Tag: Hampson Hughes Compensation

Top tips for anyone considering a career as a solicitor

Are you interested in a legal career? At Hampson Hughes, we are always keen to progress talent, having taken on many trainee solicitors in the last ten years.

 

But, getting a training contract can be tough, so we sat down with Hollie, Nick, Gary and Lisa to get some insight into their journeys, as well as a few of their tips for any inspiring solicitors.

 

NICK, PERSONAL INJURY SOLICITOR – ADMITTED TO THE ROLL JULY 2020

 

Initially, I studied Criminology and Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University before deciding to pursue a career as a solicitor. I went to BPP in Manchester to study the graduate diploma in Law before undertaking the LPC at BPP Liverpool.

 

I was delighted when I was awarded a training contract at Hampson Hughes. Getting a training contract is extremely competitive, especially at a top law firm. It wasn’t an easy process and I had to work hard to get my placement. There have been a number of trainee solicitors at Hampson Hughes before me who were all of a high standard, so I’m pleased to have joined the ranks and achieved my goal.

 

My advice to anyone considering a career in law is to expect ups and downs but to never give up your end goal. If you have faith in yourself and your abilities, you’re sure to get there!

 

HOLLIE, TRAINEE SOLICITOR

 

My journey with Hampson Hughes started in August 2019, once I had finished my LPC LLM at the University of Law in Chester. Despite early aspirations to go into psychology, I found that studying law at A-Level alongside personal experience and research ignited a passion for the legal side of healthcare. I gained as much experience in the industry as I could during my undergraduate LLB degree, and looked into many different areas of law but remained passionate about healthcare and particularly clinical negligence law.

 

Since joining Hampson Hughes I have gained invaluable exposure to clinical negligence law through assisting with all day to day aspects of client files, from initial client enquiries all the way through to trial. In July 2020 I became a trainee solicitor for the firm, and will be using this opportunity to become the best I can be in my field.

 

My advice for anyone considering law would be to never underestimate the knowledge experience of your peers and colleagues, be keen and inquisitive and put the hard work in! Furthermore, make sure you network as much as possible, utilising networking profiles such as LinkedIn to connect with as many professionals as you can.

 

GARY, SOLICITOR – ADMITTED TO THE ROLL DECEMBER 2019

 

I joined Hampson Hughes in March 2015, fresh from studying my LPC at the University of Law in Manchester. To be honest, once I had finished all my studies, I wasn’t completely sure what I needed to do next. So, I put my CV out there and luckily got a call within a few days from a recruitment agency who put me in touch with Hampson Hughes.

 

I accepted a role as a first response advisor. It was a great experience as I had never worked in an office environment before, so I was excited by everything going on and meeting the team. Within four months, I was promoted to a paralegal working for one of the heads of the RTA department at the time. After about 18 months in the role, I was offered a training contract to start in January 2018 which of course I duly accepted.

 

I started my training contract in 2018 and worked under one of the assistant heads of department. This exposed me to work of a higher difficulty and gave me the opportunity to learn from the senior team, following which I was given the chance to run my own caseload. Hampson Hughes helped me through my PSC and supported me fully through this.

 

I would definitely advise getting work experience in a number of different law firms before applying for a training contract as the job is much different to how it is often portrayed. The benefits of getting multiple work experiences is invaluable as it gives you an insight into different firms and allows you to find the one that suits you.

LISA, SOLICITOR – ADMITTED TO THE ROLL JULY 2020

 

I completed my LLB Honours Law degree at the University of Liverpool in 2011 before studying my LPC at the University of Law in Manchester. I completed the LPC on a part-time basis, whilst commencing my role at Hampson Hughes in July 2015 as a full-time paralegal.

 

When I had completed the LPC, I decided to undertake my LLM Masters degree in Professional Legal Practice, which helped prepare me for my role as a trainee solicitor. I began my training contract in July 2018 at Hampson Hughes. I managed to gain in-depth experience across a number of different departments, including clinical negligence, personal injury, costs law, housing disrepair, commercial law, holiday sickness and sexual abuse claims. Following my two year training contract and completion of my Professional Skills Course (PSC), I qualified in July 2020 as a solicitor in the Clinical Negligence department where I hope to continue progressing my career. 

 

My main tip for aspiring solicitors is to gain as much exposure as possible to a variety of different areas of law during your training contract. This will provide you with a better understanding of which area you want to pursue once you are qualified, whilst also giving you the opportunity to learn new skills and broaden your knowledge of the legal industry.

 

Read more from our team of legal experts in our other blogs, or find out more about making a claim by contacting our team on 0800 888 6888, [email protected] or via the contact form.

Britain’s Bike Boom: Do you know how to stay safe on the road?

The government has committed £2bn to boost the number of people cycling across the country over the next five years.

 

As part of its ambitious plans to “build a healthier, more active nation”, it has pledged to overhaul the Highway Code and enforce quality control on new cycle lanes in an effort to make UK roads safer for cyclists. While it clearly recognises that public safety is a key priority, more education is needed among drivers and cyclists to address these safety concerns.

Lockdown encouraged millions of us to take to our bikes and it’s no wonder the government wants to continue this upward spiral – cycling alleviates pressure on crowded public transport systems and congested roads and switching from cars to bikes is one of the easiest, cheapest ways to cut emissions. But, there are still fears among cyclists about the lack of cycling infrastructure and a poll in 2009 revealed that almost 60 per cent of people are put off cycling by the idea of sharing the road with lorries or reckless drivers.

As more and more novice cyclists take to roads up and down the country, we ask how strong is their knowledge of the Highway Code now they’re on two wheels?

 

SO, WHY DO WE NEED TO KNOW THE RULES OF CYCLING?

With the Prime Minister actively encouraging more bums on bicycle seats, we can expect to see the number of cyclists on our roads continue to increase as we ease out of lockdown.

This is a potential issue for a few reasons, though. While the Highway Code is tested for car drivers, no test is required to if we want to pick up a bike and get cycling. This, in turn, could mean a high number of new cyclists who have little knowledge of their rights on the road.

Not only that, but many of these new cyclists will have enjoyed travelling on previously very empty streets in the midst of lockdown. How will they fare when moved to busy roads and faced with congested junctions, and how will drivers cope with more people on the roads?

The government has promised to set out plans that will force local authorities to build new high quality cycle infrastructure – with a strong preference for segregated lanes. It has even revealed plans to give cyclists the right to ride in the wrong direction on one-way streets and proposed to reduce ‘unnecessary motorised freight’ like lorries and vans in UK cities and towns, by shipping freight to out-of-town depots. Our Head of Litigation Niamh Wilson was recently quoted in the Daily Mail exploring these topics in more detail.

Overall, these measures are welcome, but they will take time and even with these in place there needs to be more education and clearer messaging around safety awareness, so cyclists and drivers are fully aware of the rules of the road and the severity of the potential consequences if they are not followed.

 

COULD WE SEE AN INCREASE IN ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS?

With inexperienced cyclists, we’re likely to see a rise in road traffic accidents, sadly. We already see huge numbers of road traffic accidents involving cyclists, where both the cyclist and car user have been at fault.

Recently, we settled a claim for cyclist, Pat from Bootle. While cycling home from work, he suffered a collision from a car who hit him due to the driver failing to give way to him as he travelled straight across a roundabout. Sadly, he suffered a fractured skull, dislocated right shoulder, broken ribs, fractured collar bone and skin abrasions. Fortunately, he made a fantastic recovery and was fully healed within two years of the accident.

Following a court case, we settled his claim for £25,000. This covered his costs for physiotherapy post-accident, as well as for his bike plus further compensation for damages.

 

DO YOU KNOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD?

While many of us should, hopefully, be very aware of the Highway Code for drivers, just how good is our knowledge of the rules for the road as a cyclist?

With conflating public opinion on cycling issues like, can you cycle on the pavement, do you legally have to wear a helmet and more, we’re putting the question to the public – give it a go and let us know how you get on…

Help us find out how well you know the rules of the road with this quick, fun quiz.

Have you been injured in a Road Traffic Accident?

If you’ve been injured on the road due to an accident that wasn’t your fault, then you could be entitled to claim road traffic accident compensation. Whether you’ve suffered a minor injury or something more serious, our Road Traffic Accident Solicitors can help you to claim the compensation that you deserve.

Call 0800 888 6888 or send an email to .

Medomsley Detention Centre – Compensation for Abuse Victims

Medomsley Detention Centre in County Durham was a correctional facility for young male offenders, operating from 1961 until the late 1980s. It was created to provide an alternative prison for boys and young men aged 17-21, with the aim of deterring inmates from committing more serious crimes later in life.

 

WHAT HAPPENED AT MEDOMSLEY?

 

Reports of physical abuse started to emerge in 1967, when David Watkins MP raised concerns about the treatment of inmates at the facility, after hearing claims from a mother that her teenage son was subjected to repeated beatings. The victim spent five weeks in hospital receiving treatment.

 

Mr Watkins took his complaint to the then Home Secretary but was told the claim was unsubstantiated. The matter was not pursued.

 

However, in 2003, prison officer Neville Husband was convicted of raping inmates throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He was suspected of operating as part of a paedophile ring and further investigations led to the arrest of Leslie Johnson, a storeman at Medomsley.

 

In 2013, Durham Police Force launched ‘Operation Seabrook’ to investigate allegations of sexual and physical abuse, primarily in the 1970s and 1980s. To date, 1,848 men have come forward to police to report allegations of abuse while detained at the centre.

 

Both Husband and Johnson have since died in prison of natural causes, and further cases have been brought against other staff members working at the centre.

 

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MEDOMSLEY VICTIMS?

 

It is believed that hundreds of boys and young men suffered at the hands of abusive staff at Medomsley, with a ‘short, sharp shock’ policy implemented to steer offenders away from a life of crime. However, the regime was, in fact, described as brutal and violent.

 

For some, the ordeal stretched to sexual abuse, with victims being raped ‘almost on a daily basis’.

 

Victims later told how their experiences there have had a major impact on the rest of their lives, with some reporting they hadn’t slept well for more than 30 years due to the severe anxiety and stress it caused.

 

HOW HAVE VICTIMS BEEN COMPENSATED?

 

It is estimated that In excess of £3 million has been awarded in out-of-court settlements to the victims of physical and sexual abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre.

 

Those who were physically abused can apply for between £1,750 and £5,000 subject to the amount of time served in Medomsley and permanent nature of injuries sustained.

 

Among those who suffered is victim Gary Wallace, who told the BBC that some wardens were “definitely sadistic”. He said: “If they did go a bit over and give you a black eye and you were due a visit they would cancel the visit by saying you weren’t too well, or you didn’t want to see them.”

 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU WERE A VICTIM AT MEDOMSLEY?

 

At Hampson Hughes, we have a team of highly experienced legal experts, who have acted for many victims of physical and sexual abuse, including those affected by the traumatic events at Medomsley Detention Centre. We recognise the trauma survivors have to deal with on a daily basis and handle all cases in a sensitive and confidential manner.

 

We are here to listen, advise and support you every step of the way. We provide access to the support services you need and ensure you achieve the compensation you deserve, so you can start to seek a sense of justice and closure.

 

For further information and free, no-obligation advice, contact our team on 0800 888 6888 or find about more about our work supporting victims of criminal injury and sexual abuse.

E-scooters: are they safe enough for our roads?

They’ve been hailed by some as the answer to both the climate change issue and the spread of Coronavirus, but are we really ready for electric scooters and, importantly, are they safe?

The UK’s first-ever pilot scheme of e-scooters was launched last month in Middlesborough, with hopes of getting people off buses as we battle the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and climate change.

 

SO, WHAT’S THE PROBLEM WITH E-SCOOTERS?

The vehicles, which can reach speeds of 12mph, were given the go-ahead by the Government in July, but a second trial period in Hartlepool was abandoned following the mis-use of 50 e-scooters in Middlesborough.

Incidents included teenagers riding them on busy, 70mph roads and underage users zooming through shopping malls, putting pedestrians at risk.

It had originally been the plan to start with 50 vehicles in Middlesborough and Hartlepool, before increasing this number to 1,000 across the wider area, according to The Independent. However, the vehicles have since been labelled by a local MP as “useful as chocolate fireguard”.

And, recent mis-use could also have a knock-on effect to insurance premiums for drivers, with claims set to soar to between £200 million and £2 billion a year, according to the Motor Insurer’s Bureau.

In the UK, the insurance industry pays for all incidents involving uninsured vehicles, not just cars. It means they are also liable for collisions involving golf buggies, ride-on lawn mowers, quad bikes and e-scooters.

As such, motorists could expect to be paying up to £50 more for their annual insurance policy.

 

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE E-SCOOTERS ARE ROLLED OUT?

With e-scooters being a very new way to travel and still in trial periods, we need to consider the impact they’ll have on both motorists and pedestrians, as well as those riding the scooters.

Our head of civil litigation, Niamh Wilson, said: “Before e-scooters are rolled out any further, we need more clarity on the rules of their usage. While we need to consider the safety of those using e-scooters, as well as pedestrians, we also need to think about the impact they could have on motorists’ safety.

“While they’re not meant to be driven any faster than, say, 12mph, there are clear examples of people flouting this rule and putting themselves and others at risk of injury.

“Questions around whether e-scooter users have to obey the Highway Code need to be addressed and communicated properly to all road users, with strict measures in place to ensure people adhere to the rules.

“Of course, there are many benefits to using e-scooters and we’d welcome their correct usage, but we certainly need clearer messages.”

 

If you’d like to know more about claiming for a road traffic accident, get in touch with our experts or call us on 0800 880 7862.

Missed lung cancer diagnosis

Missed lung cancer diagnosis

The Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth has failed to spot lung cancer in three patients because their staff failed to check patients’ X-rays properly, according to health watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The patients suffered “significant harm” according to CQC, who also found during a visit to the hospital in July that the Queen Alexandra also had a backlog of 23,000 chest X-rays to work through. None of those images taken within a previous 12-month timeframe had been formally reviewed by a trained clinician or radiologist.

Of the three patients who were said to have suffered significant harm, two have since passed away. Junior doctors at the hospital complained that they were asked to carry out specialist radiology work despite not having the proper training to do so. Junior doctors were asked to review chest and abdomen X-rays – a “specialist skill” say the CQC, which needs to be undertaken by “properly trained clinical staff who know what they are looking for”.

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust has unreservedly apologised to the families affected and the CQC has launched a review of NHS radiology services across England. That will be of little comfort to those that have suffered and worry that they may find themselves in a similar position, though, especially when considering that Queen Alexandra isn’t an isolated case.

Medical negligence is a serious problem for families to cope with across the UK, especially in cancer cases like the above where, if spotted early enough, an appropriate plan of action may be put in place to try and help improve survival rates. Approximately 70% of lung cancer patients will survive for at least a year if the disease is diagnosed in its earliest stage, compared against 14% who are diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer (2).

The Belfast Health Trust – the biggest in Northern Ireland – has recently felt it’s had to defend itself as recent Government figures show it spent £34million on ongoing medical negligence complaints up to the end of the last financial year. For health trusts across Northern Ireland the overall bill has hit £94million, taking into account cases which are open, ongoing and remained live as of March 2017 (3).

Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trusts alone has paid out £24.2million for the 2016/2017 financial year (4). Medical negligence is a serious issue that may rear its head throughout any and every hospital within the UK, and though statistics such as the above suggest that more families are addressing it and searching for compensation they feel they rightly deserve, it will be of little comfort to those who have lost loved ones through serious failings from the health system and professionals they felt they could trust.

Compensation and bringing those responsible to account though could help families to get a sense of closure surrounding their loss, as well as providing them with the additional financial support to make any necessary arrangements and aid the recovery process. Most importantly, holding those who were supposed to help to account can go a long way to bringing negligence and failings to light, to ensure that nobody else has to go through the same experiences as you.

If you feel you’ve been subjected to instances of medical negligence that has affected your health in a detrimental manner, please contact the Hampson Hughes medical negligence team today to see if you are eligible to claim compensation. Our friendly team are always on hand to offer support and legal advice. Call us today on 0151 236 1222 or email .

Sources:

  • http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-42178069
  • http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-symptoms/why-is-early-diagnosis-important
  • https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/health/belfast-trust-defends-multimillion-pound-medical-negligence-claims-36337632.html
  • http://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/news/lincoln-news/medical-negligence-claims-cost-nhs-871010

Medomsley Detention Centre and Sexual Abuse Compensation Claims

Medomsley Detention

The first report of abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre; a correctional facility for boys and young men aged 17-21, appeared in the media in 1967. It was a harrowing start to what would turn out to be one of the most prolific cases of child abuse in the UK.

In 2003, one of the prison officers at the centre; Neville Husband, was convicted of raping and abusing inmates throughout the 1970s and the 1980s. Along with this, Husband was suspected of operating as part of a paedophile ring, with investigations eventually resulting in the conviction of one of the care home’s storemen; Leslie Johnson.

Since the convictions, both men have died of natural causes. But today; more than 40 years since the abuse of vulnerable teenage boys began, more and more victims are coming forward to reveal the horror that they suffered at the hands of these criminals.

Though some of the victims have been paid compensation already, there are still questions as to how these men were able to get away with their crimes for so long – and why the police and prison system failed to act on their suspicious or notice the level of abuse.

One victim said, of Husband’s conviction: “I’ll never be over it. You only have one life and once it’s irreparably damaged, that’s it.” (1)

The abuse wasn’t just sexual, the same victim told The Guardian: “I saw him crushing one guy between two gates. He just kept doing it and laughing. Another time he put my hand in a hot pidi – a metal pie dish – and was pushing my hand down as he was fondling me.”

Since the case was reopened in August 2013, leading to 143 statements documenting the crimes within less than 12 months (2), the inquiry’s terms of reference have placed a bar on evidence. This bar, which victims are threatening to boycott (4), precludes the team from hearing evidence from men who were over 18 at the time of the abuse –  though it will take into account any behaviour that commenced before the age of 18. (3)

 

At the time of the crimes, the age of consent for gay men was 21. John McCabe, one of the spokesmen for many of the alleged victims of Medomsley said of the bar: “We were sexually abused under the age of consent, so how can they say they cannot take evidence from more than 1,000 young people who were abused while in the care of the state?”

Since the inquiry began, no less than 1,350 former detainees of the notorious detention centre have claimed that they were abused.

We are representing victims and those affected by the horrific crimes that took place at Medomsley Detention Centre. And though the suffering caused at the hands of these criminals can never truly be compensated for, any financial implications that the events may have had on the career or working life of the victims, can be.

If you were a victim of either physical or sexual abuse at Medomsley, or any other care home, and you would like expert advice, Hampson Hughes may be able to help. Our expert Criminal Injuries & Sexual Abuse Team can ensure that your case will remain confidential, and can help to hold any guilty parties accountable. Call 0151 236 1222 for free, no obligation advice from our expert team or visit our Sexual Abuse Claims site for more information.

Sources

  1. https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/apr/13/abuse-teenage-boys-detention-centre-crime
  2. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-25834368
  3. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/sep/12/bar-on-evidence-of-medomsley-inmates-is-a-slap-in-the-face-for-victims-of-abuse
  4. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2016/sep/08/hundreds-of-alleged-abuse-victims-threaten-to-boycott-jay-inquiry

£4,000 Secured for Whiplash Injuries after RTA

rta-header

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

Collision

At the time of the accident, the claimant was travelling at approximately 30 miles an hour along London Road, High Wycombe when the defendant attempted to change lanes when it was unsafe to do so, causing a collision with our client’s vehicle.

As a result of the collision our clients vehicle was damaged and they suffered whiplash injuries to their neck, back and shoulders.

Successful outcome

Liability was admitted in this case.

Our team of dedicated Personal Injury solicitors secured a total of £4,000 in compensation on this occasion.

Following settlement, our client commented:

Hampson Hughes Solicitors provided an excellent service from the start to finish. Their experience and advice allowed me to make an informed judgement on my compensation”.

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 6888 or email .

£2,801 Compensation Secured for Whiplash Injuries

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

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

Incident

Our client was correctly proceeding when the defendant, driving a white BMW, pulled out of a parking bay when it was unsafe and collided with the front of our clients motorbike.

Injuries

Our client sustained whiplash injuries to their neck and shoulders. Their training as an Army reservist was also restricted following the incident.

Successful outcome

On this occasion we managed to secure a total of £2,801 in personal injury compensation for our client.

After her case was settled, our client commented:

“Can’t thank you enough for sorting my claim out for myself. Would have struggled to claim back my expenses and damages without you. Simple process kept updated by your staff who were always courteous and friendly.”

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 

£15,000 Compensation Awarded Following Attack

Image of blue and white police tape

Our team of dedicated personal injury solicitors in Liverpool recently secured criminal injury compensation for a client who was injured in an unprovoked attack, resulting in £15,000 compensation.

The incident occurred as our client was at a local recycling centre dropping off an old fridge when he was attacked with an iron bar. The client suffered from injuries to his head with cuts and bruises to his face and a black eye.

The medical expert who examined our client for the purposes of the claim recommended that he was to be further referred for psychological treatment.

Also included within the criminal injury settlement were claims for loss of earnings due to the time the client had to take off work.

Commenting after their case was settled, our client said:

“I am very pleased with the outcome of my claim, the full circle service I received from Hampson Hughes was excellent”.

Criminal injury compensation – 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 m.

£1,406 Compensation Secured for Whiplash Injuries

Image of a rear end road traffic accident involving two cars

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, failed to maintain a safe breaking distance and collided with the claimant’s vehicle.

Injuries

Our client sustained whiplash injuries to his neck, back and shoulders. The claimant was anxious travelling for a number of weeks following on from the incident. He also reports that his usual working capabilities were restricted along with his personal care and sporting activities.

Successful outcome

On this occasion Hampson Hughes Solicitors managed to secure a total of £1,406 in personal injury compensation for our client.

Commenting after their case was settled, our client said:

I was really impressed with the service recieved from Hampson Hughes. They provided speedy, polite service with regular feedback to let me know how the claim was progressing. I would recommend them unreservedly.

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 road accident compensation.

Call 0800 888 6888 or send an email to .