Month: May 2017

RTA Team Secures £2,529 for Cycling Accident

Our team of dedicated Road Traffic Accident solicitors recently secured maximum personal injury compensation for a client who sustained personal injuries in a non-fault cycling accident.

Incident

At the time of the incident our client, Mr Cork, was riding his bicycle when the defendant emerged from a side road at a time when it was unsafe to do so. As a result the defendant collided with the left side of our clients bicycle, knocking Mr Cork to the ground.

Injuries

Mr Cork sustained injuries to his knee and discomfort to his chest following the accident. Our client also reports that he was unable to walk for some time afterwards. Furthermore, Mr Cork added that his usual sleeping pattern was severely disrupted for around three months after the accident.

Road Traffic Claims – Specialist advice

If you have suffered as a result of a non-fault road traffic accident, contact us today. Whether you have been injured as a driver, passenger, pedestrian or cyclist, we can help.

Call 0800 888 6888 or send an email to 

Man Severs Finger in Workplace Accident

Nottingham City Council has been fined after an apprentice suffered serious hand injuries in an accident at work.

Workplace injury

On 21 August 2014, a 22 worker was using a motorised lawnmower at Seagrave Primary School. Nottingham Crown Court heard how the worker’s hand came into contact with the rotating blade of the mower as he attempted to clear a blockage. The worker’s right index finger was severed in the incident. He also suffered serious lacerations and ligament damage to other fingers on his right hand during the accident at work.

Health and Safety Executive investigation

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation into the incident and found numerous safety failings. Firstly, the council had replaced the manufacturer’s safety measures on the machinery and replaced it with their own design. However, the council’s own safety measures were not to the required safety standard.

Secondly, Nottingham City Council had failed to suitably control the risks involved and had not provided workers with adequate training to use the equipment in a safe and proper manner.

Furthermore, the HSE investigation identified failures in the level of supervision provided for apprentices when mowing lawns.

Sentencing and fines

Nottingham City Council of Loxley House, Station St, Nottingham today pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(2)(a) of the Health and Safety At Work Act 1974, Section 9(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment 1998 and Sections 3(1) and 5(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

The council was fined a total of £33,000 and ordered to pay £12,000 in costs.

HSE inspector Sam Russell said after the hearing:

“The Council’s failings in this case have led to the worker suffering life changing injuries. The Council had for many years been removing a part of the lawnmower fitted by the manufacturer which prevented operators from gaining access to the blade. This meant that those operating the lawnmower were exposed to risk.

“This was a preventable incident which would have been avoided if suitable control measures, levels of training, supervision and monitoring were applied.”

Accident at work compensation – expert advice

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

To begin your injury at work claim, contact us today. Remember, we offer you a FREE no obligation-consultation. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Company and Director Fined for Accident at Work

Image of multiple hard hats in pigeon holes

A solar panel company and its director have been fined after a man was injured after falling from height in an accident at work.

Accident at work

Lewis Harding, 28, was fitting solar panels at a farm when the incident occurred on 19 May 2015. Taunton Magistrates’ Court heard how Mr Harding was working on a fragile roof at Venn Farm, Cornwall, when he fell over three meters through a skylight.

Mr Harding broke his back in three places during the accident at work.

Investigation

The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) investigation into the incident found that the company relied on the ineffective use of a harness when carrying out work at height. The investigation found a lack of safety precautions were in place to stop workers falling from height – no under roof netting, edge protection or boarding was in place.

Furthermore, the HSE investigation found that the failure in this case could be attributed directly to the neglectful actions of director Jon Antoniou. Work had been carried out in the same unsafe manner for months before and after the accident at work that occurred on 19 May 2015.

Sentencing and fines

Eco NRG Solutions Ltd of Polden Business Centre, Bristol Road, Bridgewater has pleaded guilty to breaching Section 4 (1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and Section 33 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined a total of £115,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,879.60.

Jon Luke Antoniou of Furze Close, Bridgewater pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37 (1) of the Health and Safety at work Act 1974 . He was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,957.40.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Sue Adsett said:

“The worker is lucky to have not sustained more life threatening injuries from what we found to be a serious breach of the law.

“This case highlights the importance of directors being vigilant and acting on their obligations.”

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 and Safety Executive

Over £1,700 Secured for Whiplash Injuries after Crash

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

Incident

At the time of the incident, the claimant was a passenger in a vehicle involved in a non-fault crash. The defendant failed to maintain a safe breaking distance and collided with the rear of the vehicle our client was a passenger in.

Whiplash injuries

As a result of the accident, the claimant suffered whiplash injuries to their neck, back and shoulders. Our client reports that their regular duties, such as looking after their children, shopping and general house work, were restricted for a number of weeks after the incident due to the whiplash injuries sustained.

Successful outcome

Liability was admitted in this case.

Our team of dedicated Personal Injury solicitors secured a total of £1,788.50 in compensation on this occasion.

Following settlement, our client commented:

“Thank you for all your help! The process has been hassle free!”

Road traffic accident compensation – expert advice

If you’ve suffered whiplash injuries after a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to claim personal injury compensation. 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 be found via our ‘Road Traffic Accident’ page, or contact our dedicated team of solicitors today on 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Accident at Work | Building Contractor & Owner Fined

A company owner and building contractor based in Manchester have been fined after a worker was seriously injured in an accident at work.

Accident at work

Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard how two men working for Access Flooring Specialist Ltd were using a demolition hammer to knock down a freestanding concrete block wall at the site of a refurbishment project at Manchester One, Portland Street, Manchester.

One of the operatives was cutting into the wall just above the half way point when the second worker took over, using a step ladder for access. As the second man took over, the top half of the wall collapsed, knocking him from the ladder before landing on top of him.

Workplace injuries

The 53-year-old father of two from Salford suffered fractures to his neck and back and spent three months in hospital following the accident at work. He has not been able return to work since the incident on 29 August 2014.

Health and Safety Investigation

An investigation into the incident by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that workers had not been provided with instructions for carrying out the work in a safe manner. It was also found that there had been no supervision or checks during the injured worker’s training and he had not been given a site induction, nor was the work supervised.

Furthermore, the HSE investigation found that there was no adequate risk assessment in place for the work being carried out.

Sentencing and fines

Workspace Design and Build Ltd of Manchester One, Portland Street, Manchester pleaded guilty to breach of Regulation 22(1)(a) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. The company was fined £14,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,972.

Paul Harrison of Kirkfell Drive, Tyldsley, Manchester pleaded guilty to a breach of Section 37 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 relating to his companies’ breach of Regulation 13 (2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007. The former director of Access Flooring Specialist Ltd was fined £13,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,851.

HSE Inspector Laura Moran said after the hearing:

“The risks associated with the demolition of the internal walls at Manchester One were not properly considered and, as a result, there was no safe system of work in place for the operatives to follow.

“Together with a lack of adequate supervision, these failings resulted in one man suffering serious and life changing injuries, which could have been prevented had the work been properly planned and managed.”

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

Man Suffers Serious Crush Injuries in Accident at Work

A steel manufacturing company based in Cardiff has been prosecuted after a worker suffered crush injuries to his hand in an accident at work.

Accident at work incident

North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard how the accident at work took place on 23 October 2015. An employee of Rom Ltd was removing leftover steel from a machine used for straightening steel wire, called the Koch Straightener.

The worker trapped his hand between the rotating rollers inside the machine, suffering serious crush injuries to his right hand. He also severed the tip of his right index finger during the accident at work.

Health and safety investigation

The Health and Safety Executive launched an investigation into the accident at work incident and found that Rom Ltd failed to recognise the risks involved with workers manually operating the Kick Straightener. It was also found that steps hadn’t been taken to ensure the machine was appropriately guarded.

Furthermore, it was found that the company failed to provide an adequate level of supervision for the activity, resulting in the worker suffering the workplace injury.

Sentencing and fines

Rom Ltd of Castle Works, East Moors Road, Cardiff today pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11 Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The company has been fined £200,000 and ordered to pay costs of £17,200.63.

HSE inspector David Keane said after the hearing:

“This man suffered a life-changing injury. The company failed to protect the worker from harm by not properly considering the risks associated with manually operating dangerous machinery such as this.”

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

Woman Who Caused Serious Injury to Cyclist is Jailed

A 25 year old woman who caused serious injuries to a cyclist after she knocked him off his bike and into a tree has been jailed for three years.

Damien Doughty spent three days in intensive care for serious injuries including a punctured lung, broken hand and a severe laceration to his liver after Justine Henshaw-Bryan drove into him.

Ms Henshaw-Bryan was found guilty by a jury at Wood Green Crown Court of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Sentencing her, Judge Gregory Perrins told her:

“This was a calculated attempt to run him over and use your car as a weapon,

“It would have been obvious that to do so would have carried significant risk of injury.”

The judge added that Ms Henshaw-Bryan’s actions on 10 February 2016 could have killed Mr Doughty.

Road traffic accident compensation claims – expert advice

If you’ve been injured in a Road Traffic Accident as a cyclist, you could be entitled to personal injury compensation.

Contact our team of expert Road Traffic Accident Solicitors today. Call 0800 888 6888, or send an email to .

Source: BBC News; Cyclist Weekly

Motorist Guilty of Causing Serious Injury to Cyclist

A motorist who knocked a cyclist off his bike and into a tree has been found guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Incident

Cycle courier Damien Doughty was knocked off his bike on 10 February 2016 following an exchange with Justine Henshaw-Bryan over her using a mobile phone while driving.

The cyclist confronted 25 year old Henshaw-Bryan after he noticed she was using her phone at the wheel when she pulled out of a side road in front of him.

Henshaw-Bryan swore at Mr Doughty and he responded by kicking her wing mirror before cycling away. He told Wood Green Crown Court:

“Quite quickly, I realised the car was chasing me. It was getting very, very close.

“Realising how close the car was, really feeling like it was going to knock me off, I took a sharp left. I was going 20, maybe slightly more.

“I thought the car wouldn’t be able to get round that corner at the same rate to catch me.”

The court was then shown CCTV footage of Henshaw-Bryan’s vehicle swerving to the left, hitting Mr Doughty before driving off.

In court, Henshaw-Bryan claimed that her then boyfriend took control of the wheel, causing her to swerve into the cyclist. However both he and the court rejected this claim.

Serious injuries

As a result of the collision, Mr Doughty was knocked off his bike and crashed into a tree. He sustained serious injuries including a punctured lung and broken hand, as well as a severe tear to his liver. He required intensive care and was unable to work for an extended period of time.

Guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving

A jury found Henshaw-Bryan guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and as a result, she could face up to five years in jail. She will be sentenced on Wednesday 10 May 2017.

If you’ve been injured in a Road Traffic Accident as a cyclist, you could be entitled to personal injury compensation.

Contact our team of expert Road Traffic Accident solicitors today. Call 0800 888 6888, or send an email to .

Source: Cycling Weekly

Man Admits Charges after Dingle Dog Attack

A 35 year old man has admitted charges of owning dangerously out of control dogs after a toddler was the victim of a dog attack at the weekend.

Dog attack

The attack, in which a two year old girl suffered serious injuries to her head and body, took place outside a house in Dingle, Liverpool on Sunday 7 May. The toddler was playing in a relative’s front garden with two of her cousins when several American bully dogs managed to squeeze through a fence from next door.

A 57 year old woman, believed to be the child’s aunt, attempted to save her and was also injured in the dog attack.

The unnamed toddler is currently in a “serious but not life-threatening” at Alder Hey Childrens’ Hospital, having undergone surgery on Sunday night. The 57 year old was taken to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital with minor dog bite injuries on Sunday and was released later that day.

Guilty plea

Andrew McGowan, of Cockburn Street – where the attack took place, pleaded guilty to owning four dogs that were dangerously out of control at Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates Court. The 35 year old has been bailed until 8 June.

According to police, five dogs and a further six puppies were seized following the attack. Two of the adult dogs have been humanely destroyed.

Merseyside Police – “horrific attack”

Chief Inspector Dave Westby, from Merseyside Police, said:

“This was a horrific attack which has resulted in a two-year-old girl suffering extensive injuries to her head and body.

“The child was playing in the back garden of a relative’s address with two other children when a number of dogs from a nearby house managed to get in to the garden.”

Police added that American bully dogs are not a banned breed.

Compensation following a dog attack – 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. More information can be found via our ‘Dog Bite Claims’ page.

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 .

Source: Liverpool Echo; BBC News; Express

Accident at Work | Bakery Fined for Two Incidents

A bakery based in Penrith has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for two separate accident at work incidents.

First incident

The first accident at work incident occurred on 26 January 2016. Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard how an employee of Bells of Lazonby Limited caught his right hand in the moving blade of a dough dividing machine, severing the top of his middle finger.

Second incident

The second accident at work took place just a few months later on 29 March 2016. In this incident, an employee was injured when their left index finger came into contact with the cutting jaws of a wrapping machine.

HSE investigation

An investigation into both accident at work incidents found that the organisation had not equipped the machinery with suitable guarding, guarding which would have prevented such injuries.

Sentencing and fines

Bells of Lazonby Limited of Edenholme Bakery, Penrith have pleaded guilty to breaching two charges of Regulation 11, of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

The bakery was fined £40,000 for the first offence and £30,000 for the second offence. The firm was also ordered to pay costs of £7990.

HSE inspector Leona Cameron said after the hearing:

“This case demonstrates the importance of checking and assessing all dangerous equipment and machinery to prevent injuries to employees operating such machinery.”

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