Our expert Road Traffic Accident team recently secured compensation for a client who was involved in a non-fault crash in her hometown of Torquay.
Non-fault crash
The client was approaching a set of traffic lights when the defendant, who failed to maintain a safe braking distance, collided with the rear of her vehicle.
As a result of the non-fault crash, our client’s vehicle sustained substantial damage and she suffered injuries including: whiplash to her neck and shoulders, as well as headaches associated with impact. Her hobby of swimming was also restricted for a number of weeks following the incident.
Successful outcome
The defendant admitted full liability.
We were able to secure £933.50 in compensation for our client.
Commenting on the claims process, our client was delighted with the outcome and said:
“It was an efficient and straight forward process with support all the way. Thank you Hampson Hughes Solicitors. I’m now £933 better off!”
Begin your road traffic accident claim
If you have been injured in a non-fault crash, contact our dedicated team of road traffic accident solicitors today. Remember, we could help you to claim maximum personal injury compensation whether you were injured as the driver, a passenger, a cyclist, or as a pedestrian. More information can be found via our Road Traffic Accident page.
To begin your road traffic accident claim, contact us today for your FREE no-obligation consultation.
Call 0800 888 6888 or email .
A teenage girl has been arrested after a video in which she is seen assaulting another school girl was shared on social media.
Incident
The footage, which was posted on Snapchat and later on Facebook, shows the victim – a 13 year old – being repeatedly kicked and punched while her attacker is cheered on by onlookers. The attack, which lasted 25 minutes, took place on the afternoon of Monday 26 September in Tamworth, Staffordhisre.
Police arrested a 15 year old girl on suspicion of assault in relation to the attack on Wednesday 28 September, after they viewed the footage.
A school attended by three pupils thought to be involved condemned the behaviour in a statement which read:
“This was a disgusting and vicious assault that took place away from school on Monday evening and involved three students.
“Despite this taking place away from school, we have not hesitated in taking the firmest action possible against those who perpetrated it and those who stood by and encouraged it.
“We are assisting the police with their enquiries and will ensure that all those who behaved so appallingly are brought to justice.”
According to officers from Tamworth’s local policing team, the victim is at home and recovering after sustaining minor injuries during the attack. A spokesperson said:
“The victim’s mother is fully supportive of Staffordshire Police’s investigation. Officers are treating the matter seriously and taking positive action and the victim’s mother is fully supportive of Staffordshire Police’s investigation.
“The victim was treated in hospital for minor injuries and is recovering at home safe and well.”
Criminal Injuries – Expert Advice
Criminal injuries compensation may be available if you have experienced physical trauma or psychological trauma as a result of a violent crime. Speaking to a member of our team about your criminal injury may be the first time that you have spoken to anybody about your experience – this is common among our clients. We guarantee complete confidentiality throughout your claim.
We understand that if you have been subjected to an act of violence, your thoughts will turn to making a full recovery – compensation will likely be the last thing on your mind.
There is, however, a government Scheme that provides compensation to victims or their families who have been the innocent victims of violent crime. The Scheme is called the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme and is governed by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
If you would like expert advice on this type of case, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today on 0800 888 6 888 or email .
The owners of Alton Towers, Merlin Attractions Operation Ltd, have been fined a total of £5million following a roller coaster crash that injured 16 people in June last year.
Recap – Smiler crash
On 2nd June 2015, four people were seriously injured on the Smiler ride when a cart carrying 16 people collided at speed with an empty test cart.
Passengers were suspended at a 45 degree angle over 7 meters off the ground and rescue efforts went on for over four hours. Fire crews had to erect a 25 ft. platform in order to allow emergency services to gain access to the injured passengers.
During the incident, two passengers – Leah Washington, 17, and Vicky Balch, 20 – sustained such serious injuries that they each required leg amputation. Leah and Vicky’s partners, Daniel Thorpe, 27, and Joe Pugh, 18, were also seriously injured in the crash. Daniel suffered leg injuries and a collapsed lung, while Joe’s knees were shattered during in the accident.
A fifth passenger, Chanda Chauhan, 49, was also treated following the crash after sustaining internal injuries and a further eleven passengers suffered whiplash injuries.
Internal investigation
Merlin accepted responsibility for the crash following an internal investigation, during which it emerged that the incident was caused due to ‘human error’. Staff – who could not see the stationary carriage on the track – overrode the ride’s safety measures, sending the carriage with passengers on a collision course with the empty carriage.
In the months following the incident, Alton Towers implemented technical improvements to the ride and changed their systems, including safety features such as improved access and a policy of closing the ride when winds exceed 34mph.
HSE investigation
However, a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found no fault with the track, the cars, or the control system that keeps the cars apart from each other when the ride is running. Instead, inspectors found that the collision occurred due to ‘a lack of detailed, robust arrangements for making safety critical decisions’. They found that the engineers who overrode the Smiler’s control system did so without the knowledge and understanding to ensure it was safe to proceed.
Stafford Crown Court heard that whole system, from training through to fixing faults, was not robust enough to prevent a series of errors by staff when working with people on the Smiler ride.
Sentencing
After pleading guilty to breaching section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act etc, 1974, Merlin Attractions Operation Ltd of 3 Market Close, Poole, Dorset were fined a total of £5million. The company was also ordered to pay costs in the amount of £69,955.40.
Head of operations for HSE in the Midlands, Neil Craig, said:
“People visiting theme parks should be able to enjoy themselves safely. On 2 June last year Merlin Attractions Operations Ltd failed to protect their customers, they badly let them down.
“This avoidable incident happened because Merlin failed to put in place systems to allow engineers to work safely on the ride while it was running. This made it all too easy for a whole series of unchecked mistakes, not just one push of a button, to result in tragic consequences.
“Since the incident Alton Towers have made improvements to the ride and their safety protocols, and the lessons learned have been shared industry wide.”
Personal injury compensation – expert help
If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to personal injury compensation. Our dedicated team of personal injury solicitors offers a FREE no-obligation consultation. For further information about personal injury compensation claims, and to discover whether you have a claim, contact us today on 0800 888 6 888 or email .
If you would like further information about legal issues surrounding serious injury, contact us today via the details above for expert advice.
We were recently instructed by a client who suffered food poisoning whilst on a luxury Cuban holiday.
Tropical Island Holiday
Stephen booked to stay at the all-inclusive 4* Sol Cayo Coco, situated on the tropical island of Cayo Coco, Cuba, for two weeks. The holiday was booked as a package deal through tour operators Thomas Cook.
However, after arriving at the hotel it was immediately obvious to our client that levels of hygiene within the hotel were not at an acceptable standard.
Poor hygiene standards
Stephen claims there was a strong smell of sewage that was noticeable throughout the hotel, faeces was found on the floor and the majority of toilets within the hotel were blocked and overflowing.
Stephen also claims that his room was not cleaned regularly and that towels/linens were not changed during his stay. Furthermore, appliances provided in his hotel room, such as the shower, were not in good working condition.
Hotel restaurant – ‘dirty’
As our client had booked an all-inclusive stay at the Sol Cayo Coco, he ate at the hotel restaurant each night during his holiday. According to Stephen, this was not a pleasant experience. Food served to guests was often left out uncovered for long periods of time, food was under-cooked and at times appeared to have been reheated.
Overall the standard of food available at the hotel was poor, as was the choice of dishes available. Furthermore, our client claims that the restaurant itself appeared ‘dirty’ and was infested with flies and insects. Stephen adds that the cutlery and crockery provided to guests also appeared unclean.
Symptoms
Unfortunately, just a few days into the holiday Stephen began to feel ill. He suffered various debilitating symptoms including vomiting and severe diarrhoea, as well as stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue and a high temperature.
Our client avers that his symptoms, which lasted a total of 20 days, were caused by the poor levels of hygiene at the Sol Cayo Coco.
Our expert Travel Law team managed to secure Stephen total of £2,400 in compensation.
Stephen was very pleased that we were able to secure the compensation he deserved and said following the result:
“Having been treated very badly by my tour operator, I turned to Hampson Hughes for help. The help and support I received from their Travel Law team was fantastic”
Holiday Illness Claims – Expert Advice
If you believe that your holiday illness symptoms are linked to poor hygiene standards within your package deal hotel, you may be entitled to holiday illness compensation. There are certain steps that you could take in support of your claim:
•Note all important dates
•Report any hygiene issues to your holiday rep
•Document any suspected poor hygiene (e.g. photo, video)
For further information on holiday sickness compensation, please take a look at our Package Holiday Claims page.
Discover how much compensation you could be entitled to and call our expert team of travel law solicitors today for instant answers. Whatever your experience with holiday sickness, we may be able to help. We offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .
A composite door manufacturer has been prosecuted following an accident at work incident in which an employee suffered serious lacerations and fractures to his leg.
Incident
On 21 January 2016, an employee of Supaglaze Limited trading as Shepley Windows was attempting to dislodge a jam jar from the back end of a CNC Uniteam Esseteam Sprint machine. As he did so, it began to move and his leg became trapped underneath the machinery.
Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard that the interlock guard on the machine had not been functioning properly for a number of years and that the safety gate was constantly left open.
HSE Investigation & Sentencing
An investigation into the incident by Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors found that there was no safe method in place for workers to access the rear of the CNC Uniteam Esseteam Sprint machine. Furthermore, employees had not received training with regards to accessing the rear of the machine or with regards to the use of the safety gate and guards.
After pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 9 and Regulation 11(3) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, Supaglaze Ltd trading as Shepley Windows, of Outram Road, Dukinfield, Cheshire was fined £30,000. The company was also ordered to pay a total of £1,196.30 in costs.
Lisa Bailey, HSE inspector, said after the hearing:
“Had Supaglaze Ltd checked and monitored the guards on the CNC machine, repaired the defects, and adequately trained their employees then this incident would not have occurred”.
Accident at work – expert advice
Accident at work compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that was not your fault. Your accident at work compensation claim could also include any instance of illness linked to your past or present working conditions.
To begin your accident at work claim, contact us today. Remember, we offer you a FREE no obligation-consultation.
Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .
A woman was robbed and raped after being pinned to the ground in Manchester city centre last week.
Incident
The victim, an 18 year old, was approached by a man in the early hours of Wednesday 21st September, before she was pinned down by both a man and a woman, whilst a second female robbed her.
The teenager was then raped by the male assailant before all three offenders fled the scene.
A detective from Greater Manchester police’s serious sexual offences unit, DI Dave Moores said:
“This was a horrendous attack on a young woman which has, understandably, left her extremely distressed.
“We are providing her with support from specially trained officers and have launched a full investigation.”
Police appeal
Both female offenders are described as having a Manchester accent and their hair styled into ponytails.
The first woman, who restrained the victim during the robbery, is said to be of mixed race, slim and around 18 years old.
The woman who committed the robbery is also described as mixed race and to be in her early 20s.
The male offender is described as white, of slim build and in his early 20s. He is also described to have a clean shaven face and was wearing sports clothing at the time of the incident.
Greater Manchester police are asking for anyone, who may have seen group matching the description of the offenders between 2am and 3am on Wednesday 21st September around Major Street and the city’s Gay Village area, to contact them.
Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 1911 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Sexual abuse claims – expert advice
Hampson Hughes Solicitors specialises in directing sexual abuse claims in a considerate and compassionate manner. You will be given the direct-dial of your case handler, meaning that you will always be able to reach the person you need. More detailed information regarding sexual abuse claims can be found here.
For an open and friendly conversation about your situation, and to find out how we can assist you relevant to your individual experience, call 0800 888 6 888 or email .
An engineering firm based in Hampshire has been fined following an accident at work incident in which a worker lost a finger.
Incident
Repro Engineering Limited had permitted the custom and practice of defeating interlocks on CNC metal working lathes to develop. This resulted in the possibility of machines being operated at the same time access was allowed to the moving parts.
Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court heard that at the time of the incident, a worker was attempting to release a jammed work-piece when his hand came into contact with the moving parts, severing his finger.
Sentencing and fines
After pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, Repro Engineering Limited, of Aysgarth Road, Waterlooville, Portsmouth was fined £14,000. The company was also ordered to pay costs of £2,222,37.
Frank Flannery, HSE Inspector, said after the case:
“This incident could have been prevented by more active and robust management action, it sends out a message to employers that tampering with safety devices can lead to injury and prosecution”
Accident at work – expert advice
Accident at work compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that was not your fault. Your accident at work compensation claim could also include any instance of illness linked to your past or present working conditions.
To begin your accident at work claim, contact us today. Remember, we offer you a FREE no obligation-consultation.
Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .
A 25 year old rugby player has been jailed after he kicked an opponent so hard that he was left disfigured.
Incident
Members of Derby based Leesbrook Rugby Club were scheduled to play against Nottingham side Paviors on 3rd October 2015.
However when 35 year old David Smith scored a try for Paviors, John Scowby – captain of the Leesbrook side – proceeded to kick Smith in the head with such force his face caved in.
Derby Crown Court heard how Scowby stood over his victim and said “Take that” before delivering the blow, afterwards telling Smith “I owed you”.
Disfigured
Mr Smith has been left disfigured by the attack and has already had major surgery. He now faces a further £10,000 in dental bills. In a victim impact statement, Smith said:
“Everyone now associates me with my disfigured face and not the good player that I was.”
Sonal Ahya, prosecuting, said:
“Without warning or provocation, the defendant kicked Mr Smith in the mouth, saying, “Take that”. One of his front teeth dropped out, there was blood everywhere, his gums and teeth were concaved.”
Sentencing
When questioned by police, Scowby described the incident as an “accident” but later admitted grievous bodily harm.
Alwyn Jones, defending, added:
“It was a moment of madness – out of character.”
Scowby, a 25 year old construction worker, was jailed for a total of 16 months.
Criminal Injuries – Expert Advice
Criminal injuries compensation may be available if you have experienced physical trauma or psychological trauma as a result of a violent crime. Speaking to a member of our team about your criminal injury may be the first time that you have spoken to anybody about your experience – this is common among our clients. We guarantee complete confidentiality throughout your claim.
We understand that if you have been subjected to an act of violence, your thoughts will turn to making a full recovery – compensation will likely be the last thing on your mind.
There is, however, a government Scheme that provides compensation to victims or their families who have been the innocent victims of violent crime. The Scheme is called the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme and is governed by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
If you would like expert advice on this type of case, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors today on 0800 888 6 888 or email .
According to new legal documents, one of Michael Jackson’s alleged victims has come forward to claim that Jackson ran one of the “most sophisticated child sexual abuse” operations in history.
Alleged Abuse
Wade Robson has previously alleged that the late singer abused him when he was seven years old. However, the choreographer later denied any abuse when called to testify during a 2005 molestation trial in which Jackson was accused of abusing a thirteen year old boy.
At the time Jackson’s former housekeeper, Blanca Francia, said the she witnessed Robson and Jackson in the shower together.
Jackson was cleared of all 14 counts of allegations against him in 2005 but Robson later sued the late singer’s estate in May 2013, accusing him of molesting him for seven years.
At the time, the claims were labelled “less than credible” by Jackson’s estate.
New Allegations
The new claims feature in an amended complaint filed by Robson against two of Jackson’s companies, MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures. Claiming the star’s inner circle served a ‘dual purpose’, Robson alleges that those close to the star had a process in place for seeking out and enticing children to Jackson’s Neverland Ranch.
Robson’s lawyer, Vince Finaldi, reportedly wrote the following in the motion:
“The thinly-veiled, covert second purposes of these businesses was to operate as a child sex abuse operation.
“Specifically designed to locate, attract, lure and seduce child sexual abuse victims.”
Finaldi claimed that Jackson’s company would send a limousine to pick families up and take them to paid for accommodation. He also reportedly would offer gifts.
“MJJ Productions operated the most sophisticated child sexual abuse procurement and facilitation operation the world has known.”
Neverland Ranch
According to the complaint, Robson first met Jackson in Australia after winning a dance competition run by MJJ Productions. Robson was just five years old at the time.
Robson and his family were invited to stay at the Neverland Ranch and did so two years after their first meeting. However, Robson claims that while his family slept elsewhere, he shared the superstar’s bed. Robson claims this was the first time he was abused by Jackson.
In the newly amended complaint, Robson claims he was abused by the late singer for the next seven years. He alleges that once he hit puberty, Jackson was “no longer as interested in him sexually”. Finaldi told New York Daily News:
“Make no mistake, Neverland Ranch was nothing but a well-orchestrated trap.
“It was custom-built to attract kids so he could groom them and decide which to sexually abuse.”
Sexual abuse claims – expert advice
Hampson Hughes Solicitors specialises in directing sexual abuse claims in a considerate and compassionate manner. You will be given the direct-dial of your case handler, meaning that you will always be able to reach the person you need.
For an open and friendly conversation about your situation, and to find out how we can assist you relevant to your individual experience, call 0800 888 6 888 or email .
Last week the mother and grandmother of a six month old girl who was mauled to death by their family dog were jailed.
Incident
Molly Mae Wotherspoon was in the care of her Grandmother, Susan Aucott, 56, when the attack took place on 3 October 2014. Molly Mae’s mother, Claire Riley, 23, was on a night out with friends at the time of the incident.
The dog, an American Pitbull named Bruiser, escaped from a page in the kitchen and opened the door to the living room. Molly Mae was lying on a changing matt when the dog picked up the child by her head during the “sustained attack”. Northampton Crown Court heard how she suffered a fractured skull and bites to all four limbs, later dying of blood loss.
James House, prosecuting, said:
“He was an aggressive and dangerous dog and should not have been left in the house with a person who could not control him.
“The attack was sustained. Susan Aucott simply was unable to bring Bruiser under control or remove Molly Mae from the situation.”
House added that one vet who had treated Bruiser previously described him as “one of the most aggressive dogs she had ever seen”.
Sentencing
Aucott, of Northampton, was sentenced to two years in prison after admitting being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog. Riley, also of Northampton, admitted owning a dangerously out of control dog, was sentenced to two years in prison.
Mrs Justice Carr QC said:
“This was a tragic and totally avoidable incident.”
James Allen, head of the complex casework unit for the Crown Prosecution Service East Midlands, said after sentencing:
“Molly Mae’s death was a tragedy for all concerned.
“Sadly, the simple truth is that her death in October 2014 was entirely avoidable. Molly Mae’s death would not have happened if two of the people closest to her had acted, as any reasonable person would have done, and never allowed such an aggressive and dangerous dog to be in the same small house as a young and vulnerable child.”
Types of dangerous dog
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 introduced ‘breed specific legislation’ that bans the ownership, breeding, selling, or giving away of four types of dog:
• Fila Brasileiro
• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
Breaching the legislation may result in a fine of up to £5,000 and a potential prison sentence of up to six months.
Dangerous dogs – police action
There are several circumstances under which the police may take action against a suspected dangerous dog:
• A report of a dog being encouraged to fight other dogs
• A report of a banned breed that has not been granted exemption
• A report of breeding, selling, abandoning, or giving away a banned breed
• A report that a dog has been dangerously out of control (i.e. causing or threatening injury)
There are an estimated 10 million pet dogs in the UK. If you think that you may be in possession of a banned breed, you may qualify for an “exemption” if the police deem that your animal does not pose a threat. Qualifying for an exemption involves a court procedure that may impose conditions such as muzzling in public.
Dog attacks – expert advice
If you have been attacked by a dog, even where the dog did not cause physical harm, you may be entitled to compensation. Whatever your experience involving a dangerous dog attack, speak to our expert team of personal injury solicitors today to discover how we could help you. For further information, call 0800 888 6 888 or email .
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