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Law Offices of James Scott Farrin Attorney Earns Board Certification

The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is proud to announce that Attorney Barry Jennings has recently passed the exam to become a Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law.

Board Certified Specialists are lawyers certified by the North Carolina State Bar as having demonstrated special knowledge, skill and proficiency in a specific area of law. The certification process for workers’ compensation law requires at least five years of substantial involvement practicing workers’ compensation law, completing at least 36 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits in workers’ compensation and related legal fields, a satisfactory review by at least five legal peers, and passing a comprehensive written examination.

Prior to joining the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin in 2006, Jennings worked as a defense attorney defending employers against the claims of injured workers. This experience has given him a keen appreciation for workers’ compensation law from both sides of the table.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Law, Jennings currently represents workers who have suffered serious injuries as a result of a work accident. He is a member of The Order of Barristers, the Workplace Injury Litigation Group and the North Carolina Advocates for Justice.

Four of the six Board Certified Specialists in Workers’ Compensation law practicing in the city of Durham work for the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin. In addition, James Scott Farrin Attorney Rick Fleming is a Board Certified Specialist in Social Security Disability Law.

“We are committed to providing top notch legal talent for our clients,” says Founder and President James S. Farrin. “We believe that our experienced, capable attorneys, including our Board Certified Specialists, can make a difference in our client’s cases.”

ABOUT THE FIRM
Founded: 1997 by James S. Farrin, Duke University School of Law, J.D. (1990) in Durham

Number of employees: Approximately 130, including 24 attorneys. Approximately 20 staff members are fluently bilingual, speaking English and Spanish.

Offices: 13 statewide, including Durham , Raleigh , Charlotte , Fayetteville , Greensboro , Greenville , Goldsboro , Henderson , New Bern , Roanoke Rapids, Rocky Mount , Sanford , Wilson

Major practice areas: Personal Injury, Intellectual Property, Civil Rights, Social Security, Workers’ Compensation

Website: http://www.farrin.com

Presently leading one of the largest civil rights cases in United States history: In re Black Farmers Discrimination Litigation, Case No. 08-mc-0511 (PLF) (D.D.C.), which deals with the United States Department of Agriculture’s discrimination against African-American farmers.

The firm’s many philanthropic pursuits include Duke Children’s Hospital, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The firm has a matching-gift program wherein it matches an employee’s philanthropic contributions.

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Quigal Launches New Search Site for High-Achieving Attorneys

Quigal, LLC announced today that it was launching its attorney search web site for residents of Massachusetts. Quigal’s site allows the public to search for attorneys who have impressive educational backgrounds or substantial work experience in complex legal matters and allows users to communicate with multiple attorneys quickly and easily. During the initial launch period, attorneys authorized to practice law in Massachusetts are invited to register with the site free of charge until April 1, 2010.

For Quigal attorney members, a unique feature of the web site is that the number of attorneys who can register is limited to ten per zip code, which increases each registered attorney’s visibility vis-à-vis potential clients.

The inspiration for Quigal came from attorneys and clients who complained about the poor quality of existing directory services, both online and print, recalled Renate Harrison, Quigal co-founder. “My colleagues complained that existing directories contained so many lawyers that the odds of engaging a client were too low to justify the expense, while users felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of attorneys they had to choose from and the multiple pages of information they had to fill out,” Harrison noted. “So I asked what I thought was a simple question: how can we improve the way clients find lawyers online? I believe Quigal is the answer.”

As of today, Massachusetts residents can begin using Quigal. Quigal is built on the idea that users should have confidence in the quality of attorneys made available to them on attorney search sites, and that the number of registered attorneys should be limited, so that each attorney has a realistic opportunity to engage clients. Key features of Quigal include:

• Search: Quigal enables the public to search for attorneys by zip code, city, state, practice area, or law school attended. Quigal also permits potential clients to search for attorneys who are available for a live chat.

• Exclusivity: Quigal attorney members who subscribe to a zip code always appear on the first page search results for that zip code. A maximum of ten attorneys can register for each zip code.

• Quality: Quigal only registers attorneys who have graduated from a top-tier law school or who have substantial work experience managing complex legal matters.

• Ease of Use: Quigal offers several options for potential clients to contact attorney members. A simple online query form and attorney profiles with full contact information appear on every search results page. Also, a live chat option allows potential clients to chat real-time with attorneys. Quigal also allows its registered attorneys to link to their social and professional networking sites (e.g. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.).
In the coming months, Quigal will be rolling out its web site nationally, as well as introducing new site features.

Are you interested in registering with Quigal? Please visit Quigal’s website at www.quigal.com. For more information about Quigal, please contact Renate Harrison.

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Field Fisher Waterhouse Wins Compensation For Lung Cancer Sufferer Exposed To Asbestos

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has won £84,000 in compensation for Mr B, a 67 year old man from Hayes who contracted lung cancer after being exposed to asbestos dust whilst working as a labourer for Cape Building Products Limited in the 1960s.

During his 18 months at Cape Building Products, Mr B was heavily exposed to asbestosdust in the course of his work. His tasks included handling sacks of raw asbestos which he was required to open and empty out.

Generally it is very difficult to prove the connection between lung cancer and asbestos exposure where the sufferer has not first contracted asbestosis. In this case Mr B had also smoked heavily for most of his adult life, making it even harder to establish the connection.

Michael Osborne, solicitor in the Asbestos Claims Group at Field Fisher Waterhouse, was able to negotiate a settlement from Cape Building Products’ insurer with the help of a medical report proving that asbestosis did not need to be present for a patient’s lung cancer to be attributed to asbestos exposure. Mr B received a settlement of £84,000 in compensation which took into account a deduction of 17.5 % to reflect his history of smoking.

Michael Osborne, senior associate in the Asbestos Claims Group at Field Fisher Waterhouse, commented: “I am pleased that we were able to prove the connection between Mr B’s lung cancer and his exposure to asbestos at Cape Building Products in the 1960s. Despite being exposed to asbestos dust for only a short time, this was enough for him to contract a serious disease. This settlement will provide Mr B and his family with the necessary means to cover the costs of his ongoing care.”

Mr B’s son said: “I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of my father and myself, to thank the firm for the professional and sympathetic way they have dealt with our claim. On a personal note, I would like to thank Michael for making such a big difference to our situation.”

Notes to editors:
Case number: 44605.1

About Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP:
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP is a full service European law firm with offices in Brussels, Hamburg, Paris, London and Manchester and exclusive relationships with Spanish firm Jiménez de Parga and Italian firm, La Scala. The firm has over 120 partners, 220 other lawyers and nearly 300 support staff. Field Fisher Waterhouse assists a wide range of international clients, advising across the full range of legal issues.

The firm’s main areas of practice are corporate and commercial, IP and technology, banking and finance, regulatory and real estate. Field Fisher Waterhouse also has particular expertise in employment & pensions, dispute resolution, tax and competition & EU law, medical negligence, spinal injury, personal injury and brain injury claims.

The international client base includes listed and unlisted companies, multinationals, banks and other financial institutions, professional partnerships, trade associations and Government departments. A distinctive feature of the firm is its industry focus, acknowledged as leading experts in the public sector, technology and media sectors.

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Schillings Has Announced The New Seminar Programme For The Upcoming ‘PR And The Law – Annual Briefing 2009’

The event will take the form of a breakfast briefing and focus on the drivers and key trends likely to affect communications strategies and corporate reputation management in an economic downturn.

Joining Rod Christie-Miller, Partner at Schillings, to help lead the briefing will be Dr Kevin Money, Director of the School of Reputation and Relationships at Henley Business School and Director of The John Madejski Centre for Reputation.

Dr Kevin Money will cover the subject of motivational drives and organizational theories. An understanding of these drives (the drive to acquire, learn, bond and protect) and how they may change during times of economic uncertainty – can provide a competitive edge to anyone shaping communications strategies.

Recent research suggests that in an economic downturn, the drive to protect is likely to assume greater importance in our lives, and Kevin will explore how that drive is likely to be the biggest driver of reputation.

Rod will then take over to deliver a session how to use the law to protect corporate reputations. In the sphere of reputation management, the unconscious drive to protect is borne out by the very real threats that corporates now face.

Over the coming year, the economic downturn will change the nature of the reputational threats that corporates will face. Rod will also look at look at how the law can be used to neutralise such threats and in particular he will look at:

– The cult of the CEO and protecting the privacy senior staff – Malicious insiders and protecting confidential information from leaking to the media – How the internet and the economy are causing the decline in quality journalism

Rod will explain how despite these new threats, the potential to protect reputations via a combined PR and legal approach is actually stronger than ever.

The briefing will finish off with a round of questions to the panel.

About Schillings:
Schillings is one of Britain’s top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people. The firm’s track-record in defamation, privacy and copyright cases, as well as commercial dispute resolution is second to none.

Defamation, privacy and copyright are at the heart of the firm’s work, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a “spectacularly efficient media law firm.”

Schillings clients include supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Nicole Kidman, seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, premiership footballer Wayne Rooney, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, pharmaceuticals maker GlaxoSmithKline, steel maker Arcelor Mittal, the Harrods Group and the London Stock Exchange.

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PR, Communications and the Law – Annual Briefing 2009

Schillings, top UK law firm dedicated to protecting the reputations of international corporations, brands and celebrities, has announced the new conference programme for the upcoming ‘PR, Communications and the Law – Annual Briefing 2009’ at the Paramount Club, Centre Point in London on 28th April.

The event will take the form of a breakfast briefing and will cover the subjects of what should drive communications strategies and corporate reputation management.

Joining Rod Christie-Miller, Partner at Schillings, to help lead the briefing will be Dr Kevin Money, Associate Professor at Henley Business School and Director of The John Madejski Centre for Reputation.

Dr Kevin Money will cover the subject of motivational drives and organizational theories. An understanding of these drives (the drive to acquire, learn, bond and protect) and how they may change during times of economic uncertainty – can provide a competitive edge to anyone shaping communications strategies.

Recent research suggests that in an economic downturn, the drive to protect is likely to assume greater importance in our lives, and Kevin will explore how that drive is likely to be the biggest driver of reputation.

Rod will then take over to present a talk on the important subject of reputation management. In the sphere of reputation management, the unconscious drive to protect is borne out by the very real threats that corporates now face.

Over the coming year, the three key threats for people working in PR and communications are liable to be:

– Responding to leaks and whistleblowers
– Tax gaps and the Board
– Protecting the corporate reputation during high-profile employment disputes

Rod will explain how despite these new threats, the potential to protect reputations via a combined PR and legal approach is actually stronger than ever.

The briefing will finish off with a round of questions to the panel.

About Schillings:
Schillings is one of Britain’s top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people. The firm’s track-record in defamation, privacy and copyright cases, as well as commercial dispute resolution is second to none.

Defamation, privacy and copyright are at the heart of the firm’s work, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a “spectacularly efficient media law firm.”

Schillings clients include supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Nicole Kidman, seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, premiership footballer Wayne Rooney, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, pharmaceuticals maker GlaxoSmithKline, steel maker Arcelor Mittal, the Harrods Group and the London Stock Exchange.

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Field Fisher Waterhouse has recovered more than £250,000 in compensation at the High Court on behalf of a widow whose husband died from mesothelioma

Law firm, Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP, has recovered more than £250,000 in compensation at the High Court on behalf of a widow whose husband died from mesothelioma, an asbestos related cancer.

Mr John Lambie of Spalding in Lincolnshire died in November 2006 at just 62. He died from mesothelioma – a cancer of the lining of the lung caused by exposure to asbestos. He was exposed to asbestos between 1965 and 1970 when he worked for New Century Group Ltd, based in Harlesden, London, as an industrial cleaner, cleaning factories and bakeries all over the South East. His job involved cleaning the asbestos corrugated roofs of factories and cleaning pipes lagged with asbestos.

His widow, Jane Beesley, who has now re-married, nursed him during his illness at home. In addition to general damages, the Judge awarded £25,000 compensation to Mrs Beesley for the care and assistance she gave to her dying husband which is the highest ever award for care and assistance in a mesothelioma claim.

Harminder Bains, lawyer in the Asbestos Claims Group at Field Fisher Waterhouse, was instructed to claim compensation from New Century Group Ltd on behalf of Mrs Beesley. The total award, which included interest, was £253,310. This includes the sum of £72,000 for pain and suffering, one of the highest awards for this type of case, and £25,000 for the care and assistance given by Mrs Beesley, which is the highest ever award for this item in a mesothelioma case.

Harminder Bains, the lawyer who dealt with the case, at Field Fisher Waterhouse said: “Mrs Beesley attended to all of her dying husband’s needs in an attempt to give him some comfort. I am satisfied that in this case the Court recognised the extraordinary effort it takes to look after a dying man. I hope it is recognised in future cases.”

Court number for this case – HQ 08X02073

In 2008, the Asbestos Claims Group at Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP recovered over £16 million in compensation for victims of asbestos-related diseases in 124 successful cases. The lawyers in the firm’s Asbestos Claims Group have recovered over £132 million in 2025 successful claims.

About Field Fisher Waterhouse
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP is a full-service European law firm with offices in Brussels, Hamburg and London. With 119 partners, over 200 other lawyers and nearly 300 support staff, FFW assist a wide range of international clients, advising across a full range of legal issues.

The main areas of practice are corporate and commercial, IP and technology, banking and finance, regulatory and real estate. Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP also have particular expertise in competition & EU law, dispute resolution, employment, asbestos claims, personal injury, brain damage cases, clinical negligence, public sector and tax.

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Russell Jones and Walker report NHS patient left scarred after incorrect diagnosis

Russell, Jones and Walker, a leading UK firm of solicitors, has reported that a mother of two, who was left with multiple scars following surgery after being incorrectly diagnosed with skin cancer, has been awarded £15,000 in compensation.

Kate Andreou, 28 from Harlow in Essex, was referred to the Democracy Department of Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust after expressing concerns regarding a mole on her shin. Following an examination the mole was duly removed for further investigation on the advice of her doctor.

Following the removal and examination of the mole, Mrs Andreou was diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma in July 2007 and was subsequently referred to the Department of Plastic Surgery at Mid-Essex Hospital NHS Trust. Mrs Andreou was advised to have a further six moles removed from her leg, chest, arm and back – surgery she was told was necessary. She underwent the operation in September 2007.

The news of the diagnosis came as a double blow to Mrs Andreou who had just been informed that her grandmother was terminally ill with cancer. Believing that she had skin cancer, Mrs Andreou went through the trauma of informing her family of the diagnosis and advised them that they too would need to be checked for cancer. However, it later emerged that the diagnosis was incorrect and that her pathology report was not finalised and subject to further review from Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital.

James Bell, solicitor from Russell, Jones and Walker said: “Had Mrs Andreou known that her pathology slide was under review, she would not have proceeded with the excision of the six other moles until a definite diagnosis of Malignant Melanoma.

“The incorrect diagnosis of the mole as a melanoma represents an unacceptable error which breached the duty of care to Mrs Andreou.

“Not only has Mrs Andreou experienced entirely unacceptable treatment from the NHS, but her entire extended family has also undergone unnecessary trauma after being advised to be tested for skin cancer.”

Mrs Anreou said: “The past year has been very difficult for me, my children and the rest of my family. Not only were we all going through tough times with my terminally ill grandmother, but we then had to face up to the fact that I too had cancer and would require treatment.

“The surgery that I had to remove seven moles left me with red scars, making me very self conscious about exposing my arms and legs. The scars have now faded but the whole experience will stay with me for a very long time.”

About Russell Jones & Walker:
Russell, Jones & Walker employs over 360 staff (over 160 lawyers) and is renowned as the leading national firm of solicitors in protecting the rights and legal interest of individuals and those who represent them. RJ&W has a network of regional offices and includes those in the following centres: London, Birmingham, Bristol, Wakefield, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, Cardiff and Edinburgh.

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Field Fisher Waterhouse Wins Substantial Compensation For Premature Girl Left With Brain Damage Following Dextrose Overdose

Law firm, Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has won substantial compensation for Romy Smith, a seven year old girl who was given an excessive dose of dextrose shortly after birth and suffered severe and permanent brain damage as a result. Romy will receive damages that could add up to more than £10 million over her lifetime.

Romy Smith was born prematurely at 29 weeks in 2001 at the Ipswich General Hospital and was transferred to the Lister Hospital in Stevenage, where she was given a “grossly excessive dose” of the sugar dextrose. This resulted in perfusion brain injury, which caused severe learning difficulties and autism. Romy’s communication and social skills are very limited, she needs constant care and will remain totally dependent on carers for the rest of her life.

Romy, however, has a special talent for music, which is her primary means of enjoyment. In addition to her care, the payment will also cover the cost of music therapy.

The East and North Herfordshire NHS Trust, which had previously admitted liability, will pay Romy an initial sum of £2.36 million and a series of index-linked “periodical payments” to cover Romy’s lifetime care expenses.

Paul McNeil, clinical negligence partner at Field Fisher Waterhouse, was instructed by Romy’s mother to represent her in the claim.

After the case, Romy’s parents, Sally and Tim Smith said: “We are absolutely delighted at the settlement that Paul McNeil has secured for our daughter. Throughout the whole time that Paul has worked with us, we have found him to be very caring, extremely skilled and highly organised. He has kept our family’s best interests at heart at all times and has always answered any concerns we may have had calmly, quickly and efficiently. We are enormously grateful to him for the way in which he conducted our case and we cannot praise him enough. We would not hesitate in recommending him to anyone.”

Paul McNeil, clinical negligence partner at Field Fisher Waterhouse said: “Although nothing can be done to undo the mistake made in the special care baby unit, there is a lot that can be done to maximise Romy’s potential. The payments guaranteed to Romy will ensure her needs are covered for life. Those close to Romy were delighted that the judge supported the need to have access to music therapy.”

Claim number HQ06X01206

About Field Fisher Waterhouse

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP is a full-service European law firm with offices in Brussels, Hamburg and London. With 119 partners, over 200 other lawyers and nearly 300 support staff, FFW assist a wide range of international clients, advising across a full range of legal issues.

The main areas of practice are corporate and commercial, IP and technology, banking and finance, regulatory and real estate. Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP also have particular expertise in competition & EU law, dispute resolution, employment, asbestos claims,personal injury, brain damage cases, clinical negligence, public sector and tax.

Via EPR Network
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Schillings Image Rights Specialist Simon Smith Is Set To Release A New Book – The 2nd Edition Of Image, Persona And The Law

Schillings partner Simon Smith is set to release the latest edition of “Image, Persona and the Law” this winter, with the book providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the law in England and Wales regarding the protection of name, image and other aspects of persona.

The second edition of the book will also go into detail on both the specific context of commercial exploitation without the individual’s consent and in the separate context of invasion of privacy. The book also presents a detailed analysis of the numerous developments which have occurred in relation to the right to privacy in the UK.

Using the knowledge and experience gained as a litigator specialising in protecting and restoring the reputations of high profile individuals, entrepreneurs and corporate organisations, Simon Smith’s book will assist entertainment and media lawyers in the UK and US who represent celebrities and other personalities in the media, enabling them to advise their clients on their right to privacy and the right to publicity in the UK.

The book has a number of key features that will benefit entertainment lawyers looking into the areas of reputation management and discusses the numerous significant decisions which have occurred since the previous edition of the book was released in 2001 as well as examining the leading privacy decisions which have been brought, together with an analysis of the Data Protection Act 1998, including the Douglas-Zeta Jones and Murray (JK Rowling’s son) decisions, the later being brought to action by Schillings recently.

Simon Smith is a Partner at Schillings and specialises in defamation, privacy, image endorsement, confidence and contracts. Considered to be one of the best in the area according to the Chambers and Partners directory, he has pursued many successful High Court libel cases for Hollywood’s ‘A’-List stars on high profile libel actions brought in England.

He is regularly asked to comment on live TV and radio and writes in the national press and legal reviews on media related matters in addition to speaking at international legal conferences and in Parliament on media issues. He is also a member of a specialist global group of leaders in their field investigating and researching image rights.

About Schillings :
Schillings is one of Britain’s top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people. The firm’s track-record in defamation, privacy and copyright cases is second to none.

Defamation, privacy, copyright and dispute resolution are at the heart of the firm’s work, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a “spectacularly efficient media law firm.”

The firm uses the law to protect the reputations, privacy and confidentiality of clients by helping them and their PR advisers to manage what is published and broadcast about them. It is their ability to adapt to the threats posed by the ever changing media landscape which keeps them at the forefront of this specialist area.

Schillings clients include supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Nicole Kidman, seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, pharmaceuticals maker GlaxoSmithKline, leading investment bank Kaupthing, steel maker Arcelor Mittal, the Harrods Group and the London Stock Exchange.

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RJW Has Reported On The Latest Hearing In The Sofa Burns Group Litigation

RJW, a leading national firm of solicitors, has reported on the latest hearing in the ‘sofa burns’ group litigation which took place at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

So far around 3000 people have been affected by the sofa rash and other allergic skin reactions and burns after purchasing sofas containing the anti-mould agent Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF) and are pursuing claims against Argos, Land of Leather and Walmsley’s Furnishing, as well as a number of other retailers.

It was ruled that further investigation into the medical evidence was necessary and that more clarity over affected sofa models and batch numbers was needed for those seeking sofa rash compensation.

It was also revealed that a major advertising campaign would hit the press and continue throughout October, in order to alert the public to the potential link between skin injury and rashes and affected sofas.

In addition, those who have already brought sofa rash claims through a solicitor should expect to receive a postal questionnaire in the next couple of months which must be returned as soon as possible in order to assess the viability of their claim.

Richard Langton, the RJW partner in charge of the sofa litigation said; “The judge has made it clear he wants all the defendants to clarify their position on accepting liability. We should then be able to make good progress towards settling cases so consumers get proper financial redress as soon as possible. Anyone who thinks they may have been affected needs to join in the proceedings urgently if they want to get the benefit of the group action.”

The next hearing in the case is due to take place in December.

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 work to commercial and criminal litigation; from employment to defamation and reputation management; and from clinical negligence to family law.

Case Number 604759.2

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Field Fisher Waterhouse Has Recovered Compensation For A 33 Year Old Man In South London Who Was Left With Brain Injuries Following A Serious Fall On A Poorly Maintained Road

Law firm Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has recovered compensation from Homes for Haringey Ltd on behalf of Kyle Bullock, a 33 year old from South London, who suffered severe brain damage following a serious fall on a poorly maintained road.

It was the Claimant’s case that Kyle was walking with friends in North London one evening in July 2007, when they called for him to catch them up. Kyle then broke into a gentle jog and tripped in a deep pothole in Lightfoot Road. He stumbled and lost balance, falling heavily and rolling down the steep hill striking his head on the edge of a second pothole. It was subsequently apparent that the road was in a poor state with multiple pot holes present.

Kyle was taken to Whittington Hospital and was later transferred to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London. He suffered severe traumatic brain injury; with damage to the frontal lobes and multiple skull fractures requiring surgery and changes to his personality leading to the breakdown of his relationship and inability to work. Kyle has since been through rehabilitation but still requires help and assistance.

Jill Greenfield, partner in the Personal Injury Group at Field Fisher Waterhouse, represented Kyle and brought a claim against Homes for Haringey Ltd, a subsidiary of Haringey Council, which was set up in 2006 to manage Haringey’s council housing and was responsible for the maintenance of the road. While the Defence admitted the road was poorly maintained, they refused to admit that it was the road surface that caused the accident. A trial was due to take place in November 2008.

After negotiations the organisation accepted the majority of responsibility, 72.5%. Kyle has received an initial £75,000 interim payment but expects to receive a substantial award once the claim has been fully quantified.

Amanda Bailey his litigation friend and ex partner said, “Kyle’s accident left him with serious brain damage and changed our lives forever. This money is there to assist Kyle with his financial and rehabilitation needs. Money can never bring back what he has lost but it will allow Kyle to live as good a life as possible, getting access to therapy in Australia and helping him to build his life.”

Jill Greenfield, personal injury partner at Field Fisher Waterhouse said, “My client was simply returning home after a night out with friends when he fell and suffered brain damage. My initial inspection of this road made it clear to me that it was poorly maintained, with deep potholes. It was our case that a pot hole had caused the fall. The road should never have been left in this state and I felt Kyle had a strong case. The compromise represents the fact that Kyle could be seen to be partially at fault and the fact that the Defence was disputing the fact that the poorly maintained road was the cause of the accident. I am pleased that we have been able to recover compensation for Kyle so that he is able to join his family in Australia and begin to rebuild his life.”

About Field Fisher Waterhouse
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP is a full-service European law firm with offices in Brussels, Hamburg and London. With 119 partners, over 200 other lawyers and nearly 300 support staff, FFW assist a wide range of international clients, advising across a full range of legal issues.

The main areas of practice are corporate and commercial, IP and technology, banking and finance, regulatory and real estate. Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP also have particular expertise in competition & EU law, dispute resolution, employment, asbestos claims , personal injury cases and clinical negligence, public sector and tax.

Via EPR Network
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Free Webcast With Question And Answer Period To Focus On Issues Of Aging And How To Plan For It

AARP has joined forces with NAELA (The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys) to present a free Webcast entitled “AGING IN AMERICA – HOW TO PLAN FOR IT.” Elder Law attorney and NAELA member, Ronald Fatoullah has been selected as one of two elder law attorneys to host the live-streamed discussion which can be viewed at: www.naela.org on October 30, from 1-2PM, ET. All public attendance will be via the Internet.

William Stoner, AARP’s Associate State Director, will moderate the discussion, featuring insights from Ronald Fatoullah of Ronald Fatoullah & Associates, of Long Island and Queens, and Bernard A. Krooks, of Littman Krooks, on what families should do now to prepare for the future. During the program, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.

From living quarters to living wills, the three experts will help educate the audience on available options related to senior housing and medical decisions. Other topics might include maintaining a financial legacy for children, and how to talk with aging parents about long-term care options, and key documents to have in place for proper health-care decision making.

To attend the Webinar, visit www.naela.org and click on the “AGING IN AMERICA” webcast registration button. You may also call the offices of Ronald Fatoullah & Associates for further information at 1-877 ELDERLAW. There is no charge to attend but registration is limited.

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Schillings announce the topics for their upcoming BITESized briefings, a series of short information and Q&A events

Schillings, one of Britain’s top law firms specialising in the areas of reputation management and brand protection, are to hold their second series of BITESized briefings, These information events help their clients and PR professionals keep up to date with how to use the law as a tool in managing and protecting reputations.

These Schillings events will fall into one of three categories: preparation, prevention and publication. Schillings Lawyers will show those who attend the events what to do early on, in order to prepare for and avoid unwanted media attention, what to do if faced with the threat of a damaging story being published and how damage can be limited and reputations restored after publication.

The first of this season’s BITESized briefings, which was held at Schillings offices in London at the start of September, focused on the subject of executive reputation management. Knowing that Senior Executives’ reputations are as important to a corporate brand as the company’s performance, Schillings Lawyers demonstrated how to keep personal information such as details of bonuses and family information out of the press and how, by protecting the privacy and reputation of its senior executives, a company can ultimately protect the corporate reputation.

The next briefing to be held later in the month will focus on the importance of HR in averting a possible media crisis. With a large number of media situations arising as a result of activities by disgruntled ex-employees, Schillings will explain the practical steps which can be taken by HR professionals to prevent any issues escalating into a communications and media crisis.

The third event in the autumn season will concentrate on the legal tools available for dealing with crisis management. The session will aim to dispel the myths about using the law in assisting with a media crisis and explain how the law can help set the record straight when faced with defamation issues. Schillings will also explain how employing such legal tools can provide the PR and communications teams with positive messages for restorative communications.

Further BITESized briefings from Schillings will commence in the winter, offering advice and information on handling the media and protecting reputations from a legal perspective.

About Schillings:
Schillings is one of Britain’s top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people.

Defamation, privacy and copyright are at the heart of the firm’s work, prompting The Independent newspaper to call Schillings a “spectacularly efficient media law firm”.

Schillings Lawyers use the law to protect the reputations, privacy and confidentiality of clients by helping them and their PR advisers to manage what is published and broadcast about them. It is their ability to adapt to the threats posed by the ever changing media landscape which keeps them at the forefront of this specialist area.

Schillings clients include supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Nicole Kidman, seven times Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, Harry Potter author JK Rowling, pharmaceuticals maker GlaxoSmithKline, leading investment bank Kaupthing, steel maker Arcelor Mittal, the Harrods Group and the London Stock Exchange.

Via EPR Network
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Legal information portal launched by Knoxville DUI Lawyer

Knoxville DUI Lawyer launches information portal to assist East Tennessee residents with DUI (driving under the influence) and DWI (driving while intoxicated) legal matters. Portal is designed to answer consumer questions and offer assistance to citizens charged with a DUI or DWI in East Tennessee location such as Knox County and surrounding areas.

McKellar Roskind, LLP today announced the launch of www.Tennessee-DUI-Attorney.net as an information portal for Knoxville and East Tennessee consumers to find information about DUI defense solutions. With content and articles being added regularly on the DUI court process, the website is anticipated to quickly become Tennessee’s primary resource for DUI information.

Featured information includes defense tactics for drunk driving charges as well as other criminal allegations and asset forfeiture. Additionally, as a public service, the firm provides consultations at no charge to citizens in need of a Knoxville DUI lawyer.

The web site will be an invaluable resource for consumers in finding accessible information to address their DUI questions. Information will be efficiently categorized for easy navigation.

Norman McKellar of McKellar Roskind, LLP stated, “Our goal is to be the best consumer resource center and information portal for assisting people in need of a Knoxville DUI attorney. Our goal is to help consumers with their DUI needs. The depth of knowledge and resources at our site is simple, concise and offers every consumer something of value.”

About McKellar Roskind, LLP – The firm was founded by attorneys Norman McKellar and Andrew Roskind. McKellar Roskind, LLP serves clients throughout East Tennessee in the areas of criminal defense, tax defense, and family law. The firm is located in Knoxville, Tennessee.

 

Via EPR Network
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