injury as a result.

Twelve Children Contract E.Coli in Irish Nursery

13/09/2010 11:06:21

Twelve children from County Armagh in Northern Ireland have been infected with E.Coli 0157 at the Holly House nursery in Dollingstown. The dangerous strain of the bacteria was found in seven children after intial screening, with another five being found to have contracted the infection afterwards.

An investigation is in place to find the source of the infection and the nursery has been closed as a precautionary measure. It may be liable for personal injury claims if it is found to have been responsible for the outbreak. However initial tests seem to indicate that the nursery was not the source of the outbreak.

A spokeswoman for Holly House said: "We greatly appreciate the response of parents which has been overwhelmingly supportive. We are now working towards reopening the nursery which we expect to be during the course of this week."

Symptoms of E.Coli generally form after ingesting an infected animal or foodstuff. The parents of the children who were infected will be able to make a compensation claim against whomever it found to be responsible for the outbreak.

Lead Poisoning Victim Makes Professional Negligence Claim Against Solicitor

13/09/2010 10:55:32

Frederick Bloomfield, a man who suffered lead poisoning after being exposed at work, is suing his former personal injury solicitor amid claims that the personal injury lawyer hindered him in claiming compensation. Mr Bloomfield had initially fallen ill while working for Frys Metals in the mid 1990s. His blood levels were found to have large amounts of lead in them and he was placed on a respirator. However he still suffered personal injury as a result of continued exposure.

He is now making a professional negligence compensation claim against his former personal injury lawyers after claiming the company delayed his compensation claim for two years, thus forcing him to exceed the time limit to make a claim. He also claims they failed to ask for an extension to the deadline, as well as stating that they failed to keep him updated on the progress of the personal injury case.

He is seeking £300,000 in personal injury compensation from his former personal injury solicitors.

Night Watchman Suffers Personal Injury After Falling Off Dock

13/09/2010 10:46:39

RM Supplies Ltd has been fined for the Health and Safety Executive after a night watchman fell from a dock while working for the company in 2007. The work accident occurred as Charles Greenhill was helping a vessel to berth at the dock. The dock was in poor condition and had insufficient lighting, meaning that the berthing should not have taken place at night.

Mr Greenhill fell into the water of the dock and ended up trapped between the vessel and the quay. He was rescued by a lifeboat.

RM Supplies Ltd was fined £14,000 for the incident after pleading guilty to breaking dock regulations. The company director has also been fined £2,750 for failing to carry out a full risk assessment.

A spokesperson for the HSE claims it was only the quick actions of the crew that prevented a fatal accident and it is unknown at this point if Mr Greenhill intends to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Teenager Makes Compensation Claim for Accident Which Left her With Personality Disorder

13/09/2010 10:37:59

Natasha Caley Winbourne, a teenager from East Sussex, is to make a personal injury compensation claim for an accident that she suffered when she was six years old that has left her with a personality disorder. The accident occurred while she was playing on an uneven grass bank at St Peter's Primary School in Ardingly. She tripped and smashed her head off the adjacent concrete playground, suffering a catastrophic personal injury in the process.

She is now seeking £100,000 in personal injury compensation after her personal injury lawyers claimed that the council are responsible for the accident as there were four large holes on the grass bank at the time and thus children should not have been allowed to play on it.

The teenager suffers from headaches, mood swings and has a personality disorder after the accident. She has been regularly treated at Great Ormond Street hospital.

The council denies liability and intends to fight the compensation claim.

Woman Claiming Compensation After Scaffolding Falls Onto Her

13/09/2010 10:31:08

A woman who suffered personal injuries as a result of scaffolding falling on top of her has claimed personal injury compensation from the construction firm who placed the scaffolding.

Sharlene McKenna contacted a personal injury firm after suffering the personal injuries in the incident while visiting the Corsley Show in Warminster. She, her daughter and her dog stood near the scaffolding tower when it collapsed without warning. She suffered personal injuries to her back. Luckily her 14 month old daughter escaped harm.

Mrs McKenna suffered severe bruising which caused her to take time off work. She sought compensation from Action Entertainments, who placed the scaffolding. They have paid her £4,700 in personal injury compensation.

Schoolgirl Awarded Compensation After Hand Injury

13/09/2010 10:19:17

A schoolgirl from Leeds has been awarded £12,000 in personal injury compensation after she suffered a serious hand injury at one of the city's museums.

The council has awarded the money to the five year old girl after she placed her hand into the 'Floating on Air' exhibit at the Discovery Museum. Her hand came into contact with the rotating fans that formed part of the display. She suffered extensive personal injuries to her hand, requiring tendon replacements and skin grafts to repair the damage.

The child also suffered two bent fingers and has been unable to partake in activities such as swimming. Newcastle City Council were also fined £7,700 for breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Building Firm Fined £1,000 for Work Accident

13/09/2010 10:04:30

Maplestead Limited, based in Ealing, has been fined £1,000 following an accident at work which left one of their employees with a personal injury. The firm pleaded guilty to violations of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 after an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive.

The personal injury occurred when Ronald Schoeman was using a splinter moulder to machine a wooden handrail. His hand was drawn towards the cutter area of the machine and he suffered severe personal injuries to his left hand, resulting in him spending a month in hospital following a number of corrective surgeries.

HSE inspector Jack Wilby commented: "It is the responsibility of all companies to make sure that this work is properly planned and that adequate supervision and training is provided."

It is unknown at this point if Mr Schoeman intends to contact a personal injury firm to pursue any form of accident injury compensation.

Pensioner Claims Compensation from Marks and Spencer

13/09/2010 09:58:40

A pensioner has utilised the services of a personal injury lawyer to claim £7,500 in compensation from Marks and Spencers after she suffered a slip and trip accident when she lost her footing on liquid that had come from a leaking prawn cocktail.

Janet Morritt, aged 71, broke her hip in the incident and had initially sued the retail giant for £30,000, however the compensation was reduced after the store argued that it was Mrs Morritt's duty to take care of her own safety.

Mrs Morritt's writ had detailed how she tried to save herself from the fall, stating that she clutched at a nearby flower stand and "as she did so, her right foot slipped [and] she was unable to save herself and fell to the ground".

She then utilised the services of a compensation solicitor to gain the personal injury compensation.

Passengers Make Compensation Claim for Close Call with Iceberg

06/09/2010 13:48:15

A group of tourists who suffered a range of personal injuries after the cruise liner they were holidaying in came too close to an iceberg are to make a compensation claim against the company who operated the cruise.

The accident occurred during a 10 day trip around the Arctic in August 2007. The boat they were in got close to a glacier so that the passengers could take photographs however the glacier 'calved' while they were still close to it. This is the process in which a piece of ice falls from the glacier to create an iceberg. In this case the ice caused a large wave to hit the hip, spraying passengers with water and ice.

The wave sent passengers falling to the floor, causing personal injuries to a large number of them, with sixteen in total now in contact with personal injury lawyers in an attempt to claim compensation for their injuries.

The travel company is denying liability for the accident, but it has been revealed they may have to pay out as much as £50,000 per passenger if the personal injury claim is successful.

Deadline for Patients of Dr George Rowland Extended

06/09/2010 13:36:15

The deadline for women who wish to make a compensation claim for treatment that received from Liverpool based urogynaecologist Dr George Rowland has been extended to 29th October 2010 after the personal injury lawyers representing the group of women negotiated the deadline extension due to the large numbers of women still coming forward.

The compensation claim solicitors are representing 350 women whose claims include misdiagnosis and inappropriate procedures, with personal injury solicitor Ian Cohen stating "The cases that we are now seeing relate to a variety of gynaecological procedures carried out by Dr Rowland over the last 10 to 12 years and are not simply limited to issues of incontinence.

The agreement we have entered into with the hospital's solicitors is working well and we are confident that the agreement will ensure that these claims are resolved as swiftly and as cost effectively as possible. The hospital's solicitors have, however, confirmed that they will not extend the time limit beyond the newly agreed deadline of October unless there are exceptional circumstances.

It is extremely important that women who have concerns about their treatment by Dr Rowland contact us as soon as possible so that they do not miss their chance to get the answers, apology and financial compensation they may be entitled to."

Woman to Make Whiplash Personal Injury Claim

06/09/2010 12:44:53

A woman has contacted personal injury lawyers to make a compensation claim after she suffered whiplash in an accident at an airport.

Stephanie Willis was aboard an aircraft at Palma airport when a bus drove into the side of the craft, causing her to suffer whiplash as a result of the collision.

Ex-travel company representative Ms Willis said: "We had just boarded the plane and people were still taking their seats or putting bags in their overhead lockers when the whole plane shuddered and everyone was thrown to one side."

She also claims that a number of other passengers also suffered minor injuries or were clearly shaken by the accident, with one of the passengers on the bus suffering a fit but being granted no medical assisstance.

Man Set on Fire at Work Wins Personal Injury Compensation

06/09/2010 12:37:22

A man who was set alight after an accident at work has been awarded £4,000 in personal injury compensation after the accident in which he attempted to move a redundant electricity power supply.

George Forbes, aged 62, was working for Graeme W Cheyne (Builders) Ltd when the accident happened. The power supply he was attempting to move was still live, causing a small explosion when he touched it that set Mr Forbes' clothing alight.

The company was fined £9,000 in addition to paying the compensation to the man, who was luckily not seriously injured in the work accident.

The Health and Safety Executive stated "It's lucky Mr Forbes was not electrocuted or more seriously hurt when the 415-volt cable blew up in his face in what was an entirely avoidable incident."

Building Company Fined After Worker Injury

06/09/2010 12:22:24

A building company has been fined £20,000 after one of its employees suffered severe personal injuries in a work accident.

Nicholas Roberts fell nearly 30ft from scaffolding while working for JJB Homes Ltd, of St Petersgate in Cheshire, in December 2007.

His personal injuries included a fractured pelvis, broken teeth and severe bruising to both his pelvis and groin in the incident.

JJB Homes Lts were fined £20,000, with their director being fined a further £10,000. The Health and Safety Executive commented "JBB Homes Limited and James Burt failed in their duty to provide a safe system of work, including a lack of suitable means to prevent falls from the scaffolding."

It is unknown at this point whether Mr Roberts intends to contact a personal injury firm to make a compensation claim for his work accident.

Woman Receives £90,000 Compensation After Son Suffers Brain Damage from MMR Jab

06/09/2010 12:14:28

A woman has been awarded £90,000 after her sun suffered severe brain damage after being given the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine as a baby.

The vaccine is the subject of much controversy, with many claiming that it can lead to adverse side effects, such as the brain damage suffered by Robert Fletcher, who is unable to talk, feed himself or stand unaided after having the jab. His parents decided to consult personal injury lawyers about the possibility of making a claim for compensation recently, leading to the payout.

He relies on his parents for round the clock care as well and their compensation claim is seen as a landmark case after a medical assessment panel decided that MMR was to blame for Robert's condition. This flies in the face of previous assertions by the NHS that the MMR vaccine does not have side effects.

His mother Jackie Fletcher said: "The money is a derisory amount, though it will help with making adaptations to the house for Robert's benefit. What matters is the recognition that MMR was the reason this happened."

Inquest to be Held Over Fatal Accident

06/09/2010 12:00:43

An inquest has been held to establish liability in the case of the fatal accident that caused the death of a worker who was repairing an industrial press at a factory in County Durham.

Paul Clarke was called to fix the machine after it broke down at Thyssen Krupp Tallent car parts plant in July 2009. Unfortunately he became trapped in the machinery while working and dies as a result from his massive personal injuries.

The Health and Safety Executive are investigating the incident and told the inquest that they are still considering whether or not further action should be taken.

If blame is established, it is unknown if the family of the man will contact a compensation claim firm to make a personal injury compensation claim for the fatal accident.

Sawmill Company Fined After Two Accidents at Work

06/09/2010 11:48:55

Adam Wilson and Sons, a sawmill company, have been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after two work accidents occurred at their company within three months of each other.

The first accident incolved John Wilson, who fell through a large gap in an elevated walkway which has been opened up by staff so that they could work on the conveyor belt underneath. He suffered a personal injury to his arm and an injury to his shoulder which has left him completely unable to move the joint.

The second incident involved a Mr Robert Cumming who was trapped on a hoist machine when another employee turned it on. His head was crushed between metal parts of the machine, leading to him requiring surgery for severe neck and head personal injuries.

The HSE fined the company for breaking a number of health and safety regulations and they paid a total of £28,000 in fines for the accidents.

It is unknown at this point if either victim intends to pursue a compensation claim through a personal injury firm.

Office Worker Seeks £300,000 Compensation

06/09/2010 11:38:30

An office worker is making a personal injury compensation claim after falling of a chair at work. Gian-Paul De Vito-Tracey is making a £300,000 claim after the accident at work, which saw him hit his head on a wall after being given a new office swivel chair in 2008.

His personal injury lawyers are to argue that the incident left Mr De Vito-Tracey 80% disabled and unable to continue his job in his current capacity as the incident “downgraded his intellectual functioning”.

His personal injuries are described as “slowed speed of information processing and impaired executive function”. As well as “severe verbal communication difficulty and mild to moderate word-finding difficulties”.

The worker is now seeking the massive compensation sum with the help of a personal injury firm after claiming that the chair did not meet health and safety standards.

Woman Receives £4m Compensation for Mishandled Birth

06/09/2010 11:26:40

A teenage woman has been granted £4m in personal injury compensation after taking the NHS trust to court over the management of her birth, which left her requiring full time care for life.

The woman has suffered learning disabilities, speech problems and is completely reliant on a wheelchair after the staff at Southend University Hospital were guilty of medical negligence during her birth, resulting in her suffering the birth injuries that caused her to suffer from cerebral palsy.

Her personal injury lawyer made special mention of the efforts put forth by the teenager's mother, as well as her brother, and went on to say "She is now welcoming assistance and has found a house to move into, so we are hoping that within a few months they will have a new home, a care package in place and the future will be as rosy as it can be in these difficult circumstances," after succesfully claiming compensation for the girl.

The compensation is split into a £1.6m lump sum and annual payments for the treatment of the girl.

Woman Receives £500 Personal Injury Compensation for Glass Incident

06/09/2010 11:19:10

A woman has been granted £500 in personal injury compensation after an attack in a nightclub left her with a personal injury, requiring eight stitches to a wound on her face after she was struck with a glass during a heated argument.

Lisa Golder, aged 20, was awarded the compensation by the Edinburgh court. Her attacker was ordered to pay the compensation and do 80 hours of community service work after admitting her involvement in the incident.

The incident occurred when Ms Golder bumped into a friend of her assailant, which resulted in the attacker throwing the contents of her drink over Ms Golder. The glass the drink was in also left her hand, resulting in Ms Golder's personal injury when it struck her in the face.

Company Directors Fined £2,000 by HSE

06/09/2010 11:11:16

Two directors of a now defunct Yorkshire based company have been fined a total of £2,001 after their liability was proven in the case of a man who suffered a personal injury while working for the group, causing him to lose the ends of two of his fingers.

The investigation by the Health and Safety Executive proved that Dennis Brunt and Peter Critchard, former directors of Lupton Fabrications, had violated the Provision and Use of Work Equipments Regulations 1998. This was seen as the direct cause for the work accident suffered by their former employee.

The men were ordered to pay £2,001 in fines and an additional £250 in costs after it was revealed to the HSE that a worker had his fingers crushed due to faulty light curtains failing to protect him from the closing tools of a metal press.

It is believed that the man will now seek the advice of personal injury lawyers to pursue a work accident compensation claim.

Property Developer Fined for Work Accident

06/09/2010 11:00:31

A property developer has been given a £30,000 fine by the Health and Safety Executive after a work accident in which one if its employees suffered catastrophic personal injuries, leading him to being paralysed from the waist down.

Strata Homes Yorkshire Ltd were prosecuted by the HSE after a lengthy investigation into the accident, with the firm eventually pleading guilty to breaching the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. This breach is what is believed to have caused Anton Burrows life changing personal injury.

Mr Burrows suffered the catastrophic injury while working as part of a brick laying team. A steel beam weighing 660lbs fell onto Mr Burrows, causing him severe spinal injuries.

It is unknown at this point if Mr Burrows will seek personal injury compensation, however it appears entirely likely that he will look to utilise the services of a compensation claim firm to gain compensation for his work accident.

Farming Firm Hit With Health and Safety Fine

06/09/2010 10:47:35

A Scottish court has fined a company £13,500 following a workplace accident that led to the death of a boy who suffered catastrophic personal injuries.

John Irvine and Son pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 after being prosecuted for poor standards by the Health and Safety Executive after they revealed that the child suffered his fatal accident when a skylight collapsed underneath him as he walked on the roof of a farm building.

The child had simply been watching the farmers carry out some work when the accident happened, with HSE inspector Ann Poyner stating "This tragedy should never have happened and could have been prevented."

It is unknown at this point if the boy's parents will approach a personal injury lawyer to make a fatal accident compensation claim.

Greater Manchester Police Crash Confiscated Car

06/09/2010 10:39:25

Greater Manchester Police could be facing a run in with a compensation claim firm after officers for the police force crashed a sports car that had earlier been confiscated from its owner after officers suspected him of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Police crashed the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII into two luxury gardens, luckily avoiding causing personal injury to anybody in doing so. They had only been intending to drive the vehicle along the road to provide easier access for the recovery team, however in doing do they flipped the vehicle onto its side after smashing into a garden wall.

Both of the officers escaped serious personal injury and have since been suspended from duty pending an investigation, with Divisional Commander, Chief Supt Mark Roberts stating “Thankfully, no members of the public were injured. I would like to apologise to residents if this incident has caused any problems or inconvenience.”

It is likely that the force will now face compensation claims, both from the owner of the vehicle and the owners of the gardens which were destroyed in the incident.

Police Officer to Make Personal Injury Compensation Claim Against the Force

06/09/2010 10:25:48

A police officer is to make a personal injury compensation claim against the police force that he works for after suffering a personal injury while arresting a man in Birmingham.

Richard Gardner had been in the police force for twelve years when he suffered personal injuries to his knees and back during a struggle with a man in the city centre. He reportedly required multiple knee operations to fix the damage and had to take several months off work.

He now claims that West Midlands Police made no allowances for his disabilities, which were caused by the personal injuries he suffered, thus forcing him to resign.

Gardner states “I was accused of not telling the truth about my injuries and attempts were made to get me back to work although I was totally unfit, I believe there was a manipulation by the police and the medical process in assessing my condition.”

He believes that the force could have found him less demanding duties to work around his injuries and has now hired a personal injury firm to seek compensation.

The West Midlands Police Force dispute the compensation claim.

Pensioner Claims Personal Injury Compensation for Dental Work

06/09/2010 10:17:38

A 75 year old woman has been awarded £50,000 in personal injury compensation after some dental work to correct a crooked tooth went wrong, leading her to pay £30,000 to another dentist to correct the damage her first one had caused.

Jean Wall finally decided to fix her long-standing crooked tooth in 2007 and spent between £8,000 and £10,000 on dental work that included crowns, veneers and white fillings.

Her former dentist, Dr Gagoh, is currently working in the US and has thirteen county court cases outstanding. It took Mrs Wall's personal injury lawyers three years to track him down, with Mrs Wall claiming of the incident “I looked like a mess. I had nerve damage – the pain was unbearable, I couldn’t eat, drink or swallow properly.”

The dentist refused to comment on the case, however he did say “I remember the patient well. She was given a mirror and saw the work. If she was not happy, why did she allow me to continue? This is nonsense.”

Mesothelioma Sufferer Wins Compensation to go Towards Hospice Care

06/09/2010 10:09:15

An engineering firm that has been deemed liable in the case of an employee contracting deadly asbestos related cancer mesothelioma have been ordered to pay £10,000 towards his care at a hospice.

James Wilson died at St Joseph's Hospice in Hackney when he was 76 after being exposed to asbestos dust while working at Deptford Power Station during the 1950s. Foster Wheeler, his former employer, must now contribute towards the payment of his stay at a £900 a day hospice.

In normal circumstances the NHS contributes 35% to the running of the hospice, while the rest is made up from charitable donations. However the hospice have since argued that in the case where somebody is liable for a personal injury suffered by one of their patients, that person should foot some of the bill for the victim's care.

A care worker named Roy Nightingale was instrumental in the court win, working alongside a compensation claim firm, and has been helping victims of the asbestos related disease for years.

The case is believed to be a landmark victory in the field of personal injury law and may open the floodgates for other hospices to make compensation claims in the future.

Grandmother Wins Claims for Medical Negligence

06/09/2010 09:55:07

A grandmother has won £75,000 in personal injury compensation after being told that she only had months to live after a hospital failed to treat her correctly.

Janet Hardingham has inoperable lung cancer. However the Royal United Hospital in Bath are adjudged to have failed in their duty to treat her after it was revealed that a shadow had been found on an x-ray of her lung two years before the diagnosis was made. Medical staff had apparently failed to act on the radiographer's recommendation that she be given a course of antibiotics and sent back for x-ray in six weeks.

Janet said about the incident “I’m furious, I get times when I get very, very angry. You do cope, you have to cope. I have had plenty of tears about the whole thing but it’s exhausting.”

A spokesperson for the hospital apologised for the poor standard of care and the hospital settled out of court after Mrs Hardingham hired a personal injury lawyer to represent her case.

Engineer Claims Six Figure Compensation Sum for Crushed Hand

06/09/2010 09:44:38

An engineer is making a compensation claim for £300,000 for a personal injury that he suffered to his hand in an accident at work.

Gary Finnigan crushed his hand in machinery while attempting to fix a problem. He apparently had to keep the machine running while he investigated a coolant leak, which led to his hand being decimated when it was hit by a moving part of the machine.

He suffered catastrophic injuries, losing all of his fingers and most of his thumb on his right hand. He has had some surgery to repair the hand, but still suffers pain and phantom feelings.

He believes his employer, Amtek Aluminium Castings, were negligent and didn't carry out their duties to protect him. He also states that his training was poor and he never received any warning about the moving part. He is making the claim both for the personal injury suffered and the possibility that he may not work in his field again as a result of his work injury.

It is unknown which personal injury lawyers he will be looking to hire to handle the case.

Football Fan Receives Compensation for Burns

31/08/2010 14:54:00

A football fan has been awarded £25,000 in compensation after he was accidentally set on fire while travelling home from a Hibernian vs Aberdeen FC football match last year.

The victim had worn a sheep outfit to the match, which took place on Halloween. After the game, on the train back, he was set alight by a Hibernian fan. The incident was apparently accidental as the fan was simply playing with his cigarette lighter.

After the victim went up in flames, fellow passengers failed to put out the fire having only alcohol to hand. He suffered second and third degree burns to 40% of his body, as well as lung damage from smoke inhalation and sepsis.

The judge in court accepted the incident was an accident and ordered the Hibernian fan to pay personal injury compensation to the sum of £25,000.

Man Catastrophically Injured by Falling Panel Saw

31/08/2010 12:31:40

A man has sustained serious personal injuries after a panel saw fell onto his head during an accident at work. Nicholas Holmes was delivering the 290kg panel saws to the Saw Centre in Glasgow when the accident occured.

He was left with permanent brain damage when one of the saws fell off his vehicle as he was delivering them, striking him in the head. His employers, Joda Freight Ltd, plead guilty to breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

His employers, Joda Freight Limited, of Riparian Way in Crosshills, West Yorkshire, pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. Health and Safety Executive inspector Jean Edgar commented "Haulage companies must make sure information is properly communicated between drivers in how a load is secured and strapped. Verbal messages through a third party may not be enough."

Construction Firm Fined For Failing to Highlight Asbestos Presence to Workers

31/08/2010 12:23:26

Eastern Regional Shopfitters have been fined for knowingly exposing their employees to asbestos after they ignored a report detailing the presence of the lethal substance in the ceiling panels of a shop in the Arndale Centre in Manchester.

The workers were allowed to continue to work for five days without this knowledge, exposing them to the risk of contracting asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma.

Two workers were exposed when they ripped out the old shop fittings, while another three staff carrying out checks were also exposed to the asbestos.

The company was fined for not properly assessing the work site as well as removing asbestos without a licence and exposing its workers to the deadly substance. They were ordered to pay £4,000 plus £3,215 in costs.

Building Contractor Who Put Children at Risk of Asbestos Exposure is Fined

31/08/2010 12:13:54

A building contractor who could have exposed primary school children to asbestos after ordering workers to strip and esbestos filled room has been fined £1,000. Greswolde Construction told employees to proceed with extension work on Rokeby Primary School despite knowing asbestos was present in the building.

The employees began work on the room, which was right next door to a classroom where children were being taught. The employees were unaware of the dangers despite the company knowing about them, and carried out the work without protection or correct training.

Greswolde Construction was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £2,268 in costs after pleading guilty to multiple violations of health and safety regulations.

Health and Safety Executive inspector Paul Cooper commented "The dangers of asbestos are well known in the building industry so for the managers of Greswolde Construction not to inform their employees of its presence shows a complete disregard for their safety and wellbeing."

Couple to Claim Compensation for Personal Injury Abroad

31/08/2010 12:01:42

An elderly couple have approached a personal injury solicitor about making a compensation claim after they fell seriously ill while on holiday in Puerto de Santiago in Tenerife.

Mr and Mrs Regan were staying at the four star Barcelo Santaigo Hotel when they both began experiencing stomach cramps and severe sickness and diarrhoea, with Mrs Regan having to be treated for dehydration. She suffered so much that she required three weeks off when she got back from the holiday.

The couple are now looking to lodge a compensation claim against Thomson Holidays as they blame the illness on the poor food at the hotel. They claim the food was poorly cooked and the hotel had a poor hygiene system in place. Thomson deny liability, stating that there is no proof that the food was to blame and that the couple simply contracted a virus that had been spreading in the local village.

However there are reportedly hundreds of complaints about the hotel, so it remains to be seen if there will be more personal injury compensation claims.

Paper Firm Fined After Man Loses Finger in Work Accident

31/08/2010 11:54:28

A paper firm has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after an employee suffered a work accident that resulted in him losing a finger.

Gary Burke was an employee of Formica Ltd when the accident happened. He was operating a machine that covered paper in a resin used to help in laminating when the machine jammed. While inspecting the machine, his glove became caught, leading to him suffering the personal injury when his hand was dragged between two rollers.

The accident left him with a crushed hand that he no longer has full use of, as well as requiring him to amputate his little finger. He still works for the company in a lighter capacity.

The Health and Safety Executive have fined Formica £8,000 plus legal costs for not having safety guards to cover dangerous machinery parts.

At this point in time it is unknown if Mr Burke intends to approach a personal injury firm about making a claim for compensation.

Happy Mondays Dancer Bez Jailed for Assault

31/08/2010 11:47:31

Happy Mondays dancer Bez has been jailed for four weeks after throttling his ex-girlfriend in a row over money. He accused his ex, Monica Ward, of stealing money from his home before assaulting her.

The 46 year old was initially given a community order and told tp pay £450 in costs, however he continued to protest his innocence and told the court he would not serve the sentence. They responded by jailing him for a month.

The former Celebrity Big Brother winner shouted "Victory is in my grasp" as he was handcuffed and taken to the cells.

Bez claims that he was acting in self defence but was still convicted of the assault. He was also convicted of using unlawful violence to gain entry to their home.

Watchdogs on the Verge of Shutting Down 200th Rogue Compensation Claim Firm

31/08/2010 11:38:45

The Claims Management Regulation unit of the Ministry of Justice are in the process of shutting down the 200th rogue compensation claim firm, with the MoJ claiming this highlights its efforts to tackle unscrupulous personal injury firms.

The unit has also rejected hundreds of applications from personal injury solicitors that did not match its qualifying criteria, as well as working with police to bring down compensation lawyers who stage accidents to enable personal injury claims.

They have also cracked down on malpractice in call-centres, such as misleading marketing tactics and failure to provide customers with full information. They have also banned the physical act of 'ambulance chasing' in which personal injury lawyers would follow accident victims to a hospital to tout their services.

Among the units priorities, according to the Daily Mirror, are;

Implementing more controls on firms whose businesses are considered risky, so new clients do not put money at risk, and safeguarding money held on account by all firms;

Developing a publication scheme listing businesses whose authorisations have been cancelled or suspended;

Strengthen enforcement against firms failing to give clients all of the information they need to make an informed decision before entering into a contract.

Industrial Workers Suffering From Pleural Plaques Can Now Gain Compensation

31/08/2010 11:30:28

A new intiative from the coalition government has meant that ex-industrial workers, including a group of former railway workers in Swindon, can now claim £5,000 in personal injury compensation after exposure to asbestos led to them contracting pleural plaques.

The disease involves a thickening of the internal part of the ribcage and is caused by exposure to asbestos fibres, with Swindon being highlighted as a town most likely to benefit due to the large numbers of ex-workers there who will be eligible to make a compensation claim thanks to the amount of work done on the railways.

Compensation for pleural plaques had been suspended until recently by the House of Lords, so this is good news for anybody suffering from the affliction.

Exeter Landlord Fined for Gas Safety Breaches

31/08/2010 11:24:07

Richard Elliot, a landlord from Exeter, has pleaded guily to potentially putting his tenants at risk of contracting carbon monoxide poisoning due to breaches of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 in one of his properties.

The Health and Safety Executive found that Mr Elliot had illegally fitted a gas boiler at one of the properties and had left the work unfinished by not capping the live gas pipe.

The HSE discovered the violation in the property, occupied by a grandmother, leading to Mr Elliot being fined £4,000 and ordered to pay costs of nearly £2,000, with HSE inspector Simon Jones stating "The pipe work left in the flat was extremely dangerous and could have led to a major gas explosion."

It is unknown at this point if the grandmother in question intends to contact a compensation claim firm to make a personal injury claim.

Two Construction Companies Fined After Work Accident

31/08/2010 11:17:19

A pair of construction companies have been ordered to pay fines of £50,000 and £75,000 respectively after a workplace accident left one of their employees with life changing injuries. Steve McColgan fell 21 metres to the ground while working for Laing O'Rourke Construction Limted and Expanded Structures, resulting in him suffering personal injuries to his head and body.

The Health and Safety Executive prosecuted both companies for violations of Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, with an HSE inspector stating the firm "failed in their duty of care to Mr McColgan, who was lucky to survive the fall".

It is unknown at this point whether Mr McColgan intends to pursue a compensation claim through a personal injury firm.

Asbestos Compensation Campaigner Dies From Mesothelioma

31/08/2010 10:58:27

Bernard Dean, who campaigned tirelessly for fair compensation for workers suffering from asbestos related diseases including mesothelioma, has died of the asbestos related cancer after contracting it when he was exposed to asbestos while working for Erewash Borough Council between 1977 and 1981.

Mr Dean had successfully claimed compensation for his personal injuries, however he then dedicated his life to helping fellow suffered claim compensation. He highlighted problems including the fact that many of the companies these workers plied their trade for no longer exist to claim compensation from.

He even travelled to meet former Prime Minister Gordon Brown in Nottingham, despite being beset by the illness. He discussed with him the possibility of setting up a fund to trace former employers for those who were entitled to make a claim but had no-one to claim compensation from.

He also volunteered for a clinical trial of the cancer drug LDE225 but was taken off the trial when tumours in his lungs continued to spread.

His wife Susan paid tribute to him, stating "He was always thinking of somebody else. He’d put himself through treatment just to help others with the disease. It was brave of him to do that drug trial. He was devastated when he was told that he couldn’t carry on."

Teenager May Receive Multi-Million Pound Compensation for Bus Accident

31/08/2010 10:51:33

A teenager who was paralysed after being hit by a bus is to seek compensation for his injuries and is hoping to receive between £2-3m through his personal injury solicitor if the compensation claim is successful.

Ben Woodham, aged 19, was travelling on his scooter in Great Barton when he was hit by a mini-coach that threw him up onto the windscreen, causing head and chest injuries and a fractured spine.

His personal injuries were so severe that he is now paralysed from the chest down and now seeks compensation for the catastrophic injuries, including loss of earnings and money for his ongoing medical care.

Insurers representing coaching company JM Coaches are denying responsibility for the accident, with Mr Woodham claiming that the driver of the coach was driving too fast, failed to give way and made an unsafe manoeuvre. The personal injury compensation claim looks likely to end up in court.

Drug Abuser to Make Compensation Claim for Medical Negligence

31/08/2010 10:44:14

A schizophrenic drug abuser is to claim compensation after having the lower part of his left leg removed when he fell into a coma following a drugs binge. He is pursuing the personal injury compensation claim against the NHS after he drifted into a coma at Edith Cavell Hospital in Peterborough, resulting in him laying on the same leg all night. This lead to him contracting 'compartment syndrome' which occurs when nerves, blood vessels and muscle tissue is compressed into a small space, leading to a lack of oxygenation of the tissue.

He was treated the next day but had to have part of his leg removed. He is now making the medical negligence compensation claim on the grounds that he shouldn't have been allowed to leave Edith Cavell Hospital unaccompanied, with his personal injury firm stating "Part of the role of a hospital is to prevent patients from harming themselves while they are in their care. Among other things, this involves undertaking appropriate risk assessments and reviewing these before making any significant changes in management."

The NHS are weighing up their options before deciding on how best to tackle the compensation claim for medical negligence.

Dog Attack Victim Awarded Compensation

31/08/2010 10:33:58

A woman who was attacked by a mastiff in the park while walking her pet puppy has been awarded £1,000 in compensation after she was hospitalised by the attack, which caused her to require skin grafts for a personal injury suffered to her right leg.

The owner of the 'devil dog' managed to pull it away from its victim before asking a bystander to call an ambulance and walking away. She was arrested a month later and sentenced to a six week prison sentence in addition to 200 hours community service. The mastiff was also put down and the woman is banned from keeping a dog for another five years.

The victim will receive £1,000 compensation but has called for a more severe punishment, stating "She should have been more severely punished. I still can’t walk. The attack was horrific and I still have nightmares about it."

Mother to Make Compensation Claim for Child's Birth Injury

31/08/2010 10:27:09

A young mother is to make a birth injury compensation claim against Scarborough Hospital after their medical negligence led to her daughter suffering a brain injury at birth. Sara Harran gave birth to daughter Sienna two years ago, but claims the level of care she received was well below standard.

During the birth, the child's heart stopped beating, forcing the mother to undergo a caesarean that led to Sienna sustaining a brain injury as well as suspected cerebral palsy. The child was put on a ventilator after birth and was given just a 5% chance to survive. Luckily she pulled through, much to the shock of medical professionals, with Miss Haran stating "She is doing more than the doctors ever expected. She is my little miracle but it’s a miracle she’s still alive."

She went on to say "I feel abandoned by the NHS. There’s just not the care there," after there were delays in her daughter receiving physiotherapy.

She is not to approach a personal injury solicitor about making a compensation claim for the birth injury.

Student Nurse Awarded Massive Compensation Sum for Road Traffic Accident

31/08/2010 10:12:11

A student nurse has been awarded £800,000 in compensation after a road traffic accident that left her with catastrophic injuries. Lisa Bennett was travelling to work her first night shift for St Ann's Hospital when she was involved in a collision with a car that left her with a broken shoulder, broken ribs, a fractured spine and leg injuries that were so severe that he has to have her right leg amputated.

She now has to wear a prosthetic limb however, because of the pain she still feels in the leg, she is confined to a wheelchair much of the time. She states "My life has changed forever. I lost my leg, my dream career, my whole way of life."

Lisa was assisted in her compensation claim by Unison, the union for nurses, and they helped her secure the £800,000 compensation sum after the driver of the other vehicle admitted liability.

Originally the compensation was to be £1m, however the court deducted 20% of this as Lisa's motorcycle light wasn't working at the time of the accident, which was said to be contributory negligence.

A spokesperson from the personal injury firm that represented Lisa read "All her work to pursue a new career as a nurse has been wasted and instead she has had to learn how to cope with her dramatically changed personal circumstances."

Bomb Disposal Expert Awarded Personal Injury Compensation

31/08/2010 10:03:30

The Ministry of Defence have payed £100,000 compensation to a bomb disposal expert who suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a physical and psychological disorder brought about by exposure to stressful and frightening events.

The former soldier, who can't be named, served in the first Gulf War and in Northern Ireland, with his duties involving disarming bombs and dealing with events following terrorist attacks. He was diagnosed with the condition in 2004, five years after being given the all clear by an army psychiatrist.

He claims this delay in treatment led to his eventual breakdown, stating "I feel that treatment or at least monitoring may have prevented my eventual breakdown".

The condition prevented him from working for the army, with him eventually approaching a compensation claim firm to bid for personal injury compensation. The Ministry of Defence fought the claim for four years before eventually settling out of court and paying the six figure sum. It now remains to be seen if this case marks a watershed moment for compensation claims against the MoD.

Man Injured in Work Accident Accepts £250,000 Compensation

31/08/2010 09:53:58

A fifty year old man has been awarded £250,000 in compensation for a personal injury that he suffered in an accident at work. Peter Snowling suffered a fractured skull and three crushed vertebrae in the incident, which left him unable to work afterwards. His personal injury happened when he was loading sacks of peas into a lorry. He fell of the ramp, fracturing his skull in the process. He states “It has changed my life. Although I am still here, there are a lot of things I can’t do now that I could do before”.

He was working for a company called WA Church (Bured) Ltd when the incident occurred. The company have tried to find Mr Snowling alternative employment within the group, however his injuries are deemed far too servere.

Mr Snowlings crushed vertebrae were considered to be too close to the spinal cord to be safely operated on and he is now dependant on his wife for every day tasks as he is no longer capable of lifting anything and he suffers from short term memory loss.

He approached a work injury lawyer after the incident, eventually accepting £250,000 in an out of court settlement, stating "This sum is all I have to live on now because it’s highly unlikely I will work again."

Blind Couple to Make Compensation Claim After Train Fall

31/08/2010 09:40:55

A blind couple from Birmingham are to make a personal injury compensation claim after one of them suffered a personal injury getting off the train. Jim and Sally Newbold were on their way to Lichfield to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary when the incident occurred.

Mrs Newbold suffered a broken leg when her leg was caught between the station platform and the train, with no staff at the Lichfield station available to help the couple. Her husband Jim explains that boarding the train in New Street wasn't much of a problem as there was staff on hand to help, however the couple ran into trouble at Lichfield, with Jim stating “We asked the driver if he could help us get off when we arrived at Lichfield, but he said it ‘wasn’t his job”.

The couple are now intending to approach a personal injury solicitor to seek compensation from the London Midland company that is responsible for the cross city train service. There has been no official complaint made yet however.

Oil Worker Makes Million Pound Compensation Claim

23/08/2010 14:00:22

An oil worker who was involved in the Buncefield oil plant explosion in December 2005 is making a £1m personal injury compensation claim for spinal issues that arose as a result of the explosion at the plant. He also claims he was left with depression and post traumatic stress disorder as a result of the accident.

The explosion measured 2.4 on the Richter Scale and occured as a result of a petrol overflow igniting. The Health and Safety Executive have recently found five companies guilty of breaching health and safety standards leading up the explosion.

This had prompted the worker to prove the personal injury liability of these companies as well as he attempts to claim personal injury compensation.

Argos Worker to Make Industrial Deafness Claim

23/08/2010 13:35:50

Tony Greatorex, a warehouse worker at catalogue store Argos, has won an industrial deafness personal injury compensation claim against the company after suffering permanent hearing loss at work. His job involved loading pallets arriving at the warehouse, with the combination of noises at the warehouse being described as being extremely loud.

Workers in the warehouse were provided with no protection for their hearing until summer 2007, which was too late to save Mr Grestorex's hearing. He has since been daignosed with tinnitus and will require hearing aids for the rest of his life.

He contacted a group of work injury lawyers who made an accident injury compensation claim on his behalf. As a result Mr Greatorex gained £12,000 in personal injury compensation, as well as money to help buy hearing aids.

Biker to Make £300,000 Compensation Claim

23/08/2010 13:24:25

A Croydon based biker is to make a £300,000 compensation claim after a road traffic accident involving another motorist left him with severe personal injuries, including severe nerve damage in his right arm and skin wounds to his legs.

The incident occured when Pawan Aulakh was riding his bike down Brighton Road in November 2009 when Hannah Palmer, travelling in the opposite direction, made a right turn in front of his Mr Aulakh's bike, forcing him to turn into incoming traffic.

In addition to his personal injuries, Mr Aulakh is reportedly suffering from severe depression due to the limited capabilities he has been left with.

Personal injury liability has already been established as Ms Palmer has admitted driving without due care and attention and now Mr Aulakh is to utilise the services of compensation claims solicitors to make his claim against Ms Palmer for the accident which has left him unable to work as he struggles with his severe personal injuries.

Miners Launch Professional Negligence Compensation Claim against Former Solicitors

23/08/2010 12:34:25

A group of miners have begun legal proceedings against the personal injury lawyers who advised them through the process of claiming personal injury compensation for the work injuries they suffered during their time as miners.

The group claim the current Government compensation scheme is outdated and unsuitable for their needs, with the 20 former iners involved looking for more compensation for the vibration white finger they suffered as a result of working in the mines.

They hope to claim accident injury compensation for being unable to carry out basic household tasks in addition to being unable to work with the personal injury.

Their original claims solicitors had made the personal injury claims with the understanding that all the miners it represented would receive fair, consistent and adequate compensation. However Clive Coleman, a legal expert for the BBC, claims some miners did not receive injury compensation to pay for tasks at home.

If they win their professional negligence claim it may open the floodgates for another 50,000 miners to make cimilar claims.

Victims of Medical Negligence to have Legal Aid Cut

23/08/2010 12:23:29

The government has unveiled plans to scrap legal aid for people who have suffered a personal injury as a result of medical negligence, leaving many to turn to no win, no fee personal injury firms as the Ministry of Justice looks to reduce its £9bn budget by £2bn.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice stated "The Government is having a fundamental look at the legal aid system. This policy assessment gives us the opportunity to take a fresh look across the whole system, to innovate and provide a value for money scheme built on sound foundations. In the current economic climate, the government is considering what the public purse should be funding and how to make the system more efficient."

The announcement comes on the back of figured being revealed that show that the legal aid bill topped £82m over the last three years.

Woman Makes £500,000 Road Traffic Accident Compensation Claim

23/08/2010 12:16:09

Diana Turan, from Salisbury, is to make a £500,000 personal compensation claim after a road traffic accident left her with catastrophic injuries including a brain injury and two broken legs.

The woman was hit by a car after her Mazda 6 broke down on the A303 in September 2008. She was struck as she exited the vehicle, leaving her to spend three months in hospital as a result of her personal injuries. She still suffers from weakness on one side of her body, double vision and cognitive difficulties.

It is unknown which injury compensation lawyers she has utilised to make her accident injury compensation claim at this point in time.

Onion Packer Suffers Personal Injury in work Accident

23/08/2010 12:06:11

An onion packer has suffered a serious personal injury after falling over three metres after falling from a ladder that he was using to enable him to cover a five metre high onion box with a plastic polythene sheet.

Richard Webster broke his shoulder in the incident, leaving him off work for a month. His employer, Moulton Bulb Company Ltd, were fined £6,000 by the Health and Safety Executive, with a spokesperson for the HSE claiming the company had learned from the incident and updated its working procedures.

It is unknown at this point whether Mr Webster intends to utilise the services of a claims solicitor to make an accident injury compensation claim.

Mesothelioma Suffers Wins Asbestos Compensation Claim Against Two Building Suppliers

23/08/2010 11:58:40

A suffered of the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma has received an undisclosed sum of personal injury compensation from two building suppliers after he filed a lawsuit through his personal injury lawyers after being diagnosed with the rare form of cancer.

Garth Copp, aged 52, was told at the beginning of the year that he had three months to live after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, which came about after he was exposed to asbestos while working in Australia during the 1970's and 1980's.

He claims that the companies for which he worked failed to provide adequate protection against the deadly substance and he would often leave work covered in asbestos fibres.

After a long battle his compensation solicitors managed to secure personal injury compensation for Mr Copp.

Council Fined After Pensioner Dies in Tragic Accident

23/08/2010 11:46:25

Argyll and Bute Council have been fined £20,000 by the Health and Safety Executive after an incident that saw a pensioner die after he accidentally drove his car off a council owned car park and into the sea.

Duncan MacGillivray, aged 75, drowned in his car after driving over an unprotected edge of a car park at Coal Pier in Dunoon after he put his car in forward gear rather than reverse.

His vehicle fell into the see below and the pensioner tragically perished as he drowned in his vehicle after becoming trapped.

It is unknown at this point if his family intends to contact a personal injury firm to make an injury compensation claim for the fatal accident.

Pensioner to Seek Personal Injury Compensation for Fall

23/08/2010 11:40:03

A pensioner is to seek personal injury compensation from Barnsley Council after he suffered a severe personal injury after slipping on grass cuttings that had been left on a pavement at the top of a steep path.

Clary Day suffered a personal injury to his shoulder after the incident in early 2008 in which he was unable to use a handrail as it was blocked by foliage. He was unable to move his arm for two months and still experiences pain in it two months on.

He has since contacted injury compensation lawyers to make a personal injury compensation claim, stating that he will pursue the claim as the cuttings represented "an accident waiting to happen".

Study Finds Slips and Trips the Largest Cause of Work Accidents

23/08/2010 11:34:36

A new study has found that slips and trips are the largest cause of personal injuries in the workplace, making up 36% of all personal compensation claims that arise from work accidents. The slips and trips are caused by such things as spills on the floor, uneven surfaces and bad lighting.

The issues are generally easy to resolve once spotted, however there are still a large amount of claims made through personal injury lawyers for work accidents caused by these simple problems. The study also revealed that 4.7 million workdays were taken off sick as a result of personal injuries caused by these work accidents.

Yorkshire Paint Mixer Wins Accident Injury Compensation

23/08/2010 11:27:37

A Paint Mixer based in South Yorkshire has been awarded £3,760 in compensation after breathing in toxic fumes while combining chemicals to be used as a paste for a heating system. He began feeling ill immediately after completing the work, eventually collapsing after removing his protective mask and gloves.

Eric Drummond was rushed to hospital and later claimed “The hospital said the fumes I’d inhaled in had left traces of the chemicals in my blood, so even after I was discharged from hospital I continued to suffer for some time.”

The work accident led to him being unable to work for more than three months, leading to him seeking the services of a claims solcitors to make a claim for accident injury compensation against Rotherham Refinishing Supplies after the company admitted personal injury liability for Mr Drummond's accident.

Grandmother Cancels Holiday After Suffering Slip and Trip Personal Injury

23/08/2010 11:21:27

Pauline Burgess had been saving for more than a year to go on a family holiday to Egypt when her plans were ruined after she suffered a personal injury as a result of a slip or trip over a paving stone on a Surrey street. The broken slab left her plans in shambles after her trip resulted in a broken pelvic bone.

The woman now plans to contact injury compensation lawyers to make a personal injury compensation claim for the accident, with Mrs Burgess stating “I am angry because it’s not the first time people have said something about it. They seem to waste so much money on other things and don’t do a good job on what they should be doing.”

The incident is made even worse by the fact that Leatherhead High Street, on which the slip and trip incident took place, has previously been voted "Worst High Street in Britain" by a BBC poll.

Mrs Burgess is still using Codeine and Morphine to dull the pain of her personal injury.

Parents to Make Birth Injury Claim

23/08/2010 11:14:38

The parents of three year old Zak Hall are to make a birth injury claim due to the fact that he was starved of oxygen during his birth, leading to him developing cerebral palsy. His parents claim the catastrophic injuries he suffered could have been avoided if medical staff had listened to the mother's concerns during the preganancy.

Mrs Hall had required a caesarean section during the birth of her previous hild, but was told this would not be an option during the birth of Zak, despite her history displaying it may be required.

Instead Mrs Hall underwent an induced labour via the drug Prostin, which caused the problems during her first pregnancy. This resulted in her son suffering multiple birth injuries as he was deprived of oxygen, making him reliant on others for the rest of his life.

Now Zak's parents are seeking an apology and enough personal compensation to provide a good quality of life for their son, with Mrs Hall stating “I hope that, in addition to providing for Zak’s future needs, bringing this claim will persuade medical staff to listen and pay more attention to mothers.”

It is unknown which compensation solicitors the couple intend to ask for advice in establishing the personal injury liability of the hospital in question.

Mother to Make Medical Negligence Claim After Death of Son

23/08/2010 11:04:03

A mother is to make a medical negligence compensation claim after she claims doctors repeatedly ignored warning signs displaying that her son was suicidal, leading to him killing himself after he was simply told to "pull himself together" by doctors.

Delyth Mosey claims her son Jamie had a history of mental illness and had made previous attempts on hhis own life, stating “My boy was crying out for help, but they decided to ignore him. They told him there was nothing wrong with him when quite clearly there was.”

Jamie had apparently told health workers about his suicidal tendancies and had asked to be sectioned before his suicide. He was found by his ex-partner, with whom he was having a child, after she entered his premises via a rear entry after getting no response when she came to visit. She found him lifeless with a rope around his neck.

Now his mother is to make an injury compensation claim using a compensation solicitor to argue that medical professionals could have done more to help her son.

Print Worker Suffers Personal Injury

23/08/2010 10:56:56

A printer narrowly escaped suffering a catastrophic injury after getting his hand caught in a printing press when attempting to clear the results of a paper jam. He was slowly moving the machines presses using an inch button when the button became stuck, causing the machine to move the presses unexpectedly and trap his hand.

The work suffered a minor personal injury and required surgery on his finger after the machine cut into it, however he escaped serious personal injury after paramedics managed to free him after he was trapped for almost an hour.

The man's union has already claimed that they will pursue accident injury compensation for him if the company is found to have been in any way negligent, thus they will be using the services of a personal injury firm to determine the personal injury liability of the company.

BT Workers Urged to Make Compensation Claims

23/08/2010 10:38:52

British Telecomms engineers are being advised to seek personal injury compensation for hearing problems such as tinnitus that are related to their jobs. The advise comes from Cardiff County Court, who are looking into some compensation claims already and have asked the claimants if a Group Litigation Order involving multiple claimants could be invoked.

This has caused the Communications Workers Union to urge current and former employees of BT to apply for personal compensation if they suffer any form of hearing defect after working for the company.

Compensation for hearing complaints can vary anywhere between £7,000 and £20,000 for serious hearing problems, which means that anybody who is suffering from a hearing problem related to work should get in contact with personal injury lawyers to find out if the can claim personal injury compensation.

Lincolnshire Firm Fined due to Asbestos Threat

23/08/2010 10:28:27

A Lincolnshire breaking company has been fined £3,400 and ordered to pay costs of £5,000 after the Health and Safety Executive found that they were placing workers at risk of exposure to asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma and pleural plaques.

Magistrates heard that Acetech Construction bought the Patricia III vessel in 2007 to dismantle and sell as scrap metal, carrying out the work between December 2007 and February 2008. However the HSE found that the company had failed to complete a satisfactory survey of the boat, potentially leaving its employees at risk of asbestos exposure.

The company admitted breaching asbestos related regulations, however it seems unlikely that any employee will utilise the services of a claims solicitors to make an injury compensation claim.

Man Partially Blinded in Work Accident

23/08/2010 10:06:56

A work accident has led to a man being blinded in one eye in addition to suffering serious personal injuries after he fell 3m from a roof onto a concrete floor, suffering multiple spine and facial fractures in the work accident.

Gwyndaf Davies was kept in hospital for nine months after the accident at Penwerddu Farm in April 2009 and required reconstructive surgery on his face and was left blind in one eye and partially sighted in the other as a result of his personal injury.

He has been left in constant need of care as he can no longer walk without aid, has limited speech and receives intense physiotherapy everyday. He is likely to require care for the rest of his life after his catastrophic injury.

Delme L James Ltd were fined £8,000 by the Health and Safety Executive after they admitted breaching safety regulations when the HSE found that they failed to plan, supervise or carry out work safely, providing limited protection to prevent workers from falling off the roof and no measure to prevent them from falling into the building.

It seems likely that Mr Davies will utilise the services of a work injury lawyer to help him make an injury compensation claim for the work accident.

Stoke Scaffolding Firm Fined for Work Accident

23/08/2010 09:35:19

A scaffolding firm based in Stoke-on-Trent has been fined £8,000 and ordered to pay £5,000 costs after a man working for the company had a work accident.

Kevin Ford fell over five feet from a piece of scaffolding that he was dismantling after Rafferty Chimneys Engineering had finished a job on some 20 metre tall steel chimneys at Churchill China in Tunstall. His personal injuries included a fractured heel which resulted in him spending 16 weeks in plaster and having pins inserted into his foot.

The Health and Safety Executive later found that the tower's guard rail was too low, with the company also failing the use the correct boards and putting no toe boards in place.

It is unknown at this point whether Mr Ford intends to contact a personal injury firm to make a compensation claim against the scaffolding firm for his work accident.

Driver Who Fell Asleep at the Wheel May Face Compensation Claim

16/08/2010 13:40:28

A driver who fell asleep at the wheel may face a personal injury compensation claim after her vehicle rammed another driver's car into a lampost, causing personal injuries to all inside.

Davina Derbyshire admitted to nodding off at the wheel after ingesting a mixture of painkillers and sleeping tablets. Even worse she was not allowed to drive the car at the time, making her actions illegal as well as negligent.

Her actions caused the occupants of a car driven by Keith Richardson to suffer multiple personal injuries, with both Mr Richardson and his daughter fracturing their breastbones and suffering other injuries, while his son sustained bruising and whiplash.

To make things worse, Mr Richardson was billed £11,000 by Sheffield Council for the damage to the lampost. It now appears highly likely that he will make a personal injury claim against Ms Derbyshire, especially in the wake of the council's actions.

Fatal Accident at California Race

16/08/2010 13:29:26

An accident at a racing event in California has turned into a tragedy, leaving 8 dead in a fatal accident that many are attributing to reckless driving on the part of the racer.

The fatal accident took place at a truck race held at Soggy Dry Lake Bed near the city of Lucerne Valley when a driver flipped his vehicle and ended up ploughing into a group of pedestrians at high speed. The accident reportedly scattered bodies everywhere, with the truck coming to a rest upside down.

The driver escaped un-injured and reportedly had to flee the scene after angry spectators gave chase, and the truck was eventually flipped back onto its wheels by twelve bystanders.

It is unknown at this point whether the families of the victims intend to make compensation claims for the fatal accident. In addition to this the fate of the driver is unknown, but he may face criminal charges if it is found that the accident was caused by his own reckless driving.

Irish Prison Officers Awarded £2m in Compensation

16/08/2010 13:21:14

Figures released in a freedom of information request have revealed that Irish prison officers have received a total of £2m in compensation after a wave of violent assaults in overcrowded jails, with staff suffering personal injuries including stabbings, broken jaws and attacks with needles and handmade weapons.

One warden suffered such catastrophic injuries that he received £415,000 compensation alone, with further compensation being distributed amongst 112 prison officers for work accidents and injuries. There are a further 61 complaints currently pending in addition to this.

It is being reported that Irish prisons are full to bursting, with many attributing this to the rise in attacks on wardens, with Prison Officers' Association Assistant Geneal Secretary Jim Mitchell warning that a new wave of gang oriented criminals are entering the prison system and not mixing well with what he calls "...the oridnary decent criminals."

Anglo-Swedish Pharmaceutical Company Hit With Huge Fine

16/08/2010 12:38:07

A pharmaceutical company that created and distributed the schizophrenia drug Seroquel has been ordered to pay compensation to more than 17,500 claimants, totalling around £120m after the drug was found to increase the risk of diabetes.

The company have indicated that they intend to co-operate with the personal injury firms that are representing the victims, however they also went on to state "We believe it was in the best interest of the company to explore resolving these cases through the mediation process. We remain committed to a strong defence effort, but will also continue to participate in good faith in court-ordered mediation."

The drug has achieved sales of $4.9bn in the US alone last year, with the average compensation payout reaching around $11,300 for most cases. Despite this case of medical negligence, the company's share prices have still increased during the fiscal year.

Pensioner Who Had Car Windows Smashed by Police to Make Compensation Claim

16/08/2010 12:26:01

A pensioner whose car windows were smashed in by a policeman after he mistakenly drove away while being issued with a ticket for not wearing his seatbelt is to make a compensation claim for the stress he suffered due to the excessive force shown by the officer.

70 year old Robert Whatley had initially been pulled over for not wearing his seatbelt. He drove off before he was issued with his fixed penalty, believing that the matter had been dealt with. This resulted in a 17 minute "chase" during which the pensioner did not exceed the speed limit once.

He had been in a hurry to get home so he could take medicine that he required for a heart condition and believed the police were simply providing him with an escort to ensure that he got home safely. They eventually pulled him over, with camera footage showing one officer taking 15 attempts to smash his side window in with a baton, while another stood on the bonnet of the car to kick his windscreen in. Mr Whatley was then pulled from the driving seat.

Mr Whatley admitted minor motoring offences, but believes that the police used excessive force in their attempts to apprehend him. The two officers in question have since been removed from active duty and an investigation into their conduct is currently being undertaken.

The pensioner now reportedly suffers from flashbacks of the incident, with the stress caused leading him to approach a personal injury firm about making a compensation claim.

Pothole Blamed for Fatal Road Traffic Accident

16/08/2010 12:15:02

An Army officer has been killed in a fatal road traffic accident with a lorry after swerving to avoid a pothole in the road on his bicycle. Captain Jonathan Allen, who had served multiple terms in Afghanistan, was cycling along the A338 in Tidworth when the accident happened.

The pothole, at the Leckford crossroads, was likely the result of a cold winter and is reportedly 5mm too shallow to have been repaired within seven days by the council, despite complaints from drivers, such as Patricia Couling who claims the the hole is so big that she was scared the wheels would fall off her car when she hit it.

Mr Allen suffered catastrophic injuries in the collision with the lorry, which eventually resulted in his death.

Sion jenkins Denied Compensation for Time Spent in Jail

16/08/2010 12:05:21

The father of murdered teenager Billie-Jo Jenkins has been refused the right to make a compensation claim fot the six years that he spent in prison for the murder of his daughter, a crime he has now been acquitted of.

Sion Jenkins was looking to claim £500,000 in damages but his case was rejected by the Ministry of Justice. At the time of Billie-Jo's death, Mr Jenkins was the headteacher at a boy's school and has always maintained that he was innocent. He was sent to prison in 1998 but won a retrial in 2005. Two juries failed to reach a verdict on his guilt, meaning that he can now walk free.

He claimed in a 2008 interview for a newspaper that his case met all the criteria for a compensation payout, however it is unlikely that he would have found a reputable personal injury firm to take the case for him, even if he had been granted the right to make a compensation claim.

He claims that he has missed out on six years of liberty that has also deprived him of the opportunity to see his other daughter grow up. His ex-wife and daughter have since emigrated to Tasmania and wish to have no contact with Mr Jenkins.

The Ministry of Justice declined to comment on the case.

Russell Brand Involved in Road Traffic Accident

16/08/2010 11:52:36

Comedian Russell Brand has reportedly been involved in a road traffic accident after a truck hit his rented Lamborghini from behind. Luckily he didn't suffer a major personal injury during the accident, claiming on his Twitter page "That Lamborghini crash was hardly Jimmy Dean territory, I barely spilled my espresso."

Brand was more upset at the fact that the repair costs for the damage are likely to be around £6,000. He also had bruising and cuts on his arm after the accident, but refused to go to hospital. He had loaned the vehicle through a third party after visiting a dealership during filming of his new film Arthur, with the manager at Manhatten Motor Cars stating "Brand had the car hired by a third party, but through them for ‘personal use’, it’s not actually one of our cars. Someone lent it to him through us."

It is unlikely that Brand will make a personal injury claim for the injuries he suffered in the road traffic accident.

Boy's Family to Claim Compensation For Fatal Accident in National Trust Centre

16/08/2010 11:44:19

The family of Daniel Mullinger are to make a £300,000 compensation claim against the National Trust for the fatal accident that resulted in the death of their child when a branch from a Beech tree fell on him. They claim that the trust should have labelled the tree as 'high risk' rather than 'medium risk' meaning that they were negligent in their inspection process of the trees.

The child and his friends were sheltering from the rain under the tree when the branch collapsed. The accident happened three years ago, with the family claiming that the pain of their loss hasn't disappeared and that "the important thing is to make sure it can never happen to another boy."

The National Trust are denying liability, claiming that the boy's death was accidental and not due to negligence on their part. However this is not the first time an incident like this has occured, with the trust under scrutiny already after the death of 8 year old Timothy Sutton in similar cicrumstances.

London Based Construction Firm Fined for Negligence

16/08/2010 11:34:54

Rushi Construction Ltd, a construction firm based in Wembley, have been fined £15,000 by the Health and Safety Executive after their shoddy work left two of its customers potentially at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning. The firm, owned by Vikas Patel, was issued with the fine after its participation in an incident in which the firm constructed an extension of a property around the outside of a gas boiler.

The HSE found that the company had failed to use a certified Gas Safe professional for the work, as well as discovering that Mr Patel's solution for preventing carbon monoxide escaping into the house was not working, leaving the homeowners at risk.

The investigation resulted in a £3,000 fine for Mr Patel, as well as a £12,000 fine for his company. Luckily there were no personal injuries suffered during the incident.

Care Home Forced to Pay Compensation for Neglect of Patient

16/08/2010 11:26:18

The company behind a Lancashire based care home has been forced to pay a five-figure compensation sum to the family of 82 year old Betty Delaney after nurses at a local hospital discovered masses of bed sores on the pensioner's body, a result of what a senior nurse at the hospital called the worst case of medical negligence she has ever seen.

Betty was a resident at Oakland's Care Home in Rochdale when she was transferred to another hospital and her untreated bed sores were discovered. The result was Southern Cross Healthcare being made to pay compensation to the woman's family for the gross negligence.

Betty's son Stephen described her final months in the care home, stating “Every time we saw her she was crying.” Staff at the home put this down to her mental state, neglecting to mention anything about bedsores.

The family decided to make a compensation claim through a personal injury firm for the pain and indignity suffered by Mrs Delaney during her final days, resulting in an undisclosed amount of compensation being paid out after the case was handled by a personal injury solicitor.

North regional director for Southern Care Phil Whitaker stated “We are very sorry that the care Mrs Delaney received whilst at Oakland’s Care Home was not to the appropriate standard and we apologise to her family for this.”

Girl Receives £3,000 Compensation for Trapped Finger

16/08/2010 11:17:46

A girl who was left with a bloodied and broken finger after getting it trapped in a cupboard at a friend's birthday party has been awarded £3,000 in compensation for the personal injury. Caitlyn Ratcliffe was hurt in an upstairs room at the Plough Inn in Staffordshire when she followed a member of staff who was working in a storage cupboard. The cupboard automatically closed, trapping the youngsters digit in the process.

Caitlyn's mother said "There was blood everywhere. Caitlyn was in a lot of pain, we were hysterical and her friends were too." The wound apparently also became infected, meaning that Caitlyn had to undergo a course of antibiotics, with the accident also being blamed for causing problems with her schoolwork as her finger was in a splint for three months, leaving her unable to write.

The money is to placed into a trust fund for the girl, wth Caitlyn saying ”I want to buy a house or a car with my money.”

Husband and Wife Receive Compensation After Dog Attack

16/08/2010 11:06:54

A husband and wife have gained compenstion to pay for vet's bills after a neighbour's Staffordshire Bull Terrier attacked their cat in the couple's home. Mr and Mrs Elmore, from Cambridgeshire, were left reeling when the dog chased their cat into the house, clasping it in its jaws at the top of their stairs and then attempting to escape with it.

Mrs Elmore suffered a personal injury when she attempted to release the cat from the terrier's jaws after it turned its attention to her and bit her hand. Eventually the dog's owner turned up to calm it down and lead it away from Poppy the cat and the Elmores.

Mr Elmore said, “There was just so much blood after it had happened. It was difficult to know where it was coming from, and who was hurt,” he added, “It was a very traumatic attack for my wife, to see her cat attacked like that. The squealing noise from the cat was horrible.”

The dogs owner, named as James Brunt, was ordered to pay vet's bills of nearly £200, as well as £100 compensation to Mrs Elmore for the dog bite.

Could Kelly Brook Cause More Road Traffic Accidents?

16/08/2010 10:59:52

A new 40ft billboard featuring model Kelly Brook naked apart from a pair of Reebok trainers has been blasted by road safety campaigners who claim that the billboards, set to be placed at a number of junctions and traffic hotpots across the country, may lead to a rise in the amount of road traffic accidents being reported.

Campaigners fear a similar situation to the one that surrounded Wonderbra model Eva Herzigova, who sparked outrage in 1994 when her "Hello Boys" billboard was blamed for a number of road traffic accidents.

Peter Rodger, of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, stated "The fact that most men remember the ‘Hello boys’ Wonderbra advert indicates how distracting roadside adverts can be."

The opinion is supported by Canadian research which demonstrated that eye-catching advertisements led to 50% increases in road traffic accidents, many resulting in personal injuries.

Despite this furore, Kelly Brook has claimed “I’m so excited to finally have my own billboard, it was really fun creating the shot and Reebok EasyTones definitely got my bum ready for the occasion!”

Gadgets Being Blamed for Road Traffic Accidents

16/08/2010 10:52:13

A recent study has concluded that gadgets such as the iPhone and other mobile devices have been sited as a major factor in personal injury cases revolving around road traffic accidents, with the AA reporting that many of the 26,000 personal injuries suffered by pedestrians last year being blamed on 'Inattention Collisions'.

These collisions are caused by road users attention being distracted by something, often believed to be some gadget or device. It isn't restricted to drivers though, as the AA points out that many road traffic accidents are being caused by "zombie pedestrians" who fiddle with gadgets rather than paying attention to the road, making them oblivious to potential hazards.

The AA reported “AA patrols have noted a marked increase in the number of ‘iPod zombie pedestrians’ and joggers oblivious to traffic around them as they cross busy roads. Whether on two feet, two wheels or four, too many people are suffering from so-called iPod oblivion.”

Boy Wins Medical Neligence Claim After Having Eye Removed

16/08/2010 10:41:21

The parents of a three year old boy have won medical negligence compensation after doctors failed to diagnose a cancer that resulted in his having his right eye removed.

Harvey Dellar, now aged three, was the victim of an administrative error that resulted in him not being offered an appointment in time to save his eye after they had initially taken him to Northampton General Hospital in February 2008 when his eye began turning inwards.

By the time he was seen by consultants, the only option was removal, with the child's mother Caroline stating "Although the cancer would probably have meant his sight would have been affected, they could have saved the eye and avoided the need for an artificial eye in the future."

The compensation is reportedly a five figure sum and will be placed into a trust fund for the child after the family made their successful personal injury claim.

Building Firm Fined for Unlawful Asbestos Removal

16/08/2010 10:33:52

Ron Couch Building Contractors Ltd have been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after carrying out unlicensed asbestos removal at a site, despite the fact that they had been informed that the materials they were handling contained the lethal substance.

The firm had been hired to replace a central heating boiler in Pontypool when the issue of removing a cardboard door containing asbestos came up. The firm carried out the removal work themselves, despite not having a licence, endangering both its workers and any present in the process.

The firm was warned by a local contractor about the dangers, however the Health and Safety Executive found the workers were instructed by senior management to seal the cupboard walls with plasterboard, which led to a £2,500 fine for the company.

Any removal of asbestos must be carried out by licenced professionals to eliminate the threat of one of the largest work related killers. If you have been affected by an asbestos related disease, call Claim Time Personal Injury Solicitors and we will help you make a compensation claim.

Judge Dies After Being Exposed to Asbestos While in the Navy

16/08/2010 10:18:02

A coroner has ruled that a Chichester judge died after being exposed to the deadly substance asbestos while working for the Royal Navy between 1959 and 1981.

John Sessions, who died aged 69, developed the lethal asbestos related cancer meothelioma during his stint with the navy, which began to affect him last year when he started to have coughing and sneezing fits before undergoing chemotherapy in August 2009.

His condition deteriorated and he eventually died on June 16th of this year.

Now that causality has been established, it is unknown whether Mr Sessions family will look to claim compensation from the Navy for his asbestos related death.

Quarry Workers Fatal Accident Results in Fine for Scottish Firm

16/08/2010 09:56:02

An Aberdeen employer has been fined £96,000 by the Health and Safety Executive after a man was crushed to death while working below a digger at Parkmore Quarry in Dufftown, Aberlour. The 58 year old man was killed in the fatal accident, with HSE inspector Norman Buchanen stating ""This tragic incident should have been avoided. Although Arthur Jamieson was undoubtedly an experienced mobile plant fitter, he had not previously carried out this particular task for this firm. He should have received adequate information, training and supervision from his employers, which Leiths did not provide."

The man was fixing a leaking transmission on the vehicle in question before the accident. The five and a half tonne vehicle's rear wheels were inadequately secured, causing it to roll of a rampway and onto Mr Jamieson, crushing his chest in the tragic work accident.

It is unknown at this time whether his family will use the services of a personal injury firm to make a fatal accident compensation claim.

Sheet Metal Company Director Fined £10,000

16/08/2010 09:47:57

Carlton Edwards, director of sheet metal firm Anglia Lead Ltd, has been fined £10,000 by the Health and Safety Executive for exposing his workers to a high level of lead at his firm's Norfolk factory. He admitted putting his workers in jeopardy after failing to implement adequate health and safety measures to ensure that they wouldn't breath lead dust while working.

Norwich court heard how workers had been exposed to the particles by either ingesting them or absorbing them through the skin during lunch and smoking breaks, with the HSE pointing out that high levels of lead in the bloodstream can lead to symptoms like nausea, stomach pains, anaemia, loss of weight and, in cases of prolonged exposure kidney, nerve and brain damage as well as infertility.

Anglia Lead were fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £10,556. It is unknown whether any of the affected workers intend on using a personal injury firm to make a compensation claim.

Woman Awarded Compensation After Finding Stone in her Sandwich

09/08/2010 14:03:31

Karen Addy, aged 48, has been awarded £3,000 in compensation after damaging her tooth on a stone that she found in a sandwich that she had purchased from the Boots store at Leeds train station.

The damage was so extensive that she eventually formed an abscess for which she had to take painkillers and antibiotics for. Her tooth eventually had to be removed during the course of four dental procedures over a five month period. She went on to claim "It has been a really stressful ordeal and it's dragged on for such a long time but I am glad that all of the treatment is finally done."

Ms Addy went to a personal injury firm after the incident, and they assigned her a compensation lawyer who helped her obtain £3,000.

Former RAF Serviceman Receives £500,000 Compensation for Road Traffic Accident

09/08/2010 13:58:21

Juan Feliciano-Diaz had his career cut short by a road traffic accident in which he suffered personal injuries to his elbow, abdomen, pelvis and right leg, forcing him out of the RAF in the process.

He was awarded £500,000 for the crash, which happened back in 2006, with the majority of the claim making up for loss of earnings and military benefits. Some of the payout will also cover the extensive medical treatment he had to undergo in the aftermath of the accident.

Pensioner Wins Medical Negligence Claim

09/08/2010 13:53:48

An 83 year old woman has gained personal injury compensation after she was poorly anaesthetised during an operation to remove a bunion. Despite the procedure being relatively routine, surgeons failed to numb the foot and continued the operation despite the woman making it clear that she still had feeling in the foot. They even made incisions as she was screaming in pain before a nurse convinced the surgeons to half the proceedings.

The woman's personal injury solicitor claims that she would have been more hesitant to make a compensation claim if the hospital had been forthcoming with an apology. However, they did not, leading her personal injury lawyer to state "The thing that most frustrated her was the fact that nobody from the hospital offered her an apology, despite being put through agony as the surgeon's scalpel sliced into her foot. If the hospital had held its hands up earlier, I doubt [the claimant] would have ever have felt the need to pursue litigation against them."

Man to Make Compensation Claim After Being Pushed Off Bicycle

09/08/2010 13:36:25

A cyclist is to make a compensation claim after he was pushed off his bike by the passenger of a car when it slowed down next to him. The passenger leaned out and shoved Derek Hill off his bicycle as he was riding, resulting in the claimant suffering head injuries and a broken hip in the accident.

Mr Hill spent three weeks in hospital as a result of his personal injury and he has been left with epilepsy due to his head injuries, forcing him to retire from his engineering job. He will also be unable to cycle again.

He is to make his compensation claim through the Motor Insurers Bureau as the driver and passenger of the offending car remain untraced.

Man Fails to Claim Compensation From Mother for Father's Beatings

09/08/2010 12:51:27

A son who attempted to claim compensation from his mother for failing to prevent his father from beating him as a child has lost the claim after a decision by the High Court who stated that the mother could not be held accountable for the father's actions.

The 32 year old had previously reported that his mother would report to the father whenever he was naughty, resulting in his getting beaten, often with belts or electrical cable. His legal team argued that the mother should have taken steps to protect her child's safety, such as divorcing the father or reporting his actions to the police.

The mother reported in court that the father had been raised by an order of Chrisitan brothers who believed in strict physical punishment for misbehaving. Two of the man's siblings have already successfully claimed compensation for the personal injuries and emotional abuse they suffered at his hands, however he is yet to pay a penny in compensation to any of his children.

Man Claims Compensation for Medical Negligence

09/08/2010 12:41:11

A 58 year old man has received £7,500 in compensation after successfully arguing that he would have not been forced to endure two months of pain if Colchester General Hospital had run further tests on him after he was initially treated for rotting tissue near his pancreas that was was causing pus to leak into his body.

The man had initially gone to the hospital with stomach pains, with tests finding that there was rotting tissue in the pancreas. He had a cyst drained and left after eleven days, but began experiencing pain soon after leaving the hospital. He was readmitted with more pus coming from his pancreas, resulting in extra rotted tissue and a two month hospital stay.

He sued for compensation after claiming that the hospital should have run tests on his first visit to ensure he could be given the all-clear. Despite the NHS refusing to admit liability for the medical negligence the man was successful in claiming compensation for his personal injury.

Parents to Make Compensation Claim for Medical Negligence

09/08/2010 12:19:29

The parents of a child who suffered a stroke that resulted in him developing cerebral palsy, in addition to vision and speech problems, have launched a £100,000 compensation claim against the hospital that was responsible for failing to notice that their son was bon with one kidney 50% smaller than the other.

The parents of Thomas Musgrove, now aged 9, are making the compensation claim against Northampton General Hospital to pay for the care of their son, arguing that if the hospital has taken blood tests at critical junctures they would have spotted that his blood pressure was abnormally high due to the infant's kidney problems.

They claim that regular tests, as the hospital had planned to carry out, would have allowed medics to act and prevent him from suffering the stroke that has left him permanently disabled. They now wish to gain compensation for medical negligence.

Slips and Trips Cost Shropshire Council Dear

09/08/2010 11:46:25

Shropshire's two main councils have paid out more than £258,600 over the last two years to people who have suffered personal injuries due to a slip or trip on the region's roads and pavements according to information obtained under a Freedom of Information request.

Shropshire Council have paid out £121,962, whereas Telford and Wrekin Council have paid out £136,672 between June 2008 and May 2010.

The figure amounts to nearly half of the total compensation paid out by the two council bodies, which was calculated as £570,860 in total during the same period.

Opera Singer to Claim Compensation from Danish Ministry of Culture

09/08/2010 11:42:02

David Montague-Rendall is to make a compensation claim against the Danish Ministry of Culture for £250,000 after an accident during a performance at the Copenhagen Opera House in which part of the set fell on him, leaving him with a raft of personal injuries.

The world renowned performer, from Hampshire, suffered a broken left hip and injured both of his shoulders, resulting in him undergoing hip replacement surgery as well as having a knee joint replaced.

He claims that the amount of bookings he has received since the accident have dramatically reduced due to promoters no longer believing he can reach the same level of performance as he previously could. His last performance was two years ago so he is now making the personal injury claim for lost earnings for that period.

The personal injury firm acting on behalf of Mr Montague-Rendall has stated that the loss of earnings for a performer of his stature would be quite high, claiming that the compensation he had received thus far for the accident does not reflect the effect the incident has had on his career.

While the Danish Ministry of Culture admits liability for the original accident, it refuses to acknowledge the extent of the personal injuries that Mr Montague-Rendall suffered and thus the case will go to court.

Healthcare Trust Ordered to Pay £40,000 Compensation for Medical Negligence

09/08/2010 11:25:00

A mental health service provider has been ordered to pay compensation of £40,000 after a medical negligence claim was brought against it by the family of a woman who passed away while under their care,

The Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust (BHFT) were taking care of Mrs Shanu Jukes after she was admitted to the Trust's Prospect Parks facility while suffering from signs of confusion. The hospital failed to ensure that she ate properly to maintain her blood sugar levels, despite being made aware of her condition.

This caused Mrs Jukes to slip into a coma from which she didn't recover, with the Prospect Parks facility being heavily criticised in an inquest that followed the February 2007 incident.

Staffordshire Company Fined After Employee Suffers Work Injury

09/08/2010 11:16:54

Klarius UK Ltd, a company based in Staffordshire, have been fined after having been found to be in violation of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 after a work accident in August 2009 that left an employee with a serious back injury that left him immobilised for six weeks.

Barry Derbyshire fell more than two metres off scaffolding in the work accident while doing maintenance work on the company's machinery, leaving him with one crushed vertebra in addition to a fracture. The company was fined when the Health and Safety Executive found there was no safety rail installed on the scaffolding.

The company were fined £8,000 and it is unknown if Mr Derbyshire will now seek out a personal injury firm to make a compensation claim.

Man Awarded £5,500 for Having his Thumb Crushed in a Work Accident

09/08/2010 11:09:17

A man whose thumb was crushed in a work accident while working for P A Dunwell Transport Ltd has been granted £5,500 in compensation after making a personal injury claim against the "unsympathetic" company. The company was deemed to have failed in its duty to provide proper training and were also negligent when insuring the man's work environment was safe.

Ian Castle, of Grimsby, suffered the personal injury when the roof door of his lorry suddenly fell down on him, resulting in his thumb being crushed against a lever to the point where to was ripped off, requiring stitches as well as shattering the bone.

Scottish Firm Fined After Work Accident

09/08/2010 11:02:27

John Hogarth Ltd, a firm based in Scotland, has been fined £16,750 after a work suffered a catastrophic injury during a work accident in February 2008. The employee lost one of his limbs when cleaning a rotary valve after he slipped, leaving his right arm caught in the machinery.

His arm was severed 10cm below the elbow, and he also suffered a 3m fall to the ground after the accident which caused other personal injuries. The firm admitted liability in the accident, having an initial fine of £25,000 reduced in the process. A Health and Safety Executive inspector stated after the case "This tragedy should never have happened but it took this incident to occur before the company assessed the risks with the cleaning operation of the valve."

It is unknown whether the employee will now attempt to claim personal injury compensation for the work accident, or which personal injury firm who would use if he did.

Elderly Woman to Sue Council for Road Traffic Accident

09/08/2010 10:55:20

A pensioner is to make a compensation claim against West Lothian Council after she suffered a personal injury in a road traffic accident when her mobility scooter was struck by a truck while she was making her way home.

The woman had been forced to travel in the road when her way was blocked by a different truck. She was then reversed into by a truck as she rode, destroying her mobility scooter and injuring her leg in the process.

The truck apparently reversed without warning, leaving the elderly woman in fear of her life. Luckily the driver stopped when he made contact to check on what had happened.

UK Companies Pay Record Compensation Bill

09/08/2010 10:47:32

Five UK companies have been ordered to pay a compensation bill totalling £9.5m after an explosion at Buncefield Oil Storage Depot in 2005, which caused 43 people to suffer personal injuries and destroyed serveral nearby buildings and businesses.

The explosion caused a fire that lasted for five days, resulting in more than £1bn being spent to deal with the disaster. the compensation bill is for the pollution caused by the disaster, with the Health and Safety Executive stating “This was the biggest and most complex criminal inquiry we have worked on together, the product of many hundreds of hours of painstaking forensic investigation. When companies put workers and members of the public at risk and cause environmental damage we will prosecute."

The explosion shattered the local community, leaving a large amount of pollution that still exists to this day, despite a five-year clean up operation by the oil companies involved.

2,000 people were forced to abandon their homes in addition to the 43 who suffered personal injuries. The companies will now likely face a host of compensation claims from victims of the explosion in addition to the record fine.

Woman Receives Multi-Million Pound Compensation for Road Traffic Accident Involving a Horse

09/08/2010 10:36:37

A woman has received $2.7m in compensation after suffering a whiplash injury when her car crashed into a dead horse. The woman suffered permanent whiplash related personal injuries, and requires pain relief and daily treatment for her injuries.

The horse had previously been hit by another driver, who left the scene without trying to make the area safe. This left the driver able to make the compensation claim, with a court hearing that she was driving under the speed limit when she struck the horse during the road traffic accident in Jefferson County, USA.

The woman's personal injuries included full body whiplash that caused such damage that she had to have a medical device implanted to constantly secrete pain medication into her body. The woman's car struck the horse with such force that it became airbourne according to eye-witnesses. Eventually coming to rest 200 yards down the road.

The case highlights the need to remain vigilant at all times to ensure that you don't suffer a personal injury in a road traffic accident.

Nuclear Veterans Attempting to get Compensation From MoD

09/08/2010 10:25:29

A group of veterans who were involved in British nuclear tests between 1952 and 1967 are still fighting a drawn out battle with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in an attempt to claim compensation after 20,000 of them were exposed to radiation and fallout fom the tests which is believed to have damaged both theirs and their children's health.

Statistics show that 30% of those involved in the tests had died before the age of 60, with birth injuries in their grandchildren, such as spina difida, beig five times the usual rates. A number of other medical problems have been reported by the group, who are seeking compensation between £5,000 and £37,000 for the damages caused.

The MoD denies negligence, meaning the compensation claim must go to the Court of Appeal, with MPs having been banned from asking questions about the case in the House of Commons. A spokesperson for the British Nuclear Test Vererans' Association commented on this, stating “It is disgusting and outrageous that the Government has moved to ban MPs talking about this subject. Despite the case going to the Court of Appeal, no-one can understand why MPs have been gagged with regards to speaking on this subject.”

Doctors Told to be Extra Vigilant When Diagnosing Meningitis for Fear of Medical Negligence Claims

09/08/2010 10:15:06

A raft of compensation claims from people who were diagnosed too late with meningitis has prompted the creation of new guidelines to follow when attempting to identify the symptoms of the disease. The condition is often extremely difficult to diagnose as symptoms are very vague during the early stages, especially in children.

Misdiagnosis or late diagnosis can lead to serious consequences though as the disease spreads rapidly. This is shown by the case of Joanne Dowling, aged 25, who died of the disease only 14 hours after being admitted into hospital after a 'breakdown in communication' between staff.

There have been a number of medical negligence claims made for personal injuries suffered as a result of late diagnosis, with a case involving an infant who suffered brain damage after an out-of-hours GP delayed in diagnosing the illness resulting in compensation of £6.8m being granted to the victim.

Over £22m has been paid out in compensation since 1998.

Ian Huntley Attempts to Claim Compensation for Prison Assault

09/08/2010 10:02:08

The news that Ian Huntley is to make a compensation claim against the prison service after being assaulted by a fellow prisoner has been greeted with anger, both by the public and his fellow inmates.

Huntley, who was jailed in 2002 for murdering two schoolgirls, has received threats since the news leaked to the prison populace, with a prison source telling the Sunday Mirror that “They were shouting ‘Watch your back, Huntley’ and ‘You’ll never live to see that money’.”

It follows news that three prison officers who suffered personal injuries in an attack by an inmate brandishing a piece of glass are uncertain whether or not they can make a compensation claim, with David Davies, Conservative MP for Monmouth stating “Instead of handing out money to people who will claim legal aid to make the most spurious claims, we should be thinking about the prison officers who are assaulted on a daily basis.”

His comments were backed up by Colin Moses, President of the Prison Officers Association, who said: “The prison officers… will have to fight tooth and nail for any sort of compensation, yet it will almost certainly be served up on a plate for Ian Huntley.”

It is unknown which personal injury firm will help Huntley make his claim.

McVities Worker Loses Fingers in Work Accident

09/08/2010 09:54:23

Magistrates in Halifax have heard the case of a female employee who lost two of her fingers in a mixing machine after her employer failed to ensure her safety as she attempted to unblock an industrial mixer that was being used to prepare ingredients that would go into flapjacks.

The woman suffered her work accident at the factory of McVities manufacturer United Biscuits when she put her hand inside the mixer while it was turned off. The blades were still running however, and they sliced her fingers off as she reached in.

United Biscuits received a fine of £10,000 from the Health and Safety Executive after being found guilty of violating the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

It is unknown if the woman will seek to claim personal injury compensation for the accident.

Elderly Woman Receives Compensation for Being Given Wrong Medication

02/08/2010 14:26:57

An elderly woman has been granted £3,000 compensation after she was given the wrong medicine by a pharmacist at a Morrison's supermarket in Scotland. Her prescription had been for steroids to clear a chest infection, however she was instead given a powerful heart drug.

Margaret Kelly, aged 63, was rushed to the hospital after the supermarket had realised its mistake, where she was told there was a chance she could die. Luckily she survived with just a breakout of scabs on her arms.

Morrisons sent her a letter of apology as well as the compensation, however Margaret was damning in her opinion of the store, stating "No amount of money will wipe out the memory of what happened to me. I will never set foot in Morrisons again."

Drunk Man Refused Compensation for Fence Fall

02/08/2010 14:19:28

A man has been refused compensation for a fall he took over a fence onto concrete on a night out in Plymouth in 2003. Johnathan Harvey had apparently drunk up to 8 pints when he tripped over a chain mail fence and fell over a wall, falling six metres onto a supermarket car park.

He had allegedly been running away from a taxi driver when he tripped and suffered devestating brain damage and head injuries in the fall. He has been left with mobility and communication problems and spent eight months in the hospital recovering from his catastrophic injury.

He orignally sued Plymouth Council for compensation, arguing that they had failed to ensure the fence was secure. Originally a High Court ruling deemed the council 25% liable, despite Mr Harvey's state when he suffered the personal injury. However the council appealed and won the decision on the grounds that Mr Harvey could not be classed as a visitor under the 1957 Occupiers Liability Act.

Retired Electrician Wins Compensation Claim

02/08/2010 13:43:52

A retired electrician has gained compensation for his hearing loss after 50 years as an electrical installation worker. His work for Arthur Ford Ltd consisted installing electrical setups in locations such as schools and hospitals but also handled installations in industrial locations, such as factories and manufacturing works.

Eric Knight lodged his compensation claim after a lifetime of working in noisy surroundings without ear protection. Despite later receiving ear protection from his employer, the damage was already done as the exposure to such loud volumes had left Mr Knight with permanent hearing problems.

Mr Knight was awarded £3,500 in damages after claiming compensation from his employer for his work related personal injury.

Two Women Found Guilty of Staging Road Traffic Accident

02/08/2010 13:03:02

Two women from Manchester have been found guilty of staging a car crash in a bid to falsely claim compensation for a road traffic accident from their insurance companies.

The pair hired an unknown man to arrange to have their cars crash into each other so that they could make the claim after they had fallen into debt. The crash resulted in both their cars being written off. Neither girl was involved in the crash, but both made personal injury claims. The scam was uncovered when Ms Jackman was suspended from her job and an investigation into her emails took place which uncovered details of the plot.

They were both given 12 week prison sentences for the fraudulent compensation claim, as well as being electronically tagged and forced to repay the money they had thus far received in compensation.

Claimant Receives Compensation for Motorcyle Road Traffic Accident

02/08/2010 12:49:04

A man from Manchester has been granted £5.6m in compensation after winning a road traffic accident claim after he was left with catastrophic injuries after being struck by a motorcycle. The man suffered brain damage, blindness and a serious leg injury which later required amputation.

The man was due to be married before the accident and, happily, his girlfriend still married him after the accident and has become his carer, with a judge in the trial stating "I pay public tribute for the care that she has provided. Far from forsaking him, she married him. She has given him very considerable care and, for that, she is due public credit."

The man was awarded a lump settlement of £2.7m and will also receive annual payments of £128,000. The couple's personal injury solicitor stated that "This settlement takes into account [the claimant's] need for two carers at all times during the day."

Brothers Fined Over Employees 20ft Fall

02/08/2010 12:36:18

A pair of brothers have been ordered by the HSE to pay fines totalling £25,000 after a demolitions worker fell 20ft through a roof, suffering catastrophic injuries to his skull in the process. Alan Hind suffered 16 seperate fractures to his skull in the fall, as well as a fractured wrist, damaged kidney and three fractures to his jaw when he fell onto a concrete floor while dismantling an industrial building.

Parts of his brain were so badly damaged that they had to be removed, and he was eventually left deaf in his right ear and blind in his left eye. The Health and Safety Executive enforced fines on both Robert and Eric Murray after the former admitted hiring untrained workers and the latter was found guilty of failing to prevent workers from falling.

It is strongly believed that Mr Hind will make a compensation claim for the fall.

Quarry Firm Fined by HSE

02/08/2010 12:26:32

Humberside Aggregates and Excavations, a quarry operator based in East Yorkshire, has been fined £30,000 by the Health and Safety Executive after a 30-tonne loader vehicle being operated by the firm overturned and slid almost 16ft down a sand stockpile.

The firm still pleaded guilty to three violations of the Quarries Regulations 1999, accepting the fact that it was liable for a personal injury suffered by an employee during the accident.

The incident occured when an un-named employee was being trained as a wheel loader operater at North Cave Quarry. The employee was transferring sand from a stockpile when the access ramp edge he was driving on gave way. The machine overturned and plunged 16 feet.

The trainee suffered a personal injury during the accident, losing consciousness and suffering a concussion that left him hospitalised for two days.

Following the hearing inspector Richard Noble stated "This accident could have been avoided had sufficient edge protection been put in place at minimal cost, which has been the standard within the quarrying industry for many years."

It is unknown whether the employee plans to claim compensation.

Man Who Lost Use of Limbs Receives £800,000 Compensation

02/08/2010 11:57:04

A man who lost the use of his limbs after initially being told that he had pulled a muscle by doctors has been given £825,000 in compensation after it was decided that doctors had been negligent in failing to examine the man's neck and shoulder pain thoroughly.

Tim Joplin was believed to have been injured carrying out DIY work, however it was later found that he had an abscess that was compressing his spinal cord after he had spent five days in Russell's Hall Hospital in Dudley with no diagnosis.

Mr Joplin was admitted to the hospital in 2003 with severe pain in his neck and shoulder. He spent nearly a week there, suffering excruciating pain and partial paralysis before a diagnosis was made. He claims to have notified staff about the deterioration of his condition and claims that his concerns were not addressed or were simply ignored.

The diagnosis was only made when Mr Joplin was transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. He underwent surgery to drain the abscess, however he was still left paralysed in all four limbs. Mr Joplin has stated through his personal injury solicitor that no amount of compensation for the catastrophic injuries he suffered as a result of the medical negligence could give him back his former quality of life. However he is happy that his complaints have been upheld.

Butcher Receives £250,000 Compensation For Repeated Medical Negligence

02/08/2010 11:46:30

A butcher has received £250,000 compensation from Medway NHS Foundation Trust after his leg was amputated following a serious of medical blunders after he was initially admitted into the hospital with an infected toe. Ian Watts claimed that the hospital had failed to control his diabetes correctly and that this, combined with shoddy nursing practices, resulted in the amputation.

He also developed an infection in his right leg because of a badly applied pressure stocking, leaving him severely disabled and reliant on his wife, who suffers from multiple sclerosis. He decided to make a medical negligence compensation claim in the aftermath of his treatment.

Mr Watts faced a lengthy litigation process after the hospital refused to settle out of court and admit medical negligence until a couple of months before the due date of the trial. The incident began when Mr Watts was admitted to the hospital with an infected toe that developed into an ulcer. The toe was amputated after there were no signs of improvement. Eventually Mr Watts' entire left leg was amputated after he developed serious pain. He almost died on the way to surgery when his blood sugar levels dropped.

He also claimed that the ward in which he recovered appeared to be in a "state of disarray" and that he was almost given the wrong medication multiple times. He almost lost his right foot after developing an ulcer on that one too, however after gaining a second opinion and spending nine hours on the operating table his foot was saved.

After he was discharged, Mr Watts developed an ulcer on his right foot and he was admitted to East Grinstead hospital for it to be amputated. After a second opinion and nine hours on the operating table, his foot was saved. He was eventually offered £250,000 by the Trust after they had steadfastly refused to admit liability until a matter of months before the trial.

Boy Receives Multi-Million Pound Compensation for Catastrophic Injuries

02/08/2010 11:32:50

A young boy who suffered a catastrophic personal injury as a baby after the car he was travelling in was hit by a coach is believed to have received at least £3m in compensation for the accident which left him with severe head injuries and in need of constant care.

The accident also caused several deaths. The boy suffered serious head injuries, but is otherwise fit and healthy despite still requiring constant supervision. He suffers with language, concentration and also has motor skills difficulties.

The accident forced his mother to quite a lucrative financial management job to care for the boy and the family have lived off the father's income ever since. Coach service Cobham Hire Services has already admitted liability for accident and have agreed to a settlement that involves a lump sum and annual payments for aftercare.

EasyJet to Face Multi-Million Pound Compensation Bill

02/08/2010 11:22:53

EasyJet is claiming that it may have to pay out up to £28m in compensation to the passengers who were affected by the volcanic ash cloud earlier in the year. The incident, which shut down the majority of European airspace for 6 days, will cost them an estimated £65m when all is told.

The compensation is paid out in accordance to EU regulation 261, which has been attacked by airlines for providing passengers with a "disproportionate" amount of compensation for their incovenience, especially in a situation over which the company had no control.

Despite these problems, the airline still saw a 5.3% increase in sales in between April and May 2010. despite over 7,000 cancellations as a result of the ash cloud.

Up to 1,000 Women May Claim Compensation From Liverpool Hospital

02/08/2010 11:16:10

It has been estimated that anywhere in the region of 1,000 patients could sue for compensation from a Liverpool hospital due to botched surgeries performed by uro-gynaecologist George Rowland performed between 1993 and 2008.

The surgeon was investigated by the GMC after a string of poor diagnosis and inappropriate procedures which left some patients with ongoing symptoms. Liverpool Women's Hospital is now subject to a class action law suit brought on behalf of the patients after a number of accusations were levied at Mr Rowland, who was suspended in 2008 and is still banned from surgery.

350 former patients have thus far come forward to make medical negligence claims, but the number may eventually reach up to 1,000 after an agreement was drawn up with the hospital to scrap the usual three year limit on compensation claims so that patients who suffered personal injuries as a result of Mr Rowland's medical negligence can make a claim. The caveat is that the claims must be filed before September 3rd 2010 to be eligible, leading to calls for more women to make themselves known and potentially claim their compensation

London Based Construction Firm Fined for Endangering Workers

02/08/2010 11:05:24

Gee Construction, a London based construction company that has sites across the country, has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive after it was found that they were not protecting staff well enough from the dangers presented by falls from heights, leaving them open to suffering workplace accidents.

The fine came after the inspection of one of the company's sites in South Wales found it to be unfit for purpose with a range of problems including poor edge protection and unguarded life shafts.

This was deemed unacceptable by the HSE as falling from heights is one of the main causes of work accidents. The company was fined £10,000 after they repeatedly failed to heed warnings from the HSE.

Big Brother Star Could Claim for Personal Injury Suffered on the Show

02/08/2010 10:58:38

Keeley Johnson, a contestant in the current series of Big Brother, broke her ankle when she fell out of a giant bathtub and producers are now worried that she may make a personal injury claim against the show for the personal injury.

A source has stated that "Technically she has suffered an accident at work and like any employee she can seek legal advice to see if there is a case for compensation," leaving executives fearing that she may decide to take action and seek compensation for the personal injury.

A spokeswoman for Channel 4 stated that all tasks completed in the house are subject to a risk assessment before they are given the go ahead.

Construction Worker May Make Compensation Claim

02/08/2010 10:53:04

A construction worker may be advised to make a personal injury compensation claim after his foot was crushed in a work accident, forcing him to have his leg amputated in the aftermath. Alan Seviour had his foot crushed while working for John Wainwright & Co.

He was helping out with some relief road work and had the accident when his foot became trapped between a speed bump and a bar on the machine he had been cleaning, resulting in the amputation.

The employer was found guilty of breaching two sections of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 by the Health and Safety Excutive, leaving them open to a compensation claim after they were fined £10,000.

Fears Over Low Amount of Pleural Plaques Claims

02/08/2010 10:41:17

Fears have been raised that, under a new compensation scheme outlined by the government, as few as 10% of those suffering with asbestos related pleural plaques will be compensated. Justice Secretary Jonathan Djanogly told MPs that approx 6,500 people will put in claims for the asbestos related disease out of what is believed to be 90,000 sufferers.

The figure was revealed when Labour MP for Jarrow Stephen Hepburn quizzed the Justice Secretary about the scheme, asking "What estimate has he made of the number of people with pleural plaques eligible for compensation under the extra-statutory scheme announced on February 22?"

For this he received the answer of around 6,500 claims were expected. Compensation was originally denied to those suffering from the asbestos related disease after a ruling in 2007. However, after a campaign by MPs and a number of unions, ministers brought the scheme back for those who had made a claim before the scheme was scrapped.

The government will pay a fixed sum of £5,000 to those who have been affected.

Electrical Retailer Fined for Exposing Workers to Asbestos

02/08/2010 10:33:16

Stellison Ltd, a Colchester based electrical firm, has been fined £13,000 by the Health and Safety Executive after they found that workers at the company had been exposed to the lethal substance asbestos at its site in Harwich Road in Colchester.

Council officials visited the premises in November 2009 to find that staff in the storeroom has been exposed to asbestos fibres, leaving them at risk of contracting asbestos related cancer mesothelioma. The company was issued with a prohibition notice and were ordered to decontaminate the area and create a management plan to ensure that staff were fully aware of the dangers posed by asbestos.

Stellison were also found to have had an unlicensed company remove asbestos tainted materials in March 2007.

Hospital Criticised Over Children's Deaths

02/08/2010 10:18:38

Dr Geoffrey Harris has criticised the standards of care at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford after four children died during surgery at the institution. He says standards at the hospital were "not what was expected", specifically in the paediatric sector where surgery was suspended when four babies died beween December and February while being operated on by the same surgeon.

An investigation into the deaths has been launched, with the surgeon in question having complained about the age of the equipment and the poor working practices at the hospital. His care is not being brought into question, thus he is not liable for any medical negligence claims. However, if the hospital is proven to have failed to take Mr Salih's recommendations into account, it could find itself liable for compensation claims.

The report also included a review of death rates at the hospital, finding that the death rate amongst 15 patients operated on by new surgeons was 4.8 times higher than the national rate. However it also noted that all the surgeries were complex cases.

Surge in Passenger Injuries on Railways

02/08/2010 10:07:23

The Office of Rail Regulation has revealed that the number of passengers being injured on the London Underground and UK railways have increased during 2009/2010, with many personal injuries occuring from falls on stairs and escalators. However there was also a rise in the number of passengers getting hurt by stepping on and off trains.

In addition to this, three rail staff were also involved in fatal accidents during the course of track work.

The regulator went on to criticise the reporting of minor work injuries by Network Rail and its contractors, pointing out what it called "significant gaps" in information on occupational health collected by the rail industry.

The report is also quick to point out that, despite these figures, the rail industry in the UK is still amongst the safest in Europe. Ian Prosser, director for rail safety at the office, warns that, despite this, "...our report also highlights some deeply concerning track worker and passenger harm safety trends which underline that there can be no room for complacency. The regulator will always support successes and enable improvements."

APIL Calls on Government to Further Regulate Claims Management Companies

02/08/2010 09:43:43

The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) are asking Lord Young to focus on claims management companies (CMCs) during the next review of health and safety laws, calling for tighter regulation after senior figures from the group met with Lord Young.

APIL outlined a number of concerns in a submission to Lord Young, including the issue of professional indemnity insurance applying to CMCs "across the board", with APIL noting that potential claims could go unheeded if a CMC does not pass the claim on to a personal injury solicitor in good time. They also called for regulation on advertising, blaming CMCs for the "explosion" in TV and radio adverts for personal injury lawyers over the last decade as firms feel it necessary to advertise to inform clients of their business in the face of extreme competition.

Lord Young himself has stated that he is considering calling for a complete ban on personal injury advertising in a bid to cull the so-called "compensation culture" in the country, and APIL say that there is little need for the existence of CMCs, stating "It seems anomalous that when commercial businesses are generally cutting costs by removing middle men, middle men have become an established feature of the personal injury landscape."

A recent report on claims management regulation by the Ministry of Justice showed that, as of March 2010, there were 3,172 claims management companies operating, in comparison to 2,004 in June 2008, with turnover in the same period growing by 32%.

Thief to Make Compensation Claim for Public Humiliation

27/07/2010 10:25:13

a man who was forced to walk the streets wearing a sign declaring him a thief after he was caught stealing from his employer is now to file a compensation claim for the humiliation he suffered during the ordeal. Mark Gilbert was marched to the police station with his hands secured behind his back by former employer Simon Cremer after being caught stealing £845.

Mr Cremer forced Mr Gilbert to wear a sign around his neck that stated "THIEF - I stole £845 am on my way to police station" after Mr Cremer caught Gilbert forging a cheque to himself from the company.

For his part, Mr Gilbert claims the money was wages owed to him and that he needed it desperately. He was cautioned after 4 hours in police custody before being released and is now making a £90,000 compensation claim for lost earnings after the incident, in which Mr Gilbert claims he suffered psychological trauma that has left him unable to return to work.

Frozen Vegetable Supplier Fined

27/07/2010 10:16:26

Pinguin Food Ltd, who supply frozen vegetables in bulk, have been fined £10,000 after an employee has a work accident which resulted in the amputation of one of his fingers after it was crushed in an industrial accident.

The company was ordered to pay the fine after being found in breach of the Health and Safety Act 1974. The court had previously heard that the man routinely went into the enclosure surrounding the machinery as it operated, eventually resulting in the accident in which his finger was crushed between a pallet and the conveyor.

His middle finger had to be amputated from the tip to the first knuckle, leaving him unable to attend work for 6 months. He may yet make a compensation claim for his personal injury as well.

Employment Tribunal Grants Compensation for Ageist Remarks

27/07/2010 10:05:58

An employment tribunal has granted nearly £4,000 compensation to a woman after they concluded that she was the victim of ageist remarks from her former employer. She had been employed as a shop manager at Summers Dry Cleaners in Northern Ireland when the owner, Mr Ufuoma Obahor, apparently became fixated with her age and would make constant remarks about it to her.

Anna Stirrup, aged 50 at the time of the incidents, also claimed that in one event she took four days off sick only to have a personal visit from Mr Obahor, who claimed that she was too old to work a five day week and "at her age" should be slowing down.

The personal injury claim was made for the emotional distress caused to Mrs Stirrup, however she also received £2,000 for unlawful deduction of her wages, however the court didn't uphold a claim that Mr Obahor had discriminated against her based on her religion.

Fiancee of Young Offender to Make Compensation Claim for his Death

27/07/2010 09:54:09

The teenage fiancee of a man who was found hanged in his cell at a young offenders' institution in 2005 has launched a compensation claim against the authorities who ran the institution. The claim comes after Karl Lewis was found hanged in his cell at Stoke Heath Young Offenders' Institution.

After a jury returned the verdict that he intended to take his own life Deborah Coles, co-director of INQUEST, stated "Once more the use of prison for those with mental health problems is shown to be unacceptable. This death again raises serious questions about the treatment and care of vulnerable prisoners in Stoke Heath. Having worked closely with the family of another vulnerable boy, Joseph Scholes, who died alone in his cell aged 16 in the same Institution, the critical findings in the case of Karl Lewis bring into question whether recommendations for change were acted on in the light of previous deaths at Stoke Heath. The Prison Service must be brought to account for their failure to act to prevent other deaths.”

The Ministry of Justice owes a certain duty of care to prisoners so now the man's fiancee, Christina Morgan, is making a compensation claim on the basis that they failed this duty of care in allowing her boyfriend to kill himself. The couple had a young daughter together.

Birmingham Firm Fined for Robotics Accident

27/07/2010 09:42:53

Dura Automotive Body and Glass Systems UK have been fined to the tune of £30,000 after an employee was involved in a work accident when he was hit by a manufacturing robot.

The work accident left Michael Brewer with partial paralysis down one side of his body, as well as damage to his voicebox. The injury occured while Mr Brewer was repairing the robot and had entered a guarded area to see the operating cycle of the machine.

The robot was left on the automatic cycle during this check, presenting a clear danger to Mr Brewer which manifested in the personal injury he suffered. It is unknown if he will claim compensation.

Hamper Firm Ordered to Pay Compensation Out of Their Own Pockets

26/07/2010 17:08:20

The directors of defunct hamper firm Farepak, which went bust nearly four years ago, have been ordered to pay compensation to the tune of £4million to the people who lost out when the firm went under. However the compensation is only a patch on the estimated £38million owed to the company's former clients.

The company's collapse was precipitated when Farepak's bank refused to extend an overdraft facility to the group's parent company European Home Retail. This left them in dire straits and unable to carry out their duties to their customers.

The average sum that customers lost has been calculated at £400, however some have lost as much as £2,000 to the hamper firm. To put it into context, the current level of compensation will provide £60 to each family affected by the Farepak collapse. MP for Glasgow East, John Mason, described the compensation pay-outs as “inadequate and unfair”, and it is believed that many of the claimants will pursue further compensation.

Pampering Session Ends in Compensation Claim

26/07/2010 16:56:23

A woman who visited a beauty parlour to pamper herself before an evening out is now claiming comepensation after she suffered a personal injury when a routine wax facial went wrong, leaving her bleeding and in intense pain. Kathleen Wall, from King's Heath, had originally gone to the beauty parlour to get her nails done, but decided on the wax treatment as well when she saw another customer have it.

Says the mother “It was the most painful thing I’ve ever felt...As soon as the beauty therapist put the wax on, I could feel my skin burning. By the time she put the tape over it I was in agony, and I was telling her how much it hurt, but her English wasn’t good.”

Mrs Wall has escaped needing a skin graft, however she still needs to take painkillers after the simple procedure went so drastically wrong.

The beauty parlour are refusing to accept liability, stating that all correct procedures were followed during the treatment. They also point to the fact that Mrs Wall accepted their offer of free treatments, despite stating that she is scarred for life in her compensation claim.

Prisoners to Make Compensation Claim for Food Poisoning

26/07/2010 16:44:55

Prisoners at Wandsworth Prison are set to claim a huge compensation sum after more than 300 inmates, plus a dozen wardens, succumbed to food poisoning as a result of bad egg mayonnaise sandwiches from the canteen.

Each inmate is eligible for compensation between the sums of £1,000 and £5,000 dependent on how badly they were affected by the food poisoning after a report by the infection-prevention team inside the prison accepted liability.

A source inside the prison said of the victims "They suffered from stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea and had to be seen by the prison doctors."

The claim will be paid with taxpayers money, which will likely draw the ire of many who believe they shouldn't be paying compensation for a prisoner's personal injury.

Mesothelioma Victim Dies After Winning Compensation Battle

26/07/2010 16:38:59

A man has died from the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma just a matter of weeks after winning a long battle to claim compensation for having been exposed to asbestos when he worked in the demolition industry. John Manniex endured a drawn out court battle to secure his compensation, however he succumbed to the cancer within a month of the victory.

Mr Manniex was formely employed to demolish houses in the 1960's by Mee and Cocker. The object of this work was to reclaim aluminium that could later be reused, however in the process of doing so workers were exposed to asbestos as asbestos panels were regularly removed and thron onto the floorm causing the air to be havy with the deadly dust.

His former employer did not provide any safety equipment, meaning that workers were fully exposed to the deadly substance, which has caused hundreds of deaths. Mee and Cocker were forced to pay the compensation when they admitted that the houses may have contained asbestos sheets and they did not know enough about the material.

Misdiagnosed Man Wins Compensation Payout

26/07/2010 14:42:25

A man who was misdiagnosed with leukaemia in a case of medical negligence has been awarded £175,000 in damages after being told that he only had one year to live by staff at Basildon Hospital. Anthony Moore, aged 46, was actually suffering from a form of nerve damage that is believed to have been caused by drugs that the hospital provided him for a suspected case of MRSA.

The former engineer claims he suffered psychological trauma and nerve damage that left him unable to work after a series of bad diagnoses at the hospital. When he re-entered the hospital with severe anaemia he was diagnosed with leukaemia and given a year to live. However further examination showed that he had Peripheral Neuropathy, a condition linked to Linezolid, the drug given to Mr Moore initially to treat the suspected MRSA.

Mr Moore's nerve damage extends to his ams and legs, with nerve palsy having developed in his left knee. This has led to him being unable to walk normally and the symptoms are believed to be permanent, meaning an amputation may be in the pipeline.

The compensation for the personal injury suffered was granted in an out of court settlement. Basildon Hospital declined to comment but are believed to have accepted liability in the medical negligence claim.

Precedent May be Set in Teacher's Compensation Case

26/07/2010 14:27:41

An Australian teacher has filed a personal injury claim for damage caused to her larynx as a result of constantly having to shout at pupils. The compensation claim is believed to be the first of its kind anywhere in the world, with the teacher gaining up to £500,000 if the compensation claim is a success.

The claim stems from her belief that the school she worked for failed to provide her with the classroom assistance she required, with the teacher claiming that the school should have rotated her duties so she didn't have to constantly handle the naughty class.

She also states that she was not given the proper training to handle the class, which consisted of 31 special needs pupils, including students with Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The claim itself encompasses the damage inflicted on her vocal chords, as well as lost of past amd potential earnings. If it is successful it may pave the way for teachers to make a host of compensation claims.

Oldham Coliseum to Have Asbestos Removed to Prevent Compensation Claims

26/07/2010 14:20:38

Oldham council have decided to undertake a million pound scheme to rid the famed Oldham Coliseum of asbestos to ensure that the council will not be held liable for any compensation claims in relation to the deadly substance.

Approximately £1.45million is to be spent on the refurbishment, which includes the installation of a new heating system in addition to the asbestos removal work. There is currently no risk to the public in relation to the asbestos in the building, however it may become exposed during the installation of the heating system, leading to the council making the decision to rid the Coliseum of the substance altogether.

The council aims to prevent any asbestos compensation claims from arising, ensuring the continuing success of the establishment, which is currently in its 125th year.

Postman to Receive Compensation After Work Accident

26/07/2010 14:14:15

A postman is to receive a compensation payout after an encounter with a dog during his rounds resulted in him sustaining a personal injury in a fall. Colin Hatch was delivering mail when he was frightened by a dog at a neighbour's property. He fled the scene, but caught his foot on a cracked paving stone and fell, injuring his knee in the process.

The 41 year old was forced to retire for health reasons and in a statement he claimed that he knew that the home owner in question had two "aggressive" border collies and he feared being attacked by one of them. Talking on the accident he said "Momentum kept my knee going forward and I felt something go in my knee."

He was diagnosed with a torn ligament and was forced to undergo keyhole surgery after his work accident.

Cyclist who Suffered a Personal Injury When Struck at a Roundabout May Sue

26/07/2010 14:07:27

A cyclist who was hit at a roundabout in Blackburn may decide to make a compensation claim for the personal injuries he suffered in the incident, which involved a black Volkswagen Golf.

The man was left with cuts and bruises after the incident, with the vehicle involved in the accident believed to have suffered a punctured front tyre on the driver's side as a result of the road traffic accident.

Police have confirmed that no arrests have been made to date for the incident, in which they were required to close the road for 30 minutes. However if fault is proven against the driver who struck the cyclist then the 19 year old man who was hit will be able to make a compensation claim.

Woman Who Lost Three Fingers in Work Accident May Sue

26/07/2010 14:01:03

A woman who had three of her fingers amputated in a work accident when she was helping her colleague remove aluminium foil from a power press when she suffered her personal injury may decide to sue her employer for compensation for the accident.

The woman worked at I2R Packaging Solutions and suffered her personal injury when the person she was working with opened the protective guards to stop the machine automatically, but failed to switch off the pneumatic energy. The store of power from this resulted in the machine snapping up, catching the woman's fingers along the way.

The firm were fined £10,000 for health and safety breaches, with a Health and Safety Executive inspector stating that "While the machine had some protective guards and safety mechanisms in place, it seems they were not adequate to prevent danger to operatives during processes such as clearing blockages."

Man Wins Compensation for Work Accident at Construction Site

26/07/2010 13:49:26

A man has received compensation for a personal injury he suffered in a work accident where he slipped on a muddy footway on a construction site. He made the claim against both the site contractor and sub-contractor, whose responsibility it was to maintain the site.

In court it was decided that the sub-contractor was liable for any injury that happened on the grounds of the site as a result of poor site maintenance. Thus he became liable for the worker's personal injury as it was his job to clear the walkway of mud.

In addition to this the main contractor was also deemed liable as he failed to provide an effective maintenance system to the sub-contractor. This duty was considered part of the contractor's supervisorial role, thus they should have made a suitable maintenance system available to the sub-contractor to implement.

Man Seeks Advice Over Police Tasering Accident

26/07/2010 11:52:04

An aggrieved motorist is seeking legal advice after he suffered a personal injury when a police officer accidentally discharged a 50,000 volt taser gun into his groin after pulling him over for suspected insurance violations.

Peter Cox was pulled over in Somerset on suspicion of driving without insurance. An officer pointed the gun at him before lowering it, however the taser discharged as he did so. The gun's discharge hit the man's groin and ankle, leaving him in agonising pain to the point where he had to be treated by paramedics on his front lawn.

He has denied becoming aggressive in the incident, and his car was also confirmed to have valid insurance immediately after the incident. This leaves the Avon and Somerset Police Force potentially liable to pay compensation for the personal injury. A spokesman for the force stated "On Tuesday morning officers stopped a man in Bridgwater suspected to be driving a vehicle without insurance. The man appeared to become aggressive and the officer removed his Taser in accordance with protocol. On lowering the Taser it was accidentally discharged. The man was given first aid at the scene but is not believed to be injured."

Women Being Treated After Drinking Contaminated Health Drink

26/07/2010 11:39:18

Two women are being treated after being left seriously ill by an aloe vera based health drink that had become contaminated with the horse tranquilliser ketamine.

The drink had reportedly left one of the women in a vegative state after she and another woman suffered a severe reaction to the health product that they are believed to have purchased at a Leicester school fair. The women are currently in the Leicester Royal Infirmary, where their condition is being described as 'satisfactory'.

A Health Protection Agency (HPA) spokesman said of the drink, called Gayatri Aloe Vera, "The HPA is advising anyone who has a bottle of this liquid not to drink it and take it to the nearest police station. If they have drunk it they should seek medical advice immediately."

The women may be eligible to make a product liability compensation claim for the suffering that the drink has caused them.

Pirelli Fined After Work Accident

26/07/2010 11:31:24

Famed tyre maker Pirelli have been fined after admitting that they breached health and safety regulations after an employee suffered a broken leg in a work accident when he was struck by a forklift truck in the company's Carlisle factory.

The tyre maker was fined £9,000 after pleading guilty to being liable for the work accident, in which contractor Allan Miller was struck from behind by the vehicle while walking through the curing department at the factory. He was left unable to return to his normal duties after suffering the personal injury.

Pirelli were prosecuted for failing to ensure proper precautions were taken to protect workers and pedestrians at the site, with the North Cumbria Magistrates' Court hearing that forklift drivers often had to purposely obstruct their own vision as their loads had to be lowered to avoid overhead obstructions.

Despite a risk assessment being carried out by the company which found that the area should be a pedestrian free zone, Pirelli still allowed people to walk in and out of the area. This was not the first incident that had occured there, however it was the first to result in a personal injury.

Man Has Hand Ripped off By Machine

26/07/2010 11:22:41

A man working in a sheet metal factory suffered a catastrophic personal injury when he had his hand ripped off by a lathe machine in County Durham. The worker, who is aged 55, was working for Conder Solutions Ltd on Peterlee's South West Industrial Estate in June 2009 when the accident occured.

Surgeons have since stitched the hand back in place, however the worker claims to have no feeling left in the appendage and that he is still unable to use it, despite having five seperarte operations since the accident. This has left him unable to work, and thus able to claim compensation for both the accident and his lost earnings.

Conder admitted breaking health and safety mandates and was fined £15,000 for the incident, with the HSE stating that "This employee suffered an extremely painful and possibly life-changing injury because Conder Solutions Limited failed to take measures to prevent access to dangerous parts of the lathe and to ensure a safe system of work was being used."

It is unknown at this point whether the worker aims to make a personal injury compensation claim after the accident.

Clubbers Get £75,000 Compensation for Slips and Trips

21/07/2010 16:17:33

A group of clubbers have successfully sued Wolverhampton City Council for a succession of personal injuries caused by various slips and trips on club nights held at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall. Six clubbers are pursuing the compensation after claiming that they slipped on bottles or spilled drinks that had been left on the floor.

The clubbers claimed the council did not take the required steps to clean up the mess, leading to their injuries, and they have called for staff to be on hand to monitor any spillages. Four of the clubbers won their personal injury claims at court, while the other two were settled with out of court, with total compensation amounting to around £75,000.

The fact that there were a number of incidents over a period of time is believed to have enabled the group's personal injury lawyers to establish that there was a lack of reasonable care shown towards the clubbing public.

NHS Lothian Has Paid Out More Than £7million in Compensation

19/07/2010 16:02:30

NHS Lothian paid out almost £7million in medical negligence compensation last year, with the health board spending £6.8million on settling cases. A further £59,000 was spent on non-clinical compensation claims.

The sum is actually a fall in the previous year's figures, in which they paid out £10million to personal injury victims. Health chiefs claim that, while the number of claims made against the organisation has decreased, the cost of each claim has risen.

Health Protection Agency Fined for Exposing Employees to E.Coli

19/07/2010 15:50:09

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has been fined £25,000 after they exposed their employees to E.Coli O157 during a disposal operation at the Centre for Infections in October 2007. The bacteria, classed as Hazard Group 3 waste, was spilled on the floor, leaving the potential for exposure.

The Health and Safety Executive found that the HPA had failed to ensure proper handling of the bacteria, stating that "E. coli O157 is a highly infectious and potentially deadly bacterium and there are well established practices for handling this safely. But in this case, these practices were not met."

Luckily for the HPA, none of its workers came into contact with the bacteria else they would likely have been facing compensation claims for a work accident.

Woman to Make Compensation Claim After Her Son is Electrocuted

19/07/2010 15:27:03

A woman is to make a compensation claim against her city council after her son was electrocuted when he strayed near a damaged lamppost.

Tyler Stone, aged 2 of Leicester, touched live wires that were hanging from the lamp, suffering severe burns in the process that would have been a lot worse had he not been wearing rubber soled shoes.

His mother, Sarah, told the Daily Mail that she thinks it is the council's responsibility to ensure that street lights are safe, stating that "Residents at the flats say that light has been like that for over a year. It's a miracle no one has been killed."

Leicester City Council is investigating the incident.

Auto Windscreens Warns Against Legionnaire's Disease Claims

19/07/2010 15:17:02

Auto Windscreens is warning insurers that they may be about to face a rise in personal injury claims after research by the Health Protection Agency found that up to 20% of Legionnaire's Disease cases in England and Wales are caused by windscreen wiper water.

The company points to the changing laws on e-certificates as a way for insurance companies to avoid having to make payouts as they can issue warning e-shots to policy holders.

The company's marketing director Nigel Davies said: “More and more insurers and brokers that we work with are using e-technology to communicate quickly and cost effectively with their customers. Using e-technology to advise policyholders of the health benefits of using screen wash is a prime example of how insurers can try to control their glass and personal injury claims costs.”

Firm Fined After Ignoring Multiple Health and Safety Warnings, Resulting in Man's Death

19/07/2010 15:08:04

It is being reported that a plastics factory in Middleton, Greater Manchester have been handed a £140,000 fine after ignoring multiple warnings from staff, who reported 15 near misses before a cleaner was crushed to death by two 1,375kg pallets as he swept the yard of the factory.

The firm failed to ensure the safety of its workers, and were also fined for not having a single person trained in first aid on the payroll. Minshull Street Court heard that the company operated virtually no health and safety practices and they had been stacking pallets on top of each other to save space,

Whenever staff made complaints about the unsafe conditions, they were simply told to "get on with it" or risk being fired. It is unknown whether the victim's family intend to make a compensation claim for the fatal accident.

Beyonce Has Lucky Personal Injury Escape

19/07/2010 14:44:38

World renowned singer Beyonce has a lucky escape from a potentially serious personal injury after the door of her S-Class Mercedes was ripped off when a taxi cab smashed into the side of the vehicles as she was about to get out.

Luckily nobody was hurt in the road traffic accident, which took place when Beyonce and rapper husband Jay-Z were due to go on a shopping trip in London's Harrods department store.

The superstar was left suitably shaken to cancel the trip, with a source claiming that “It was terrifying to watch. It all happened so quickly, the taxi came out of nowhere. She seemed very shaken and was lucky to be alive. A couple of seconds’ difference and God knows what could have happened.”

Record Compensation Sum Paid to Victim of Road Traffic Accident

19/07/2010 14:27:18

A Walsall man has received a record breaking compensation sum of £11million after he was involved in a road traffic accident that left him with catastrophic injuries. Wasim Mohammed was five days away from celebrating his 19th birthday when the car in which he was a passenger clipped another car as it attempted to overtake, resulting in the car smashing into a wall at 50mph.

Mr Mohammed was left tetraplegic by the accident and now requires full time care from two carers. He was awarded a lump sum of £4.25million, as well as annual payments of £235,000 to meet the estimated cost of £11.15million for his care. The case was settled out of court just hours before it was due to start trial in Birmingham County Court.

Speaking after the personal injury settlement Mr Mohammed said “I am pleased the case is over and am very grateful to all those who have helped me since my injury. It is very important to me to be able to fulfil my duty to my family the best I can. Being able to live near them and see them every day while still getting the care I need is as close as I can get.”

Member of Ferry Crew Injured by Hydraulic Door

19/07/2010 14:13:20

A member of a ferry crew has suffered a personal injury after being crushed in a hydraulic door. The man was airlifted to hospital after the accident on a ferry off the Pembrokeshire coast and is now in a stable condition after being treated for what is believed to be a broken pelvis.

The 45 year old was caught in a water tight door about 10 miles from St Anne's Head in Milford Haven and received medical assistance over the phone as he awaited the air ambulance.

The company that operates MV Julia, the ferry on which the accident occurred, has since put the ship back in operation and have since acknowledged the accident and are conducting their own investigation into it. However it is still possible that the ferry worker may choose to make a no win, no fee claim for the work accident.

Man Who Used Personal Injury Compensation to Start Business Fined for Benefit Fraud

19/07/2010 13:59:46

A man who used the personal injury compensation he received after an industrial work place accident to start a metal work business has been found guilty of benefit fraud after claiming benefits for disabilities, as well as mobility allowances despite earning thousands for buying, refurbishing and selling cars.

The man had received £1million for his work accident back in 1994, and his benefits claims were initially deemed legitimate as he was unable to work after the accident, however as he rehabbed he began using the skills he had learnt as a metal worker recreationally.

He transitioned into working commercially from there, restroring old vehicles to their former condition. At one point he even took on employees while continuing to claim disability benefit. He is now facing an Inland Revenue claim for £127,000, as well as other costs and damages associated with his fraud.

Parents of a Child Injured on a See-Saw Sue Local Authority

19/07/2010 13:49:35

The parents of a child he suffered a personal injury while playing on a see-saw are to sue their local council after he landed head first on the concrete edge of the rubber matted site.

Reece Geisler had to be rushed to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary after the accident and now his parents are to make a compensation claim. His mother, Debbie Geisler, claims that "It is not about the money at all. We just want them to acknowledge this accident happened and because it happened, it is not safe."

She has called for the see-saw to be removed from the playground to prevent similar accidents in the future. A Kirklees Council member refused to comment on the situation.

Man Injured in Road Traffic Accident Receives Compensation

19/07/2010 13:44:27

A man who suffered multiple injuries in a road traffic accident has been awarded after consulting a personal injury solicitor. Reports claim that Brian Agard, a former rugby player, was struck by a motorbike as he crossed a road in Oldham.

The incident took place in 2003, and the impact caused him to suffer a shattered left leg below the knee, which doctors were forced to amputate. He also suffered further complications after the surgery due to the catastrophic injury.

Mr Agard sued the driver of the motorcycle involved after the crash, and has recently been awarded a lump sum of compensation, as well as receiving yearly payments for the rest of his life to help deal with aftercare.

Doctor's Family Paid Compensation After His Fatal Accident

19/07/2010 13:36:47

The family of a doctor who was killed when a tourist jet boat in which he was a passenger flipped over and landed upside down on a gravel bank have been granted £11,700 in compensation for the doctor's fatal accident.

Doctor Paul Joseph Woods was killed in the incident, which also left others injured. The driver of the boat, named as Jeffrey Donaldson, was ordered to pay the compensation to the victim's family after pleading guilty to operating the boat in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk. He was also fined an additional £1,170 in addition to the compensation payout.

Care Home Sued After Murder of Patient

19/07/2010 13:04:50

The family of a woman who died in a care home in Cheshire is to sue after she was killed by a carer who was supposed to look after her. Christopher Bowyer started a fire in the room of Mary Bennett, a 79 year old dementia patient, using a cigarette lighter. The pensioner suffered severe burns during the incident, and died from her injuries a week later.

Mr Bowyer was convicted of murder and sentenced to 27 years in prison, however the family of Mrs Bennett, specifically her son Peter and his wife Sandra have started legal proceedings against the foundry that runs that home. They state that the compensation claim for the fatal accident is less about money and more about principle, as they wish to highlight that proper checks should be carried out on all potential employees.

Mr Bowyer's criminal check revealed no convictions, however a check on his medical records revealed after the incident showed that he had a history of starting fires. This has caused the Bennetts to seek personal injury compensation for vicarious liability against the home, on the grounds that the employer is liable for the actions of an employee during their time of employment.

Brothers Receive Compensation for Police Brutality

19/07/2010 12:52:30

A pair of brothers have been awarded £25,000 in compensation after they were assualted by police officers during a protest outside the Israeli Embassy in which they were demonstrating against Israeli operations in Gaza.

They claim they were both victims of unprovoked attacks from the police, with Russell Inglis stating that “We presented no threat whatsoever to the police, but we were both struck on the head.”

His twin brother Ashley added “It is of great concern that many of those officers – including the officer who struck me – sought to act with impunity by covering up their shoulder numbers.”

Scotland Yard have offered the brothers compensation and an apology for the incident, which occurred on a day when 76 people were arrested and 55 officers were injured.

Wayne Rooney Sued for Compensation by Former Management Company

19/07/2010 12:45:52

Wayne Rooney could have further misery piled onto his summer after a dismal World Cup if a judgment on the alleged unpaid commission on his commercial earnings is ruled in favour of his former management company.

Rooney will likely not be present in court when the judgement is delivered, being represented by his agent instead. His agent, Paul Stretford, is at the centre of the row, which came about when Mr Stretford split from Formation after they had taken over his company Proactive Sports Management. When he departed he took both Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen with him.

Formation argue that they are owed over £4.5million in compensation due to the deal that Rooney has with Mr Stretford in which his agent receives 20% of all commercial deals. The company claim they are owed all the commission paid to Mr Stretford in this manner since 2008, when Mr Stretford continued to receive payment from Rooney despite being suspended from working as a football agent for 18 months in 2008 due to improper conduct.

Motorcycle Accident Claims Life of Soldier on Leave

19/07/2010 12:37:44

A Royal Engineer who was on leave after a dangerous tour of Afghanistan has died after a motorcycle accident in Germany. Andrew Roberts, aged 25, passed his motorcycle test and then flew out to Germany to join his regiment.

He had been watching a local tug of war contest when the road traffic accident happened, leaving his parents devestated after months of worrying that he may be killed in action. His father, Martin Roberts, said "It was so unexpected, everyone was so relieved that he had come back safe from Afghanistan so this was the last thing we expected. When an Army official came to my door to break the news I told him he had got it wrong, that Andrew was back from Afghanistan. Then he told me the crash had happened in Germany."

NHS Pays out £1.8billion in Compensation for Medical Negligence

19/07/2010 12:18:58

Recent figures made available due to a freedom of information request have revealed that the NHS has paid out more than £1.8billion in compensation for medical negligence claims in maternity care. Many of the cases are also related to injury at birth cases, such as starving children of oxygen due to medical negligence.

Payouts of £1million or more have been given to over 600 patients since 1996 through the Clinical Negligence Scheme for NHS Trusts, with negligent maternity standards being the main cause for compensation claims, with over 300 cases of babies being left with cerebral palsy after errors during birth.

The largest payouts included £7.1million given two a ten year old boy after he suffered brain damage during birth, while another NHS trust paid out £9.7 million to a child left badly disabled due to a birth injury.

Man Dies of Asbestos Exposure 60 Years On

19/07/2010 12:09:31

A man has died of the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma, 60 years after initially being exposed to the deadly substance when he was 15 years old. Gordon Lee, aged 75, died in February after being diagnosed with the disease when he went to his doctor in November while suffering from a cough.

Mr Lee was exposed to asbestos while working as an apprentice marine engineer for a firm in Birkinhead at the age of 15. He was tasked with removing pipes laced with asbestos and was not given any protective clothing by the firm.

He contracted Pleural Mesothelioma during the course of this work, a disease which can lie dormant for many years without symptoms being visible. It is unknown whether Mr Lee's family will make a personal injury claim in relation to the asbestos related illness.

Pedestrian Wins Right to Claim for Road Traffic Accident

19/07/2010 11:56:02

A pedestrian who suffered a personal injury as a result of a road traffic accident has finally won the right to claim damages after successfully arguing the liability of a local authority by claiming they failed in their duty of care by not trimming bushes planted on a highway's central reservation.

Mrs Pervin Yetkin, from Dalston, has intially been told she was not eligible for compensation as she was to blame for the accident when she was struck by a taxi while crossing the road when traffic lights were against her. However the Court of Appeal has ruled that the local authority still owed her a duty of care despite her own negligence and had failed to protect her by not trimming the bushes that obscured her view of the oncoming traffic.

She is to be compensated for 25% of the catastrophic injuries she suffered, however it is unknown at this point how much compensation she will receive.

Man Dies as a Result of Father's Exposure to Asbestos

19/07/2010 11:47:29

A man has died of the asbestos related cancer Mesothelioma after being exposed to the deadly substance due to his father working with it when he was a child.

Keith Baker, aged 57 of Chipperfield, died on June 3rd after developing a cough in 2009 and suffering shortness of breath which was eventually diagnosed as Mesothelioma in September of last year. Depsite undergoing chemotherapy, his condition deteriorated and he passed early last month.

Coroner Edward Thomas stated that "Dr Robert Rudd examined Mr Baker's medical records and those of his father, Kenneth Baker, who died in 2004 from industrial disease. Mr Keith Baker told his solicitors that although he was not exposed to asbestos while working, his father Kenneth Baker was - he would come home with his overalls covered in asbestos dust."

It is unknown at this point whether his family will make a compensation claim for the asbestos related death.

Government Warns Personal Injury Firms to Stamp Out Compensation Culture

12/07/2010 14:05:48

The government has warned personal injury solicitors who pursue frivilous claims that they are expected to play their part in reducing what is seen as the "compensation culture" prevelant in British society, lest they wish to be placed under stricter regulations by a governmental body.

Lord Falconer has told a conference on personal injury claims that the government, insurance companies and compensation firms must all co-operate to ensure that the industry isn't bogged down with bad claims, while still allowing genuine claims to be made.

Young Apprentice Injured in Work Accident

12/07/2010 13:54:49

A young apprentice who broke his arm after falling through a roof at work could now seek personal injury compensation for his work accident after the Health and Safety Executive fined the company he was working for as they had violated health and safety practices.

Shaun Jacob was working for a roofing company called Randell and Janes Roofing Specialists Ltd, in which he was tasked with removing a ridge from a metal sheet roof. While doing this, the sheet he was standing on buckled underneath him, causing him to fall three metres to the floor and break his arm.

The HSE found that no risk assessment had been conducted before the job was carried out, resulting in the company being fined £2,000, as well as having to pay £1,500 in costs.

Slips and Trips Are Most Common Work Accident

12/07/2010 13:47:11

A recent study has shown that slips and trips are the most common accidents to occur in the workplace, resulting in a around 36% of personal injury claims made for accidents at work. This includes accidents such as tripping over wires or slipping on wet surfaces.

Last year the British economy saw more than 4 and a half million workdays lost as a result of workplace accidents that forced people to take time off work, resulting in lost earnings or, in some cases, the employee not being able to continue working.

Compensation payouts for work related accidents often involve an initial lump sum payout, couple with extra compensation for loss of earnings as a result of the injury.

Man Commits Arson After Having a Personal Injury Claim Made Against His Insurance Company

12/07/2010 13:39:40

A man has been convicted of commiting arson as revenge against the victim of a road traffic accident who was making a compensation claim against him. Paul Bruton has been involved in a road traffic accident three years ago in which the eventual claimant, who was also a neighbour, suffered a personal injury and broke her collar bone.

The day before the arson attack, Mr Bruton had received a letter from the woman informing him of her intention to make a compensation claim against his insurance company, after which he allegedly phoned the woman and threatened to break more bones in her body before posting about the incident on facebook.

Following this he then went on to set fire to her Ford Ka while it was parked in her driverway, before immediately turning himself in to the police. Confusion reigned in the courtroom as he was sentenced, with the judge pondering why he had undertaken such a reaction when the claim was to be made against his insurance company rather than he himself. He was sentenced to a suspended 8 month prison sentence, as well as 200 hours community service and being ordered to pay £460 towards damages for the car.

FAI Decides Overdose Death was Preventable

12/07/2010 13:24:09

A fatal accident inquiry carried out against Castle Craig Hospital during the investigation into the death of a drug addict who was undergoing rehab at the facility was led to the conclusion that the death was preventable and he was the victim of medical negligence when he was given three does of the of heroin substitute methodone in a 24 hour period.

The inquiry found that no urine tests had been carried out to check if the man had been using heroin or to determine his tolerance to the drug. After being given the third dose of the drug the man, named as Kieran Nichol, was told to go to bed as he became drowsy and began to stagger, a decision described as extraordinary by a medical expert.

A spokesperson for the hospital has stated that it is considering the findings and will make changes to their system accordingly, however it appears that the family of Mr Nichol will make a compensation claim for the fatal accident.

Woman Receives £65,000 Compensation for Work Accident

12/07/2010 13:14:46

A woman has gained compensation for a personal injury that she suffered at work when she was asked to collect boxes from another department. When she found the boxes to be too heavy she asked for help, however with none forthcoming she decided to take a trolley and move them herself. Her personal injury occurred on the stairwell when she tore a muscle in her shoulder trying to control the trolley while descending the stairs. There was no lift available for her to use.

The injury resulted in the woman having to undergo surgery, and she still suffers discomfort as a result of the injury. She was able to claim personal injury compensation as her employer has not carried out a proper risk assessment of the process involved in moving the boxes, as well as not providing her with any training. She was eventually given £65,000 for the work accident.

Councils Pay Out £82million in Compensation for Slips and Trips

12/07/2010 12:36:41

Recent figures have been unveiled which show that councils in the UK have paid out more than £82million in the last five years for personal injury claims made as a result of somebody being the victim of a slip or trip as a result of uneven roads and pavements.

Leeds Council alone has paid out £10million in that time period, with the average across each council amounting to around £1million. There has been a recent surge in compensation claims in this respect after pavements were damaged by the frost in the recent cold spell.

However local councils are still responsible for maintaining footpaths and must show that they have a reasonable system in place to maintain the pavements. If this is proven not to be the case then victims of slips and trips become eligible to make a personal injury compensation claim.

Man's Family to Claim Compensation After Fatal Bus Accident

12/07/2010 12:23:52

The relatives of a man who was involved in a fatal accident have launced a compensation claim in the hope of receiving over £2million in personal injury compensation. The family of Kevin Mykoliw, who was killed when the bus he was travelling in crashed into a parked lorry, aim to claim compensation from the bus driver involved in the incident.

The driver, named as Arthur Botterill, has already previously admitted causing Mr Mykoliw's death as a result of careless driving, receiving a 210 hour community service punishment, as well as being banned from driving for 3 years. The family of Mr Mykoliw now aim to sue both Mr Botterill and the company that employed him to gain compensation for the fatal accident.

Comet Fined After Work Accident Leads to Worker's Death

12/07/2010 12:13:29

The Comet Group has been fined a total of £75,000 for a fatal accident involving a roofing contractor who fell through a roof light onto the store floor below in a workplace accident. Paul Alker was not wearing any safety equipment to prevent the fall, meaning that he landed on the shop floor unprotected, suffering multiple injuries in the process.

These injuries included fractured ribs, a broken collar bone and a number of soft tissue injuries, resulting in his death five days later in June 2007. The Health and Safety Executive fined the company after releasing a statement claiming that the accident could have been avoided if protection was placed around the lights on the roof.

Teenage Victim of Medical Negligence Awarded Multi-Million Compensation Payout

12/07/2010 12:01:23

A teenage girl from Mansfield has lodged a successful personal injury compensation claim against both her GP and the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust after it was revealed that their medical negligence resulted in her being paralysed as a result of injuries caused by a bacterial infection related to chickenpox.

The infection led to her developing septicaemia, which eventually resulted in brain and spinal cord damage which the girl argued could have been avoided if her GP had admitted her to hospital when he saw her. She also claimed compensation from the NHS Trust after successfully proving that the hospital misdiagnosed her condition and didn't do all it could to help her.

Scaffolder Receives Catastrophic Injury Payout

12/07/2010 11:49:26

A scaffolder who suffered catastrophic injuries when the scaffolding he was working on collapsed, causing him to plummet more than 20 feet, has been awarded personal injury compensation after spending nearly four years in hospital with serious brain damage following the work accident.

His former employer, Powerthorn Access Services, settled out of court after it was revealed that scaffolding that was meant to be able to hold up to one tonne of weight had been built using the wrong kind of bolts, leading to the platform collapsing when Patrick O'Malley stepped onto it.

Mr O'Malley's injuries were so bad that his family were initially told that he would not survive, however he pulled through and has made significant improvements since the work accident, including being able to talk, use his upper limbs and walk with assistance. However he has still been left disabled and unable to work since the incident leading to his family making the compensation claim.

He has received a large sum in compensation that has allowed for a bungalow to be adapted to enable a better quality of life for Patrick, as well as providing for the aftercare that he has received, and will continue to receive, for his personal injuries.

Liverpool Law Society Conference Hailed as a Success

12/07/2010 11:36:49

The Liverpool Law Society personal injury conference that was recently held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the heart of Liverpool has been hailed as a success by many involved. The conference, which was held on the 29th of June and chaired by Stephen Stewart QC, discusses issues including Road Traffic Accidents and issues relating to animal act cases.

A number of the speakers also touched upon how the Jackson Report has affected many personal injury solicitors, as well as a number of issues relating to the compensation sector.

Vehicle Passenger Injured in Road Traffic Accident Receives Large Compensation Payout

12/07/2010 11:25:05

A man who was left paralysed as a result of the catastrophic injuries he suffered in a road traffic accident has been granted what is believed to be over £1million in compensation for the life changing problems that the personal injury have caused him.

The man, named Marcus Jeffrey, was a passenger in the front of a vehicle that lost control and rolled over a number of times in Cornwall back in 2003, leaving him with a collapsed lung and multiple fractures to the spine, as well as some brain damage that his legal team claimed was suffered as a result of oxygen deprivation after the accident.

The driver of the car died at the scene, and two other passengers in the car were injured as well, however Mr Jeffrey suffered the most catastrophic injuries, resulting in Mrs Justice Davies, who approved the settlement in court stating that “Whatever monies come to you will never compensate you for your injuries. What I hope that they will do is give you a decent quality of life and, within that life, a proper level of support.”

Woman Granted Compensation for Abuse Suffered Under the Care of the Church

12/07/2010 11:16:02

The Church of England has made a compensation payout to a woman who claimed to have suffered years of abuse at a children's home run by the church. Teresa Cooper made the claim after she argued that the abuse she suffered led to her three children being born with birth defects. In the process of making the compensation claim she also found 18 other previous occupants of the home, all of whom had children that had been born with birth difficulties.

Mrs Cooper contended that her abuse consisted of being sedated with tranquilizers and anti-depressants more than 1,200 times, as well as being sexually assaulted and violently restrained if she tried to fight off her attackers. She has three children, all of whom have been born with a defect of some form, and she contended that this treatment led to these disabilities.

After an 18 year campaign for justice, Mrs Cooper has finally been granted her compensation, and now wishes for the Government to launch an inquiry into the care home, stating that “I want to make sure the Church of England understands and publicly acknowledges what happened to me and dozens of other girls at Kendal House and I would like to see a genuine Christian will to help others who suffered like me.”

Personal Injury Claims for Police Dog Bites in West Midlands Total £25,000

12/07/2010 11:05:42

Recent figures have revealed that more than £25,000 has been paid out in personal injury compensation to innocent victims of police dog bites in the West Midlands in the last three years. Over 680 people have been bitten by police dogs in that period, however 9 of this sum were found to be innocent bystanders, thus entitled to personal injury compensation for the bites.

While a police spokesperson stated that “Police dog handlers will only unclip a dog from its lead once they have shouted a verbal warning to a fleeing suspect to stop," there has been at least one case where a police officer was found to have acted negligently, trespassing onto property.

Farm Related Fatal Accidents are on the Rise

12/07/2010 10:55:25

Fatal Accident cases related to the agricultural sector are on the rise after a decrease last year bucked the trend for an increasing amount of farm related personal injuries. Recent figures unveiled by the Health and Safety Executive show that there were 38 deaths in the sector between April 2009 and March 2010, making the agricultural sector the most dangerous in the UK to work in.

It has been determined that many of the deaths occurred as a result of avoidable accidents, meaning that the trend should not continue, with issues such as the misuse of telehandlers to drive in farm posts being a contentious point. The Health and Safety Executive contend that misuse of equipment intended for other purposes in this manner has led to many personal injuries that could have been avoided.

Worker to Claim Compensation in Fireworks Incident

12/07/2010 10:21:23

A man who suffered an extensive personal injury in a fireworks related work accident is likely to claim compensation after he was left blind in one eye. The accident occurred while he was performing his role during a display put on by a company known as JWP Fireworks.

The Health and Safety Executive revealed in their investigation that the owner of the company, Jason Edgecombe, had broken a number of health and safety regulations. This included forging a public liability insurance certificate to obtain fireworks from a larger company. He is likely to receive a substantial fine, as well as a likely compensation claim from the worker injured in the work accident.

Man to Seek Compensation for Work Accident at University of Warwick

12/07/2010 10:10:43

Gareth Keal, who suffered a large amount of soft tissue damage in a work accident in October 2008, is likely to make a compensation claim for the personal injury that he suffered. Mr Keal suffered damage to his right arm, including injuries to his muscles, tendons and ligaments, when he was dragged into a tractor mounted bulb harvesting machine while doing work for the University of Warwick.

The Health and Safety Executive have ruled that both Standen Engineering and the university itself broke regulations, with failures on both sides leading to the eventual work accident. Mr Keal may now look to claim compensation both for the personal injury and for the 18 months of physical therapy and aftercare that he endured after the incident.

Man to Claim Compensation in Forklift Accident

12/07/2010 09:57:59

A man who was injured in a work accident when a forklift struck him, reversing over his right foot and causing multiple fractures, is to claim compensation after the firm he was working for were fined for health and safety regulation breaches.

Raymond Morris, who was working for portable toilet hire firm Elliott at the time of the accident, was a victim of an accident that, according to inspectors, "...could and should have been prevented. Workplace transport is a priority area for health and safety and workers being hit by reversing vehicles is a well-known danger."

Their investigation showed that the worker's personal injury came about because the depot on which the work was taking place had been poorly designed, leading to the forklift driver's view being impaired. They concluded that management between the driving and on foot workforce needed to be managed better.

Stevenage Couple Latest to Claim in Egyptian Food Poisoning Controversy

12/07/2010 09:41:38

A couple have decided to claim compensation from their travel firm after they were struck down with a severe case of food poisoning just two days into their stay at an Egyptian resort back in 2008. Nicholas and Meral St John were holidaying at a popular resort on the Sinai Peninsula when they developed symptoms of the illness, along with a large amount of other British tourists.

The family is part of a large group planning to take action against holiday providers First Choice, claiming the company was negligent in not providing the holiday-goers with proper food and failing to ensure that preperation of meals was undertaken correctly, leading to their personal injury abroad.

New Look Loses Appeal Against Health and Safety Fine

07/07/2010 12:09:41

High Street clothes seller New Look has lost its appeal against a record £400,000 fine handed to it by the London Fire Brigade after a string of fire safety breaches were found at its Oxford Street store in London.

The fine was brought after a fire in the store in which 450 people were evacuated, despite the fire alarm only going off once and then cancelling itself. The company argued that the fine didn't take into account that the cause of the fire has nothing to do with the fire alarm system itself, or the fact that there were no personal injuries or fatal accidents in the incident.

The appeal was dismissed however, and the record fine was kept in place.

Ferry Passengers Granted Easier Route to Compensation

07/07/2010 11:54:38

Recent legislation has granted ferry passengers similar rights to airline passengers, with rules likely to come into force within the next two years that will allow passengers to claim compensation if their voyage is disrupted.

Currently ferry passengers have the right to claim a refund or book a seat on the next available ferry however the new laws, introduced by the European Parliament, will entitle them to refunds for damages suffered, including compensation for food and accommodation for up to three nights and compensation of up to 50% of the ticket price. This is in addition to a full refund.

The new rulings also give disabled people the right to free assistance and compensation for loss or damage of mobility.

Prisoner Wins Compensation for Untreated Kidney Stones

07/07/2010 11:47:35

A drug addicted prisoner has been awarded £27,000 in compensation for a personal injury claim that he lodged against his prison after officers failed to treat his kidney stones. He was awarded the money despite his addiction to methamphetamine being the main cause for the stones developing in the first place.

A Yorkshire police officer described the claimant as a "permanent drain on the UK’s resources,” claiming that “His condition was self-inflicted, or at least his drug addiction will have made the condition chronic."

He points out the that claimant is still using the drugs that are believed to have caused the condition and that he believes that the money should be given to the victim's of the man's crimes rather than into his own back pocket.

July 7th Victims Receive Compensation From CICA

07/07/2010 11:40:37

Victims of the July 7th terrorist attacks in London have thus far received a total of £11million in compensation after 650 claims were made in the wake of the bombings. Of those claims, 71 have been rejected and seven are still awaiting some form of compensation payout from CICA.

A spokesperson for CICA states that “The vast majority of the claims have been settled and we have made interim payments in every outstanding case. It’s often in the best interests of victims that we don’t settle a claim too early. It can sometimes take years for a full medical prognosis to become clear, particularly when we need to make detailed assessments of things like loss of earnings.”

It is believed that a number of the claims were eligible for the maximum £500,000 payout from the organisation, though some were rejected on the grounds that the injuries suffered were not serious enough to qualify for the minimum payout of £1,000.

Lorry Firms Fined Over Workplace Accident

07/07/2010 11:30:01

Two lorry firms have admitted liability and pleaded guilty to breaching a number of health and safety laws after a man was cushed to death by a rolling lorry in a fatal accident.

Gary Brooks, a driver for Exel Europe Ltd, was crushed as he was trying to collect a loaded trailer from the Imperial Tobacco site in Nottingham in September 2007. Mr Brooks had been trying to attach the trailer to his cab when his lorry rolled forward and pinned him against a building.

A subsequent investigation found that drivers from both companies routinely neglected to ensure that the trailer brakes in their cabs were applied, creating hazardous conditions that the companies they worked for should have highlighted.

The two companies were fined a total of £160,000 for the fatal accident after it was also found that some drivers had not received full or proper training in the safe operation of their heavy goods vehicles, leaving both drivers and others at risk.

Cab Driver Awarded Multi-Million Pound Compensation Package

07/07/2010 11:21:40

A taxi driver has been awarded a large compensation sum after a series of medical failures left him with brain damage after he was stabbed in the neck. The medical negligence payout was awarded after it was revealed that Leslie Dye had a scan misinterpreted at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Essex and suffered a cardiac arrest as a result.

Mr Dye was the victim of an assault and was initially sent to Jacob Centre in Hertfordshire before being transferred to the institution that made the mistake, with the resulting cardiac arrest leaving him seriously disabled. He was awarded the compensation after a successful argument by his personal injury solicitor. The judge in the case stated that "It is obvious that the consequences of the stabbing and the failures in medical care which followed had an absolutely devastating effect upon his life and on the lives of all those close to him."

The Trust admitted liability and agreed to pay Mr Dye a sum of £850,000, with further periodic payments to deal with the aftercare associated with such a catastrophic injury.

Woman Awarded Multi-Million Dollar Compensation From Ford

07/07/2010 11:07:03

A California woman has been awarded over $20million in damages from the Ford Motor Co. after she suffered a car accident in her 1997 Ford Explorer that resulted in her being rendered quadriplegic as a result of her catastrophic injuries.

Cynthis Castillo's personal injury solicitor successfully made the argument that, as her Ford Explorer was travelling down the freeway the left-rear tire suddenly detreaded, leaving her unable to control the car and veering off the road before rolling three times down an embankment. Her compensation lawyer successfully argued that design flaws in the vehicle caused this, leaving Ford responsible for any damages.

The personal injury lawyers also provided evidence that Ford's management had refused to pay for safety improvements, despite engineers at the company having found a way to improve the vehicle's stability, leaving it more liable to be involved in a serious accident.

Ford counter-argued that the worn out tire that the claimant had placed on the vehicle was to blame for the accident and that there were no design flaws in the Ford Explorer, however a jury unanimously awarded the verdict in favour of Ms Castillo, awarding her $23.4million in damages that included payment for both loss in quality of life and the medical bills that she had and will face.

Ford currently harbour plans to appeal the decision.

Hospitals in North East England Pay Out Over £100 Million in Compensation

05/07/2010 13:34:11

Hospitals in the North East of the country have paid out £113million in medical negligence compensation for mistakes made during the reign of the last Labour government new figures have revealed.

The numbers, revealed after a freedom of information request, has highlighted the volume of medical negligence in the region's hospitals, with the compensation being split between 39 people. The biggest payout was made by Sunderland City Hospitals NHS Trust, who made over £28million of the total payouts, with other facilities paying out sums in the region of £15million.

The most common personal injury compensation was paid out for mistakes made during surgery, however birth injuries also played a large part in the compensation payouts. Spokespeople were quick to point out the relative rarity of these incidents, as well as backing the rights of people to claim compensation when medical negligence does occur.

Woman Gains Compensation From Council for Trip

05/07/2010 12:49:42

A woman who suffered a personal injury when she slipped and suffered a fall has managed to claim compensation from her local council after a lengthy legal battle. Louise Bell broke her ankle in the fall on the pavement outside her home in July 2005, resulting in her having to take six months off work and making a claim against the council for lost earnings.

The council initially admitted liability in the accident, but then withdrew this admission amid claims that Ms Bell's statement was "a fabrication". A previous ruling that supported the claimant's account has since been upheld however, with the council having to pay compensation to Ms Bell, as well as account for a dangerous four inch hole in the footpath that caused the personal injury.

Canadian Woman Makes Successful Compensation Claim For Daughter's Birth Injury

05/07/2010 12:37:32

A woman in Canada has made a successful compensation claim againt the health authority that failed to spot that she had suffered a placental abruption, in which the placenta seperates from the uterine wall and starves the baby of oxygen.

She gained compensation to the sum of CAN$1.5million after the staff were deemed to have been medically negligent in not spotting the problem, which resulted in the woman's daughter being born with a birth injury of severe cerebral palsy, with both a doctor and a nurse found to have been negligent.

The mother allegded that the hospital that attended her during birth failed to properly consider the signs of a placental abruption, with liability eventually decided as being 60% towards the doctor and 40% towards both the nurse involved and her employer.

Ministry of Justice to Investigate Personal Injury Text Pests

05/07/2010 12:12:56

The Ministry of Justice is believed to be investigating the increasing wave of personal injury organisations sending unsolicited text messages to mobile phone users, advertising personal injury solicitors and services after motor insurers blamed increased amounts of compensation claims for falling profits and a study demonstrated that 15% of claims had arisen when a customer was contacted by text or email.

Mark Brill, chair of the Direct Marketing Association's (DMA) mobile council has stated that such methods may be in breach of the Compensation Act 2006, stating that “If it is a personal account, then people they contact should have directly opted-in, or at the very least, made a soft opt-in as a result of an enquiry or previous purchase. To send messages to people who haven’t is a breach of regulations. The company should also identify themselves in this kind of communication,”

The Claims Standards Council (CSC) has claimed that this practice is frowned upon, however there is little they can do to prevent it as disciplinary action comes under the remit of the Ministry of Justice, with the CSC claiming that “There is nothing we can do other than warn them.”

Widow Makes Compensation Bid For Her Husband's Fatal Accident

05/07/2010 12:02:55

A widow is set to make a six figure compensation bid against the families of the men who caused the fatal accident that took her husband's life. Carolyn Corr lost her husband in April 2007 when he got caught in a multi car pile-up caused by a two men engaging in a bumper to bumper race on the A36.

The men, named as Peter Bowyer and Graham Hooper, lost control of their vehicles and caused a large crash, in which Mr Corr was killed. Graham Hooper also lost his life in the crash, so Mrs Corr is making a compensation claim against his wife Jacqueline. She has also lodged a compensation claim against Mr Bowyer, who is currently serving six and a half years in prison for causing the accident.

Man Left Paralysed in Drink Driving Accident Awarded £650,000 Compensation

05/07/2010 11:50:02

A man who was left paralysed when he was involved in an accident with a drunk driver has been awarded an interim payment of £650,000 with the possibility of more to follow to ensure his aftercare for the catastrophic injury he suffered is handled correctly.

Darren Bent suffered massive spinal injuries in the accident, which happened in April 2008, when he was travelling in a van driven by Damion Smyth. Smyth had allegedly been drinking when the van crashed into the stonework of Pytchley Gates.

Mr Bent was awarded the payment in advance of a full compensation hearing, with some estimates stating that his personal injury claim could result in his receiving upwards of £2million.

Disabled Boy Awarded Massive Compensation Payout

05/07/2010 11:42:18

A boy left disabled after medics gave the wrong drugs to his mother has been awarded millions in personal injury compensation for the Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust after he went on to develop cerebral palsy.

The trust admitted liability for their medical negligence, including a delay that took place during the child's delivery, and the decision has delighted his mother, Gina, who says that her son is an "adorable character" and that "It has been a difficult few years, but now we can look forward and achieve something positive out of a tragic situation".

Medical negligence can lead to catastrophic and even fatal injuries, and so must be guarded against vigilantly by all medical staff.

OAP Awarded Compensation for Bath Incident

05/07/2010 11:34:50

A senior citizen has been awarded £500 compensation for personal injuries that he suffered after being lowered into a scalding hot bath in May 2009. Michael Ginn suffered first degree burns to his legs in the incident at West house Nursing Home in Essex.

The nursing home was also fined £5,000, as well as paying nearly £6,000 in costs, with the Health and Safety Executive stating that "Rootcroft Ltd failed in its duties and instead a vulnerable resident suffered a painful injury. This could have been worse - several fatal scaldings have occurred in healthcare settings since 2001."

The man was taken to Southend Hospital and kept their overnight, but luckily his injuries weren't too severe.

Cadbury's Worker Makes Successful Asbestos Claim

05/07/2010 11:25:01

A retired publications officer who used to work at Cadbury's Bournville factory has received a six figure compensation sum after he developed mesothelioma, a cancer associated with asbestos exposure. Brian Harrison worked for the company between 1954 and 1962, often spending his time interviewing colleagues for the monthly works magazine.

He recalls that he conducted many an interview with workers who were stripping and repairing asbestos pipes, with the exposure eventually leading to him being diagnosed with mesothelioma in July 2009 when, as he recalls, “I enjoyed good health until I noticed during my weekly swim that I seemed to be struggling for breath. I was diagnosed with mesothelioma after a lot of tests and I was so shocked that I initially told the doctors that I couldn’t recall having been exposed to asbestos. But when I had time to reflect on the working conditions at the factory it became obvious that I was. There were no warnings given by my employer about the dangers of asbestos.”

Mr Harrison made a successful personal injury claim for his exposure to the deadly substance in the workplace, which is known to cause many health problems ranging from mesothelioma to various lung diseases.

Man Injured at Construction Site May Make Compensation Claim

05/07/2010 11:13:50

A judge at Carlisle Crown Court has ruled that a building site manager breached health and safety regulations in the the build up to a workplace accident that left a worker suffering brain damage, partial blindness and the loss of "half his head".

The labourer suffered the personal injuries after plummeting 25ft during demolition work on a building in February 2008, suffering skull damage, a broken jaw and brain damage. He also severed an optic nerve, leaving him blind in one eye. The labourer even had to return to hospital six months later to have a titanium plate fitted to replace the missing sections of his skull.

Both the manager of the building site and his brother will be sentenced for the breaches and it is unknown at this time if the man intends to make a catastrophic injury claim for the workplace accident.

Digger Crash That Killed Beautician Deemed "Avoidable"

05/07/2010 11:04:50

A crash in which a woman was killed by a 30-tonne runaway digger has been deemed preventable by a sheriff. The fatal accident occurred in July 2006 when the digger broke free from the lorry that was transporting it and hit the car that was carrying the young woman.

Christina Fraser, aged 24, was killed instantly on the Tomich junction near the A9 Inverness in a fatal accident that could have been avoided had the haulage firm Munro and Sons not broken health and safety protocol and ensured that the digger's brake was working and that the chains used to restrain the digger were adequate for the job.

The firm has admitted liability after evidence was presented to the High court that the digger would have required twice as many chains to secure it properly, with the final verdict being that the fatal accident was caused by "insufficient chains, both in number and in strength, being used to restrain a load which was in excess of the weight allowed to be carried on the vehicle in question".

The driver of the vehicle in which the woman was killed was also injured in the accident and it is unknown at this juncture if he intends to make a personal injury claim or if Ms Fraser's family intend to file a compensation claim for the fatal accident.

Man Set to Make Compensation Claim After His Baby is Hurt in a Fall

05/07/2010 10:46:58

A man is set to make a compensation claim against his local authority after his child suffered a personal injury as a result of a pothole in the road in Exeter. Darren Rowbotham was pushing his son Taylor in a buggy when the chair hit an uneven part of ground. The buggy flipped over, sending Mr Rowbotham over the pram and into the road.

His son Taylor suffered lacerations to his chin and knee, with Mr Rowbotham claiming the accident could have been much worse if the baby had fallen out of the buggy.

He has filed a complaint against Devon County Council and also plans to make a compensation claim against them for the personal injuries suffered by both he and his son.

Bride Awarded Compensation for Soft Tissue Damage

05/07/2010 10:32:46

A woman has been awarded compensation after making a personal injury claim for injuries suffered on her wedding day when the ceiling of the room in which she was having her reception collapsed, leaving her trapped under falling debris and pinned to the floor.

Joanne Noone suffered pain in her back, legs and neck, as well as suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder in the incident, which forced the couple to cancel their honeymoon to Italy. She received over £40,000 in compensation, and some of the other individuals involved have also lodged personal injury claims.

Law Firm Seeks to Sue Over Apple's iPhone 4

05/07/2010 10:13:39

An American law firm that specialises in compensation and personal injury claims has filed a lawsuit against Apple over the iPhone 4 reception issues, claiming that the company has failed in its duty to provide the product that it promised and aiming to "punish" them for releasing a faulty product to the customer in a product liability suit.

Mason and Mason LLP has soundly rejected Apple's claims that the formula used to calculate the phone's signal strength was wrong and believes their switching to a different formula in a new update is an act of too little too late, especially as the fault has been present since the original iPhone was released.

The firm also claims the issue is actually a design defect and that Apple is attempting to fool the public by stating that the signal bars are the only problem, with the company claiming that "Our investigation revealed that users lost reception when gripping the phone in a conventional manner," the law firm says in a statement provided to Tech Crunch. "We believe that the problem is not merely how the signal strength is displayed but involves a physical blocking of the antennae which cuts off calls."

Hospital Failed to Notice Baby's Deterioration

05/07/2010 10:01:35

A coroner has ruled that a midwife's failure to trigger concerns about a baby boy's deteriorating condition after monitoring his heart is most responsible for the child's death at Milton Keynes General Hospital last December. Coroner Tom Osborne states that Alex Broughton's changing heart rate should have been highlighted by staff, stating that the medical staff "lost the opportunity" to provide more treatment due to not knowing of the problems.

Mr Osborne also stated that their had been conflicting evidence of how the midwife had handled the situation, with an Oxford medical student providing "surprising and unhelpful" evidence to the inquest.

This is the second time in recent memory that the hospital has seen its maternity ward examined, with the same coroner attacking the institution when midwife shortages contributed to the death of a new born baby named Ebony McCall in May 2009.

It is unknown if the family plan to make a medical negligence claim against the hospital at this time.

Two Thirds Unable to Recognise Asbestos in the Home

05/07/2010 09:52:23

Recent figures have indicated that up to 65% of homeowners across the country risk exposure to asbestos simply because they are unable to identify it in their own homes, with the potential for millions of Brits to disturb the deadly substance while carrying out work on their own homes.

The survey also revealed that 77% had not received any information about the substance, while less than a third would have their home checked for it before carrying out work. Fuethermore one in ten claim they would attempt to dispose of it themselves.

The worrying study, undertaken by the British Lung Foundation, reveals some disturbing figures and seems to indicate that many people are unaware of the dangers this substance represents and may leave themselves open to asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma.

Health and Safety Executive Reveal Workplace Deaths at an All Time Low

05/07/2010 09:45:31

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have released figures indicating that the number of fatalities in the workplace has dropped to record low number, with 151 workers being killed at work between April 1 2009 and March 31 2010, a drop of 27 from the previous year's figure of 178 and a massive drop on the average of 220 for the past five years.

However the HSE have warned that with fewer jobs due to the recession, the figure may not be wholly accurate as activity in some sectors has vanished. She claims that "It's really very encouraging to see a further reduction in workplace fatalities in the past year. This is performance which owes much to good practice, leadership and employee engagement. No doubt the recession has resulted in lower levels of activity in some sectors and a decrease in the numbers of new, inexperienced recruits has also contributed to this fall in fatalities."

The organisation believe this is no time to get complacent though, and are quick to point out that 151 families are still mourning the loss of a loved one, while many are still suffering the effects of workplace related diseases, such as mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

Holiday Makers Seek to Claim Compensation

05/07/2010 09:37:51

A group of around 40 holiday goers are set to make a compensation claim against their travel company after they all became ill on a holiday in the Dominican Republic. The entire group had stayed at the Bahia Principe Hotel on an all-inclusive basis however the resort, which is four star rated, did not come up to snuff.

Meals were served undercooked and on dirty plates, with guests stating that birds, insects and mice were not cleared away from the hotel restaurant, even getting into the buffet food at times. Further claims include the hotel claiming tap water was bottled water and leaving faeces in the hotel pool.

The people making the claim all suffered from severe diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps, and the group is now looking to make a personal injury claim against their tour operator, TUI Ltd, otherwise known as First Choice in the UK. The group has already admitted liability in a number of the cases, so it looks likely that the holidaymakers will receive compensation for their accidents abroad.

Council Boss Receives More Than £230,000 Personal Injury Compensation

30/06/2010 10:59:32

It has been revealed today that the majority of a council chief's £285,000 "golden handshake" payoff for leaving his job was based on personal injury claims. Former Shetland Islands Council Chief Dave Clark told a tribunal on Tuesday that he stepped down nine months after taking the job after his position was made impossible to work in due to what he claims were constant jibes about his personal life.

He claims he was under a constant barrage of attacks within his first two weeks in the job and he singled out a councillor named Jonathon Willis for particular criticism, using an example about the changing of location for a proposed high school as an example claiming that "A review was carried out, and as the basis of that review, councillor Wills got the change of site for the school, and then used the review as a basis of a continued barrage of attack on my competency.

"It seems no matter what happened, it was used as a basis to attack, not seeking common ground, but look for holes to see where we can pick, destroy, where we can bring down."

Cyclist Proves Farmer Was Negligent in Causing his Accident

28/06/2010 14:52:37

A cyclist from Lancashire has been awarded £2,000 in damages after a bicycle accident in which he suffered multiple personal injuries after losing control of his bike on oil spilt by a farmer in June 2007. His personal injury solicitor's successfully appealed against an earlier decision not to award compensation.

Antony Di Domenico suffered extensive injuries and stress after the accident, near Garstang in Lancashire, leaving him with persistent muscular pain even after the injuries themselves had healed. A witness to the accident claimed that the farmer in question had earlier spilt the oil, before pouring sand over it in an attempt to lessen the hazard.

Mr Di Domenico's case was initially seen as weak as the farmer could not be indentified and the incident had not been reported to the police, however his personal injury solicitor cited the "Untraced Drivers Agreement" to make the successful cycling accident claim, leading to Mr Di Domenico winning his appeal and gaining compensation.

Personal Injury Seminar Scheduled for July

28/06/2010 14:40:05

Grant Thorton Accuntancy Firm is to hold a free personal injury seminar in Hull, with the intention to demonstrate the complexities inherent in accountancy for personal injury solicitors and the cases that they undertake, with the aim being to show how to quantify a high volume of claims.

The seminar is specially tailored to personal injury solicitors, barristers and legal executives because, despite the majority of personal injury cases being generally straight forward in terms of accounting "...There are some situations when the input of a forensic accountant is worthwhile. This seminar will address some of those instances and explore these cases more closely."

The event starts with registration and coffee at 4pm and will finish at 6pm. To book, e-mail Ingrid.e.gardner@gtuk.com or call 0113 2001585.

Young Boy Injured in Cycling Accident

28/06/2010 14:30:57

A young boy has suffered a personal injury while out cycling when his bike hit a pothole, causing him to be thrown over the handle bars and into a set of nearby metal railings. Kieran Smith, aged 12 of Exeter, required medical attention for bruised ribs, black eyes and a cut lip as a result of the cycling accident.

His father has voiced concerns about the volume of potholes in the area and how he feels the council is doing little to handle the issue, claiming that his son's injuries could have been much worse in other circumstances.

A spokeswoman from Devon County Council went to inspect the pothole which caused the cycle accident, and said ” We have been to inspect the area and do not consider the small hole to be a safety defect.”

The boy's family think otherwise, and are likely to make a claim for compensation due to the personal injuries the boy suffered.

Woman Attacked in Southampton May be Eligible for Compensation

28/06/2010 14:25:12

A woman who was attacked on Southhampton High Street may be liable to make a compensation claim for criminal damages after it was revealed that nobody offered to help her during the sttack despite her claims that her attacker "three her round like a rag doll".

The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she is utterly disgusted at the fact that nobody stepped in to help her, claiming that around 100 people walked by without even contacting the police. She may be eligible to make a compensation claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority for the attack.

Elderly Woman Dies in Car Crash

28/06/2010 14:10:52

An elderly woman was the victim of a road traffic accident that took her life when the vehicle in which she was a passenger struck a wall near Torpoint in Plymouth. The woman was with a similarly elderly man when the Vauxhall Corsa they were travelling in crashed into the wall.

The woman sadly passed away later the same day, and there were no other cars involved in the fatal accident. The police are now looking for any witnesses to the incident and the woman's family may be able to make a compensation claim if it is found that the driver of the car was proven to be negligent in his driving.

Greater Manchester Police Forced to Pay Compensation to Stoke City Fans

28/06/2010 13:56:15

Greater Manchester Police have been made to pay nearly £185,000 in compensation to a group of 80 Stoke City football fans after locking them in a pub before a game.

The group of supporters had traveled to watch their team play Manchester United back in November 2008 and were at a pub in Irlam, Manchester when the police told them that they were not allowed to leave the pub, or even use the facility's toilets, leaving the supporters to urinate into cups. They were then herded onto a bus and taken to the centre of Stoke before being released there.

The steps were taken under the Violent Crime Reduction Act, however the landlord of the pub has since written to the police and told them that there was no chance of any trouble occuring and that the supporters had acted commendably in all regards. The police have since apologised for the blunder, which they attributed to not fully understanding their new powers. They have also been made to pay compensation of £184,850 to be spread amongst the 80 fans.

Man Injured in Skylight Fall Causes £40,000 in Fines

28/06/2010 12:40:25

A workplace accident which left a worker seriously injured after falling throught a skylight has thus far cost a Gloucestershire firm and his the victim's own father nearly £40,000 in fines. The accident, in which Robert Stephens fell through a skylight and sustained serious head injuries, occured while Mr Stephens was working on the roof of a sawmill in Gloucestershire.

The victim fell 5 metres onto concrete while working with his father and other employees, suffering devestating personal injuries in the process. The resulting fines handed out by the Health and Safety Executive saw Woodgate Sawmills fined £13,320 for breaches to Construction Regulations, while Mr Stephens' father, Stanley, was fined £26,660 after breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

It is unknown at this time if Mr Stephens aims to make a compensation claim for the serious personal injury he suffered in the fall.

Bakery Directors Fined After Health and Safety Breaches

28/06/2010 12:24:36

The directors of a bakery in Bedfordshire have been fined after a series of health and safety breaches that exposed staff to the danger of suffering an accident at work, including electrocution and exposure to flour dust. DG Bakery was discovered to have exposed live wires on the bread conveyor belt during an unannounced inspection on the 13th January 2009, with the inspectors forcing the immediate prohibition of use of the machine.

In addition to this, the inspectors also issued health and safety improvement notices, including preventing access to the bread machine and arranging for electrical testing as well as an assessment for exposure to flour dust and its effects. The bakery failed to comply with these notices within the given deadline, leading them to being prosecuted in court for violating the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health and Safety at work Act 1974.

The company's directors, Mr Saiano and Mr Durkin, were ordered to pay fines of £3,000 and £2,500 respectively, as well as combined costs of £1,000 for placing their works at serious risk of suffering a personal injury.

Oldham Developer Fined for Placing Residents at Risk of Personal Injury

28/06/2010 12:12:46

Mahmood Khokar, an Oldham developer, has been prosecuted and fined £2,000 by the Health and Safety Executive for putting the lives of local residents at risk by failing to make a near 2 metre excavation pit safe in a residential area.

The pit had been dug for the foundations of a house extension on Denmark Street in Chadderton, with Mr Khokar failing to comply with two improvement notices issued by the HSE, one to stop the pit collapsing and the other to put fencing around to prevent people falling in and suffering a personal injury.

In addition to the risk of personal injury for the residents, Mr Khokar also placed himself at risk of suffering an accident at work due to the poorly maintained excavation pit.

Wolverhampton Based Company Fined for Putting Workers at Risk of Personal Injury

28/06/2010 11:52:23

A Wolverhampton based company has been fined after putting people at risk of suffering a work accident while demolishing a building. Alexson Homes Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching a number of Work at Height Regulations and were fined £6,600.

The fine came because Stan Alexander, along with his son Conrad and fellow firm director Dean Mason, carried out dismantling work on a former children's home without putting any safeguards in place to prevent themselves falling from the roof of the building.

Martin Overstall stated: "Too often HSE inspectors are called out to serious or fatal incidents in roof work where the precautions are minimal or absent – it is simply not good enough. Alexson Homes Limited was extremely lucky that no one was injured when working in such unsafe conditions."

Though no work accident occured, the company were still fined simply for creating the possibility of a personal injury.

Inspections at Scottish Farms Reveal That Farm Workers Are at Risk of Personal Injury

28/06/2010 11:40:18

A group of inspections carried out by the Health and Safety Executive on Scottish farms has found that a large percentage of farm workers are at risk of suffering a personal injury as a result of improper training for quad bikes and other machinery.

The figures, released at the opening of the Royal Highland Show on June 24th revaled that almost two thirds of Scottish farms visited were found to not be using All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), such as quad bikes, safely, with 36 improvement notices being handed out, 25 of which were for improper use of ATVs. Ten were also given for lack of proper head protection and one for poor maintenance of equipment.

The issue was highlighted by the Health and Safety Executive, with Paul Stollard stating that "Transport-related incidents are the second biggest cause of fatalities in agriculture in Scotland. Wearing a helmet, or checking your vehicle’s tyre pressure, brakes and throttle before each ATV ride costs just minutes, whereas failing to do so could cost lives."

East Midlands Haulage Worker Injured in Accident at Work

28/06/2010 11:23:34

A haulage worker who was the victim of a workplace accident when he was flung from a barrow truck while working at GCT in Thorne has received £245,000 in compensation for the personal injury which saw him break his tibia, leaving him with constant pain and limited mobility in his leg.

The accident occured when the man, working as a shunter, was helping to load pallets on to a wagon. As he reversed the truck to straighten it up and move forward, it suddenly slid and spun around, throwing him off.

Construction Worker Granted Personal Injury Compensation for Accident at Work

28/06/2010 11:15:49

Clive Morgan, aged 46, has been awarded personal injury compensation after an accident at work that resulted in him having his foot amputated when the metal pilings he was working to lower slipped and crushed his foot.

The accident, which occured in February 2008 at the Morgan Sindall Group construction site in Barry, was the result of health and safety breaches as found by the Health and Safety Executive, and the company has since been ordered to pay compensation to Mr Morgan.

Mr Morgan's personal injury claim is expected to result in a large sum being granted as a result of his catastrophic injury.

Mother Seeks Compensation After Death of her Daughters

28/06/2010 11:07:44

The mother of a pair of sisters who passed away in a devestating road traffic accident in Scotland has launched a compensation claim for £250,000 in damages against the driver of the van responsible for the crash that took their lives.

Plumber Graham Reid has already pleaded guilty to driving carelessly in the fatal accident, which took the lives of Elena and Rachel Putnam as well as Rachel's boyfriend Mark Gardiner. Reid's van had veered onto the wrong side of the road to cause the accident and the girls' mother still holds him completely responsible for what happened, admitting that she still struggles to come to terms with what happened.

She has since launched her claim against AXA Insurance, Mr Reid's insurer, and is hoping to achieve a compensation sum in the region of £250,000

85 Compensation Payouts Given to Victims of Glass Attacks in Scotland Total Nearly £250,000

28/06/2010 10:54:36

Compensation claims for glass attacks in Scotland surged between 2008/2009, leading to 85 compensation claims totalling nearly £250,000, with the most common factor in all the cases being facial scarring. The Liberal Democrat Party has since called out for stricter rules against people who use glass in assaults, stating that “Glassing incidents leave victims both with mental scars and with a constant physical reminder of the incident. There is huge public and personal cost to these incidents.”

The revelation comes despite a recent Scottish Government claim that violent crime is at a 20-year low, with a spokesman stating that “We have invested record funding to tackle violent crime and reduce alcohol-related violence and disorder.”

Cambridgeshire Police Pay Out Nearly £30,000 Compensation

28/06/2010 10:47:19

A host of errors by the Cambridgeshire Police Force has led to them paying damages of nearly £30,000 in compensation after raids on incorrect addresses and searching innocent people's cars. The compensation, paid out over the last three years, included sums of £109.25 to repair a fence damaged when an officer leaned on it and £211 to homeowners to clean carpets dirtied my members of the force.

While some are claiming that the claims are frivilous, a Cambridgeshire Police spokesman claimed that "Costs will inevitably be incurred" during the course of police operations.

Eight People Injured at Staffordshire Laundry Plant

28/06/2010 10:40:05

Eight workers at a Staffordshire laundry plant were injured as a result of a chemical spillage which saw staff evacuated from the plant after 3,000 litres of peroxide, acid and alkaline mix spilt into the yard, road and footpath surrounding the area.

Seven fire crews were called to the scene, spending several hours at the site of the spill before declaring it safe. While none of the personal injuries sustained by the eight workers are thought to be serious, it is still possible that they may wish to make an accident at work compensation claim.

Firefighters have since reassured the public that the area around the factory is now safe and that the mixed chemicals pose no further threat to the public, though there may be a light smell of perfume or bleach from the surrounding drains.

Brick Manufacturing Company Fined After Man's Head is Crushed

28/06/2010 10:28:27

A brick manufaturing company has been handed a £280,000 fine by the Health and Safety Executive after a series of breaches which saw a worker involved in a fatal accident when his head was crushed between a metal platform and some concrete blocks.

Hanson Building Products Ltd was also ordered to pay costs of £29,204 after the death of Peter Clarke, aged 57. The accident occurred when Mr Clarke was inspecting the quality of the concrete blocks on a conveyor belt which was moving groups of them from the kiln to the packaging area. Mr Clarke was standing next to a low bridge over the conveyor when he leaned forward to remove some blocks from the machine, with another worker then changing the direction of the conveyor belt resulting in the fatal accident. The other worker's view of Mr Clarke was obscured at the time.

Mr Clarke's family could now be able to make a compensation claim for the accident, which could see Hanson Building Products Ltd paying out much more than the intial fine handed to them.

Man Involved in Road Traffic Accident had Four Leaf Clover Stuck to his Back

28/06/2010 10:15:47

An extremely lucky man survived being impaled by a wooden fence post in a horrific road traffic accident after his Vauxhall Corsa overturned at his home near Cramlington, Northumberland. As his vehicle rolled down an embankment, it crashed through a fence, with one fence post completely impaling his body.

Raymond Curry, aged 20, was then cut from the wreckage and airlifted to hospital, with the post having missed his vital organs by inches. When doctors removed the post at hospital, they found a car air freshener lodged in his body and, even more curiously, a four leafed clover. The clover is generally considered a sign of good luck, with Mr Curry stating that "It’s amazing. I know how lucky I am to be alive. I’d never even seen a four-leaf clover until this happened, so it was great timing I suppose."

Doctors had to remove part of his bowel to take out the post, but outside of this Mr Curry has since made a full recovery. He is now fund raising for the Great North Air Ambulance after his near miss and potentially catastrophic injury.

Young Boy Killed by Disney Bus

28/06/2010 10:01:25

A 9 year old child was tragically struck and killed by a Disney Bus at the Disney World Resort in Orlando Florida in April of this year. The young boy, from St Petersburg, was riding his bicycle when the accident occured and caused the fatal injuries and now the family are looking to claim that Disney is at fault for the accident, with the child's mother stating that the driver of the bus had mounted the curb before striking her child.

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) found that the driver was not at fault, with support from external witnesses, however the boy's family, along with the girl with whom he was riding his bike, maintain that the driver mounted the curb before striking him. Witness statements and physical evidence found at the scene, however, seem to show that the boy veered into the road and struck the side of the bus.

The driver of the bus is currently under investigation to find out if he saw the child, with the possibility that he could face a fatal accident compensation claim if it is proven that he is in some way culpable for the accident.

Factory Worker May Make Work Accident Compensation Claim

28/06/2010 09:43:49

A man is looking into the possibility of making a personal injury claim after he suffered an accident at work while conducting his duties in January 2008. The worker, aged 53, became trapped in a rotating machine at the factory in Ashton-under-Lyne, losing a finger on one hand and badly injuring another. He also suffered burns, a cracked breast bone and broken ribs.

The Health and Safety Executive have already investigated the incident and found that the firm for which the man was working had failed to comply with laws intended to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery with the organisation's inspector, David Norton, saying: "It's vital that companies take action to protect employees who are required to operate potentially dangerous machinery. Otherwise workers will continue to be injured in the future." This leaves the door open for the man to make a compensation claim if he wishes.

Lancashire Schools Revealed to Have Paid Out £500,000 in Compensation

24/06/2010 15:17:02

It has been revealed that in the last four years, Lancashire Schools have paid out £500,000 in accident compensation. The compensation has been for a variety of accident types, with people suffering personal injuries as a result of a slip or trip, workplace accident or simple misfortune.

The majority of the claims were made of small settlements, including £2,500 being awarded for an incident involving a needle stick. The money for the claims does not come out of the school's budget, instead being paid by their insurance company.

Shop Steward Receives Compensation For Unfair Dismissal

24/06/2010 15:07:18

A shop steward was sacked after swearing at his line manager, despite there apparently being a culture of bad language at his place of employment. He has since been awarded compensation for the dismissal after his line manager and other employees came out in support of him.

Keith Bodman had a 100% attendance record over the 16 years that he worked at Yuasa Battery Limited before the incident where he was suspended for using foul language, despite it being agreed that he hadn't used a malicious tone. He was later fired from his position.

It was found during the course of the compensation claim that in the few cases where staff had been disciplined for swearing, the maximum penalty was a written warning, with his personal injury solicitor successfully able to argue that he had been treated differently to other employees.

Mother Who Stole Son's Military Compensation Dies

24/06/2010 14:48:33

A mother who was accused of stealing her son's military accident compensation has died of complications relating to an earlier broken leg, which had caused her to appear at an earlier hearing in a wheelchair.

Angela Wollard was accused of taking thousands of pounds from her soldier son, after he had been awarded military compensation after losing his leg in a catastrophic accident when he stepped on a landmine in Afghanistan. It is believed that she took over £10,000 of her son's £200,000 compensation.

Police have, however, confirmed her death of complications related to her broken leg, meaning the two will never settle their differences.

Woman Gains Compensation After Suffering Personal Injury on Fairground Ride

24/06/2010 14:35:56

A woman has been awarded £35,000 in compensation after suffering a personal injury after a faulty fairground ride threw the pod she was in 10 metres through the air after it became detached from the rest of the machine.

Jessica Oseland of Bilston was left a tetraplegic following the accident in 2006 and could receive further compensation payouts amounting to around £5million for aftercare if her additional civil claims are successful.

The fairground operator was also fined £15,000 for failing to keep his equipment in full working order, whereas the compensation itself was paid by Fairground Inspection Services, who it was deemed had failed in their duty to ensure passengers and passers by were protected from any risk.

A later assessment of the ride found that 13 of the 18 pods had cracks in the welds holding them to the machine, with the Health and Safety Executive also stating that the ride had not even reached full speed, meaning that a fatal accident could have been possible in another situation.

Former Prisoner Fails to Gain Compensation in Breast Cancer Claim

23/06/2010 14:02:05

An ex-prisoner who won the right to make a compensation claim after being diagnosed with breast cancer has had the decison overturned. Cheryl Carter was diagnosed with breast cancer after her release from prison in 2005, after allegedly going to the prison medical staff with concerns over a lump on her breast, which were subsequently ignored.

Earlier in the year she successfully made a High Court case which argued that she would have been given a better prognosis if she had been referred to a specialist while in prison, giving her the right to make a medical negligence claim against the prison's staff in the process. However the Appeal Court has overruled this decision by claiming that any negligence was not present in law, despite Lord Justice Leveson describing his regret and sympathy at having to make the decision.

Medical negligence can lead to devestating consequences for a victim and their families. Claim Time Solicitors can help anybody who has suffered a personal injury make a no win, no fee compensation claim.

Criminal Assault Victim Denied Right to Claim Compensation

23/06/2010 13:47:24

Matthew Robinson, the victim of an attack in Leek, Staffordshire, has been denied the right to claim compensation for the personal injury he suffered as a result of the attack. Mr Robinson was attacked by a man who took exception to him talking to his ex-girlfriend, pushing him to the floor and kicking and stamping on him repeatedly.

Mr Robinson suffered cuts and bruises and his attacker, Andrew Ferns, was sentenced to 9 months in a young offender's institute. Mr Robinson later made a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA), who denied his request to claim compensation, despite his attacker causing £400 worth of damage to his car and forcing him to take a day off work with his injuries. The reason given was that compensation from CICA has a minimum limit of £1,000 and Mr Robinson's injuried were not deemed serious enough to warrant this amount.

Claim Time Solicitors is happy to provide advice on contacting CICA for anybody who has suffered a personal injury as a result of a criminal attack.

Cyclist's Family Receive Over £300,000 Compensation

23/06/2010 13:31:34

The family of a cyclist who suffered a fatal accident in a car crash have been awarded £337,500 in damages by the High Court, to be payed by the insurer of the lorry driver involved in the tragedy, Ninian Donald of Hackney died after being involved in a Road Traffic Accident with a skip lorry that resulted in him being dragged under the wheels of the vehicle when it turned across his path in May 2007.

The driver, Bernard Madden, agreed that he was 75% liable for the accident due to the fact that he had not adjusted his mirrors accordingly and also failed to double-check that it was safe to turn across the cycle and bus lane, with the resulting compensation being worked out based on this admission.

The cyclist was judged to have been 25% liable as he had moved onto the pavement to avoid a bus previously before rejoining the lane, where he was not able to see the lorry's indicators.

The money will go towards Mr Donald's family, including his partner and daughter.

Fatal Accidents can devestate any family, both emotionally and financially. Claim Time Solicitors can provide expert no win, no fee compensation advice for anybody affected by such a tragedy.

Family Pursue Legal Action Over Daughter's Death

23/06/2010 12:43:43

A couple have launched legal action against Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust after it was revealed that their daughter likely died due to medical negligence in the Bradford Royal Infirmary after what her parents allege were a "series of failures" by medical staff.

Steve and Anne Garner will pursure a medical negligence action against the trust after their daughter, Laura, suffered an injury to her back after a slip which eventually caused her to suffer lower abdominal pain for several days. The pain became severe, causing her to be admitted to hospital, where her condition apparently remained undiagnosed and hospital staff refused to allow her mother to stay overnight.

Her condition eventually deteriorated and she passed away on September 24th of last year.

Medical Negligence claims are fully justified when a medical professional has failed in their duty to a patient. Claim Time Solicitors is able to provide a no win, no fee compensation service for anybody who has suffered a personal injury, or the families of those who unfortunately passed, due to medical negligence.

Illegal Gas Fitter Fined After Causing Personal Injury

23/06/2010 12:30:06

An illegal gas fitter has been fined £500 after carrying out faulty work which led to an elderly couple suffering personal injury. Dermot Healy was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive after it was revealed that he was not registered to carry out gas work, as he failed to prove he had the needed competence certificates.

His work resulted in the couple suffering Carbon Monoxide poisoning, just days after My Healy serviced their unit and decided that there were no faults. Mt Healy had previously held a CORGI licence, but had failed to have it renewed when it expired in 2005 and had received no refresher training.

If you have been injured due to another person's negligence, you are entitled to make a personal injury claim against that person. Claim Time Solicitors can help you gain no win, no fee compensation.

Cheshire Recycling Firm Fined

23/06/2010 12:18:11

A Cheshire recycling firm has been fined £10,000 after a member of staff lost part of his leg as a result of an accident at work in September 2009. The accident occured when the man was working at a tipping bay at WSR Recycling's Ditton Road site and was struck by an articulated shovel loader.

The man eventually had to have his leg amputated below the knee, and WSR Recycling admitted that they had not fully secured the work area before allowing the vehicles to drive around, resulting in the worker's catastrophic injury.

As of yet the man has not made a personal injury claim for the catastrophic injury that he suffered, however it seems entirely likely as he will no longer be able to work at his former job.

Claim Time Solicitors are experts in gaining no win, no fee compensation for those who have suffered a catastrophic injury as a result of an accident at work.

Health and Safety Executive Run Workplace Accident Scheme

23/06/2010 12:02:20

The Health and Safety Executive are running a scheme in Swale to raise the awareness of dangers in the workplace in an attempt to prevent work accidents. They have joined forces with a host of other organisations to run the Estates Excellence project, offering companies advice and training for their workers.

They scheme entails sending specially trained visiting staff to small and medium sized businesses in and around the Swale borough, offering advice to managers on how best to avoid workplace accidents. Responses thus far have been positive, which may signal the possibility of the sceme being rolled out nationwide sometime in the future.

If you have suffered an accident at work, Claim Time Solicitors can help you make a no win, no fee compensation claim.

NHS Anaesthetist's Personal Injury Claim Fails

23/06/2010 11:48:57

An NHS Anaesthetist has failed in his bid for compensation for an accident he suffered at work after the temerity of the evidence presented by he and his personal injury solicitor was questioned by a High Court judge. The claimant had been hoping to claim £1million compensation after claiming to have been struck on the head by an operating theatre light and injuring his back, however the NHS challeneged his account of events, asking him to prove that events happened the way he claimed.

They claimed he would have suffered serious, or potentially catastrophic, head injuries if the incident had occurred the way he claimed, stating that the accident was most likely caused by the anaesthetist spilling antiseptic and eventually slipping on it, and account which the judge hearing the case agreed with.

Claim Time Personal Injury Solicitors can handle any no win, no fee compensation claim.

Police Appeal for Witnesses in Hit and Run Accident

23/06/2010 11:33:31

Police are appealing for witnesses who saw the driver if a BMW 3 Series that was involved in a hit and run incident in North London in which a Bristol University student was knocked down and killed while jogging in East Barnet last Wednesday.

The vehicle did not stop at the accident, which occurred last Wednesday, and it is thought the vehicle would have sustained damage to both the front and near side after the collision.

It’s believed that the vehicle would have sustained major damage from the impact, mainly to its front and near side.

Detective Inspector Simon Pilbeam for the Metropolitan Police said: “The driver of the vehicle must have known that they had hit something or someone but chose not to stop.

“I am appealing to the driver to come forward, or anyone who has seen a metallic blue BMW 3 series with damage to the front and near side.”

Biking Personal Injury Claims up by 57% in 5 Years

23/06/2010 11:28:04

Personal Injury claims made by those injured in a motorcycle or cycling accident have gone up by 57% since 2005, a recent study by Aviva demonstrates, with compensation claim costs similarly rising by 51% in the same period.

The steep rise is believed to be the consequence of motorcyclists carrying pillion passengers, a pillion being the secondary cushion or seat that many bikes have behind the rider's seat.

Motorcyclists account for 34% of all fatalities in road traffic accidents, despite only accounting for 1% of road users, and some are claiming drastic measures are required in the wake of these recent statistics.

Claim Time Solicitors are experts in dealing with compensation claims for personal injuries suffered on a motorcycle.

Can the Personal Injury Sector Survive the Recent Spate of Attacks on the Industry?

22/06/2010 14:57:00

In recent months the personal injury sector of law has been beleaguered by attacks and new regulations which all seem custom built to hamper the effectiveness of compensation solicitors nationwide and place the ball back in the court of big businesses and insurance companies when it comes to obtaining justice for those who have been legitimately injured in an accident that wasn’t their fault.

Burn Victim Launches Compensation Claim

21/06/2010 14:40:15

Layla Skalli, from Norwich, is using a personal injury solicitor to make a £2 million compensation claim after she received 80% burns after being trapped in a blaze at her single room bed-sit. When she was first pulled from the blaze it was believed she has no chance of survival due to carbon monoxide inhalation and massive organ failure, however she pulled through.

Her landlord, Michael Billings, has alreadybeen sentenced to two and a half years in prison for breaking fire regulations, with Layla's room having no smoke detectors, fire extinguishers or a windo from which she could escape. His sentence was cut to 21 months when he agreed to pay Layla £20,000 compensation, but now she is seeking more for her catastrophic injuries.

A date for the hearing has not yet been set, but a judge has frozen Mr Billings assets in preperation for the bid.

Claim Time Personal Injury Solicitors are experts in the field of catastrophic injuries. We provide expert aftercare and a top notch no win, no fee compensation service.

Family Make Medical Negligence Claim in Wake of Daughter's Death

21/06/2010 14:15:45

The family of a teenager who died in a Yorkshire hospital after allegedly sub-standard treatment are now making a medical negligence claim after no diagnosis was made on her condition in the 24 hours that she spent at the hospital before passing away. It was later found she was suffering from sepsis and acute pyelonephritis, a serious kidney infection.

Her parents claim the hospital failed in its duty to provide her proper care, can believe she could have been saved with the correct procedures, including ensuring she got antibiotics and checking her temperature, pulse and breathing. The hospital itself claimed there were deficiencies in basic medical processes in the treatment of the girl.

The couple now plan to pursue a compensation claim against Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust for the medical negligence they believe cost their daughter her life.

Claim Time Solicitors is an expert in ensuring that we gain compensation for those who have suffered a personal injury as a result of medical negligence.

Government to Examine Health and Safety Laws

21/06/2010 13:54:15

The Government look set to crack down on health and safety laws after a report indicated that overly stringent measures are the cause for the perceived "compensation culture" in Britain. The study, led by Lord Young who served as an MP under Margaret Thatcher, claims that health and safety has reached a ridiculous degree, to the point that restaurants no longer stock toothpicks as they are fearful of compensation claims.

He states that compensation claims have risen over the 10-12 years the the Labour government were in power, specifically attacking referral agencies who, he claims, will pass on claimants details to the personal injury solicitor who pays the most rather than to the most competent.

He wants a blanket ban on all personal injury adverts and, unsurprisingly, his findings have come up against opposition, not least from the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) who claim that compensation claims have actually gone down in the last ten years, and people should be granted the right to justice if they have been injured in an accident that wasn't their fault.

Claim Time Solicitors is an expert personal injury solicitors that doesn't take frivilous claims. We ensure we provide all claimants with the best possible compensation service.

Scottish Council Fined After Death at School Gym

21/06/2010 12:53:50

A Scottish Council has been hit with a £56,000 fine after an electrician fell six metres to his death in a work accident while fixing lights at a school gym in Kilmarnock. Robert McGill, 35, died after falling from an elevated airlift platform while fixing overhead lights at Kilmarnock Academy last year.

Mr McGill hit the floor face first when the pltform was moved, with a string of errors being blamed for the fatal accident, with the Health and Safety Executive finding that workers were not informed of the risks if the stabilisers were removed from the machine.

It is unknown at this point if his family intend to claim compensation for the fatal accident.

Fatal Accidents can devestate lives. Though no sum of money can ever replace the loss, Claim Time Solicitors can provide a compensation service to ensure you and your loved ones are taken care of in the aftermath of losing a loved on.

Fireman Injured in Blaze Seeks Compensation

21/06/2010 12:46:08

A fireman injured in a fireworks factory accident that killed two of his colleagues is launching personal injury compensation claims against both the factory owners and the fire service for which he works. Timothy Austin and his colleagues were attending a fire in factory when it exploded out of control, hurting Mr Austin and killing two others.

The owners of the factory, Alpha Fireworks, were fined by the Health and Safety Executive, but no Mr Austin is seeking compensation from them for the injuries caused, as well as making a personal injury claim against the fire service.

Accidents at Work are extremely common when proper health and safety precautions aren't taken. Claim Time Solicitors can help any victim make a no win, no fee personal injury compensation claim.

Family of Man Who Died as a Result of Misdiagnosed Head Injury Awarded Compensation

21/06/2010 12:36:36

The family of a Manchester man who died after hospital staff failed to notice a catastrophic head injury that he had sustained after receiving a fractured skull in a dispute in a bar have received a five figure compensation sum for the medical negligence that the hospital staff displayed.

It has been reported that paramedics failed to tell nursing staff that he had sustained a head injury, so they attributed his condition to alcohol consumption. He was later caught on CCTV cameras roaming the hospital grounds, clutching his head and vomiting, with emergency staff constantly failing to notice his ailment and provide him with potentially life saving surgery.

The coroner in the case recorded a narrative verdict, stating that the man died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head, and could have been saved if the correct measures were taken prior to his death.

Medical Negligence is a large problem these days. This is why Claim Time Solicitors can provide personal injury solicitors to help you make a no win, no fee compensation claim.

Ex-Footballer Injured in Road Traffic Accident

21/06/2010 12:11:10

Former England and Tottenham star Paul Gascoigne has suffered a personal injury in a road traffic accident that involved a Vauxhall Astra on Sunday. It is believed that Gascoigne was a passenger in the vehicle when it left the road and hit a nearby signpost.

A 36 year old woman has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving, and Gascoigne may be entitled to make a compensation claim for the personal injuries suffered during the road traffic accident. His condition is currently described as "serious but not life-threatening" by a spokesperson for Newcastle General Hospital. The driver of the vehicle was also taken to hospital, along with another man, however the driver was later discharged.

Road Traffic Accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury, and Claim Time Solicitors are able to help you achieve compensation if you have been injured in an accident that wasn't your fault.

Targets Set By NHS Officials May Lead to Increase in Medical Negligence Cases

21/06/2010 12:01:34

A poll of medics carried out by Bournemouth University has revealed that many medical professionals are unhappy with the increasing pressure put on them by the target system used by NHS officials, claiming it has lead to diagnosis and medical help being rushed, leading to an increase in medical negligence cases.

The problem appears to be a case of bureaucracy against practicality, with unrealistic targets being set by NHS managers, with some claiming the targets system likens hospitals to production lines.

Increasingly tough targets has lead to a spate of personal injury claims for medical negligence, with a recent study claiming that one in six people are at risk of being misdiagnosed.

Claim Time Solicitors are experts in handling medical negligence cases. If you have suffered a personal injury as a result of being misdiagnosed or a blundered surgery, contact us to make a no win, no fee compensation claim.

Foundry Worker Receives Compensation is Massive Burn Claim

21/06/2010 11:51:09

A foundry worker who suffered massive burns as a result of the spillage of molten metal has received a large compensation settlement for the work accident. The man, from Horwich, was the victim of burns over 65% of his body, including burns to his legs, arms and torso and has required more than 20 reconstructive surgeries since the accident.

He received the burns after the ladle into which he was pouring a metal mould upturned, spilling the molten metal onto the floor and engulfing him in heat, steam and smoke. He was unable to escape the predicament due to being unable to see in the heat. Additionally the aluminium ladder used to access the platform he was on had melted in the massive heat.

The man is still receiving skin grafts for the injuries and also need psychological support after experiencing flashbacks, however he is expected to make a full recovery.

Catastrophic Injuries can devastate lives in more ways then one. Victims often require substantial aftercare as well as compensation. Claim Time Solicitors are experts in offering this support to victims of any personal injury.

Explosion at Quarry Could Lead to Work Accident Compensation Claim

21/06/2010 11:06:18

Two men were hospitalised with burns after an explosion at a quarry in Bristol, which apparently involved a lorry and required four crews from Avon Fire and Rescue Service to handle.

One of the men suffered third degree burns in the work accident, while the other suffered first degree burns, with the fire crew claiming to have found a small fire in a liquid petroleum tank in te trailer of the lorry believed to have been the cause of the explosion.

A full investigation into the cause of the accident is expected to be launched soon.

Claim Time Solicitors are experts in handling work accidents, so if you have suffered a personal injury at work, contact us now to make a no win, no fee compensation claim.

British Airways Face Huge Compensation Claim

21/06/2010 10:57:42

British Airways are facing a £250,000 compensation claim brought forward by an employee who dislocated his houlder when he slipped and fell while helping to move a trailer that had been left in the wrong place. The worker claims to still suffer pain when carrying out normal tasks, and hasn't worked since the personal injury was sutained.

The man claims he saw no improvement with the dislocation for a number of months, before an MRI scan showed that he had torn tendons in the shoulder. He now faces a full shoulder replacement after surgery to replace the tendons was unsuccessful.

British Airways have admitted liability for the accident, however neither side can reach an agreement over compensation after the man was told he could make a compensation claim worth £250,000

Slips and Trips at Work are quite common, and Claim Time Solicitors are experts in helping our clients make no win, no fee personal injury compensation claims.

Ship's Cook Widow Receives Over £3,000 Compensation

21/06/2010 10:43:10

The widow of a ship's cook has received nearly £3,200 compensation on appeal at the Court of Appeal in London. The case focused on Thomas Keefe, of Liverpool, who worked for 35 years as a cook on various ships, claiming the excessive noise from Isle of Man Steam Packet ferries left him deaf.

The Work Accident claim was orignally ruled in the company's favour, despite a hearing test revealing he had suffered noise induced hearing loss, however the Court of Appeal overturned the ruling, bringing the case to its conclusion. Mr Keefe passed away before completion of the claim, with his wife continuing it in his absence. The fact that the claim had reached the court of appeals came under criticism as well, as the cost of such cases can spiral. This caused the judge presiding to order the company to pay the full legal cost of the claim that could run to more than £50,000.

Work Accidents and personal injuries are extremely common, and Claim Time Solicitors are experts in ensuring that you receive full compensation. Contact us now to make a no win, no fee compensation claim.

Man Awarded Compensation After Botched Knee Operation

21/06/2010 10:34:07

A man has been awarded compensation for a Medical Negligence claim he made after a botched knee operation left him in agonising pain. Terry Heath, of Bristol, had a knee replacement surgery that didn't go to plan, causing him to contact personal injury solicitors to claim compensation from the surgeons who performed the operation.

Mr Heath intends to use the compensation to purchase a scooter and make his hom more accessible, as well as installing a walk in shower. He has since had corrective surgery to fix the problems with the original surgery.

Claim Time Solicitors can help you make a compensation claim if you have suffered a personal injury as a result of Medical Negligence. Contact us to make a no win, no fee claim.

Girl Injured at Birth is Granted Compensation

21/06/2010 10:27:30

A six year old girl who was injured at birth when she was starved of oxygen at the now defunct Wordsley Hospital in Wordsley has been awarded a large compensation sum in return for the injuries that left her unable to walk, talk or eat on her own.

The our-of-court personal injury settlement was approved in London's High Court and involves a substantial lump sum, plus annual payments to the girl to cover her care for the rest of her life. Her mother Ms Bland said that the compensation will "...make her life much easier and make it possible for me to give her the best of everything".

Claim Time Solicitors are experts in handling personal injury claims as a result of Birth Injuries. Contact us now to make a no win, no fee compensation claim.

Essex County Council Facing Stirng of Compensation Claims

21/06/2010 10:20:06

Essec County Council is facing six seperate compensation claims rom people who have suffered personal injuries in Road Traffic Accidents on the same stretch of road. Loughton's High Road has been in a state of disrepair for some time, despite please for a fix from residents, shoppers and traders.

The case mirrors that the raft of compensation cases that the Leicestershire County Council received after potholes in the roads caused damage to vehicles, with the council eventually paying out approximately £500,000 in compensation to various claimants.

If you have been injured in a Road Traffic Accident that wasn't your fault, call Claim Time Solicitors. We will set you on the road to making a no win, no fee compensation claim.

Man Awarded Compensation in Forkilift Accident

21/06/2010 10:12:31

A man who had his leg crushed when a half-ton of metal plates fell on it during the creation of a makeshift extension for a forklift has been awarded £3,700 in compensation for the work accident.

Jonathen Holmes, who was 17 at the time of the accident in which he suffered his personal injury, was working for Sub Surface Engineering (SSE) in Fareham when the accident occured after SSE General Manager Anthony Baillie, who had been driving the forklift, had the extension fittied.

As well as compensation, Baillie has been ordered to pay £1,000 in costs and a fine of £2,500.

Claim Time Solicitors can help with any Work Accident by aiding you in claiming compensation for your personal injury. Simply contact us to make a no win, no fee claim.

Vuvuzela's Could Cause Personal Injury Claims

18/06/2010 15:07:47

It is being claimed that the surging popularity of Vuvuzela horns during the FIFA World Cup in South Africa could lead to a spate of personal injury claims for deafness caused by the African horn, a leading personal injury solicitor has claimed.

The Vuvuzela is a horn approximately 1 metre in length that can be blown to produce a noise. It is already popular in African football, and with the World Cup being held in South Africa they have become even more prominent, irritating masses of viewers, as well as players and even commentators.

The horns regularly issue a 100 decibel plus drone which, according to some, is a health and safety hazard that could lead to hearing problems for those exposed to it in the future.

Only time will tell if they have this sort of effect, however some are claiming it would be wise to gear up for a host of complaints once the World Cup is over, especially if the horns find their way into English football grounds.

Claim Time Personal Injury Solicitors are experts in gaining compensation for any sort of personal injury, so if you have been hurt in an accident that wasn't your fault, contact us to make a no win, no fee claim.

Compensation Claims Continue to Climb

18/06/2010 14:47:50

The amount of personal injury compensation claims being made has continued to surge in recent years, despite regulations coming into place to restrict claim handling companies, according to stats obtained by Sweet & Maxwell.

They found that personal injury claims launched in the High Court saw an over 30% rise between 2006 and 2008, despite Government efforts a number of years ago to reduce the number of claims being launched, most specifically the Compensation Act 2006, which placed registration requirements and regulations on accident claims companies.

Claim Time Solicitors is more than qualified to handle any personal injury claim. If you have suffered a personal injury in an accident that wasn't your fault, contact us to make a no win, no fee compensation claim.

Claim Time on Technorati

18/06/2010 14:29:12

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Ex Police Officer to Receive Compensation

18/06/2010 13:58:09

An ex police officer is to receive personal injury compensation after a road traffic accident saw him injured and in need of long term care. Alexander Kotula, 27, was struck by a lorry while out cycling in 2006, after having to pass some roadworks set up by EDF Energy Networks, Morrison Utility Services and Birch Utilities

The accident left him permanently paralysed and, after much legal wrangling, the companies involved have been forced to accept liability for the accident because they failed to set up a pedestrian walkway that could be used for safe passage. As a result of this ruling, Mr Kotula is likely to receive compensation upwards of a £1 million.

Claim Time Personal Injury Solicitors are experts in dealing with Road Traffic Accident compensation claims, and we always ensure the best no win, no fee service.

Car Insurance Fronting Leads to Invalid Claims

17/06/2010 09:58:44

The pervading culture of parents fronting car insurance for their children will lead to any compensation claims being made for Road Traffic Accidents to be rendered invalid.

The practice of "Fronting" involves a parent becoming the main driver on a vehicle and naming their child as a named driver, when their child is in fact the main driver of the vehicle. It is done to knock down insurance rates, however the practice is deemed illegal an

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16/06/2010 12:34:14

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Mother and Son Hit By Concrete Block to Make Claim

16/06/2010 11:54:04

A mother and son who were hit a falling concrete block in a freak accident will look to make a personal injury compensation claim for injuries suffered to their legs and ankles after the block narrowly avoided making contact with their heads.

Lisa and Louis Walker were walking along a pavement beneath a housing development in Chester when the block fell from a crane that was lifting it. It hit a wooden board during its descent, slowing the block considerably. Lukcily it missed the pair's heads, however they still wish to make a compensation claim for their injuries.

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn't your fault, be sure to contact Claim Time Solicitors. We offer personal injury advice and services on a no win, no fee basis.

Employee Sues Rentokil

16/06/2010 11:38:23

Rentokil is facing a personal injury compensation claim after a workplace accident which left an employee temporarily blinded. Carl Woodbridge has been pruning a group of cacti plants for the company when one shot toxic sap into his eye, burning his cornea and blinding him for a week.

The claimant states that he was never given any instruction on the plant's toxicity or how best to prune them, thus he is now seeking compensation from Rentokil, which he has since left.

Workplace Accidents are a common occurence, and many don't realise that they are entitled to compensation. For top quality personal injury advice, be sure to call Claim Time Solicitors to make a no win, no fee claim.

Glasgow Council Refuse to Pay Compensation

16/06/2010 11:28:00

Glasgow City Council has refused to pay a £2,500 dental bill for a P.E teacher whose teeth were broken in a workplace accident. The accident occured when the teacher attempted to break up a fight between two pupils, resulting in her being punched in the mouth and having teeth broken.

The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association (SSTA) made a compensation claim against the council, but the council refused, denying negligence in the process. The woman was also refused time off for the dental work. This goes against the employer's duty to protect employees from unsafe or unhealthy environments. The teacher will claim that the accident is a workplace injury as she was attempting to retain safety within the school environment by breaking up the fight, whereas the council have since advises discretion in dealing with playground incidents, claiming teachers must weight up the personal risk to themselves before getting involved.

For advice on how to handle a workplace accident compensation claim, call Claim Time Solicitors. We offer expert no win, no fee personal injury advice.

Insurer's Code Could Harm Personal Injury Claims

16/06/2010 11:16:51

The relationship between personal injury solicitors and insurers has never been particularly rosy. Both see the other side as obstructive and detrimental, with insurers in particular keen to warn policy holders that personal injury claims are borne out by their premiums.

One massive area of conflict is what is known as third party capture, in which an insurer will offer a settlement almost immediately to a third party that is likely to make a claim, bypassing solicitor's advice and going straight for the claimant. Personal Injury lawyers claim that this represents a conflict of interest, with insurance companies both trying to keep payouts as low as possible while also attempting to offer fair compensation to victims.

Now it appears that the insurance companies are looking at extending this practice and give it greater credibility by issuing a voluntary code of conduct which will cover areas such as how to contact victims and the need to highlight the claimants right to seek independent advice at all times. While there are no sanctions enforced by the code, insurers claim the FSA would be "very interested" in any insurer that doesn't follow it.

This will further marginalise the role of personal injury lawyers in these circumstances, providing a further bone of contention between the two sides, with lawyers arguing that each victim should be treated as an individual, while insurance companies claim that it will reduce the lengthy and costly compensation process.

For reliable personal injury advice when it comes to Road Traffic Accidents, and other incidents involving insurers, be sure to visit Claim Time Solicitors for information on making a no win, no fee compensation claim.

E.Coli Victims to Claim Against Petting Zoo

16/06/2010 10:57:47

A group of E.Coli sufferers have banded together to launch a group personal injury compensation bid against the owners of a petting zoo where it is believed that they contracted the virus.

Godstone Farm, in Surrey, was at the centre of a massive E.Coli outbreak in September 2009, leading to over 90 people becoming infected with the particularly dangerous O157 strain. An independent report has since criticised the way that both the farm and local government handled the outbreak as the farm was not closed until over a month after the intial outbreak, leading to more people contracting the lethal strain.

A group has formed to launch a compensation bid against the farm on behalf of 28 children who suffered ailments such as kidney failure after contracting the disease. The claim is for personal injury damages for the negligence that the farm displayed and, if proven, that will claim compensation from the farm's insurers.

If you have suffered a personal injury as a result of somebody else's negligence, contact Claim Time Solicitors to make a no win, no fee compensation claim.

Accident Leads to Employee Losing Foot

08/06/2010 11:28:00

A Penrith Wood Processing plant has been fined £20,000 after an accident that resulted in an employee in an employee having his foot completely severed by a log shavings machine only a fortnight into starting his new job.

Allan Wilson Jenkinson aged 56 of Clifton Moor was fined by the Health and Safety Executive after the employee used a chainsaw to deal with a log that had become entrapped in the machine, but slipped and caught his right foot in the revolving blades at the bottom.

It is unknown whether the victim aims to launch a personal injury claim at this time, though it appears likely with Mr Jenkinson's liability already proven by a criminal prosecution.

Disabled Boy Gets Compensation

07/06/2010 11:08:14

A ten year old disabled child has received compensation for a slip that saw him severely fracture his leg. Chris Fretwell was staying at the Mulberry Lodge in Handsworth when he slipped on food that had been dropped on the floor, with staff at the home failing to notice that the child had fractured his leg until the next day.

The slip is a massive setback to young Chris, who had been making great progress with his walking, managing to walk by himself before the incident. The home has been odered to pay a five-figure settlement to Chris' family by Sheffield County Court, with the compensation going to cover the cost of his recovery and rehabilitation.

Slips and Trips are one of the most common ways to suffer a personal injury. If you have been injured in an accident that wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to make a compensation claim. Call Claim Time Solicitors today to see if you can make a no win, no fee compensation claim.

Holiday Illness at Egyptian Resort

07/06/2010 10:56:16

Stories are emerging that there is currently a widespread illness bug circulating around the Jaz Crustal Resort in Mersa Matruh in Egypt, which may prompt an influx of compensation claims from disgruntled holiday goers.

Early reports suggest that a number of travellers have experienced bouts of sickness after apparently contracting a stomach bug at the hotel. Symptoms include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fevers and nausea and there are some reports that the food at the hotel may be to blame, however these are yet to be confirmed.

Many people don't know that it is still possible to make a compensation claim if you have suffered an accident or personal injury while abroad. Call Claim Time Solicitors now to find out if you are entitled to make a no win, no fee compensation claim today.

Food Company Fined

07/06/2010 10:41:17

A Bradford food manufacturer has been £4,000 after having breached the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Act of 1998, resulting in an employee losing a finger in an accident involving machinery that they should not have been able to access while it was running.

The incident occured at Arcadia Food Industries Ltd in October 2009 when a worker was preparing a food mixing machine for use, with his hand coming into contact with the rotating panels of the machine when he reached in the discharge hatch.

A Health and Safety Executive Investigation found that this area should not have been accessible while the machine was running, and the company has received a prior warning in relation to insufficient guarding of its machinery.

Many people are injured every week at work, and many don't know that they may be eligible to claim compensation for a personal injury suffered in an accident in the workplace. Call Claim Time Solicitors today to find out if you can make a no win, no fee claim.

Lincoln Council Fined

07/06/2010 10:31:24

The Health and Safety Executive has fined Lincoln County Council and the contractor it hired after a family was exposed to asbestos for three days due to the council carrying out incorrect removal work on asbestos boards found while they were carrying out refurbishments on a property's bathroom.

The council hired a company called County Waste to carry out the removal, depiste the fact that the company did not have a license for working with asbestos. This led to them sending an unqualified employee who proceeded to prise the asbestos panels off with a crowbar, leaving broken boards and debris in the aftermath.

The tenant of the property told the council, however they failed to inform him and his family of the dangers posed to them by the substance and did not remove them to alternative accommodation for three days.

As a resuly, Lincoln County Council was fined £10,000 at the county's Magistrates Court, with County Waster receiving a £4,250 fine. Both were ordered to pay combined costs of £18,000 after being found guilty of breaching health and safety legislation.

Being exposed to asbestos can cause a number of ailments, including the cancer mesothelioma. If you have been exposed to asbestos or been injured in an accident that wasn't your fault, call Claim Time and we will be happy to set you on the road to making a no win, no fee compensation claim today.

Asbestos Scheme Backed

07/06/2010 09:59:47

A new scheme that will award compensation to those who have suffered from an asbestos related disease that has left them with scarred lungs has won the support of the coalition government, it has emerged.

Sufferers of Pleural Plaque had previously had their right to claim compensation ended in 2007 by a Law Lords decision, however the previous government had pledged to still pay compensation to those who had begun their claim before the ruling came into effect.

There were fears that the new coalition government might renege on this promise and not deliver the compensation promised, however new Justice Minister Jonathan Djangoly has upheld the scheme

But, in a written Parliamentary answer, new Justice Minister Jonathan Djangoly said people who made claims before the 2007 ruling will still receive compensation.

Trust Apologises Over Woman's Death

24/05/2010 10:26:21

The Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham has given a written letter of apology to the family of a woman who died their after they misdiagnosed her kidney infection as a perforated bowel and that she was too ill for an operation.

This led to the woman being treated as a terminal patient and she passed away five days later. A post mortem found that she had a relatively simple kidney infection which could have been treated with a course of antibiotics. The Trust apologised for the mistake, with Clinical Director Neil Welch saying that "Decisions regarding Mrs Hewitt's treatment were made by medical professionals based on the evidence available at the time."

Hospital Fined £100,000 for Mother's Death

24/05/2010 10:12:57

Great Western Hospital in Swindon has been fined £100,000 for the death of a mother who was given drugs by mistake. She had required a saline solution to bring her blood pressure up after giving birth, but was instead given the anaesthetic Bupivacaine in an epidural drip, resulting in a heart attack minutes later.

The case has been ruled as medical negligence after the drug store at the hospital was described as 'chaotic' and that proper organisation of the store may have resulted in the correct drug being selected.

Times Square Suspect Appears in Court

19/05/2010 11:37:26

The man accused of planning the failed attempt to bomb Times Square has made his first appearance in court. Faisal Shahzad, 30, entered the US Federal Court in New York dressed in prison clothes and did not make a plea during the short remand hearing, only requesting that he be granted halal meals while in prison.

Mr Shahzad has reportedly been co-operating with investigators after being arrested at John F. Kennedy airport on May 3rd, and has allegedly claimed that he received training in bomb creation from the Taleban.

Seoul to accuse North Korea of torpedo attack

19/05/2010 11:24:26

Investigations into the cause of the sinking of a South Korean warship has turned up "smoking gun" evidence that the ship was hit by a North Korean torpedo, according to leaked reports. The warship Cheonan was sunk during a March 26th attack, and forensic experts have been using the following six weeks to determine the exact cause of the sinking.

This evidence may confirm Soth Korea's intention to formally accuse Pyongyang of masterminding the attack, which will further damage relationships between the two countries.

Thai Red Shirts Call off Protest

19/05/2010 10:51:44

The Thai Red Shirts who have been demonstrating throughout Bangkok and Thailand called off their protest after an army assualt on their barricade left five dead, including an Italian journalist.

The end to the protests has led to widespread dismay amongst the men and women involved, which led to more violence as they left the area. Riots erupted in a number of areas throughout the city, with a number of buildings, including a number of town halls, being set on fire.

Labour Leadership Race Hots Up

18/05/2010 11:59:14

David Miliband has officially launched his leadership bid for the Labour party this week, claiming New Labour isn't new anymore and instead the party should focus on becoming Next Labour, as the current party had lost touch with the public and had lost the idealism and transparency that made them such a popular party under the New Labour banner.

Mr Miliband joins his brother Ed Miliband in the race for the leadership, with both vowing to run a clean campaign against the other. Former Children's Secretary Ed Balls is also expected to join the race, while Andy Burnham and John Cruddas are considering their options.

High Court prevents BA strike

18/05/2010 11:50:50

A High Court injunction has been filed to prevent strike action being taken by British Airways cabin crew, with the court ruling the strike action to be illegal. However the last minute nature of the ruling means that flights will still be disrupted as the airline will take several days to return to normal service.

The High Court upheld BA's complaint that the Unite union leaders had failed to inform its membership of key aspects of the strike, including the specific results of the strike ballot, meaning that the strike was deemed illegal.

Mother charged with murder of autistic son

18/05/2010 11:43:09

A mother has been charged with murder after being found with the dead body of her serverly autistic 11 year old son in an airport hotel room.

Yvonne Freaney was found holding the hand of the dead boy after family members alerted the authorities. Officers have since denied claims that the boy was confined to a wheel chair and could only communicate through a computurized voice simulator, and will charge Freaney with the murder.

Magistrate faces disciplinary action after "scum" jibe

18/05/2010 11:37:34

A magistrate is facing disciplinary action after describing two young offenders who had desecrated a church, including bending a valuable John the Baptist cross out of shape, as "absolute scum".

Austin Malloy now faces disciplinary action for the jibe, despite claiming that he was simply using language that the the youngsters would understand. He claims the term was decided upon in advance as an appropriate way to convey to the youngsters the gravity of their crime.

Consumers not hurt by referral fees

18/05/2010 11:31:49

Consultants have told the Legal Services Board that consultancy fees do not damage consumers in any way, as the Board decides on whether to ban the fees after the Law Society called for a ban on the fees.

The Law Society claims the fees have led to a drop in the quality of conveyancing, however the consultants claim the opposite and also state the process of making a claim has been sped up thanks to the system.

Fresh Violence in Bangkok

14/05/2010 13:47:40

The burgeoning unrest in Thailand seems set to continue after another night of violent protests that saw 11 injured and one killed as police advanced on the Red Shirt protesters, firing tear gas into their midsts in attempts to disperse and control the crowd.

Protesters had previously set fire to a number of vehicles before being advanced upon by the Thai troops. The most pivotal moment was the shooting of Major-General Khattiya Sawasdipol by a sniper as he gave a speech to the assembled Red Shirt protesters. The Thai army have denied responsibility for the shooting.

Asbestos Victims Losing Compensation

14/05/2010 13:33:36

Campaigners have warned that thousands of victims of industrial diseases caused by asbestos may not be receiving the compensation to which they are entitled due to difficulties encountered when trying to track employers' insurances companies.

This difficulty is created by the fact that symptoms of the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma can take upwards of 30 years to emerge, thus insurance companies are often difficult to track due to companies having gone out of business or implementing poorly constructed records.

Campaigners are pushing for an Employer's Liability Tracing Office to be created to help victims of asbestos exposure gain their proper compensation and the Department for Work and Pensions has set out a tracing policy which involves keeping an electronic database of employer's insurance policies for these kinds of occurences.

Linklaters Loses Huge Negligence Claim

13/05/2010 14:21:21

Linklaters have lost a massive legal battle with Stewarts Law that could leave the firm open to a £37 million negligence claim. The case comes after Linklaters advised a company called Levicom not to settle on a claim they were making against another telecoms company called Tele2 AB. Levicom ended up settling for less than the firm had told them was possible, leading to a claim against Linklaters

Technical Problems Hamper RTA System

13/05/2010 14:08:44

It is being reported that technical glitches and problems are still affecting the new Road Traffic Accident (RTA) system that was recently set up to handle low value RTA claims.

Some claim solicitors are claiming not have received codes to acces the new portal, while many that have are complaining that they don't seem to work.

Obama to Punish Oil Firm BP

13/05/2010 14:00:01

US President Barack Obama has promised to punish oil giant BP for its roll in the recent massive oil leak at one of their stations situated in the Gulf of Mexico. While all associated companies are accusing each other of failings, including BP and Halliburton, all have accepted liability for the accident as a collective.

President Obama now plans to introduce a tax hike for oil companies of 1% per barrel as a punishment and to help pay for the clean up of the oil spill. This has spiked some concerns that the tax may be passed on to the consumer through higher prices.

90 Feared Dead in Mine Blast

11/05/2010 10:31:09

Rescuers were searching for over 50 missing people yesterday at the Raspadskaya mining pit in Siberia after a double methane explosion decimated the mine. 38 are already confirmed dead from the blast, and rescuers are expressing fears about finding the remaining missing alive.

Nearly 300 miners managed to escape the initial blast or were rescued, however further rescue attempts were hampered by a second blast which also killed 17 rescue workers. Many believe the rescue efforts to be a lost cause now, with the unaccounted being possibly 450 metres underground.

New Legal Partnership Targets Personal Injury Claims

11/05/2010 10:22:18

A new scheme, called Loyalty Law, is set to launch is set to launch next month with the intention of providing links for personal injury law firms.

The scheme already has around 30 firms signed up and goes live on June 1st, and aims to allow smaller personal injury firms to compete against the nationally branded firms in what is a highly competitive sector of law.

Toxic Waste Lawyers Claim £105 Million in Legal Fees

11/05/2010 10:13:24

The personal injury solicitors that represented the victims of the oil company Trafigura's negligent dumping of toxic waste off the Ivory Coast are claiming around £105 million in legal fees due to the massive scope of the compensation claims.

Leigh Day and Co. represented over 30,000 people who had fallen ill after easting alleged to be tainted by the waste. Trafigura agreed to pay over £30 million in compensation to the victims but refused to accept liability in the case. However now Leigh Day and Co. are attempting to claim what is considered one of the highest legal fees ever brought forward in a compensation case and Trafigura are expected to foot the bill.

Top 5 things to look for

10/05/2010 12:16:17

In this day and age, when people are often to be found rallying against a perceived "compensation culture" in Britain, it is important, now more than ever, that Personal Injury solicitors in the UK are honest and have integrity.

As this is the case, we here at Claim Time thought it would be a good idea to provide you with out tips on what to look for in a good personal injury solicitor.

Maclaren Compensates Children

07/05/2010 12:33:30

Pushchair manufacturer Maclaren have will pay compensation to the families of 40 children whose fingers were seriously injured in the hinges of their folding pushchairs. The company refuse to admit liability for the injuries, however they will pay compensation to each victim within the region of £2,500 to £10,000 depending on severity of the injury.

UK Hung Parliament

07/05/2010 10:36:50

It appears that, for all intents and purposes, that Britain will have a hung Parliament after the recent round of elections. Political leaders are calling for a time of reflection, however the result will have far reaching consequences.

Chief amongst these is the possibility that two parties could form a coalition to claim power. If either the Conservatives or Labour can get the Liberal Democrats to go into government with them, a winning majority would be formed which would resolve the issue. Labour have been pushing for this for some time, however the Liberal Democrats may now hold the key to either party achieving a majority.

Firm Fails to Strike Out Action

07/05/2010 10:28:02

Fladgate Fielder, a firm in London's West End, have failed to get a professional negligence claim, brought against them by the beneficiaries of a wealthy widow, struck out. The claimants seek £360,000 compensation from the firm after it was found that inheritance tax would be claimed on shares the widow had purchased for the beneficiaries before she passed, a fact that claimants say was not relayed to them by Fladgate Fielder.

Crane Accident

07/05/2010 10:17:12

John Doyle Construction, a company based in Hertfordshire, has been ordered to pay nearly £20,000 in fines after a worker was injured after being hit by steel beams that had fallen from one of the company's tower cranes.

Stephen James had been directing cranes in an operation at a construction site when, after loading 20 beams onto a set of chains, the crane carrying the beams struck a bar sticking out from a first floor slab. This caused the beams to slip from their restraints and they in turn struck Mr James, injuring his right arm and leg, as well as causing him to have a metal plate put into his head.

Top 5 Month One

06/05/2010 11:03:23

April was an eventful month in the compensation calender, with some major stories breaking throughout the course of the month. Here's our pick of the top 5.

APIL Compensation Plea

06/05/2010 10:28:03

The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) have told of their desire for the next Government to make access to compnesation for injured workers easier. They want assurances from any incoming Government that plans laid down by the Department for Work and Pensions to create a number of employer regulating authorities are put in place.

Referral Costs Scheme

04/05/2010 11:08:56

A Personal Injury national law firm network named QualitySolicitors has launched a scheme to target those at the higher end of the socio-economic spectrum, thus driving down referral fees in the process. The scheme is made up of a number of law firms, all aiming to drive down referral costs through targeting a different market.

Britain Payout Shame

04/05/2010 10:57:11

The Ministry of Defence was forced to face up to the prospect of handling potentially hundreds of compensation payouts as a large amount of Iraqi prisoners gear up to make claims against it for alleged cases of abuse while in captivity.

Medical Neglect Blamed for Baby's Death

04/05/2010 10:43:19

A baby who died at Southmead Hospital in Bristol in February passed away after having her caesarean section birth unnecessarily delayed by over 3 hours after surgeons failed to raise the categorisation of the procedure from "urgent" to "emergency".

The delay left the baby, named Natasha Knowles, starved of oxygen, meaning she was born with no heartbeat and was unable to breath, which led to her falling into a coma. Her parents made the decision to switch off life support four days later.

Times Square Man Arrested

04/05/2010 10:22:15

A man of Pakistani origin has been arrested in connection with the failed car bombing attempt at Times Square in New York. The man has been identified as Faisal Shahzad, and was arrested as he attempted to board a flight to Dubai.

Asbestos Claims 2009

04/05/2010 10:11:42

Unison have revealed figures indicatiing that more that £2 million has been paid out in compensation to people who have suffered medical problems as a result of exposure to asbestos in the past year.

Oil Spill Hits Coast

30/04/2010 12:32:50

The massive oil spill that was the result of an explosion at a BP oil rig has spread unabated, despite massive efforts by the US government and BP, and has now reached the coast of Louisiana, threatening an environmental catastrophe of massive proportions.

Experts are already claiming that various animals and wildlife will already have been affected by the spill, however the consistent failure to contain it, and the fact that it has now reached the wetlands of Louisiana, set the stage for an environmenal disaster on a level never seen before.

APIL against NHS claims

29/04/2010 13:51:58

Muiris Lyons, the incoming head of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) has stated that the huge cost of making personal injury claims against the NHS simply "cannot continue" and has pledged to make every effort to reduce these costs when he assumes his new position.

His scheme, if accepted, will result in less money being paid out by the NHS for each claim, though he attempts to appease worries that this could cut profits by also claiming that less work will need to be done in the process, meaning that a balance is reached.

Beresfords Payout

29/04/2010 13:46:18

Doncaster based compensation law firm Beresfords are sending out £300 cheques to former miners who were incorrectly deducted a fee from their original government compensation awards.

The move comes on the back of solicitors requesting ex-miners coal health case files from other law firms to find out if companies under-compensated miners during their original claims.

Inter Milan Reach Final

29/04/2010 13:24:53

Inter Milan cam through a tense game with holders Barcelona to navigate their way to their first European Cup final in over 30 years. The Italians had to play most of the game with 10 men after losing Thiago Motta to a controversial red card on the 28th minute.

This forced the Italians to retain an extremely defensive style that Barcelona simply could not break down for much of th

Equal Pay

29/04/2010 11:29:12

A dispute between Birmingham City Council and the women that work for it over equal pay has resulted in a ruling that the council must pay over £200 million in compensation for unlevel pay and bonuses.

The ruling comes after it was deemed unfair that the council were paying women working in the same pay grade as men less money. One example was that of a binman earning £51,000 in year when female cleaners only earned £12,000, despite being class

Top Ten

29/04/2010 11:17:47

Personal Injury Law is one of the most misunderstood, and often unfairly reviled, areas of legal practice. Detractors often see personal injury solicitors as "ambulance chasers" or some other less than complimentary terms, however such simplistic reasoning debases the entire purpose of compensation law.

We at Claim Time believe that those who have suffered legitimate injury as a result of somebody else's negligence should be entitled to fair compensation for that injury. Thus we do everything in our power to ensure that anybody whose voice would otherwise be lost can claim the damages to which they are rightly entitled.

As such, to dispel some of the misgivings surrounding compensation and personal injury law, we have compiled the Top Ten Myths and Misconceptions about Personal Injury Law.

Oil Slick Plan

28/04/2010 14:26:56

The US authorities that are currently attempting to deal with the massive oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico have begun considering setting fire to it in a last ditch attempt to prevent it from reaching the fragile Louisiana wet lands.

BP, the owners of the drilling station that exploded on the 19th April, killing 11 workers, have been attempting to repair the leak with a number of methods, includ

Bayern Final

28/04/2010 10:32:03

A superb hat trick by Croatian striker Ivica Olic allowed Bayern Munich to ease past French side Lyon 4-0 on aggregate to find their way into the Champion's League final. They will play the winner of the Inter Milan vs Argos, Walmsleys and the now defunct Land of Leather all accepting liability.

UK Smacking Ban

26/04/2010 13:41:48

The Council of Europe has stated that the UK must comply with its 1998 ruling that smacking a child constitutes a breach of their rights. Currently the law prohibits the use of force against children, however it does leave the possibility for a defense for if the smack was "minor" and the punsihment seen as "reasonable".

Currently, Children's Secretary Ed Balls has stated that while a ban on smacking outside o

Tourism Claims

26/04/2010 11:23:05

It has been revealed that compensation claims are hitting the UK's tourism destinations hard, with claims totalling in the millions of pounds in recent years.

A survey of a number of castles, museums, country houses and national parks has revealed a raft of compensation claims made against them in recent years. Examples include a woman being awarded £15,000 after falling into a moat at Carlisle Castle and £5,585 for a woman who tripped over an ancient cobblestone in the Tower of London.

Pope's Regret

26/04/2010 11:09:16

Pope Benedict XVI's advisors have have begun to regret the organisation of a state visit to the UK later in the year after a paper was released by the Foreign Office suggesting the Pope should do things such as bless a gay marriage and launch his own line of condoms as part of the visit.

The paper was intended as a prank, but its contents have been made known to the Vatican, with officials reportedly angered by what they consider the latest in a line of insults made against the Catholic faith.

Cruise Damages

26/04/2010 10:32:50

The Court of Appeals have ruled that compensation received from damages caused by ruined holidays must remain consistent with other areas of personal injury law, and the distress caused by such events does not equate to bereavement.

The ruling comes after a compensation claim made by a retired couple whose round the world cruises on the maiden voyage of the Queen Victoria cruise liner was ruined by loud banging noises in the suite whenever the ship encountered bad weather.

Widow Sues School

26/04/2010 10:18:39

A Liverpool based widow is set to make a compensation claim against Foxford School in Coventry as she believes that being exposed to asbestos in the school played a part in the death of her husband.

Sheila Schofield, 72, claims that her husband was exposed to the substance while teaching at the school some 40 years ago, as he recently succumbed to the asbestos related cancer mesothel

SRA Revisions

16/04/2010 12:11:55

The Legal Services Board (LSB) has approved the Qualified Laywers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) set out by the Solicitor's Regulations Society. The alterations mean that solicitors from outside the Commonwealth get equal treatment to those within it, however all foreign appl

New Deafness Clinic

12/04/2010 13:05:24

A group of solicitors have set up a clinic in Crewe to provide aid to those who have suffered with hearing losses while working.

The group is mainly focused in industrial workers, who are offered a hearing test and advice on whether or not they are able to make a claim.

A similar scheme was set up in Stoke-On-Trent in 2009, and aided almost 100 people claim compensation for workplace related hearing losses.

NHS Organs Foul-up

12/04/2010 12:54:45

A data-handling error by the NHS has resulted in a number of organs being removed and used in transplants without the organ donors prior consent. The error may have affected as many as 800,000 on the UK donor register.

In many cases donors ask for certain organs to not be taken, such as eyes, however the error has meant that many people are signed up to donate organs they never intended to donate.

Polish President Killed

12/04/2010 12:17:30

The Polish President, Lech Kaczynski, has been killed in a plane crash that also claimed the lives of a number of other Polish officials, military personnel and cultural figures.

Kaczynski was extremely popular in Poland, with his right-wing views being espoused by many Polish people, especially traditionalists and rural voters.

His plane crashed in Western Russia as it prepared to land on April 10th, with the body being flown back to Poland the following day, during which a

Skipton Fund Review Brought Forward

12/04/2010 12:05:12

The Skipton Fund, a payment scheme set up to compensate NHS patients who became infected with Hepatitis C due to the use of tainted blood, will be reviewed ahead of schedule.

The fund was initially set for review in 2014, however the date has been brought forward to late 2010 due, in part, to a report published by Lord Archer of Sandwell.

Medical Negligence claims are made to the fun

Terrorism Compensation Laws Passed

12/04/2010 11:57:34

A new law has been passed to compensate British victims of terrorist acts carried out on foreign soil. The passing of the law is a victory for the people behind the Victims of Terrorism Overseas Compensation Scheme, which means that people injured in terrorist attacks abroad will now be compensated in the same way as those injured in the UK under the

Payout in DVT claim

12/04/2010 11:48:43

Suzanne Badhams, from Walsall in the West Midlands, has received a 5-figure compensation payout after being placed in intensive care when her doctor failed to diagnose that she has Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

The condition was only discovered at Sandwell Hospital, and had resulted in the woman having a life threatening pulmonary embolism, despite multiple visits to her doctor in relation to the condition.

McClaren exposed to asbestos

12/04/2010 11:37:46

Malcolm McClaren, the recently deceased former manager of The Sex Pistols, may have been exposed to asbestos after smashing up the ceiling of the shop he used to own with Vivienne Westwood.

The shop, called Sex, was opened by McClaren and Westwood in the 1970's, with McClaren making the hole in the ceiling to create the impression that a bomb had hi

Tories will not ban PI referral fees

12/04/2010 11:09:50

Shadow Justice Minister Henry Billingham has stated that a conservative government would not place a ban in personal injury referral fees, claiming that law makers must be very careful about dealing with the issue.

The new stance is seen as a softening on policy by the Tories, as many within the party were for getting rid of referral fees

Challenge made to RTA process

12/04/2010 10:59:55

The Accident Compensation Solicitors Group (ACSG) is planning a legal challenge against the Ministry of Justice over the new road traffic accident (RTA) claims process, claiming that the fixed costs implented by the process "have not been based on proper research as to the true cost of running claims up to £10,000".

Lady GaGa sued

12/04/2010 10:46:06

Pop phenomenon Lady GaGa is being sued by her ex-business partner and collaborator after he alleged that she had failed to pay him just over $30 million in royalties for his contributions to her success.

Rob Fusari, a songwriter who has written hits for Destiny's Child and Will Smith, has song writing credits on a number of tracks on Lady GaGa's "The Fame" album, but claims he has not received the 20% in royalties owed to him.

Murderer making claim

12/04/2010 10:30:50

A man jailed for life for the murder of 3 people in relation to a drug debt is making a compensation claim after stating that prison workers have violated his rights.

Kevan Thakrar, known for a history of violence both inside and outside of prison, claims his rights were breached during a sentence planning meeting, in which a prisoner's needs and objectives are assessed.

Mace & Jones hit with large compensation claim.

12/04/2010 10:20:53

Mace & Jones Solicitors have been hit with a huge professional negligence claim to the tune of £60 million. The claim will progress if the solicitors acting for D Morgan, the claimant, can provide the courts with a detailed accountancy report by April 21st relating to losses suffered due to advice the firm provided on planning issues in connection with the Bold Heath Quarry in 1992

SXSW 2010: Blogger & Google Reader Party in Austin

01/04/2010 12:53:56

Blogger and Google Reader are throwing a party at South by South West and you're invited! We'll be debuting a very special feature at the party, so come celebrate with the Blogger and Google Reader teams. Drinks, food, tunes, swag, and good times will be in full effect.

Express yourself with the Blogger Template Designer

11/03/2010 14:45:38

We’re thrilled to announce that the Blogger Template Designer has launched to Blogger in Draft, our experimental playground where users can try out Blogger’s latest features. The Template Designer brings a new level of customization to your blog. Take a look:

Saving one million hours per week

11/03/2010 14:45:26

Five weeks ago we rolled out Auto Pagination, a major milestone in our efforts to make Blogger faster for you and your readers. We are very happy to report a ten percent overall decrease in page loading latency across all Blogger blogs and a twenty-seven percent decrease on archive pages.

Just how significan