Month: April 2017

Criminal Injury | Man Prosecuted for Scalding Incident

A man has been prosecuted for causing criminal injury after he poured a kettle of boiling water over another man during an altercation over drugs.

YMCA attack

Liverpool Crown Court heard how both James Wishart, 30, and Mohammed Mohammedi had been staying at the YMCA on Leeds Street in Liverpool city centre on the day of the incident, 22 October 2016.

The court heard how Mr Mohammedi, who along with Wishart was staying at the hostel due a substance abuse problem, was in his room talking to another man. Wishart then knocked on the door and was invited into the room by Mr Mohammedi. Henry Riding, prosecuting, told the court that this was when Wishart began to ask for money, before accusing the other of stealing his drugs.

As Mr Mohammedi attempted to calm him down, Wishart turned the kettle on, saying that he wanted a cup of tea. The argument continued and Wishart picked up the kettle and poured boiling water all over Mr Mohammedi’s head. He then proceeded to pour the scalding water over his arms and back.

The victim tried to flee the room but he was restrained at first by Wishart and another resident, before he was then hit by Wishart.

Mr Mohammedi was admitted to hospital following the attack, where he was treated for 9% burns to his neck, shoulder, arm and ear.

Liverpool Crown Court

In court Mr Riding did not try to suggest that Wishart had put the kettle on in order to scald Mr Mohammedi, however he added that pouring boiling water over someone could be liked to an acid attack. He went on to say that the kettle was used as a weapon.

Liverpool Crown Court heard how the victim did not wish to make a victim statement and that his burns were ‘healing very well’.

Jeremy Coleman, defending, said his client was remorseful and glad to hear his victim’s burns were superficial and healed well. Mr Coleman said it was fortunate the injuries, which also included cuts to the face, were not more serious. However, Judge Rachel Smith said she had to assess the harm that could have been caused by his actions.

She said:

“This defendant is extremely lucky that by tipping a kettle of boiling water over his victim he didn’t cause potentially life changing injuries, and/or cosmetic injuries that could have lasted throughout his victim’s life.”

Criminal injury compensation claims – expert advice

Criminal injury 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 criminal injury 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 those who have been victims of violent crime. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 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. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: Liverpool Echo

£2,500 Compensation Secured for Whiplash Injuries

Our team of dedicated personal injury solicitors recently took instruction from a client who suffered whiplash injuries as a passenger in a non-fault crash.

Collision

Daniel Brunning was a passenger in a vehicle that proceeded through green lights at a ‘t-junction’. The Claimant vehicle intended to turn right but as it did so, the Defendant proceeded through what would have been a red light on the main road and collided with the nearside of the Claimant’s vehicle.

As a result of the collision the Claimant vehicle was damaged and Mr Brunning suffered whiplash injuries.

Liability disputed

Liability was initially disputed; and the drivers file was litigated. However, thankfully an independent witness came forward who confirmed the Third Party was at fault and as such, the Defendants proceeded to settle both the driver and the passenger file.

Successful outcome

On this occasion we secured a total of £2,500 in whiplash injury compensation for our client.

Commenting on the claims process with Hampson Hughes Solicitors, Mr Brunning said:

Hampson Hughes as a company is fantastic! 10/10 for everything as they kept me up to date with every chapter of the case and supported me in every way possible.”

Whiplash injuries compensation – expert advice

If you’ve suffered whiplash injuries after a road traffic accident that was not your fault, you could be entitled to claim personal injury compensation. Contact our dedicated team of solicitors today on 0800 888 6888 or email .

Whether you were injured as a driver, passenger, cyclist, or as a pedestrian Hampson Hughes Solicitors could help you claim maximum personal injury compensation. More information can also be found via our ‘Road Traffic Accident’ page.

Man Suffers Crush Injuries in Accident at Work

A Bedfordshire based company has been fined after a man suffered crush injuries in an accident at work.

Accident at work in Leighton Buzzard

Luton Magistrates’ Court heard how an employee of BS Trailer Services Ltd was arranging the movement of lorry trailers in the firm’s transport yard in Leighton Buzzard, on 15 September 2015.

A second employee was helping by driving a tractor unit; however the court heard that there was confusion over which trailer the driver of the tractor unit was to move first.

He moved the tractor unit to attach to the trailer his colleague was looking at, but could not see him due to a ‘blind-spot’. He reversed the tractor unit and trapped the other worker between this and the trailer.

The driver of the tractor unit heard the man’s shout and was able to stop the vehicle swiftly. The other worker sustained six broken ribs in the incident.

Health and Safety investigation

A Health and Safety investigation into the accident at work found that the yard was not organised in a way that allowed the safe movement of both pedestrians and traffic. Safe routes had not been identified and suitable measures had not been taken to avert danger.

Furthermore, the investigation into the accident at work found that three other firms utilised the yard, each with their own employees and visitors.

Sentencing and fines

BS Trailer Services Ltd of Kings Farm Industrial Estate, Great Billington, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire pleaded guilty to breaches of Regulation 3 (a) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and Regulation 17 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

The company was fined a total of £25,000 and costs of £1,599.50.

HSE Inspector Robert Meardon said:

“A Traffic Management Plan agreed with the tenant businesses would have identified areas of segregation and measures for the separation of vehicles and people with barriers and clear signage. This had not been carried out and implemented.

“The injuries could easily have been fatal and I want to say to all companies that they need to consider and take measures to reduce the risk of people being injured by the movement of vehicles on their site; this is one of the most common causes of accidents. There are more than 5,000 accidents involving transport in the workplace every year, some of which are fatal.”

Accident at work compensation – expert advice

Compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault. More information can be found via our ‘Accidents 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

Child Sexual Abuse in Football | 250 Potential Suspects

Close up image of a football on a football pitch

Officers investigating child sexual abuse within football in the UK have now identified over 250 potential suspects and 560 victims.

Operation Hydrant

The inquiry, Operation Hydrant, is being co-ordinated by the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) and involves around 311 football clubs, across all leagues.

The latest update involving the inquiry came in January and at the time the number of potential suspects was 184, while the number of victims stood at 526.

According to the inquiry, the victims that have come forward are aged between four and twenty years, at the time of the abuse. Furthermore, 96% of victims are male.

Child sexual abuse in football

Last year a support hotline was set up after a number of ex-footballers – some of which with professional careers – reported they had been sexually abused as children by coaches and scouts involved in the game.

Since the hotline was set up, police forces all across the UK have reported an increased number of calls from people offering information, as well as victims.

However, this child sexual abuse scandal is not just confined to football. The NPCC has stated that 25 referrals to Operation Hydrant involve sports other than football. The inquiry has received complaints from victims of child sexual abuse involved in martial arts, rugby, golf, tennis, sailing, swimming, wrestling and gymnastics.

The Football Association has also launched an independent review into its handling of child sexual abuse allegations in the years prior to 2005. Clive Sheldon QC is leading the independent review.

Sexual abuse & assault compensation 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

61 Year Old Seriously Burned in Accident at Work

A council contractor has been fined after an employee suffered major burns in an accident at work.

Accident at work – electric shock

Gloucester Crown Court heard how a 61 year old worker was carrying out the replacement of a traffic light pole when he came into contact with a live underground wire. The man was an employee of a company instructed by Amey – a UK based infrastructure support service provider – to carry out the work. He was immediately electrocuted and suffered serious burns to his hands, arms, stomach, face, leg and chest after the power of the electric current set him on fire.

HSE investigation

The Health and Safety Executive launched an investigation into accident at work and found a number of safety failings by Amey. The court heard how Amey did not provide adequate information on the location of underground services in the area and that Amey had not properly managed the risks from these. Furthermore, the investigation found that Amey’s supervision of the work was inadequate.

Sentencing & fines

Amey LG Limited, of Edmund Halley Road, Oxford, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 25 (4) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The firm was fined £600,000 and ordered to pay costs of £15,498 following the accident at work.

After the hearing, HSE Principal Inspector Helena Tinton said:

“This man suffered life changing injuries as a result of this incident. He’s not been able to return to work, he still can’t use his hands properly and has been left both physically and mentally scarred by what happened. Had Amey given adequate information to the team working on site, and had Amey ensured the work was properly planned and supervised, this incident could have been avoided.

“This case should act as a reminder to local authorities and their contractors of the risks of working underground and the danger of severe electric shocks.”

Accident at work compensation – expert advice

Compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault. More information can be found via our ‘Accidents 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

Over £2,700 Secured for Whiplash Injuries Sustained in Collision

Our team of Road Traffic Accident solicitors recently took instruction from a client who suffered whiplash injuries in a non-fault collision in London.

Non-fault collision

The Claimant was correctly proceeding on Forest Road, Walthamstow, London, when the Defendant failed to give way at a crossroads and collided with the offside of our client’s vehicle.

As a result of the accident, the Claimant suffered whiplash injuries to their back, neck and shoulders. Furthermore, the damage to our client’s vehicle was so that the vehicle was written off.

Successful outcome

The Claimant received £2,700.00 for her personal injury, plus payment of the pre-accident value of their vehicle.

Once the case was settled, our client said:

“I am so happy that my case resulted in a successful outcome. It was handled very efficiently, very professionally and with regular updates.

“The compensation I received was higher than what I was expecting, so what I can say – from nasty accident to a happy ending! I highly recommend Hampson Hughes Solicitors!”

Whiplash injuries compensation – expert advice

If you’ve suffered whiplash injuries after a road traffic accident that was not your fault, you could be entitled to claim personal injury compensation. Contact our dedicated team of solicitors today on 0800 888 6888 or email

Whether you were injured as a driver, passenger, cyclist, or as a pedestrian Hampson Hughes Solicitors could help you claim maximum personal injury compensation. More information can also be found via our ‘Road Traffic Accident’ page.

14 Year Old Boy Victim of Criminal Injury in St Helens

Image of blue and white police tape that reads police

Four teenagers have been arrested and released on bail after a 14 year old boy was the victim of criminal injury when he was attacked and stabbed by the ‘gang’ in St Helens last week.

Victim of criminal injury

Police were called to the scene after the teenager called for help from eye witnesses.

Officers sealed off Parr Stocks Road, St Helens, just after 11pm on Friday 31 March. The victim remains in a stable condition in hospital after receiving medical attention for a stab wound injury to his torso.

Arrests

A 17 year old boy was arrested on 2 April on suspicion of assault, but has since been released on bail.

Three more teenagers, aged 19, 18 and 16, have also been arrested on suspicion of assault. However, police have again confirmed that they have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Witness account

Kate Rigby, who lives directly facing the scene of the incident, told the ECHO newspaper:

“I was watching TV upstairs and came down to make a brew. I heard shouting outside and looked out to see four lads.

“One of them was on top of another in the middle of the road. I started shouting that someone was getting battered.

“I went outside and the three boys crossed the road and ran off. There was another lad there then, banging on windows, shouting someone’s been stabbed.”

Miss Rigby added she then went over to the teenager and said the wound looked serious.

She said:

“He told me he was only 14 and was really scared.

“I screamed for someone to get police and ambulance here and stayed with him until they came. He kept saying ‘what’s wrong with my belly’.”

Police appeal for witnesses

Anyone who may have information which could help the police is asked to contact detectives on 0151 777 6041, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Criminal injury compensation claims – expert advice

Criminal injury 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 criminal injury 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 those who have been victims of violent crime. The Criminal Injury Compensation Scheme 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. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: Echo

Man Falls Through Skylight in Accident at Work

Two companies have been fined following an accident at work incident in which a worker fell nine meters through a skylight.

Accident at work – fall from height

Coventry Magistrate’s Court heard how JDB Industrial Roofing Limited had subcontracted ACG Roofing Limited to complete re-cladding work on a fragile roof. The court heard that on the day of the accident at work incident, 15 December 2015, the worker in question fell 9 meters through a skylight to the concrete ground below. He suffered suffered life changing injuries, requiring surgery to install metal rods into his back.

When the worker fell, the harness he was wearing was not attached to anything and no guardrails were in place.

HSE Investigation

An investigation into the accident at work incident by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found multiple safety failings.

The HSE investigation determined that the principle contractors, JDB Industrial Roofing Limited, failed to put effective management systems in place to control the risks that could arise when working at height or on fragile roofing.

Sentencing & fines

JDB Industrial Roofing Limited of Brooklands Court, Kettering, Northamptonshire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. The company was fined £112,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2216.68.

ACG Roofing Limited of High Street, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The company was fined £35,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1721.78.

HSE inspector Edward Fryer said after the hearing:

“This incident could have been fatal; the worker has suffered life changing injuries due to the company failing to properly plan and supervise work at height.

“This case highlights the importance of proper planning, supervision and implementation of work at height especially on fragile roofing.”

Accident at work compensation – expert advice

Compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault. More information can be found via our ‘Accidents 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

Girl Receives £2.5 Million Medical Negligence Compensation

A 12 year old girl, who was born healthy but suffered brain damage due to treatment delays as a new-born, has been awarded millions in medical negligence compensation.

Delay in treatment

The High Court heard how the young girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, became ill shortly after her birth at Warrington Hospital. Christopher Johnson QC told the court that she would not have suffered any lasting effects at all had she been diagnosed promptly. Instead, delays in her treatment left the young girl with ‘extensive needs’.

£2.5 million pay-out

Judge Mr Justice Goss awarded the 12 year old a total of £2.5 million in medical negligence compensation.

As well as the one off payment, the judge awarded her with an annual allowance of £260,000. Furthermore, the annual pay-outs will increase to £312,000 once the girl reaches her nineteenth birthday.

Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which manages the hospital, admitted liability and agreed to settle the girl’s claim, brought by her mother.

Margaret Bowron QC, representing the Trust, told the court an apology had been made to the family. She added that it was hoped the financial settlement would bring them “peace of mind”.

‘Small measure of comfort’

Mr Justice Goss said it would be “a small measure of comfort” as he addressed the girl’s parents. He went on to say:

“Nothing that the law can do can undo what has taken place, as you well know, and I am sure not a day has gone by when that hasn’t crossed your minds.

“Your daughter is clearly a remarkable child and that, in a sense, is a blessing for you – it is also plain to see that the love and affection you have for her is remarkable.”

Medical negligence compensation claims – expert advice

Medical negligence compensation may be available where the service provided by a medical professional falls below the accepted standards of practice.

Following an instance of medical negligence, you could benefit from rehabilitation support. Depending on your circumstances, we may be able to help you to access a complete package of support, including:

•Income support
•Transport (e.g. wheelchair access vehicle)
•Home adaptations (e.g. access ramp, stair lift)

If you believe that you may be entitled to medical negligence compensation, speak to our expert team of personal injury solicitors today. Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: BBC News