All legal updates

Aug

26

Quad riders urged to play it safe

Quad bikes - motorbikes with four wheels - are called ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) by farmers, ATCs (all-terrain cycles) by forestry workers, and quad bikes by those who use them for leisure.

Aug

26

Mobile phones: Friend and foe?

Mobile phones offer security to motorists by enabling them to contact the emergency services or insurance/breakdown services whenever and wherever necessary.

Aug

23

Personal injury risk on roads greater for children in poorer areas

According to a new report children from poorer backgrounds are at greater risk of injury on our roads.

Aug

23

Personal injury risk is greater if you're a 'podestrian'

We’re all aware of the dangers of being distracted while driving; whether by satnav, mobile phones - including hands-free - MP3 players and stereos.

Aug

23

Car accidents: The main causes

Driving a vehicle represents freedom, excitement, adventure and risk. Unfortunately, this often leads to some of the most common and tragic accidents.

Aug

23

Are we getting close to bionic limbs?

For decades the technology behind prosthetic arms has remained virtually unchanged, with amputees finding simple, everyday tasks often impossible.

Aug

19

Hairdresser ordered to return £380,000 from elderly customer's will

Elderly sisters Ethel Wilson and Mabel Cook lived together following the deaths of both their husbands in the 1970s.

Aug

19

Cycle helmets: The debate continues

Many thanks to Dr Richard Keatinge for responding to my article in April, in which I took a brief look at the current state of UK law concerning the wearing of cycle helmets.

Aug

16

Hairdresser complaints: have you had a hair raising experience?

Did you know Britain is one of the very few countries in which anyone, without registration, qualifications or any form of recognised training, can call themselves a hairdresser and set up a hairdressing salon or business?

Aug

10

'Will Writers' - a trap for the unwary

Following last night’s Panorama programme, Wills – The Final Rip Off, individuals are urged to double check that the will they have in place has been prepared by someone who is suitably qualified, insured and regulated.

Aug

06

Cycling soldier's death could have been avoided

Earlier this year a soldier just back from serving in Afghanistan died in a cycling accident on the A338, in Wiltshire.

Aug

06

Asbestos related pleural plaques compensation scheme opened

The Government has now opened the scheme that will make available a one-off compensation payment for anyone who started a claim for pleural plaques prior to 17 October 2007.

Aug

06

'Gagging orders' show NHS has its priorities all wrong

Millions of pounds spent to stop departing hospital doctors speaking out shows the NHS has got its priorities wrong.

Aug

03

Asbestos obligations highlighted by Health and Safety Executive

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has emphasised in recent guidance the circumstances in which it will take enforcement action if companies and those responsible for non-domestic companies fail to comply with asbestos regulations.

Jul

29

Compensation claims: hassle-free claims handling

Gone are the days when bringing a personal injury claim against a negligent party appeared too difficult and seemed more hassle than it was worth.

Jul

22

Motorcycle modifications: Check before you change anything?

Many riders buy bikes with a view to making modifications - or mods - to extract the best ride and performance.

Jul

22

Credit hire: An overview

Credit hire is a term many people will be unfamiliar with, despite it being commonplace. Following a road traffic accident, someone needs a replacement vehicle while their own car is unroadworthy and/or being repaired.

Jul

21

Here come the girls

Think biker, and most people imagine a guy in black leather racing around the countryside. Think a little longer, and the images become more diverse. Now you might think about them riding in towns or commuting to and from work.

Jul

21

Concern grows over continued international asbestos trade

White asbestos is banned in the EU, yet despite bans and restrictions in 52 countries and predictions of up to 10 million asbestos deaths worldwide by 2030 it continues to be used widely in China, Russia, Brazil and many other developing countries.

Jul

20

Get on with modern motorcycle equipment: Suits and jackets

Due to the huge number of biker deaths there's been a call for development of the safety equipment used to protect motorcyclists if they crash.

Jul

19

Road traffic accidents: should I deal directly with the other side's insurer?

Insurance companies have come under much criticism from claimants and claimant lawyers when they indulge - often aggressively - in the practice commonly known as 'third party capture'.

Jul

19

Get on with modern motorcycle equipment: Cooling helmets

Each year hundreds of motorcyclists suffer head injuries as a result of road traffic accidents.

Jul

19

Blow(out) for mayor's flagship cycle scheme

London Mayor Boris Johnson today announced a delay to the eagerly anticipated London Cycle Hire Scheme.

Jul

15

HGVs involved in 39% of cyclist deaths

In a recent article, we highlighted how women were disproportionately represented in cycling accidents involving heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

Jul

13

Defensive riding

It's been widely reported that motorcycle accidents account for 34% of all fatalities in the UK, but bikes contribute just 1% of overall traffic on the road.

Jul

13

Construction site deaths down

New figures released by the Health and Safety Executive show deaths on construction sites are falling.

Jul

12

Cycle lanes: A place of danger?

The Department of Transport and local councils nationwide are promoting cycling as a safe, healthy and environmentally friendly activity.

Jul

05

Minister for Justice announces court closure plans

Kenneth Clarke, the Minister for Justice, has announced plans to close 103 magistrates' courts and up to 54 county courts.

Jul

02

Transport sector cuts set to hit road safety

The latest government figures show that although motorcycle traffic rose by two per cent last year, the number of motorcycle casualties was four per cent lower than in 2008.

Jul

02

Dangerous roads named: What to do in the event of a road traffic accident?

A report published the Road Safety Foundation has named the most dangerous roads and types of roads in Britain.

Jul

02

Biker deaths down in 2009

Statistics released by the Government in its Reported Road Casualties Results 2009 reveal there were 472 motorcyclist deaths in 2009 - four per cent down on 2008.

Jun

30

London Cycle Hire Scheme: Riders' safety may depend on other road users

With a month to go until the launch of the London Cycle Hire Scheme, cycling safety concerns are again being raised.

Jun

28

Support Action Mesothelioma Day: 2 July 2010

Thousands have already lost their lives to mesothelioma - a cancer linked to asbestos exposure - and medical research predicts that as many as 50,000 people could be affected by it over the next 30 years.

Jun

28

Road traffic accidents: Can you trust other drivers' insurance companies?

Picture the scene. It’s 9am and you’re in your car going to work when someone drives into the rear of you. You exchange details at the scene and plan to call your insurance company later in the day.

Jun

23

Emergency Budget 2010: How it will affect you

There are a number of tax issues thrown up by the Emergency Budget on 22 June that will affect you. Here we look at the key ones, and at how they’re likely to have an impact.

Jun

22

Injured in an accident whilst not wearing a seatbelt? You can still claim

It’s drummed into us from the beginning of our driving experience that the first thing we do when we get into a car is put on our seatbelt.

Jun

18

British Lung Foundation: Breathe Easy Week 14-20 June - Lung cancer and asbestos exposure

Lung cancer causes approximately 40,000 deaths a year in the UK and is the most common form of cancer. Some 90% of lung cancers are thought to be caused by cigarette smoking.

Jun

17

Woman run over by her own car

How could a legal claim result from being run over by your own car? And can you really bring a legal action against a family member without causing long-term damage to your relationship?

Jun

17

Legionnaires' disease: It's out there

Legionnaires’ disease is a rare condition, but is extremely unpleasant and can kill.

Jun

17

British Lung Foundation: Breathe Easy Week 14-20 June - Occupational asthma

Occupational asthma is caused by the exposure to harmful substances whilst at work. Many people are working in an environment where dust, fumes, vapour, mist or gas, plumes into the air on a regular basis.

Jun

17

74 not out after £425,000 settlement

A client who was a retired senior nursing sister led an active life - dancing, cycling and working for local charities - until she was knocked off her bicycle.

Jun

16

The Gazza debate: Can passengers claim if they're involved in an accident with a drink driver?

Media interest has this week surrounded troubled ex-footballer Paul Gascoigne.

Jun

16

National Bicycle Week is chance for fun and safety awareness

Now that summer’s here and schools are preparing to break up, the number of people getting out on bicycles is set to increase.

Jun

16

British Lung Foundation: Breathe Easy Week 14-20 June - Children's Charter

Wednesday 16 June sees the launch of the British Lung Foundation’s (BLF) Children’s Charter.

Jun

15

British Lung Foundation: Breathe Easy Week 14-20 June - Treatment for lung conditions: Asbestos related Mesothelioma

British Lung Foundation Breathe Easy Week from 14 - 20 June 2010 aims to promote lung health, raise awareness of lung disease, and promote a greater understanding of the problems it can cause.

Jun

14

British Lung Foundation: Breathe Easy Week 14-20 June - Asbestos and lung disease

Today is the first day of the British Lung Foundation’s flagship campaign Breathe Easy Week when nationwide events will be run to raise awareness of lung-related illness.

Jun

11

Budget changes benefit bikers

Changes to the Finance Act incorporated in the Finance Act 2010 makes biking even more attractive to those using their motorbike for business use.

Jun

10

Get On campaign teams up with UK dealers

A campaign to encourage people to try motorcycling has teamed-up with bike dealers across the UK who will show-off new machines to existing and prospective riders.

Jun

09

New TV not working? Don't think it's all over!

With the World Cup upon us, sales of televisions are reportedly up as the nation prepares to watch the action.

Jun

09

Motorbike test to be reviewed following spate of accidents

The controversial new motorcycle test is to be reviewed after hundreds of riders suffered accidents whilst taking it.

Jun

09

Hot tips for World Cup drivers

Thousands of England football fans will be heading to South Africa for the World Cup, and many are expected to choose the fly-drive option.

Jun

08

World Cup compensation claims

Whether or not things go as you hope on the pitch, you’ll want a trouble-free trip if you’re off to South Africa for the World Cup.

Jun

08

British Lung Foundation: Breathe Easy Week 14-20 June

The British Lung Foundation’s flagship Breathe Easy Week will take place from Monday 14 to Sunday 20 June.

Jun

07

Have a game plan and avoid falling foul of World Cup work clashes

With the World Cup just a week away, employees must balance the excitement generated by the ‘world’s biggest sporting event’ with duties towards their employers.

Jun

07

Compensation claims for pleural plaques sufferers

The Government is to make compensation payments to pleural plaque sufferers who were pursuing a claim prior to October 2007.

May

25

Asbestos exposure fears after Northants allotment fire

Asbestos dust may have been released into the atmosphere after a fire at a Northamptonshire allotment.

May

24

No change to Inheritance Tax under coalition government

Had it been elected, part of the Conservative party’s manifesto was to raise the Inheritance Tax threshold from the present £325,000 to £1m.

May

21

Hats for Headway

Access Legal from Shoosmiths employees donned hats today to raise cash for Headway’s Action for Brain Injury Week.

May

20

Home Information Packs suspended

The new coalition government has removed the need for a Home Information Pack to be prepared when a property is put up for sale.

May

20

Action for Brain Injury

This is the fourth in a series of articles this week to support of Headway’s Action for Brain Injury campaign.

May

19

Doctors urged to say 'sorry'

Access Legal from Shoosmiths is backing calls from two senior medical advisers who want doctors to say ‘sorry’ to patients when they have made a mistake.

May

19

Brain injury: The search for consciousness

Up to 12,000 people aged under 40 suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) every year.

May

18

Will coalition continue with proposed cutbacks to cost recovery system for innocent motorists?

It’s no secret that the former Labour government considered many options in an attempt to save costs, as they believed the current system was a drain on funds.

May

18

Mild head injury: A brief overview of the basics

Head injury litigation is challenging, complex, and requires a specialist team of personal injury experts to advise the court on the correct level of compensation to award those who’ve sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI).

May

17

Action for Brain Injury Week: 17-23 May 2010

Access Legal from Shoosmiths is continuing its support of Headway, the brain injury association.

May

11

Mayor calls for tougher driving tests as seventh cyclist of 2010 dies in London

London Mayor Boris Johnson wants the Government to change driving tests so motorists are forced to pay greater attention to cyclists.

May

10

Hung parliament leaves satellite speed cameras in the balance

All motorists will be familiar with current speed cameras or the sight of police officers at the side of the road with a speed gun.

May

07

Access Legal backing proposals for an Employers' Liability Insurance Bureau

Access Legal from Shoosmiths has submitted a reply supporting the introduction of an Employers' Liability Insurance Bureau (ELIB), which the Government has been consulting on.

May

04

New Act seeks to ease restrictions on free personal care at home

The new Personal Care at Home Act 2010 seeks to remove current restrictions on the provision of free personal care provided for people living at home.

May

04

Drug could stop spinal injuries worsening

The UK sees more than 1,000 people every year suffer injuries to the spinal cord.

Apr

30

Volcano fallout continues for employers

Iceland’s erupting volcano has caused a legal headache for employers, as grounded planes left staff unable to return to work after the Easter break.

Apr

29

Lost Wills

A lost Will might as well have never been made. We get many phone calls from relatives who are experiencing difficulties finding the Will of their loved ones.

Apr

27

Access Legal from Shoosmiths supports International Workers' Memorial Day 2010

‘Remember the dead and fight for the living’ is the message behind Workers’ Memorial Day, which has been held every year since 1989.

Apr

26

Surgical error was a basic mistake

The case of a man who had a testicle cut off by mistake shows the NHS are facing claims because even the most basic procedures can go wrong, according to Access Legal from Shoosmiths.

Apr

21

Volcano claims: A cloudy issue

As planes are grounded for another day due to volcanic ash, the number of people stranded abroad is increasing dramatically.

Apr

21

Counselling support to become harder to find?

Half a million people with serious mental illness could lose access to counselling and other services as the NHS struggles to make unprecedented efficiency savings, according to The Times.

Apr

21

Asbestos exposure may not be known by electricians, plumbers and carpenters

Tradesman such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters and joiners may find themselves working in places where they don’t know there’s asbestos.

Apr

14

Maternity leave rights: returning to work

We're receiving more enquiries from women returning from maternity leave who've been put into a different role without any prior consultation or had their request for flexible working refused.

Apr

13

Not wearing a helmet could affect your cycle accident claim

It's hard to believe that it's only 27 years since it became compulsory to use seatbelts in the front of vehicles.

Apr

12

Can you claim compensation when an insurer goes bust?

As Quinn Insurance is hit with an administration order banning it from writing new UK business, we look at possible consequences for policyholders and claimants when a UK insurer goes into liquidation.

Apr

09

Asbestos compensation claims set to rise with UK having world's highest mesothelioma death rate

UK deaths from mesothelioma are the highest in the world according to the Institute of Cancer Research, with more than 2,000 people-a-year dying from the asbestos-related disease.

Apr

08

Bikers face continuing pothole menace

As motorcyclists prepare for months of pothole danger following the cold winter, the Government announced in the recent Budget that it will allocate £100m to councils for repairs.

Apr

06

Response to government consultation to support asbestos sufferers

Asbestos-related disease victims often struggle to claim compensation because the company they worked for has been closed for many years and they cannot find details of the insurer who would normally pay out on a claim.

Apr

06

More pitfalls for landlords and agents as AST rent threshold increases

The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has announced that the threshold for Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will be increased from £25,000 to £100,000-a-year from 1 October 2010.

Mar

26

Access Legal success, but disputing a will remains difficult for adult children

A mother aged 70 died leaving nearly £490,000 to two charities and nothing to her daughter and five grandchildren.

Mar

24

Stamp duty giveaway in budget to boost recovering housing market?

An eve of Budget rumour has been circulating about a proposed increase in the entry level band for Stamp Duty Land Tax to £250,000.

Mar

24

Budget update: Chancellor's leg up for first time property buyers

As predicted by Access Legal from Shoosmiths earlier today, Alistair Darling’s Budget has made it easier for first time buyers to get on the property ladder.

Mar

24

Bikers face pothole danger after freezing winter

Motorcyclists face even greater pothole risks this year, after the freezing winter left roads across the UK badly damaged.

Mar

23

Penalties levied against executors for incorrect Inheritance tax accounts

There have been a number of cases where HM Revenue and Customs have levied penalties against executors for delivering an incorrect inheritance tax account.

Mar

23

Alternative pain relief treatment for mesothelioma sufferers

Mesothelioma sufferers not responding to conventional pain relief may respond to an alternative treatment - percutaneous spinal cordotomy.

Mar

22

Lift death highlights elevator risk

A lift company has pleaded guilty after a woman was killed by a faulty elevator at her gym. Katarzyna Woja was crushed to death when the lift at her City of London gym fell between floors.

Mar

19

Statutory instrument for RTA claims process laid before Parliament

The statutory instrument for the new claims process for low value road traffic accident personal injury claims has been laid before Parliament.

Mar

18

Government proposes clampdown on dangerous dogs

The Government has launched a consultation on amending the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act. It was introduced in response to a series of serious injuries and deaths following attacks by aggressive and uncontrolled dogs.

Mar

11

Counting the cost of litigation against the NHS: A claimant's perspective

It is not necessary to work in clinical negligence to know that the NHS is clearly upset over the amount of money it is paying out for its clinical mistakes.

Mar

05

Government set to increase mesothelioma payments

From April 2010 the Government will increase lump sum payments made under the 2008 Scheme to bring them in line with those paid under the Pneumoconiosis (Workers Compensation) Act 1979.

Mar

04

Miners need expert help despite compensation scheme

Barnsley West MP Michael Clapham is arguing that former miners suffering from miners' knee should not have to pay for solicitors in order to claim compensation.

Mar

04

John Radcliffe Hospital suspends child heart surgery

The John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford has temporarily suspended paediatric heart surgery while it conducts an investigation into concerns raised following the deaths of four children during heart operations.

Feb

26

New low value claims process delayed until 30 April 2010

A new process for low value road traffic accident personal injury claims has been delayed until 30 April.

Feb

26

It's not all about Mr Brown ...

Recent media attention around whether or not the Prime Minister bullied staff threatened to obscure the real problem of bullying in the workplace and the serious and harmful effects it can have on employees.

Feb

26

Disappointment for pleural plaques sufferers

The Government yesterday rejected campaigners’ calls for it to overturn a 2007 House of Lords decision ruling that compensation for pleural plaques would no longer be paid.

Feb

24

Hospital patients routinely neglected says damning report

A damning report into care provided by Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust says patients were ‘routinely neglected’.

Feb

22

Safety fears over asbestos in schools

With asbestos believed to be present in around 75% of Britain’s schools, there’s concern over whether it’s being properly managed, following a survey undertaken by the Asbestos Training and Consultancy Association (Atac).

Feb

16

Religious discrimination: Not every act motivated or inspired by religion is protected

A recent Court of Appeal case highlights the difficulties which can arise for an employer seeking to strike a balance between business needs, individual views and the accommodation of diversity in their employment policies.

Feb

12

Asbestos victims welcome government consultation on Employers Liability Insurance Bureau

The Government has begun a consultation on whether an Employers' Liability Insurance Bureau (ELIB) should be opened.

Feb

10

Official recognition for International Workers' Memorial Day

The Government has confirmed plans to officially recognise International Workers' Memorial Day (IWMD) from 28 April 2010.

Feb

10

Government lump sums available for mesothelioma sufferers and their families

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure you should qualify for a lump sum payment from the Government.

Feb

04

Religious discrimination, or persecution?

Our rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion are paramount and are enshrined in Article 9 of the Human Rights Act 1998.

Feb

03

Landlords and agents beware: Another potential S.21 Notice pitfall

Do you serve your Section 21 Notices at the same time as the tenancy agreement is signed?

Jan

28

Teachers and lecturers face asbestos threat

Teachers and lecturers could be among thousands more people exposed to the dangers of asbestos than at first thought.

Jan

28

Retirement age could be abolished in 2011

The Government is bringing forward to 2010 its review of the default retirement age, which allows employers to force employees to retire at 65.

Jan

28

Parenthood rules could have far-reaching effects

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 clarifies the rules on who are the legal parents of an artificially conceived child.

Jan

28

New drugs breakthrough highlights 'financial abuse of dementia sufferers

News of a breakthrough drug treatment for Alzheimer's Disease is very welcome, especially in light of new statistics highlighting an increase in UK dementia cases.

Jan

28

National Minimum Wage: The only way is up

Despite speculation that the Government would leave the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rate alone for next year, a Low Pay Commission (LPC) recommendation for a small increase in hourly rates has been accepted.

Jan

28

Home Information Packs changes

There have been some important changes to Home Information Pack (HIP) regulations, along with updated Government guidance.

Jan

28

Gas safety for landlords: CORGI scheme replaced

The Gas Safe Register (the Register) replaced the CORGI gas registration system from 1 April 2009.

Jan

28

Gardening your way out of recession

A valuable relief, and one that has remained unchanged for many years, is principal private residence relief (PPR).

Jan

28

EAT considers extent of sex discrimination protection for woman undergoing IVF treatment

Employees who are pregnant enjoy a significant level of legal protection.

Jan

28

Claimants success over future care costs

Claimants can now seek full recovery of future care costs from the defendant even when NHS provision or local authority funding is available.

Jan

28

'One day all this will be yours.' Can you rely on a promise?

Legal rules about promises made during someone’s liftetime - and whether they are valid after death - have been clarified by a House of Lords decision.

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