Category Archives: Accidents

Accidents, Administrative, Compensation, Employment Law, Legal Services, Personal Injury, Property Law

Shoosmiths Appoints David Palmer as New Head of Access Legal

Leave a comment

Shoosmiths has announced it has appointed David Palmer has the new head of its consumer legal services operation Access Legal. David has been appointed to drive Access Legal forward after a successful first 18 months.

David will be taking over from the current head of consumer services, Judith Dorkins, who has worked for Shoosmiths for 20 years, and spent months helping to develop and launch Access Legal.

Judith Dorkins, who is retiring to pursue other interests, commented on David taking over from her: “David is an experienced business leader who had developed success across a wide range of sectors and for some of the most challenging and innovative international companies.

“He has just the skills we were looking for to take Access Legal to the next level in the journey to become a leading and trusted provider of high quality legal services to consumers.”

David Palmer, new head of consumer services, Access Legal, commented: “This is a wonderful challenge at what is an exciting time for the consumer legal services market. To be the leading player as we intend in this brave new world we must offer legal expertise coupled with traditional service values, delivered in a modern way that deploys the best practices from other fast-moving consumer sectors. I’m looking forward to making this happen.”

Before moving to Access Legal, David has enjoyed a wide ranging career, including roles such as director of the UK personal cards business of Citigroup, international marketing head for US private equity and investment banking group Robert W Baird, and head of personal customer marketing for Royal Bank of Scotland’s card division.

Access Legal was first launched in February 2010, and marked its first year anniversary at the start of 2011 with an impressive set of launch-year statistics.

It recorded a 178% increase in direct enquiries, saw web enquiries up more than 100%, staff referrals and member claims climbed from 1% to 11% and it experienced 25 times more enquiries through recommendations.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Accidents, Administrative, Compensation, Employment Law, Legal Services, Personal Injury, Property Law

Access Legal from Shoosmiths joins the Institute of Customer Service

Leave a comment

Access Legal from Shoosmiths has announced it has joined the Institute of Customer Service, making it the first top 30 legal services firm to do so.

The national law firm believes that becoming a member of the Institute of Customer Service will help support its key strategic aim of delivering the highest levels of client and customer service.

Access Legal provides a variety of services including personal injury claims, and considers customer service to be extremely important. The team at Access Legal aim to be friendly, supportive and caring and treat each client as a real person rather than a ‘case’.

Claire Rowe, chief executive of Shoosmiths, commented: “One of Shoosmiths’ central tenets is that only the very best customer service is good enough.

“And while we’re proud of the service levels we’ve already achieved, we’re the first to acknowledge that there’s always room for improvement.

“We must make sure everyone at the firm is committed to delivering great customer service all the time, which is why we’re rolling out an Institute-associated people development programme, to ensure client service is understood at all levels of the firm.

“One of the reasons we chose to join the Institute is because it’s recognised as the leading body in its field by so many of our clients. And it would be wonderful to think that as the first top 30 law firm to join it, we might just be setting a new benchmark for the legal industry.”

The Institute of Customer Service is an independent, professional membership body for customer service. It aims to be the first port of call for every aspect of customer service, so that its customers can improve their business performance and their overall customer experience.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Accidents, Administrative, Compensation, Employment Law, Legal Services, Personal Injury, Property Law

Access Legal Announces Appointment Of Nicholas Tubb To Medical Negligence Team

Leave a comment

Access Legal from Shoosmiths, the national consumer legal services provider, has announced it has hired Nicholas Tubb as its new partner in the medical negligence team.

Tubb has joined Access Legal from Challinors’ clinical negligence department and will be based in Access Legal’s Birmingham office.

Tubb has considerable experience in the sector and has specialised in medical negligence claims on behalf of patients and their families for more than 10 years, with a particular interest in complex cases and a wide experience of claims involving surgical errors and deaths following treatment. He also has a keen interest in getting answers for patients and their families.

A partner since 2005, Tubb has successfully pursued complex birth injury, brain and spinal injury claims for clients, securing a number of multi-million pound awards.

He is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, the Professional Negligence Lawyers Association, and is a panel member of AvMA (Action Against Medical Accidents).

The team at Access Legal from Shoosmiths is growing and Nicholas Tubb will strengthen its medical negligence offering.

Richard Follis, partner and national head of medical negligence, Access Legal, said: “Ours is a growing team at a time when there’s a worrying rise in the number of patients receiving inadequate or negligent care at the hands of health professionals.

“Nick’s knowledge in this highly specialised area, plus his excellent contacts and connections in the city and the wider region, will undoubtedly bolster our already strong team.”

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Accidents, Administrative, Compensation, Employment Law, Legal Services, Personal Injury, Property Law

Access Legal Announces Sponsorship of Leon Hunt

Leave a comment

Access Legal, the consumer legal services provider, has announced it will be sponsoring motorcycle racer Leon Hunt in this season’s Metzeler National Superstock Championship.

Access Legal will be backing the 22-year-old from Brighton in all 12 rounds of the series, which began at Easter, at Brands Hatch. This is the first time that Access Legal has sponsored a rider.

Leon is racing for Lincoln-based team AP Kawasaki in the Superstock 1000cc class, which supports the popular MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship. He will be riding a brand new Kawasaki ZX-10R.

Leon began racing at the end of 2003, and has been successful on 125cc machines through to Superstock bikes. He won a 125 series and had podium positions in the British Championship, where he also enjoyed several top five finishes.

Access Legal also has a motoring law team, which is run by bikers and provides a service to bikers and other members of the public who have a motoring law question.

Simon Richards, team leader (legal executive) at Access Legal, said: “Being bikers ourselves, we follow the Superstock series avidly, and have known Leon for a couple of years. We’re excited to be able to get involved and we’re confident he’ll do well on the new ZX-10R. We wish him the best of luck for the series.”

Leon Hunt commented: “I really enjoyed my first year in the Superstock 1000cc class last year,” he said “but we had a little bit of bad luck and I had to train harder to get used to the longer races. I feel confident this season, and hope to be at the sharp end.”

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Accidents, Cases, Criminal Justice, Lawyers, Legal Services

Michigan Drunk Driving Defense Through Sobriety Courts & Sober Homes Gaining Popularity

Leave a comment

Sobriety courts or Drug Courts is a recent novel approach and have been set up to reduce DUI/DWI s by helping recovery of offenders instead of punishment. Their main objective(s) being to reduce alcohol & drug use, lowering of repeat substance abuse offenses and reduction of incarceration in local jails.

Working under a “Jail Diversion” initiative, these Courts allow the integration of alcohol and drug treatment services with justice system case processing wherein the defense attorney and prosecutor work towards a speedy resolution of the case with an ultimate goal of addressing the defendant’s substance abuse issues. The process involves the following pertinent steps:

• Placement of the defendant rapidly into meaningful substance abuse transitional sober living facility.
• Frequent testing to determine whether the defendant is using alcohol or other drugs.
• A team approach to the defendant’s treatment program including the judge, the treatment provider, probation, and the lawyers, as needed.
• Regular appearances of the defendant before the judge, on the record, to monitor program compliance

The services provided by Structured Living LLC are an ideal fit for the DUI/DWI candidates that qualify under the above guidelines. Our “zero” tolerance and court friendly rules of stay that include random drug testing, curfew and daily monitoring, implemented through a resident house manager plus a supervisor, provide a practical and an economically preferred sentencing option to the criminal justice system for non violent alcohol & drug related offenses.

To quote Craig Yaldoo, the director of the Office of Drug Control Policy:-

“In a collective effort to better realize the full promise and potential of drug treatment courts, Michigan intends to enlarge the capacity of existing drug courts, and establish new drug courts so that more people will benefit. With each new court, Michigan has a greater opportunity to employ a preferred multifaceted approach to dealing with drug use and crime.”

So, if you are seeking to defend yourself in a Sobriety Court, call 734-846-0966 or visit www.soberooms.com for details.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Accidents, Employment Law, Intellectual Property, Law Firm, Lawyers, Legal Services, Legal Solutions, Litigation, Personal Injury, Reputation Management

James Scott Farrin launches Workers Comp Web site

Leave a comment

The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is proud to announce the launch of its new NC Workers’ Compensation informational site – www.nc-workers-comp.com.

While the site will contain information about the firm and its North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Department, the bulk of the Web site will be devoted to information about the intricacies of Workers Comp law in North Carolina . The site is intended to provide information to anyone who has suffered an on-the-job injury or work-related illness or otherwise seeks more information about the N.C. Workers Compensation.

Topics include:

  • About the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC)
  • NC Workers Comp eligibility
  • Common injuries
  • How to file a claim
    Why you might need an attorney
  • Common terms
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The site is also frequently updated with the latest news and information about Workers Comp in North Carolina.

The Workers’ Compensation Department at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin includes four North Carolina Board Certified Specialists in Workers Compensation Law. These individuals are certified by the North Carolina State Bar as having demonstrated special knowledge, skill, and proficiency in Workers’ Comp. law. Several members of the team have also worked as defense lawyers for the insurance industry, so they have seen the law from both sides.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Accidents, Compensation, Criminal Justice, Defamation, Health Law, Law Firm, Lawyers, Legal Services, Personal Injury

PHC Law Firm Celebrates Their 10th Anniversary

Leave a comment

Today, Preston based personal injury from, PHC Law Ltd, celebrate their 10th anniversary.

From humble beginnings starting off as a one man band, the firm has grown to become one of the most reputable personal injury solicitors in Preston, and surrounding areas with a total staff number of 15 and counting.

Philip H Cuerden, Managing Director explains “I wanted to develop a specialist firm that was able to respond to our clients efficiently to the personal injury environment. Although the myth of “compensation culture” continues to be reported by the media that it is easy for any one to pursue and successfully make a claim for compensation that is not the case.

Many of the laws that govern the service that we provide have been around for decades, since the law of negligence was established in 1931.

The firm has seen a significant change in legislation in recent years, aimed at safeguarding the workforce.

People awareness of the right to bring a claim if they are a victim of an accident due to someone else’s negligence has changed. However, establishing that fault remains the challenge and is what our team of solicitors is dedicated to”

“Although we have a English and Polish client base, our future aim is to raise our profile both locally and Nationally to make sure that we are the first port of call for those unlucky enough to suffer an injury as a result of an accident.

To achieve this we have recently invested in the re-launch of our new website, phclaw.com and also partnered with one of the UK’s leading SEO agencies who we are working very closely with to make sure that we are featured on page one of Google when ever someone browses online for a ‘No win, No Fee’ solicitor.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Accidents, Administrative, Compensation, Employment Law, Legal Services, Personal Injury, Property Law

Access Legal Named Best Provider Of Home Purchase And Sale Conveyancing Services

Leave a comment

Access Legal, the law firm from Shoosmiths, has been named best provider of home purchase and sale conveyancing services by the Conveyancing Alliance.

The national law firm came top in a survey conducted by the Conveyancing Alliance which was voted for by estate agents. Users of the Conveyancing Alliance portal ranked law firms on several service standards including communication levels, speed of delivery and client feedback.

Client feedback was a key area for Access Legal, as it is very customer focused and aims to treat people as individuals rather than just another case.

Karen Stewart, partner at Access Legal, commented: “Only once they’ve been carefully vetted can law firms join the panel to receive work from Conveyancing Alliance, so we’ve already gone a long way to proving ourselves. To then be acclaimed best service provider by estate agents backs to the hilt what we say about only providing the very best levels of service.”

Conveyancing Alliance surveyed all its users, who are all mortgage advisors and estate agents, on the service levels received from the 11 law firms on its panel. Users of the Conveyancing Alliance portal then ranked law firms on service standards, which lead to Access Legal being awarded the top spot on the survey by estate agents in England and Wales.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Accidents, Cases, Compensation, Consumer Law, Health Law, Law Firm, Lawyers, Legal Services, Personal Injury

Acne Victims Are Helped With Makeovers, Lawsuits

Leave a comment

Hiding acne can be easy if you use the right makeup. Houston-based Heidi Schulze, one of America’s top makeup artists, proves it in a new how-to video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuptUKD_MGg, which transforms a self-conscious car saleswoman with adult acne into a drop-dead gorgeous top-model lookalike.

If only more acne sufferers had tried this approach. Instead they took Accutane, which cleared up their blemishes but also gave many users severe, lifelong and debilitating digestive disorders that often involved surgery. Now these victims are taking Accutane creator Roche Pharmaceuticals to court – and they’re winning.

A 38-year-old Alabama software engineer who took Accutane in his 20s was finally forced to have his colon removed almost 15 years after taking the drug to treat a severe case of acne. In early 2010, a jury awarded him $25 million for his losses and suffering. Five other recent verdicts have pushed victims’ awards to a total of $56 million, as juries found that Roche did not adequately warn consumers about the drug’s risks.

Faced with such Accutane lawsuits and increased competition, Swiss-based Roche took Accutane off the market last year, after 27 years of sales that reaped billions in profits. But despite health hazards, generic Accutane remains available, sold as Claravis, Sotret and Amnesteem. Each has active ingredient Isotretinoin, as did Accutane.

Isotretinoin medications have been proven to cause an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis, or UC. Often such victims must have surgery – and many haven’t suspected till now that their incurable condition was the result of taking an acne medication.

That’s not to say Accutane hasn’t done some good. More than 13 million people took Accutane during its 27 years on the market, and it permanently cleared up the pimples of 85 per cent of those with severe acne. But for too many, the health hazard trade-off has been severe.

A far better solution for acne sufferers is to try Schulze’s makeup approach, which isn’t disguised with heavy foundations and powder. Rather, the answer is a light, mineral-based product applied with a careful, deft touch in the right combination of colors. And this natural makeup doesn’t look like makeup once it’s applied.

“Most women with acne make the mistake of using concealers, as they are called, to cover pimples,” Shulze said. “That cakes up the face, doesn’t look natural, and since people with acne have oily skin, the makeup ends up sliding off anyway during the day. ” The mineral product Schulze uses in the video has no oil, so it stays put, relieving self-conscious sufferers.

About Accutane-Lawsuit-Lawyer.com
Accutane-Lawsuit-Lawyer.com can provide American victims of Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche with a defective drug lawyer in all 50 states. Visit http://www.Accutane-Lawsuit-Lawyer.com and simply apply for a free case evaluation at Accutane-Lawsuit-Lawyer.com, or call toll-free to (800) 339-0606 to explore your options for an Accutane lawsuit. A legal representative will respond to help you assess your Accutane side effects case. You may be entitled to substantial economic recovery for your losses caused by the negligence of a pharmaceutical corporation.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Accidents, Cases, Compensation, Disability Law, Health Law, Law Firm, Lawyers, Legal Services, Personal Injury

RJW Client Fawcett Society To Take Government To Court Over Unlawful Budget

Leave a comment

RJW client The Fawcett Society has filed papers with the High Court in order to get a Judicial Review of the government’s recent emergency budget.

The Fawcett Society believes that the government should have used an equality impact assessment to determine whether its budget proposals would increase or reduce inequality between women and men. Despite repeated requests from the society, the Treasury has not provided any evidence that any such an equality impact assessment took place.

A top line assessment of the budget measures show 72% of cuts will be met from women’s income with the remaining 28% from men’s, due to many of the cuts being to benefits that more women than men rely on. Additionally the changes to the tax system will benefit far more men than women.

Since 2006 the government has been bound by a gender equality duty which obligates it to actively promote equality between the sexes.

Samantha Mangwana, employment solicitor at Russell Jones & Walker who is representing the Fawcett Society, said: “Although public authorities have been subject to the gender equality duty for several years now, there is widespread ignorance not only about how strong these laws actually are, but also what specific steps are required to be undertaken. However, the case law is crystal clear in spelling this out. Firstly, an equality impact assessment must be conducted before policy decisions are taken.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Accidents, Cases, Compensation, Disability Law, Health Law, Law Firm, Lawyers, Legal Services, Personal Injury

Russell Jones And Walker Launches 2 Way Street Campaign

Leave a comment

Russell Jones and Walker, the personal injury specialists, has launched 2 Way Street, a campaign that aims to bring HGV drivers and cyclists together.

The campaign, fronted by Gail Porter, calls for HGV drivers to have cycle awareness training, for cyclists to be encouraged to take cycle training to cope with busy urban roads, and for more investment in the design of cycle-friendly roads. The campaign is supported by CTC, the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation.

On average, every year approximately eight cyclists a year are killed by lorries in London and about 28 are killed by lorries across the UK, with 70% of these in urban areas.

Following the launch of the Barclays Cycle Hire, in July this year, which aims to generate up to 40,000 extra cycle trips a day in central London by providing 5,000 cycles for hire,Paul Kitson, a claimant personal injury specialist with Russell Jones & Walker with particular expertise in cycling claims said: “The launch of Boris Johnson’s Barclay Cycle Hire scheme in central London is even more of reason to draw attention to the relationship between cyclists and HGV drivers in urban areas, and call for positive change.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Accidents, Cases, Compensation, Disability Law, Health Law, Law Firm, Lawyers, Legal Services, Personal Injury

Schillings Announces Stelios Win In Ryanair Libel Battle

Leave a comment

Schillings law firm has announced that Sir Stelios Haji-loannou has won his libel battle against Michael O’Leary and Ryanair.

Sir Stelios, the founder of easyJet and the easyGroup business empire, accepted a complete apology and retraction from O’Leary and Ryanair over a series of libelous adverts in January and February this year which portrayed Sir Stelios as a “Pinocchio” character and alleged he had “hidden the truth” about easyJet’s on-time statistics. By doing so, they alleged he had lied when he had not.

In settlement of the claim, O’Leary and Ryanair have taken out advertisements in The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph apologising to Sir Stelios for including him in the original advertisements.

In an agreed statement read in the High Court this morning, Sir Stelios’ lawyers Schillings said: “Mr. O’Leary and Ryanair accept that the advertisements should not have been published referring to Sir Stelios and have made a complete offer to settle his claim. In doing so they fully accept that Sir Stelios did not lie about the matter.”

The Claim was issued after Sir Stelios’ complaint about the original adverts was met with a robust and public response from O’Leary and Ryanair. After challenging Sir Stelios to a race around Trafalgar Square or a Sumo Wrestling Competition to resolve the dispute, O’Leary and Ryanair have now agreed to pay damages, legal costs and undertake not to repeat the claim in addition to the public apologies.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Accidents, Administrative, Compensation, Employment Law, Legal Services, Personal Injury

Access Legal Solicitor Moves From PA To Clinical Negligence Lawyer In Two Countries

Leave a comment

Access Legal from Shoosmiths has revealed that one of its clinical negligence specialists has been admitted as a solicitor – for the second time.

Kishma Small, already admitted as a solicitor in the UK, made it a double in her native British Virgin Islands (BVI) in the Caribbean. She is one of the first BVIslanders to complete a Legal Practice Course (LPC), and then remain in the UK to complete a legal training contract.

Kishma has just returned from a special ceremony in the Supreme Court in Road Town, Tortola – the largest of the islands which form the BVI archipelago – where she was required to make a formal speech. Her application to become a solicitor of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court had to be supported by a number of BVI senior legal practitioners for it to be successful. The ceremony was officiated by High Court Judge Her Ladyship Madam Justice Rita Joseph-Olivetti. Kishma’s application was presented by Helene Anne Lewis, senior partner at SimonetteLewis and supported by Colin Riegels, partner at Harney Westwood & Riegels.

Kishma said: “By 2001, I felt that it was time to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer. I chose to study in the UK because I was confident that I would receive an excellent standard of education as well as gain valuable experience of life abroad, away from my tropical home.

“It was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make, especially as it meant leaving my friends and family, not to mention my country – but it was something I needed to do. I’m so grateful for this phenomenal opportunity – being admitted to practice in the BVI is quite literally a dream come true. I’m privileged to be able to do the job I love in my two favourite countries.”

Richard Follis, partner and national head of clinical negligence at Shoosmiths said: “To be admitted once as a qualified solicitor shows real hard work; to be admitted twice is a fantastic achievement. We’re incredibly proud of Kishma. She’s set a wonderful example to both the team and the legal profession as a whole.”

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Accidents, Cases, Compensation, Disability Law, Health Law, Law Firm, Lawyers, Legal Services, Personal Injury

Russell Jones And Walker Welcome Broad Scope Of 7/7 Inquest

Leave a comment

Russell Jones and Walker and the families of victims involved in the 7/7 inquest have welcomed the recent ruling made by Lady Justice Hallett that the activities and knowledge of MI5 and the Home Office in relation to the bombings will be included in the scope of her investigation.

Russell Jones And Walker Welcome Broad Scope Of 7/7 Inquest

James Carlton, partner at Russell Jones & Walker Solicitors who is representing ten of the families involved in the inquest stated:

“All the families involved are understandably devastated by their individual loss and want to find answers to the circumstances surrounding how their loved ones came to die. At the same time, all involved are concerned as to whether there were, or indeed are now, any steps that could have been taken to prevent these atrocities from occurring at the time or again in the future.

“The decision by Lady Justice Hallett to examine the actions of intelligence agencies in the scope of the inquest is a welcome inclusion for the victims’ families.”

National law firm Russell Jones & Walker, who specialise in all types of business crime and regulation matters including public inquiries, has been instructed by ten families of victims of the 7/7 bombings inquest which is expected to commence in October 2010.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Accidents, Cases, Compensation, Disability Law, Health Law, Law Firm, Lawyers, Legal Services, Personal Injury

Russell Jones & Walker Ensures Maclaren Compensates Injured Children

Russell Jones & Walker has managed to ensure that buggy manufacturer Maclaren will compensate over 40 UK children whose fingers were seriously injured in the hinges of its folding pushchairs.

Although refusing to admit liability for the faulty product claims, the firm and its insurers have agreed to make full damages awards. The individual amounts will be dependent on the severity of injuries received and the money will be invested until the children reach age 18.

The children were aged between one and eight years old when hurt, with some cases personal injury dating back to 2003. Many amputated part of the last finger joint when the buggy was erected, undergoing operations with a general anaesthetic to try to re-attach the joint or perform a skin graft. Others fractured bones or suffered deep lacerations, leaving scars and in some cases permanent loss of feeling or disfigurement. Some children had the whole or part of their finger amputated. Further surgery in teenage years is an option for those with disfigurement.

In late 2009 Maclaren recalled one million prams in the US after reports of similar injuries. The firm insisted however that UK buggies were not affected and a UK recall has not taken place. Hinge covers are available but consumers must request them via the firm’s website.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Accidents, Administrative, Compensation, Employment Law, Legal Services, Personal Injury

Access Legal Makes First Manchester Hire

Access Legal from Shoosmiths – national law firm Shoosmiths’ consumer legal services brand – has made its first Manchester hire.

Partner and personal injury specialist Debra Woolfson becomes the first non-Lender Services Group employee at the Spinningfields office.

Her appointment comes two months after Shoosmiths announced it would go full service in Manchester, just a year after opening in the city in January 2009.

Partner and head of consumer services Judith Dorkins said: “Having said we’d go full service ahead of schedule many people expected appointments in other corporate areas, ones that would naturally complement our lender services offering.

“But when someone of Debra’s calibre becomes available you’re almost obliged to strike while the iron’s hot, and if we’re able to develop our personal injury work sooner rather than later then we’ll do it. The opportunity presented itself and we’ve grabbed it with both hands.”

Access Legal from Shoosmith was launched on February 1 and offers more than 100 legal services to consumers under seven headings: conveyancing; employment law; personal injury; legal disputes; medical negligence; motoring; and wills, family and wealth. It is among corporate, commercial, commercial property, employment, restructuring and insolvency, and regulatory services that Shoosmiths aims to offer from its 3 Hardman Street base.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Accidents, Cases, Compensation, Disability Law, Health Law, Law Firm, Lawyers, Legal Services, Personal Injury

Chicago Birth-Injury Attorney Announces $6.5 Million Settlement

The Deratany Firm in Chicago announces the award of a 6.5 million dollar settlement between Jeff and Whitney G and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

On September 30 – October 1, 1996 Whitney G gave birth to RG. The family contended that during the birth of RG, negligence on the part of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and their staff caused RG to suffer severe and traumatic brain injury.

The Deratany Firm retained over 13 world-renowned expert witnesses to testify on behalf of the family regarding the cause and severity of the infant’s sustained birth trauma injuries. These expert witnesses were specialists in the areas of pediatric brain injury, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, and Pitocin related pediatric brain injury.

RG is now 14 years old and a young lady whom the Deratany Firm is proud to represent. She continues to struggle with the consequent difficulties of her birth injury.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital has admitted to no liability in settling this case.

Deratany is a personal injury attorney who specializes in the areas of wrongful death and birth-trauma, and advocates for the rights of birth-injured children and their families.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Accidents, Administrative, Compensation, Employment Law, Legal Services, Personal Injury

Access Legal From Shoosmiths Hooks Up With Biker Group

Access Legal from Shoosmiths is to help the 50,000-strong Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) become the UK’s leading consumer organisation for bikers, as the consumer legal services provider announces it has teamed-up with MAG to offer free legal advice to its members.

Access Legal From Shoosmiths Hooks Up With Biker Group

Comprising volunteers, MAG lobbies to protect motorcycling from legislation it believes threatens riders’ pleasure; while its charitable arm – The MAG Foundation – promotes motorcycling through research, representation and collaboration.

Access legal from Shoosmiths is providing a dedicated 24/7 legal helpline to MAG members, their friends and family, offering free legal advice on a range of issues, including road traffic accidents.

Then, for every personal injury instruction received via MAG, Access Legal from Shoosmiths will donate £100 to the Foundation, while £50 will be donated for conveyancing instructions, £25 for motor defence, and £15 for wills.

Partner and head of consumer services at Access Legal, Judith Dorkins said: “Not only are we boosting funds for a worthwhile cause, we’re also helping MAG members pursue their rights, have easy access to justice, understand the legal process, and make informed decisions.

“It’s great example of our commitment to investing in the community.”

MAG general secretary Nich Brown said: “MAG members know their right to ride is one of the most important things in life. Every day we’re asked for advice on how to fight injustices by riders who’ve had a raw deal. This partnership means our members can quickly find expert legal advice of all kinds whenever they need it.”

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Accidents, Administrative, Compensation, Employment Law, Legal Services, Personal Injury

Access Legal Calls For More Help For Asbestos Disease Victims

Access Legal, consumer legal services provider from Shoosmiths, is calling for more to be done to help victims of mesothelioma, as it believes that not enough is being done to help sufferers of fatal asbestos-related diseases.

Access Legal Calls For More Help For Asbestos Disease Victims

Access Legal wants to see more done to help victims of mesothelioma, an asbestos-linked cancer common in builders, plumbers, joiners, and teachers.

The call comes in the midst of a Health & Safety Executive awareness-raising campaign aimed at those workers most at risk. Sara Hunt, associate and asbestos specialist at Access legal from Shoosmiths, said: “With some people already hit by this creeping disease, and with many others potentially at risk, not a lot seems to be getting done.

“There are calls for government funding for a national centre for asbestos related diseases, and a 24,000-signature petition was presented to 10 Downing Street last year, but there’s been little positive reaction.”

Hunt also believes Alimta – a drug that extends the life expectancy of mesothelioma sufferers – should remain available on the NHS. In 2007 the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) said the drug was not cost effective. However, following successful lobbying that decision was overturned, and Alimta was made available on the NHS. Now, that decision in turn is being challenged.

Hunt said: “If that challenge succeeds, suffers will no longer have NHS access to Alimta.

“Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, and sufferers often have a very short life expectancy. Is it right to deny them access to a drug that may extend their life?”

Asbestos was used extensively as a building, insulating and fireproof material, particularly from the 1950s to 1980s. People exposed as long ago as 40 years might only now be developing asbestos-related conditions.

Asbestos remains in around 500,000 UK buildings, with people exposed when asbestos is disturbed and asbestos fibres become airborne. It can also be disturbed by pushing drawing pins into walls, and it is thought a single drawing pin can release 6,000 fibres. Mesothelioma can be caused by exposure to just one fibre.

Teaching unions are campaigning for asbestos to be removed from schools, after figures revealed 228 teachers died from asbestos-related diseases between 1991 and 2005.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Accidents, Cases, Compensation, Disability Law, Health Law, Law Firm, Lawyers, Legal Services, Personal Injury

RJW Investigates Reports Of Failures At Staffordshire Hospitals

RJW is currently investigating cases of negligence after a report by Robert Francis QC revealed a catalogue of failures at Mid Staffordshire hospitals. An obsession with hitting targets led to the neglect and unnecessary death of patients. In response, the Prime Minister said that managers would be held to account for failures by the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust.

RJW Investigates Reports Of Failures At Staffordshire Hospitals

Francis warned that hospitals should understand that their excellence was not guaranteed by their star rating: what matters is the way patients are treated.

“The story of Stafford shows graphically, and sadly, that benchmarks, comparative ratings and foundation trust status do not in themselves bring to light serious and systematic failings,” he said.

Relatives of patients at Mid Staffordshire were unhappy that the report failed to support calls by organisations such as AvMA (Action against Medical Accidents) for a public enquiry.

Paul Sankey, specialist clinical negligence solicitor and partner at Russell Jones & Walker (RJW) said: “What is needed is a patient-centred culture in which pursuing targets does not detract from care. Sadly patients are too often been the victims of errors which should have been avoided.”

Russell Jones & Walker have a specialist team pursuing claims for people who have suffered serious harm as a result of avoidable medical accidents. They have recently recovered a 7-figure award for a brain injury claim on behalf of a man who suffered the injury after doctors failed to carry out a planned investigation and to prevent a stroke. They have also won compensation for the husband of a woman who died of skin cancer and another who died of lung cancer. Other cases concern people whose fractures were not diagnosed where the wrong tests were done or x-rays misinterpreted. They are currently involved in claims against the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust.

RJW has a specialist medical negligence claims department with experts accredited by the Law Society and AvMA who handle claims for damages arising from clinical negligence. With its network of offices across the country RJW can assist with claims nationwide.

About Russell Jones & Walker
Russell Jones & Walker is a leading national firm of solicitors dedicated to upholding the legal rights of individuals. From the firms foundation in the 1920s the focus has and continues to be, people and those who represent them.

The firm has grown from its trade union roots into a respected national organisation with nine offices across England and Wales, and an associated office in Scotland. The reputation of Russell Jones & Walker is built on the range of expertise offered by its partners and staff and on the scope of their practical experience.

RJW Solicitors represents clients across a range of areas from personal injury claims work to commercial and criminal litigation, defamation, reputation management, clinical negligence, including cancer claims, as well as providing specialties as employment lawyers and fraud lawyers.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases