Revealed – The Dangers Of Commuting To Work

A survey by insurance company LV has revealed the dangers faced by British commuters whilst travelling to and from work. Their research found that an amazing 1.7 million people have to take time off work each year because of injuries sustained whilst commuting, and the average person is at risk of serious injury 32 times each week.

Key figures released in LV’s report included:

•  – The average commuter takes 1,600 risks a year
•  – The biggest dangers are crossing the road without looking and running down stairs or escalators
•  – 40% of people admitted jumping on to trains or buses whilst the doors are closing
•  – 39% of commuters walk into the road to get around slower pedestrians
•  – With an average of 35 risks a week, women take more risks than men.

The results of commuting injuries can be serious, with LV finding that some of the commonest risks resulted in people taking more than three months off work. And whilst the people surveyed admitted that they were injured because they took risks, many more commuters are injured every year through no fault of their own.

If you’ve been injured in a commuting accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to claim compensation – whether you were travelling on foot, by bike, car, bus, tram or train. Britain’s roads are especially dangerous and in the daily rush to get to and from work, not everyone takes as much care as they should. According to the Department of Transport, almost 204,000 people were killed or injured in road traffic accidents in 2011 alone.

Claiming compensation for a road traffic accident

As the LV survey revealed, the effects of a road traffic accident aren’t just physical – you could end up being seriously out of pocket if you have to take a long time off work. On top of that, you may need to pay for specialist treatment, care or therapy that isn’t available on the NHS to help you recover or regain your quality of life. Claiming compensation means you can focus on getting better without worrying about financial issues.

Talk to Injury Lawyers 4u today

At Injury Lawyers 4u, we know all about road traffic accident claims. We’ve handled hundreds of successful cases for pedestrians, car drivers, cyclists and public transport users. You can trust Injury Lawyers 4u to give you honest, professional advice about your claim, and to deal with your case as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Call today on 0333 400 4445 and take your first steps to getting the compensation you deserve.

Had an accident? Choose your lawyer carefully

Adverts for personal injury solicitors and accident claims management firms are everywhere these days – from TV and radio to newspapers, magazines and website banners. But not all these services are the same. It’s important to make the right choice if you’re to get the best advice and all the compensation to which you’re entitled.

This article from leading accident lawyers Injury Lawyers 4u offers some helpful tips on choosing the right provider.

Look for a specialist personal injury service

You may already have a lawyer, perhaps a local firm that’s handled your will or provided a conveyancing service to you in the past. And whilst you may feel loyalty towards them, it’s often better to appoint a firm that specialises in personal injury law to handle your claim. That way, your case has the best possible chance of success.

Check out the firm’s credentials

All companies and law firms offering claims management services must be regulated by the Ministry of Justice or SRA respectively, so checking their registration is an obvious starting point. But it’s a good idea to look beyond this and find out what other reassurance they can offer that your case will be handled correctly and ethically.

For example, all member firms of Injury Lawyers 4u are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority. There are no ‘middle men’ looking to profit from your injury, just experienced solicitors dedicated to getting you the compensation you deserve.

Make sure there’s no obligation to proceed

It should never cost you anything to get a solicitor’s opinion on whether or not you have a valid accident claim. At Injury Lawyers 4u, you’ll always receive impartial, confidential advice, after which you’re free to choose another solicitor if you wish.

Contact Injury Lawyers 4u today

We make it easy to find out if you can claim compensation for your accident. Just fill in the short form and a lawyer will call you back. Or, call us at any time of the day or night on 0333 400 4445.

Butchery Firm Fined After Knife Accident

A London-based butchery firm has been fined £2,750 after a worker suffered a serious arm injury due to not wearing the correct protective equipment. The company was also ordered to pay almost £3,700 in costs after a hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 1 May 2013. During the hearing, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that the firm had taken 29 days to report the incident – 19 days over the legal limit.

The accident happened when the employee was deboning a lamb shoulder. On his non-knife hand, he was wearing a chain mail glove that only covered his wrist, instead of the elbow-length gauntlet that should have been provided. According to the HSE, wearing such a gauntlet could have prevented the accident, which resulted in a deep cut to the forearm.

After the incident, the employee needed more than three months off work as well as a course of physiotherapy to regain the strength and movement in his left hand that he needed to return to work. Commenting on the case, HSE Inspector David Balfour said: ‘The deep, painful cut the butcher sustained was entirely preventable had he been wearing elbow- length chain mail gloves, which should have been provided by the company.’

The butchery firm pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, which oblige all employers to provide the personal protective equipment their staff need to control risks to their health and safety whilst at work.

Every year, dozens of workplace accidents happen because personal protective equipment is missing, substandard or inadequate. And employees who’ve been injured in these accidents are entitled to claim compensation – not just for their injuries, but for other related expenses, such as loss of earnings or the costs of treatment or therapy that aren’t available on the NHS.

Had an accident at work? Talk to Injury Lawyers 4u

Injury Lawyers 4u are experts at dealing with all kinds of workplace accident claims. Our experienced legal team will handle your case from start to finish, providing the advice and support you need at every stage. With our help, you’ll get the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery and rehabilitation.

Call 0333 400 4445 for instant legal advice today. We work on a genuine ‘no win, no fee’ basis so there’s nothing to lose by asking us to help.

Dog Bite Hospital Admissions On The Rise

Dog attacks have featured prominently in the news recently, with incidents such as the killing of 14 year old Jade Anderson by a pack of dogs raising questions around tightening dog control legislation. But whilst fatalities from dog attacks might be rare, the number of hospital admissions related to dog bites is rising.

According to the latest NHS statistics, 6,447 people were admitted to hospital for dog bites in 2011-2012, an increase of 5.2% on the previous year. Of these victims, 1,040 were aged under 10. A variety of different treatments were used to treat the resulting injuries, with plastic surgery being the most common requirement. Other treatment types included oral and maxillo facial surgery and trauma or orthopaedic care.

However, the damage caused by dog bites can go far beyond physical injuries. Being attacked by a dog or any other animal can cause severe emotional or psychological trauma. Many victims suffer nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety or depression. They may be forced to give up work, leading to financial insecurity, or stop pursuing hobbies or interests they used to enjoy.

If this has happened to you, claiming compensation for your injuries will help you regain some quality of life. As well as easing the financial pressure if you need to take time off work, or stop working altogether, you’ll be able to pay for any extra treatment or therapy you need to recover and move on with your life.

Talk to the personal injury experts

Injury Lawyers 4u are a national network of personal injury specialists. We have wide experience of dealing with all kinds of personal injury claims, including claims for dog bites and other injuries caused by animals.

Claims for dog attacks can be complex, and we may need to gather medical evidence and investigate the background and behavioural patterns of the animal that attacked you. You can rest assured that our expert lawyers will assess your case to find out if you have a valid claim before guiding you the through the process, step by step.

We’re here to help you 24/7

Our expert legal advisers are on hand to offer the advice and support you need. Call us on 0333 400 4445 at any time of the day or night to find out if you can claim. We are ‘no win, no fee’ solicitors, so there’s nothing to lose by asking us to handle your case.

Investigation Reveals 762 Medical Blunders In Four Years

An investigation by the BBC has found that 762 ‘never events’ occurred in English hospitals between 2009 and 2012. A ‘never event’ is a mistake or act of negligence that’s classified by the Department of Health as so serious that it should never happen.

The total of 762 was broken down as follows:

•  – 322 foreign objects left inside patients’ bodies after surgery
•  – 214 operations carried out on the wrong body part
•  – 73 feeding tubes inserted into patients’ lungs
•  – 58 incorrect implants or prostheses fitted.

The NHS estimates that the chances of a ‘never event’ happening to a patient is around one in 20,000, so whilst rare, these blunders are still happening too often. Even more worryingly, a separate report has recently revealed that, in the last five years, almost 200 doctors have escaped referral to the GMC after making near-fatal errors.

Of course, the vast majority of medical professionals do a superb job, often under very difficult circumstances. However, mistakes do sometimes happen – whether as a result of lack of skill or competence, poor judgement or simple human error. And if you’ve suffered physical or emotional harm or loss because a doctor or nurse has failed in their duty of care, then you’re entitled to claim compensation on the grounds of medical negligence.

You don’t have to suffer a ‘never event’ to have a valid claim. There are all kinds of clinical and medical negligence claims, from cosmetic procedures that have gone wrong through to complications following a mishandled birth. Thankfully, many patients make a full recovery. But in some cases, lifelong physical or mental disability can result for the patient, or in the case of birth injuries, their child.

Injury Lawyers 4u will handle your medical negligence claim

Medical negligence claims can be complex and time-consuming, so you’ll need to seek expert advice and guidance. The specialist personal injury solicitors at Injury Lawyers 4u have the knowledge and experience to assess your case and if your claim is valid, successfully prove that your injury or loss was caused by a failure in the duty of care owed by a medical professional or organisation.

We’ll guide you through every step of the claims process, getting you the compensation to which you’re entitled and helping you access the services and support you need to recover.

Injury Lawyers 4u are ‘no win, no fee’ solicitors, so there’s nothing to lose by asking us to help. Call us today on 0333 400 4445.

BBC Watchdog Reports On ‘Exploding’ Washing Machines

An episode of the BBC TV programme Watchdog, aired on 8 May, has highlighted problems with certain washing machine models ‘exploding’ during use. This isn’t the first time these issues have been featured on the programme, and reports of exploding washing machines can also be found on consumer forums dating back to 2010.

Watchdog revealed that the ‘explosions’ happen during the spin cycles, resulting in dials, doors and drawers being blown off the machines, drums twisting and buckling, and concrete balancing blocks being pushed through the washer roofs. As well as destroying the machines themselves, extensive damage has been caused to owners’ kitchens and utility rooms.

What’s more, children and adults have been injured by flying debris, with one woman saying that she suffered permanent nerve damage after her machine exploded. Despite all this, the two models identified on Watchdog haven’t been recalled. Whilst the company has previously acknowledged that there is a ‘technical issue’ affecting a ‘small percentage’ of these machines, it insists a recall isn’t necessary as the risk is ‘low’.

However, under UK law, all product manufacturers have a duty to regulate their products and make sure they’re fit for purpose. And if you’ve been injured by a defective product of any kind, then the law says you could be entitled to claim compensation.

Why make a defective product claim?

There are lots of reasons why you should claim. For a start, you deserve financial redress for the physical pain you’ve suffered as a result of your injury, plus any mental trauma you may have sustained. You may have had to take time off work, resulting in loss of earnings, or you may have incurred costs for non-NHS treatment such as counselling or osteopathy to help you recover. The compensation you receive will help ease these financial pressures.

However, it’s just as important that the defective products that have caused you harm are identified and brought to public attention. Whether it’s a drug with harmful side effects, a faulty child car seat or an exploding washing machine, speaking out about your experiences could help prevent other people being injured in the future.

Let Injury Lawyers 4u help

Injury Lawyers 4u are a national network of experienced, specialist personal injury lawyers, who’ve dealt with hundreds of successful defective product claims. We work on a genuine ‘no win, no fee’ basis, so there’s nothing to lose by asking our advice. And if you have a valid claim, we’ll guide you through the process, every step of the way.

£50,000 Paid To Policeman Rapist’s Victims

Victims of rapist Stephen Mitchell, a police officer who preyed on vulnerable women in the north east of England, have finally been awarded compensation by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). Initially, the women were denied payouts because they had criminal records. But after widespread outrage, Northumbria Police have now paid out almost £50,000 to some of the victims, with four more claims awaiting settlement.

Stephen Mitchell was jailed for life in 2011 after Newcastle Crown Court heard that he attacked at least 16 women that he met whilst on duty. In such cases, the resulting criminal injuries claims are always dealt with by CICA, a government body regulated by the Ministry of Justice. CICA awards compensation on a sliding scale depending on the severity of the injury sustained, or the nature of a sexual offence.

To qualify for an award, victims must meet certain criteria, including being totally blameless for the crime that resulted in the injury. Despite the fact that Mitchell’s abuse had nothing to do with the victims’ own offences, these women were initially denied the compensation to which they’re entitled. Thankfully, Northumbria Police has now recognised this and has apologised ‘unreservedly’ to Mitchell’s victims as well as making financial redress.

Have you been wrongfully denied criminal injury compensation?

If so, Injury Lawyers 4u can help. As personal injury specialists, we have wide experience of advising on and pursuing all kinds of criminal injury claims. We will tell you if you have a valid case for compensation and guide you through the claims process until you receive all the compensation you deserve.

There are all kinds of criminal injury claims and you don’t have to be badly hurt to qualify for an award. The main criteria to bear in mind are that the offence that resulted in your injury took place in England, Scotland or Wales within the last two years and was reported to the police at the time. You’ll also need to show that you were blameless for the crime itself and that you cooperated with the police during their investigations.

Find out if you can claim today

Contact Injury Lawyers 4u today to discuss your criminal injury compensation claim with our expert advisers. Call us at any time of the day or night on 0333 400 4445 or complete our simple online form to request a call-back from a legal adviser.

Dale Farm Protestor Wins Claim Against Police

A woman who was arrested whilst protesting against the Dale Farm traveller evictions in October 2011 has won undisclosed damaged from Essex Police. Lu Smith was arrested whilst obstructing a bailiff and held in a police van for several hours with no access to water or toilet facilities. She was then held in a police station for 25 hours, despite having only committed a minor offence.

As a result of her experiences, Ms Smith made a civil claim for assault, false imprisonment and breach of human rights against Essex Police, and the case was settled out of court. Seven other Dale Farm protesters are now understood to be pursuing similar actions.

Whilst Ms Smith’s case was successful, it’s easy to see why some people would hesitate to claim against the police. But if you’ve been harmed by the direct action of a police officer or whilst in custody, the law says you’re entitled to claim compensation.

Claims against the police can take many different forms, including:

•  – Injuries resulting from physical violence, restraint or assault by a police officer
•  – Discrimination, harassment or abuse relating to race, gender or sexual orientation
•  – False imprisonment and wrongful arrest
•  – Road accidents caused by police vehicles
•  – Mental or emotional distress directly caused by the police or whilst in custody
•  – Injuries or death caused to family members whilst being held by the police.

Whatever the nature of your claim, it’s important to seek expert advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer. Claims against the police can be complex, often requiring medical evidence to be obtained and certified, or the Independent Police Claims Commission to be involved. Injury Lawyers 4u are here to help.

Injury Lawyers 4u are experts in handling successful claims against the police. We’ll help you through every stage of the claims process, from advising on the validity of your claim to making sure you receive all the compensation you deserve. And because we work on a genuine ‘no win, no fee’ basis, you won’t pay us a penny unless we win your case.

Call today for honest, professional advice

Call Injury Lawyers 4u today on 0333 400 4445. Our personal injury specialists are here 24/7, ready to take your call. Or complete our simple online form and a legal adviser will call you back at a convenient time.

French Police Investigate Coach Crash

French police are investigating a coach crash in the Alps which may have been caused by a fault with the brakes. The accident involved a coach owned by a firm based in County Durham, which was carrying 50 British youngsters who’d been on a skiing holiday in the area. Three of the passengers were critically injured and the 64 year old driver was killed.

Under French law, the bus should have been safety checked by local police before starting its journey down the steep mountainside. So far, investigations suggest that the safety assessment, which would have checked the brakes, didn’t take place. And whilst it hasn’t been confirmed that brake failure caused the crash, local police have said that ‘it is one of the strongest hypotheses.’

Statistically, coach travel is relatively safe but sadly, accidents like this happen every year – and not just during the skiing season. The outcome of this incident is still unknown, but if the investigation finds that it could have been prevented, the injured passengers and the coach driver’s family may be entitled to claim compensation.

The same rule applies to anyone injured in a coach accident that was caused by someone else’s actions, negligence or omission, whether the incident happened in the UK or abroad. Coach-related accidents don’t have to involve a crash or collision. Passengers can also claim for injuries caused by other things, such as luggage falling off a rack or unsafe steps that cause slips and trips when embarking or leaving the coach.

If you’ve been injured in a coach accident, don’t suffer in silence. Claiming compensation isn’t just about getting financial redress for your experience. By speaking up, you’ll also highlight the health and safety issues that caused the incident – helping prevent other people being affected in the future.

Find out today if you can claim

Injury Lawyers 4u are ready and waiting to help with your claim. We’re a national network of specialist personal injury lawyers who’ve dealt with dozens of successful coach accident compensation claims. Our aim is to get you all the compensation you’re entitled to, whilst helping you access the support and services you need to recover from your injuries.

Call us today on 0333 400 4445 – we’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or complete our simple online form here and a legal expert will call you back.