Tag: compensation claims

Rise in Terrorism Attacks Increase Number of Serious Injury Compensation Claims

Posted on October 25, 2017 by - Latest Blogs, Serious Injury

Rise in Terrorism Attacks Increase Number of Serious Injury Compensation Claims

On the 22nd of May 2017, an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester Arena was the centre of a UK terrorism attack. A suicide bomber entered the arena, killing 22 people and injuring 120, including children. UK terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of innocent people as well as causing significant injuries and psychological trauma to those who were injured or affected. Families and loved ones of victims are also hugely affected with some having to become carers for their loved ones as well as having to deal with the psychological trauma a terrorist attack can have on families.

Over the past decade 9 terrorist attacks have been recorded in the UK, including the Manchester Arena bombing. The month after the Manchester attack, on the 3rd of June 2017, 8 people were killed and at least 48 injured when a white van drove at high speed across London Bridge running over pedestrians. The occupants then ran to nearby Borough Market to attack more people. Sadly, the threat of an international terrorist attack to the UK, including Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is severe, and although the chances of being in a terrorist attack are slim, the fear is still prominent. (2) Yet, the UK is not the only target for terrorism.

France, Spain, Sweden and Tunisia have all been targeted in recent attacks, resulting in mass casualties. According to gov.uk (1),  if you’ve been a victim of a terrorist attack abroad since the 27th of November 2012, you may be able to claim compensation if:

  • You were injured physically or mentally
  • You were a witness to a specific act of terrorism where a loved one was injured
  • You’re the partner or close family member of someone killed in a specific act of terrorism.

The pain and suffering caused as a result of a terrorist attack can never truly be compensated for, but the financial implications that an injury has had on your career or working life can be. If a terrorist attack targets a public space, venue or business premises, there will be insurance in place to provide financial support to victims in the event of a terrorist attack and if you have been injured or a loved one has been hurt, you have the right to claim.

We are representing victims of the Manchester bombings and we are offering them our legal services and expertise at no cost, so that they can get compensation for the injuries occurred or the financial loss that has happened as a direct or indirect result of the attack.

Despite the attack taking place over 5 months ago, some victims of the Manchester Arena bombings are yet to make a claim for compensation and are suffering in silence. We urge anyone who has been affected and suffered an injury as a result of a UK terrorist attack to contact our dedicated legal team today and find out how we can support you in submitting a claim. Call 0151 236 1222 or visit our site for more information.

If you have been affected by the terror attack at Manchester Arena, free help and support is available. Contact Victim Support on 0808 168 9111 or visit www.victimsupport.org.uk

Sources

  1. https://www.gov.uk/compensation-victim-terrorist-attack
  2. https://www.gov.uk/terrorism-national-emergency

Waste recycling company fined after worker suffers burns

Posted on July 21, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

A waste recycling company has been fined after one of its employees sustained severe burns to his face and upper body whilst attempting to dislodge a blockage in an energy-from-waste furnace at the recycling plant.

Accident at Work

On the 17th of October 2014, Teesside Crown Court heard how the worker was seriously scalded by hot ash and water at the Stockton-on-Tees site of SUEZ. After a blockage on one of its lines, the worker opened a hatch on a chute, which gets rid of the burnt waste. He used a metal pole to extricate the blockage and in doing so was exposed to a plume of hot ash and steam which exploded from the hatch causing severe burns to his upper body and face as he tried to escape.

Health and Safety Investigation

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation and found that the company failed to adequately take into account the risk that the workers were being exposed to during this task. Therefore, the system of work they arranged was not sufficient to stop this incident from occurring. The company was also found guilty of not implementing the appropriate systems to manage and supervise the activity of this workplace. This meant the limited measures they had put in place, were not being followed.

Sentencing and fines

SUEZ Recycling and Recovery Tees Valley Ltd of SUEZ House Maidenhead Berkshire pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

HSE inspector Victoria Wise said following the hearing:

“Problems often occur in production and it is essential that companies recognise and understand them to prevent them happening or introduce engineering controls and systems of work that prevent people being injured.”

The company has today been fined £220,000 and ordered to pay costs of £12,695.65.

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

Engineering firm fined after worker suffers Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

Posted on July 21, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

An engineering firm has been fined for failing to control the risk of vibration exposure to employees using hand-guided power tools.

Accident at Work

Manchester and Salford Magistrates heard how Newfield Fabrications Co Ltd (NFCL) failed to adequately control the risk of vibration exposure to their employees. The firm neglected to ensure that its employees were given the essential information and training on the effects of working with vibrating hand tools.

Health and Safety Investigation

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out an investigation where they established that, at the end of 2015, a welder who worked for the company for a number of years had been given a task that incorporated a considerable amount of grinding and polishing.

The worker began to experience numbness and tingling after doing this task for a number of hours. He asked to swap with another worker but was told to carry on. Although his symptoms continued to progress, his supervisor instructed him to carry on using the vibrating tool.

After a number of weeks, a 20 year old apprentice welder also began to experience and display vibration-related symptoms from using similar tools.

Sentencing and fines

Newfield Fabrications Co Ltd, of Sandbach, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 6(1) and 8(1) of the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Helen Jones said:

“This is a case of the company failing to protect workers using vibrating tools. Exposure to hand arm vibration is a well-known risk, which the company failed to adequately control.
The company also failed to ensure workers were looked after when symptoms did arise leading to further exposure. This was wholly inadequate, and led to two employees suffering significant health effects”.

The company has been fined £120,000 and ordered to pay £7,241 costs.

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

Company fined after worker gets crushed by machinery

Posted on July 11, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

Image of a red mobile elevated platform relating to an accident at work incident

Spectral Colours Limited (SCL) based in Lancashire have been fined after a worker was crushed by a machine.

Accident at Work

On the 30th April of 2014, Manchester Crown Court heard the case of a 57-year old worker who was employed by Spectral Colours Limited (SCL). The worker was cleaning the dispersion mixing machine when he sat on one of the clamping arms. This subsequently collapsed and pinned the worker’s leg underneath the machine. As a result he suffered a fractured ankle and severe crush injuries to his foot.

Health and Safety Investigation

An investigation into the incident was launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The investigation concluded that the company failed to secure the machine correctly on site to the ground thus increasing the risk of the machinery toppling and injuring employees.

Sentencing and fines

Spectral Colours Limited of Crawford Street, Rochdale, Lancashire has today pleaded guilty of breaching Regulation 20 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
The corporation has been fined £3000 and ordered to pay costs of £22,444.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Tim Beaumont said:

“This case highlights the need for all duty holders to ensure all machinery in their workplaces are properly fixed and maintained to the required safety standard.

“If Spectral Colours had been more thorough in ensuring that the installation of the machinery was completed properly then this accident wouldn’t have happened.”

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

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

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

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

Man Falls Through Fragile Roof in Workplace Accident

Posted on June 8, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

Image of multiple hard hats in pigeon holes

A groundwork company based in Stranraer has been fined after a worker suffered a workplace injury when he fell over seven meters through a fragile roof.

Workplace accident

McKeown Groundworks Limited had sub-contracted the 42 year old worker to carry out roof repairs on a barn at Whitley’s Farm in Stranraer. Stranraer Sherriff Court heard how on the day of the incident, 24 May 2016, the man arrived at the farm to carry out the roof repairs. However, as he walked along the roof he stepped on a light panel which gave way under his weight. The worker then fell over seven meters to the ground below.

As a result of the accident at work, the worker sustained a compression fracture of the lower back.

Health and Safety Executive investigation

The Health and Safety Executive launched an investigation into the incident and found that the firm relied only on the experience of workers themselves to avoid injury when working at height. There was no adequate supervision in place.

Furthermore, the work in question had not been planned suitably, and so there were no control meaures in place to prevent this type of accident.

Sentencing and fines

McKeown Groundworks Limited, registered office at King Street, Castle Douglas, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4 of the Work at Height Regulations 2015. The company was fined a total of £12,000.

Helen Diamond, HSE Inspector, said after the hearing:

“McKeown’s failings resulted in serious injuries which could have easily been prevented had the company planned the work at height. Planning the work at height would have included an assessment of the risks and ensuring that suitable and sufficient measures were in place to prevent falls from height.

“Work at height is the biggest single cause of fatal and serious injury in the construction industry, particularly on small projects.”

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

Man Severs Finger in Workplace Accident

Posted on May 30, 2017 by - Accidents at Work

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

Posted on May 22, 2017 by - Accidents 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