Month: December 2016

Man Loses Arm & Leg in Accident at Work

Posted on December 30, 2016 by - Accidents at Work

Image of scaffolding at the side of a building

A father of newly born twin girls has had his arm, leg and several toes amputated after he suffered an electric shock in an accident at work incident.

Jamie Mines was placed in an induced coma following the incident in Swindon, Wiltshire on Monday 19th December. He remains in a critical but stable condition.

During the accident at work incident, the 33 year old suffered a severe electric shock as he was working on five-meter high scaffolding. The exact details of the situation and which company Mr Mines was working for at the time of the incident have yet to be released.

In the 24 hours following the accident, friends and family of Mr Mines managed to raise a total of £15,000 through a Go Fund Me page. The money is to be used to help aid the father of two’s recovery.

Close friend of Mr Mines, Ian Kennedy, 32, from Swindon, said:

“It’s really tough for the family. They were looking forward to their first Christmas together.

“The girls had to open Christmas presents on their own without their dad. I have known Jamie for years as we’ve played football together.

“It is just crazy that the donations are being made from people that didn’t even know him.

“It came as a shock to everyone that it had happened and over Christmas doctors didn’t know how severe his injuries were but then had to amputate his leg and hand to save his life.

Mr Kennedy went on to say:

“The doctor said if he wasn’t so fit, he probably would have died.”

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. More information can be found via our ‘Accident at Work’ page.

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 .

Source: SWNS.com

£4,000 in Compensation Awarded to Mother & Son

Posted on December 29, 2016 by - Package Holiday Claims, Success Stories

Image of a beach in Bulgaria

Our dedicated travel law solicitors were recently instructed by a mother, on behalf of herself and her young son, after they were both struck with holiday illness during their Bulgarian getaway.

Two week family holiday ruined

Our client booked an all-inclusive package holiday to Bulgaria, through tour operators Thomas Cook, at the end of June 2015.

However their two week family holiday to the 3* Laguna Park Hotel did not go as planned, due to the mother of the group – and her son – contracting a severe bout of gastric illness. Both report suffering with severe diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting. They also complained of a raised temperature and fatigue.

As a result of their symptoms, which lasted a fortnight, our clients were unable to enjoy their time in Bulgaria. Day to day activities such as sight seeing, excursions and swimming were also restricted throughout the family’s stay at the Laguna Park Hotel.

Poor hygiene standards in hotel

Due to the board type of our client’s holiday (all-inclusive) all food and drink throughout their stay was provided by and consumed within the hotel. Unfortunately according to our client, the standards of food hygiene within the hotel restaurant were not to an acceptable standard. Our client reports:

• Buffet Style food service which was often tepid in temperature and left uncovered for extended periods of time.
• Food appeared to be reheated and partially cooked
• Certain food were being recycled for use in other meals
• Hot food was being added to trays containing cooler food of the same type
• Drinks served tasted as if they were watered down
• Certain foods were being recycled for use in other meals
• Ice in drinks which was believed to be made from local tap water

Separately, the standards of general cleanliness throughout the hotel and its grounds were also poor. According to the Claimant:

• There was a smell of sewage around the hotel grounds
• It appeared as though raw sewage was being sprayed on hotel greenery
• The pool water and pool edges were dirty
• Our client did not witness the pool being tested for chlorine or Ph levels

The Claimant avers that both her and her son’s symptoms were directly caused by eating at the hotel restaurant, she adds that it was often ‘dirty’ and that a high volume of flies, birds and insects could be seen around the eating areas.

Our Travel Law solicitors managed to secure a total of £2,00 EACH for our clients on this occasion.

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 see our ‘Package Holiday Claims’ page.

To discover how much compensation you could be entitled to, 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 .

£2,300 Secured for Holiday Illness in Egypt

Posted on December 29, 2016 by - Package Holiday Claims, Success Stories

Image of an Egyptian beach at sunset

Our expert team of travel law solicitors recently secured a total of £2,300 in holiday illness compensation for a client who suffered a severe gastric illness while on holiday in Egypt.

Anthony Harding booked a two week stay at the 5* Sunrise Select Royal Makadi in the Makadi Bay resort of Egypt.

The excursion was booked as an all-inclusive package holiday through tour operators Thomas Cook, meaning that all food and drink was provided by and consumed within the hotel.

Poor food hygiene standards

Unfortunately Mr Harding began to feel unwell just a few days into his holiday. He suffered with vomiting, abdominal cramps, nausea and fatigue – symptoms which are client avers were caused directly by the poor food hygiene standards at the hotel.

When eating at the hotel restaurant, Mr Harding noted that the food hygiene standards were not to an acceptable standard. Our client reports:

• A buffet Style food service which was often tepid in temperature and left uncovered for extended periods of time
• A lot of flies around the eating area
• Food appeared to be reheated
• Certain foods were being recycled for use in other meals
• Members of the catering staff were not wearing gloves when handling the food
• Hot food was being added to trays containing cooler food of the same type
• Drinks served tasted as if they were watered down
• Ice was served in drinks, which was believed to be made from local tap water

Furthermore, Mr Harding reports that hotel staff advised pipes had not been cleaned and this was making people ill.

Symptoms

Our client’s symptoms were so severe that he sought medical attention from the hotel doctor, who provided him with medication and administered Mr Harding with fluids in the form of an IV drip.

Mr Harding’s symptoms lasted around two weeks and as a result, he was unable to enjoy his time in Egypt. Every day holiday activities such as swimming and sight seeing were restricted as our client needed to be near a toilet at all times.

We managed to secure a total of £2,300 in compensation for Mr Harding on this occasion.

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 see our ‘Package Holiday Claims’ page.

To discover how much compensation you could be entitled to, 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 .

Chester Firm Fined for Accident at Work

Posted on December 28, 2016 by - Accidents at Work

Image of multiple hard hats in pigeon holes

A construction firm in Chester has been fined after the employee of a sub-contractor was injured in an accident at work incident involving a telehandler.

Incident

At the time of the incident the employee was stood in a ‘man riding basket’ that was attached to the forks of a telehandler. The basket came loose from the telehandler and fell five meters to the ground below. The worker in question suffered a laceration to his head, as well as bruising to his ribs.

HSE Investigation

An investigation into the incident by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found a number of safety measures were not in place. The ‘man riding basket’ was not properly attached to the telehandler by the retaining bar or a chain as it should. Furthermore, only one of the forks of the telehandler had been hooked through the sleeves below the basket.

The employee was lowering the basket when he accidently titled the forks downwards, and as a result the cage slipped off the forks of the telehandler and crashed to the ground.

The HSE investigation found that the worker operating the telehandler was not competent as he had not received any formal training. The investigation found that no risk assessment or safe method of working had been implemented and that poor planning also contributed to the incident.

Sentencing & fines

After pleading guilty to breaching section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work (etc.) Act 1974, Pioneer Design and Build Ltd of Macon Court, Crewe, Cheshire was fined a total of £15,000. The company was also ordered to pay costs of £1,444.30.

HSE Inspector Christine McGlynn said after the hearing:

“This incident was avoidable. The decision to use this equipment was flawed, followed by a failure to implement control measures to ensure the safety of workers. Non-integrated baskets should only be used in exceptional circumstances and only then in accordance with guidance”

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. More information can be found via our ‘Accident at Work’ page.

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 .

Source: Health & Safety Executive

Luxury Christmas Holiday Ruined by Illness

Posted on December 22, 2016 by - Package Holiday Claims, Success Stories

Image of an empty caribbean beach on Saona island, Dominican Republic

We recently took instruction from a client whose luxury Christmas holiday to the Dominican Republic was ruined when they contracted holiday illness.

Christmas getaway ruined

Our client booked to stay at the Grand Bahia Principe El Portillo in the Dominican Republic over the Christmas period in 2013. Unfortunately just a few days into their stay at the 3* hotel, our client started to suffer with various symptoms related to food poisoning.

The claimant reports suffering with diarrhoea; abdominal cramps; vomiting; nausea and fatigue.

Poor food hygiene standards

As the holiday was booked as an all-inclusive package deal, all of the food and drink consumed by our client was provided by the hotel.

The claimant avers that their illness was was directly caused by the food provided by the Grand Bahia Principe El Portillo. According to our client, food hygiene standards at the on site restaurant and surrounding eating areas was very poor. Our client reports:

• Buffet Style food service which was often tepid in temperature and left uncovered for extended periods of time.
• A large quanitity of flies around the eating area
• Food appeared to be reheated and partially cooked
• Certain foods were being recycled for reuse in other meals
• Members of the catering staff were not wearing gloves when handling the food products
• Hot food was often added to trays containing cooler food of the same type.
• Drinks served tasted as if they were watered down
• Ice in drinks which was believed to be made from local tap water

Furthermore, our client complained of several hygiene issues not related to the restaurant, including:

• A strong smell of sewage around the hotel grounds
• The rooms were not properly or regularly cleaned
• The bed sheets were dirty and not changed regularly

On this occasion, we managed to secure a total of £2,500 in compensation for our client.

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 see our ‘Package Holiday Claims’ page.

To discover how much compensation you could be entitled to, 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 .

Kent Firm Fined after Worker Injures Hand

Posted on December 22, 2016 by - Accidents at Work

Image of a Printing Press

A Kent based firm that produces seals and labels has been prosecuted after an accident at work incident in which a worker sustained hand injuries when using a printing press.

Incident

At the time of the incident, an employee of Fuji Seal Europe Limited (FSE) was attempting to clean the blade of a printing press when his hand was pulled into the machine. As a result the worker suffered fractures and a loss of skin to fingers on his right hand. A titanium fixture was later put in place in order to support the worker’s middle finger.

Investigation & Sentencing

After an investigation into the incident by the Health and Safety Executive it was found that the system of work in place was ‘flawed and unsafe’ and that there was no guard on the machine.

After pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, Fuji Seal Europe Limited was fined £160,000. The company was also ordered to pay costs of £12,000.

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. More information can be found via our ‘Accident at Work’ page.

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 .

Over £7,700 Secured for Slip at Private Residence

Posted on December 21, 2016 by - Slips, Trips & Falls, Success Stories

Image of wooden decking covered in rain drops

We were recently instructed after a slip, trip or fall incident in which a client fractured her leg when she slipped over at a private residence.

At the time of the incident our client, Mrs Dianne Johnson, was enjoying a short break at the Defendants log cabin in North Devon when she slipped on decking outside the premises.

During the fall, Mrs Johnson sustained fracture injuries to her right leg. As a result of her injuries, our client was admitted to hospital and was required to take a leave of absence of around 5 weeks form her place of employment.

On this occasion our expert Personal Injury Solicitors secured a total of £7,756.55 for Mrs Johnson.

Commenting on her experience with Hampson Hughes Solicitors, Mrs Johnson said:

“Patrick and his support team have been brilliant. They have kept me informed throughout. Thanks Hampson Hughes!”

Slip, trip or fall incidents – expert compensation advice

If you have been injured in a slip, trip, or fall that was not your fault, you could be entitled to maximum personal injury compensation. Whatever the circumstances of your slip, trip, or fall claim, speak to our expert team of personal injury solicitors today to discover how we could help you.

Call 0800 888 6 888 or send an email to .

Over £3,000 in Damages Secured for Illness Abroad

Posted on December 20, 2016 by - Package Holiday Claims, Success Stories

Image of a beach in Side, Turkey

Our team of dedicated Travel Law solicitors recently took instruction from a client whose luxury holiday to Turkey was ruined by holiday illness.

Mr Field booked a two week stay at the Barut Arum Hotel in Side, Turkey with tour operators TUI UK LTD in September 2015.

Poor Food Hygiene Standards

Unfortunately, within the first few days of his stay at the 4* hotel, Mr Field noticed that food hygiene standards were not to an acceptable standard.

Our client reports:

• Buffet Style food service which was often tepid in temperature and left uncovered for extended periods of time.
• A lot of flies around the eating area
• Food appeared to be reheated
• Certain food were being recycled for use in other meals
• Members of the catering staff were not wearing gloves when handling the food products
• Hot food was being added to trays containing cooler food of the same type.
• Drinks served tasted as if they were watered down
• Ice in drinks which were believed to be made from local tap water

As Mr Field had booked the holiday as an all-inclusive package deal, he had paid in advance for the hotel to provide his daily meals. However, after a few occasions of eating here, our client began to feel unwell.

Illness Abroad

Mr Field complained of suffering symptoms including diarrhoea; stomach pains and vomiting, as well as nausea and fatigue.

Whilst in Turkey, our client sought medical attention from the hotel doctor and was taken to hospital where he was administered with an intravenous drip. Mr Field was discharged from hospital the following day.

Our expert Travel Law team managed to secure a total of £3,050 in holiday illness compensation for Mr Field

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 compensation for illness abroad, please take a look at our ‘Package Holiday Claims’ page.

To discover how much compensation you could be entitled to, 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 .

101 Year Old Man Faces Jail for Historical Sex Abuse

Posted on December 16, 2016 by - Sexual Abuse

Image of Birmingham Crown Court

Today Ralph Clark, a retired lorry driver, was convicted of a total of 30 historic sex abuse offences. At 101 years old, Mr Clark is thought to be the oldest defendant ever to stand trial in a British court.

Historical sex abuse

Standing trial at Birmingham Crown Court, Mr Clark pleaded guilty to nine historic sex abuse charges relating to a young boy. However, a jury found him guilty of a further 21 assault and indecency offences, relating to two girls he attacked in the 1970s and 80s.

The court heard how Mr Clark told police he was ‘immune to feelings’, describing his actions as “something that happened” for which he showed no real remorse. Prosecutors added the man was “lucid” with an “excellent memory”.

Detective Constable Emma Fennon from West Midlands Police’s historical sex abuse team also described Mr Clark’s offences “horrific”, confirming that Clarke showed no remorse.

Possible prison sentence

Discussing the merits of sending a 101 year old individual to prison, Det Con Fennon added:

“The day that not prosecuting someone who hurts a child is not in the public interest, we may as well all pack up and go home.”

She went on to say that his age was “no defence to what he has done”.

While Judge Richard Bond, presiding over the case, told the court he needed to “ponder with care” regarding the sentence handed to Mr Clark and that the public would be ‘horrified’ if he did not receive a custodial sentence. He added:

“The reality is that he’s so old it’s unlikely he’ll be released back into the community.”

Mr Clark, who was born in 1915, is due to be sentenced next week.

Sexual abuse claims – expert advice

If you have been affected by any instance of physical sexual abuse or by any instance of non-physical sexual abuse, contact us today. We offer expert advice on sexual abuse claims, and we guarantee your confidentiality at all times. For further information, and to discover how we could help you, begin a conversation with our experienced and friendly team. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: BBC News; Guardian

Over £6,500 Secured following Non-Fault Collision

Posted on December 15, 2016 by - Road Traffic Accidents, Success Stories

Image of two men having a conversation following a Road Traffic Accident with crashed cars in the backgrounf

Our team of experienced personal injury solicitors recently secured over £6,500 in compensation for a client who was injured in a non-fault Road Traffic Accident.

Non-fault collision

At the time of the incident, our client was sat in his stationary vehicle at a Sainsbury’s car park in Worchester. The Defendant failed to pay due care and attention and reversed when it was unsafe to do so, causing a collision with the claimants vehicle.

Our client sustained severe whiplash type injuries to their neck which lasted over 2 years. The Claimant also reports that since the collision, they have suffered sleep disturbances (due to pain) and his hobbies of gardening and socialising have been restricted.

Our experts managed to secure a total of £6,539.92 in compensation for our client on this occasion.

Begin your road accident claim today

If you have been injured in a road accident that was not your fault, 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 also be found via our ‘Road Traffic Accident’ page.

To begin your road accident claim, contact us today for your FREE no-obligation consultation.
Call 0800 888 6888 or email .