Month: June 2017

Dog Bites | Four children admitted to hospital each day

Posted on June 28, 2017 by - Dog Bite

The NHS has revealed there have been around 8,000 children under 16 admitted to hospital with dog bite injuries in the last five years.

8,000 hospital admissions

Of the 8,000 hospital admissions for dog bite injuries, over 70% involved children under the age of nine and over 1000 took place in 2015-16 alone.

Be Dog Smart Week

As a result of the data, UK charity Dogs Trust launched their first ever Be Dog Smart Week, which took place last week (19th-25th June). The aim of the week was to teach children how to stay safe around the much loved family pet.

The charity has apparently received around 150 calls since Christmas from parents wanting to give up their family pet as their children do not know how to interact safely with dogs.

Dogs Trust offered some useful advice and tips throughout the week, as well as an easy to read infographic (see below) and workshops in schools throughout the UK.

Head of education at Dogs Trust, Hollie Sevenoaks, says:

“Be Dog Smart Week is an important initiative that will help us continue to spread fundamental dog safety advice to thousands of children and parents across the UK.

“Whether your family owns a dog or not, 33 percent of children in the UK will encounter a dog every single day. Whilst being around dogs can have so many wonderful benefits for young people, the simple fact is that any dog can bite or snap if worried, scared or hurt.

“Many of these bites are preventable, and at Dogs Trust, we believe educating children, parents, grandparents, friends, teachers, guardians, and dog owners about dog safety, is the first step to preventing such incidents.”

Compensation following a dog bite – 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 dog bite, 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: Pet Gazette
Image Source: Vet Times

North West firm fined as man falls through roof

Posted on June 26, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

Image of multiple hard hats in pigeon holes

A welding and metal fabrication company based in the North West has been fined after an employee suffered life changing injuries after falling through a fragile roof.

Workplace Accident

Whilst attempting to carry out minor roof repairs in Salford on 23 February 2016, the employee of John Fowler & Son (Blacksmiths & Welders) Ltd fell eight metres through the roof of a timber storage shed.

As a result of the accident at work, the 39-year old man broke his leg, elbow and ribs. He also punctured his lungs and as a result of the incident had to have his spleen removed.

Investigation

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation and found there had been no safety measures taken to prevent workers from falling through or off the roof.

Furthermore, the firm failed to plan the work suitably, and failed to implement a safe system of work to ensure the employees were able to safely carry out their duties.

Sentencing and fines

At Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court, John Fowler & Son (Blacksmiths & Welders) Ltd pleaded guilty to breaches of Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Regulation 3 (1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Jackie Worrall, HSE Inspector, said:

 

“The injured employee in this case was very fortunate not to lose his life following this fall. Falls from height can be prevented by careful planning, using trained and experienced workers with suitable equipment and employing a high level of supervision.

Deaths caused by falls through fragile surfaces occur mainly to those working in the building maintenance sector when carrying out small, short-term maintenance and cleaning jobs.

“On average seven people are killed each year after falling through a fragile roof or fragile roof light. Many others suffer permanent disabling injury.”

 

The firm was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £5,368.23 in costs.

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 .

Source:Health and Safety Executive

Grandmother dies after heart valve was inserted wrong

Posted on June 22, 2017 by - Medical Negligence

Image of a medical professional writing notes next to a stethoscope and laptop

An investigation is set to probe heart valve patient Sheila Hynes’ death following routine surgery at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital.

What happened?

The Great-grandmother from Newcastle sustained catastrophic internal bleeding after a heart valve was put in upside down. This caused irreversible damage during surgery which was led by consultant surgeon Asif Raza Shah.

A second operation performed to try and get her heart working failed and the 71 year old subsequently died a week later in intensive care.

Inquest

Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has acknowledged that the error caused Mrs Hynes’ death.

The five day inquest will be held at Newcastle’s Civic Centre.

Medical Negligence Claims – Expert Advice

If you have been affected by medical negligence, and you would like expert advice, contact Hampson Hughes Solicitors Medical Negligence Team today on 0151 242 1025 or email

Source: Aol.com

Two Dead and One Seriously Injured in Crane Collapse

Posted on June 22, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

Police have confirmed that two men have died and another is seriously injured after a crane collapsed in Crewe on Wednesday afternoon.

Incident

Emergency services were called to Pheonix Leisure Park on Dunwoody Way at around 4.30pm yesterday. Cheshire fire and rescue service were able to free one man, believed to be the crane driver. He was taken to Royal Stoke hospital by air ambulance and his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Chief Supt Matt Welsted said that the bodies of the two men who died would be recovered from the scene shortly. He described the incident as ‘truly tragic’.

He also asked anyone with video of the scene to “respect the families of those involved”. He went on to say:

“Our deepest condolences go out to the families affected at this extremely difficult time.”

The occupants of a nearby house have also been relocated, after the falling crane damaged the property.

Workplace accidents – 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 .

Source: Guardian

£1,766 Awarded following Non-Fault Crash

Posted on June 21, 2017 by - Road Traffic Accidents

Image of a damaged bumper on a silver car following a Road Traffic Accident

The Road Traffic Accident team here at Hampson Hughes Solicitors recently secured personal injury compensation for a client who suffered whiplash injuries in a non-fault road accident.

Non-fault road accident

At the time of the incident, our client was stationary when the defendant failed to stop. As a result, the defendant’s Nissan Duke collided with the rear of the claimant’s Ford Fiesta.

Whiplash injuries

Our client sustained whiplash type injuries to her neck and back in the collision, and reports suffering with travel anxiety in the time since the accident. Furthermore, the claimant’s whiplash injuries restricted simple movements such as bending, stretching and lifting.

Successful outcome

On this occasion Hampson Hughes Solicitors managed to secure a total of £1,766 in personal injury compensation for our client.

Road traffic accident claims – specialist advice

If you have suffered whiplash 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 could help you secure maximum compensation.

Call 0800 888 6888 or send an email to 

Man who steered car with knees admits dangerous driving

Posted on June 21, 2017 by - Road Traffic Accidents

A man who hit the headlines for steering his Ford KA with his knees after claiming it was too small has been given a suspended sentence for further driving offences.

Incident

Adam Elliott, a car dealer, from Newcastle, was involved in a police chase in March which resulted in a road accident involving three vehicles.

Elliott drove on the wrong side of the road before crashing into a stationary bus and another vehicle, driven by a woman accompanied by her two young children. According to the woman:

‘He tried to get through a gap that did not exist between her and the bus’

The crash came a couple of days before Elliott was due to appear in court for a separate incident. In January 2016 he was caught driving a roofless Ford KA with his knees whilst sitting on the headrest and waving.

Dangerous Driving

Elliott admitted dangerous driving; failing to stop; driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance at Newcastle Crown Court. He was handed a nine month jail term, suspended for 18 months.

Following on from his sentence Elliott told the court:

‘There is no justification for my actions in this incident.

‘I don’t want to try to justify them; what happened was wrong and was a moment of foolishness.’

The car dealer was also disqualified from driving for two years and nine months.

Road traffic accident compensation claims – expert advice

If you’ve been injured in a road accident as a result of a dangerous driver, 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: Sky News

Worker Suffers Serious Burns in Workplace Accident

Posted on June 20, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

Two firms have been fined after a man suffered serious electrical burns to his face, arms and hands in a workplace accident.

Accident at work

The 28 year old man, employed by Park, Gate and company Ltd (PGC), was carrying out electrical work for Armstrong World Industries Limited (AWI) at a site in Gateshead on 21 December 2014 when the incident occurred.

During the work, the employee cut a live cable, causing serious burns to his face, arms and hands.

Investigation

The Health and Safety Executive launched an investigation into the incident and found that neither firm had adequately identified if the cables were live or dead before starting the work.

Furthermore, Park Gate failed to provide workers with a safe system of work.

Sentencing and fines

Park, Gate and Company Ltd of Kingstown Broadway, Kingstown Industrial Estate, Carlisle pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. the company was fined £80,000 and ordered to pay costs of £13,012.52.

Armstrong World Industries Limited, of Armstrong House, Market Square, Uxbridge pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined £400,000 and ordered to pay costs of £13,082.92.

HSE inspector Victoria Crofton said following the hearing:

“There were serious failures on the part of both companies in this case. Electricity supplies should be made dead and proved to be dead before work starts.”

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 .

Source: Health & Safety Executive

Paedophile Jailed for 18 Years for Sexual Abuse

Posted on June 19, 2017 by - Sexual Abuse

A man has been jailed for eighteen years after he pleaded guilty to the sexual abuse of two young girls over a five year period.

Sexual abuse – guilty plea

Dean Manning, of Congleton in Cheshire, pleaded guilty to 20 charges relating to sexual exploitation and ill-treatment at Cambridge Crown Court yesterday.

The 49 year old pleaded guilty to 12 counts relating to the rape, attempted rape and other sexual abuse of the two children. He also admitted six counts of inciting children to engage in sexual activity, and a further two counts of causing unnecessary suffering through ill-treatment.

Sentencing

Manning was handed 20 concurrent jail terms of at least four years each of his crimes. He was given a 26 year sentence, with an additional eight years on license as well as the eighteen year jail term. The paedophile will have to serve at least twelve years in prison before he is eligible for parole.

Judge David Farrell QC, also ordered Manning to sign the sex offenders register for life, and he was made subject to a life-long sexual harm prevention order restricting his internet usage. Furthermore, Manning had to pay a victim surcharge.

Praising the victims’ bravery in coming forward, DI Lynda Coates, from the joint child protection investigation team, said:

“This sentence reflects the seriousness of Manning’s crimes and the devastating impact his actions have had on his victims.

“His abuse of young girls spanned over a number of years, and his victims have been incredibly brave in coming forward and speaking to police.

“I believe Manning still represents a significant risk to girls so I welcome the lengthy sentence that he has been given, which will protect the public from further harm.

“If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, we have dedicated specialist officers who can support you and I would urge you to make contact with police.”

Sexual assault & abuse compensation claims – expert advice

If you have been affected by any instance of physical sexual assault or 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: The Comet

Man Drives into Police Cordon after Being Stabbed in London

Posted on June 19, 2017 by - Criminal Injuries

A man drove into a police cordon in East Dulwich, South London yesterday after being stabbed.

Stabbing victim

Police were investigating a car crash when the victim, a man in his 20s, drove through police tape desperate for help. The man was ‘covered in blood’ when he got out of his vehicle, after narrowly missing officers reopening the road, Lordship Lane.

One witness, 27 year old James Stott, said:

“I though the car was going to hit a police officer then it came to a really sudden stop and a man got out covered in blood.

“The next minute he was on the floor getting treated. It looked like he’d been stabbed in the stomach.”

Investigation

A police spokesperson confirmed that detectives are working to investigate how the man sustained his serious injuries. They added:

“Enquiries continue to establish how and where the man came to sustain his injuries.

“It is not linked to the original collision that officers were dealing with.

“No arrests, enquiries continue.

“Officers from Southwark investigate.”

Scotland Yard said the victim was in a critical condition at a hospital in South London.

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: Evening Standard

£2,201 Compensation Secured for Whiplash Injuries

Posted on June 19, 2017 by - Road Traffic Accidents

Our team of dedicated Road Traffic Accident solicitors recently secured compensation for a client who suffered whiplash injuries during a non-fault collision.

Incident

Our client was a passenger in a stationary vehicle at a junction when the defendant, travelling in the opposite direction, ran a red light and collided with the claimant’s vehicle.

Injuries

Our client sustained whiplash injuries to his neck and shoulders. He also was anxious travelling for a number of weeks following on from the incident. Our client reports that his usual working capabilities were restricted along with childcare, shopping, playing football and running.

Successful outcome

On this occasion Hampson Hughes Solicitors managed to secure a total of £2,201 in personal injury compensation for our client.

Commenting after their case was settled, our client said:

“From start to finish the service was great. I was always kept informed of the progress.”

Road traffic claims – specialist advice

If you have suffered whiplash 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 could help you secure maximum compensation.

Call 0800 888 6888 or send an email to