Tag: Liverpool lawyers

How to select a spooky – and safe – costume this Halloween!

Halloween is a magical time for children to enjoy some spirited scares and fiendish fun, but it can turn into a real nightmare if you encounter dangerous costume disasters.

This year Halloween is going to look very different but, however you’re planning to get into the spirit, whether it’s fun at home, a virtual party or a scare trail around the neighbourhood, one thing for sure is that we’ll still be dressing up our little witches, ghosts and ghouls to ensure they have a spooktacular time!

Before you decide on their costumes and cosmetics it’s important to watch out for a few simple safety precautions to prevent burns, falls and laceration injuries, as Halloween fancy dress has been implicated in a number of serious accidents. 

In 2014, TV presenter Claudia Winkleman’s daughter, Matilda, suffered severe burns when her costume caught fire. This terrible incident brought the issue of children’s fancy dress safety into the spotlight.

Over the last few years, there have been a number of concerning reports about how quickly a child’s Halloween costume can catch fire. In response to this, the British Retail Consortium introduced flammability measures which have been adopted by thousands of retailers. The measures form a voluntary code of practice for retailers to follow to ensure costumes have a maximum burn rate three times slower than the current requirements.

Here are our top tips on what to look for when selecting a Halloween costume:

  • Check for the CE mark on the label to ensure the costume has been tested for flammability.
  • Make sure it says “flame-resistant” and avoid any outfits that say “keep away from fire”.
  • Avoid big, baggy outfits or large capes to help minimise the risk of contact with candles and other fire sources.
  • Brightly coloured or florescent costumes or accessories are a great way to ensure clear visibility to motorists.
  • Get costumes that fit well. Costumes which drag on the floor are more likely to cause slips, trips and falls and could be a fire hazard.
  • Think carefully about masks and ensure they have eye holes large enough to ensure visibility is not impaired.
  • Check the ratings and reviews to see what feedback other customers have provided.
  • Avoid cheap cosmetics or face paints as they can cause serious allergic reactions, and ensure to read the instructions of any cosmetics you do buy carefully. Always perform a patch test and if you notice any adverse symptoms, such as itching or burning, immediately remove it and seek medical advice.
  • Buy from a trusted retailer. The retailer is responsible for the safety of the costumes they sell.

 

WHAT SHOULD YOU WATCH OUT FOR IF YOU’RE CREATING A COSTUME AT HOME?

With many of us at home this Halloween, it may be tempting to get artistic and design our own homemade creations for the kids. But, be aware that homemade fancy dress costumes have not been tested to the same flammability standards and may ignite easily and burn quicker than CE approved outfits.

That’s not to say you can’t get crafty this Halloween, but be careful with the materials you choose to ensure safety remains the top priority:

  • Use inherently flame-resistant fabrics, such as polyester and nylon. These materials will resist burning if exposed to an open flame.
  • Avoid using cotton and cotton/polyester blends as these materials can be the most flammable.
  • They can provide the perfect finishing touch to homemade costumes, but avoid accessories such as cotton balls, too much glitter or netted material as these are highly flammable.

Don’t get tricked this Halloween into buying or creating a costume which is unsafe. Be cautious and kit out the kids in some scary, but safe, costumes which will ensure they have a happy and safe Halloween.

 

If you or a loved one has been injured or fallen ill due to a faulty or defective product, contact our expert team of personal injury solicitors for free, no obligation advice: 0800 880 7870 or .

World Sepsis Day 2020: Are COVID-19 patients at more risk of sepsis?

As the UK’s number one cause of death, sepsis is a condition that can affect any age, sex or race. In fact, the number of people who die from it each year exceeds the number of those who lose their lives to prostate, lung and breast cancer combined.

 

However, it is a matter that still requires more public awareness, especially as we battle through the COVID-19 pandemic. As we mark World Sepsis Day on 13 September, we look at how COVID-19 patients face the additional risk of developing sepsis, how we can address this issue and what action can be taken if the development of the condition was mistreated or misdiagnosed.

 

WHAT IS SEPSIS AND HOW DO YOU SPOT THE SYMPTOMS?

Often referred to as blood poisoning, sepsis occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to fight healthy tissue and organs, leading to organ failure and, in some cases, death.

 

The Sepsis Trust tells us to looks out for the following symptoms:

Slurred speech or confusion

Extreme shivering or muscle pain

Passing no urine (in a day)

Severe breathlessness

It feels like you’re going to die

Skin mottled or discoloured

 

WHAT CAUSES SEPSIS AND IS IT PREVENTABLE?

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that, in 2017, affected 49 million people across the world, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Its causes include:

  • A chest infection causing pneumonia
  • A urine infection in the bladder
  • A problem in the abdomen, such as a burst ulcer or a hole in the bowel
  • An infected cut or bite
  • A wound from trauma or surgery
  • A leg ulcer

 

While sepsis does not discriminate between factors such as age or sex, it is most common in pregnant and recently pregnant women; young children; elderly people; and those with underlying chronic health conditions. There is also a higher number of incidences and deaths in low- and middle-income countries.

 

However, sepsis is preventable and is often linked to suboptimal quality of care, an inadequate health infrastructure, poor infection prevention measures, late diagnosis, and inappropriate clinical management.

 

HOW ARE COVID-19 PATIENTS IMPACTED BY THE THREAT OF SEPSIS?

As we’ve mentioned, sepsis is the body’s response to an infection, injuring its own tissues and organs. Therefore, people who are struck down with severe cases of COVID-19 – and other infectious diseases – are at a higher risk of developing, and dying from, sepsis.

 

The Sepsis Trust says that a percentage of COVID-19 cases can develop into such organ failure, meaning that, as well as respiratory failure, kidney failure and / or shock is also possible.

 

And, the Global Sepsis Alliance (GSA) is calling for action to raise awareness of sepsis to save lives. The organisation is asking government, regional and global institutions, such as WHO, to step up its efforts and allocate more resources to fight against sepsis, stating that such improvements will impact positively on COVID-19 patient outcomes.

 

GSA President, Prof. Konrad Reinhart, says: “The 2020 World Sepsis Day occurs at a time when mankind faces one of the greatest pandemics of recent times. Severe infections with COVID-19 are in fact viral sepsis – which is often not recognised.

 

“Severely ill COVID-19 patients and those affected by sepsis from other pathogens — such as bacteria, other viruses, fungi, or parasites — are indistinguishable on clinical grounds.”

 

WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOU WERE MISDIAGNOSED AND HOW CAN WE HELP?

If you or a loved one has developed sepsis and it was not identified or diagnosed and treated during the early stages, you could go on to have long-term health problems and could therefore be entitled to compensation.

 

Our medical negligence team works with individuals to ensure they receive compensation to help towards the costs of rehabilitation, loss of earnings or prescription charges.

 

Carlos Lopez, director of the clinical negligence team at Hampson Hughes Solicitors, said: “I have acted for many clients and families who have been affected by sepsis. Unfortunately, sometimes the condition has led to tragic – and avoidable – deaths.

 

“Now more than ever, in the shadow of a potential second rise in COVID-19 infections, hospitals and medical professionals need to be on high alert for sepsis signs and symptoms.

 

“Training, relevant sepsis medical equipment and understanding of sepsis protocols are key, to avoid a wave of unnecessary deaths.”

 

Get in touch with our experts for a free, no-obligation consultation to find out how we can help. You can give us a call on  or drop us an email via: 

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.

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.

My journey to becoming a qualified solicitor

Potentially the biggest step in your legal career when striving to become a solicitor is the final stretch; completing your training contract.

Lisa Kane, who works on our medical negligence team officially entered the roll in July 2020. We spoke to her to find out more about her journey into law and what comes next for her as a fully qualified solicitor.


Congratulations on qualifying! How are you going to celebrate?

I plan to take a trip home to Ireland once the travel restrictions are lifted to visit family and friends where we will have a celebration (socially-distanced of course!)

 

What are you most looking forward to now you have qualified?

I am looking forward to providing excellent client care to those who suffered life-changing injuries as a result of medical negligence. I have always had a keen interest in this areas of law. I feel I can make a real difference to people’s lives by helping them settle their claim and draw a line under that difficult part in their life.

I hope to continue my career in the clinical negligence industry and look forward to gaining more exposure to a wide range of different cases, whilst improving my existing skillset with the support of my wonderful colleagues.

 

What challenges did you face during your training contract?

One challenge I faced was transitioning between departments to enhance my exposure to different legal areas. I have also faced difficult emotional conversations with clients who have experienced family bereavements or severe medical trauma, however, I have successfully dealt with these conversations with excellent feedback. This has helped to improve my interpersonal skills and build relationships with clients, which is vital for case progression.

I have always embraced challenges and feel they have made me a more versatile solicitor who is happy to apply my knowledge from these experiences to any new challenges that may arise.

 

Why did you choose Hampson Hughes to complete your training contract?

I began my employment at Hampson Hughes in July 2015 as a paralegal and I immediately felt at home with my team, who helped me settle into the role straight away. My colleagues also supported me throughout my studies over the following years and were always on hand to offer guidance during my progression in the firm.

Hampson Hughes is a leading name in the legal world with a focus on client care, so I knew that the firm was the right place for me to obtain my training contract!

 

What is your greatest achievement at Hampson Hughes?

My greatest achievement to date as a trainee solicitor was successfully challenging a provisional assessment costs award where the defendant, a Grade A Solicitor with over ten years’ experience, had made an application to strike out a default costs certificate as he had failed to comply with the relevant practice direction.

I had to draft a series of lengthy written submissions to the court based upon the Civil Procedure Rules, case law and the defendant’s conduct. During the application hearing, the court ruled in my favour and awarded my costs of the action in addition to enforcement fees totalling around £12,000 for the firm.

I was very pleased with this result as my opponent was vastly more experienced than me, yet I was able to successfully demonstrate to the court that his conduct was improper and the outcome was a great victory for the firm.

 

Finally, what piece of advice would you give to aspiring solicitors?

My best advice would be to try and 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!

 

Want to find out more about our team? Check out our blogs for the latest from our staff whether they’re writing about ongoing cases, or sharing advice to those aspiring to begin a legal career.

£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 .

£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 .

£2,181 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 personal care, 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 £2,181.20 in compensation on this occasion.

Following settlement, our client commented:

“The services provided by Hampson Hughes have been to a great quality standard. The communication between me and them was great and the the regular update was great to have also.”

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 .

Over £2,000 Compensation Secured for Whiplash Injuries

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 40 miles an hour along the A217 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 and shoulders.

Liability disputed

Liability was initially disputed. The defendants insurers put forward an offer to discontinue the claim stating that they believed our client would be found to be fundamentally dishonest in court. However, we disagreed taking the case to trail and winning in court.

Successful outcome

On this occasion we secured a total of £2,077.50 in whiplash injury compensation for our client.

Whiplash injuries compensation – expert advice

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

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