Tag Archives: Lawyers

Law Firm Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP Has Won Substantial Compensation For The Widow Of A Cyclist Killed In A Fatal Collision With An HGV

The driver of the HGV collided with the cyclist, Stephen Ferguson, despite the fact that Mr Ferguson was directly in front of his vehicle.

In April 2007, Mr Ferguson, a father of three from Dulwich in South East London was cycling to work when he approached a set of traffic lights on red. Passing a stationary HGV, he positioned himself in front of it, ready to cycle off when the lights went green. The driver, whose HGV was missing a nearside mirror, failed to see Mr Ferguson in front of his vehicle and when the lights changed, moved off, driving over Mr Ferguson and his bicycle, killing him instantly.

Mr Ferguson’s widow Emma instructed Field Fisher Waterhouse’s personal injury partner, Jill Greenfield and associate, Mark Bowman to represent her in a claim (Case number: 41899.1) against Hendricks Lovell Limited, the haulage company which employed the driver of the HGV.

Hendricks denied causing the road traffic accident but during investigations it was established that the driver had his radio on, had an open newspaper on the passenger seat and was missing one of his mirrors. Hendricks finally agreed to pay substantial financial compensation to Emma Ferguson and her three young children, now aged six, four and one.

Mark Bowman, solicitor at Field Fisher Waterhouse commented: “This tragic case highlights the danger that HGVs pose to cyclists and why they must be fitted with the correct mirrors. More needs to be done to ensure that cycling in London is safe and that these accidents happen far less.”

Emma Ferguson said: “I would like to thank Field Fisher Waterhouse for all their amazing work. This will make a real difference to the children’s future. I am, and I know Stephen would be, very grateful to them for that.”

 

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. FFW 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. FFW also has particular expertise in employment & pensions, dispute resolution, tax and competition & EU law, Medical Negligence, Spinal Injury and Personal 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.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Russell Jones And Walker Reports Positive News For Majority Of Claimants Who Have Suffered Because Of Sofas Containing The Irritant Dimethyl Fumarate

Richard Langton of Russell Jones and Walker, the solicitor who is leading the sofa rash group litigation against the retailers who sold sofas containing the irritant Dimethyl Fumarate said:

“The positive news is that the majority of claimants will be able to expect compensation within the next few months. All parties concerned will be meeting before 1st June 2009 to establish an assessment process for calculating the amount of compensation that individual claimants will receive and this represents the final stages in establishing liability.”

However, it has transpired that in an unprecedented move, Zurich, the insurers for Land of Leather, may not in fact be looking to pay out compensation for these skin injury claims for undisclosed reasons (Case Number 604759.2). Zurich now have 21 days to confirm their position after which time RJW will be able to update as to whether claimants should be able to expect the rash compensation payments. Russell Jones and Walker is concerned that it has taken Zurich over a year to reveal this decision and that hundreds of people may not receive the claims they are entitled to.

Richard Langton commented, “Should this be the case, we will be doing whatever we can to secure compensation for those people who purchased affected sofas from Land of Leather, and will continue to try and confirm compensation for all the deserving victims of the sofa rash claims, related illness and injuries”.

 

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.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

The Accident Advice Helpline Has Announced They Are To Focus Their Marketing Campaign Around Accidents At Work In An Effort To Support The Health And Safety Executive

Following recent government publicity of the work carried out by the HSE, Accident Advice Helpline has allocated additional advertising budget to help get the message out to the public that if they are injured at work through no fault of their own then their employer is liable for damages and that the AAH is there to help. Included in the advertising are television spots where Accident Advice Helpline clients – such as Steve Hubber, who claimed £3,677 after receiving serious leg injuries at work – talk about their compensation claim experience with the company.

The Health and Safety Statistics Report 2007/08 released by the HSE revealed that 6 million working days were lost because of workplace injury and Accident Advice Helpline is joining them in their drive for improved health and safety in the workplace.

David Carter, the spokesperson for Accident Advice Helpline, said: “We are in constant contact with innocent victims who have suffered painful injuries, so we fully support and recognise the value the HSE brings by helping to reduce the number of preventable accidents from happening.

“By implementing their suggestions and providing specialist training for undertaking injury inducing tasks such as lifting or operating dangerous machinery they are making workplaces across Britain much safer. Even a simple look around the office to ensure there are no potential hazards could prevent a serious injury.”

People who are considering claiming work accident compensation can visit the Accident Advice Helpline website for more information, to read case studies and to use the 30-second ‘How much is your claim worth?’ calculator. AAH also provides 24 hour phone assistance offering free legal advice.

About Accident Advice Helpline
Accident Advice Helpline was established in 2000 following the removal of legal aid to accident victims with personal injury cases. The company was founded to provide access to justice for accident victims and, since its creation, has helped thousands of people claim compensation against the responsible parties.

Working on a no win no fee basis, the injury compensation specialist is the UK’s leading company of its kind and prides itself on quick and effective claims processing with high quality service and an admirable success rate. The level of customer satisfaction Accident Advice Helpline is known for is characterised by television star Esther Rantzen’s continued support for the company, which she has steadily provided since 2003.

Accident Advice Helpline Direct Ltd 
Registered in England & Wales: No: 5107417
Registered Office: Quadrant House (Floor 6), 17 Thomas More Street, Thomas More Square, London E1W 1YW

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Field Fisher Waterhouse Wins Compensation For Repeatedly Failed Cancer Patient

Law firm, Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has won substantial compensation for Mrs X, a 71 year old from Chingford in London, now living in Brighton, who developed myeloma, a form of cancer affecting the bone marrow, after she repeatedly sought health specialists’ help but was not given appropriate treatment.

Mrs X will receive £400,000 as compensation following her medical negligence claim, after it was agreed that her GP should have referred her to hospital more quickly and the hospital should have taken swifter measures to treat her. The compensation will cover all of the costs that Mrs X has incurred to date together with the recommendations for future care.

Mrs X had experienced serious upper back pain since 2002 and had contacted her GP to investigate the problem. He conducted an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test and, despite abnormal readings, failed to recommend any investigations into the cause of the readings. Mrs X’s situation worsened prior to a further ESR test being conducted in August 2003, revealing deteriorating results. Despite this, the GP failed to refer her for further assessments, instead assessing her ongoing symptoms as osteoarthritis, which would not cause an abnormal ESR reading.

Progressively, Mrs X lost useful function of her left arm and experienced paraesthesia in her lower limbs before her GP referred her for a non-urgent MRI scan.

In the meantime, Mrs X’s symptoms continued to deteriorate, leading her to refer herself to Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone where she was seen by a junior doctor who failed to ask for a senior review or request an MRI scan. Prior to review by senior staff, Mrs X suffered a pathological fracture to her left arm and reduced sensation in both her legs.

Following senior review four days after admission, Mrs X was transferred to St Bartholomews Hospital in London where she was finally diagnosed as suffering from myeloma at which point she started to undergo radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment.

The defendants, Mrs X’s GP and Whipps Cross Hospital initially denied liability, however when expert evidence on breach of duty and causation was due to be exchanged, both defendants admitted liability and judgement was entered for the claimant against both defendants.

Following exchange of further evidence on condition and prognosis from experts in the fields of oncology, neurosurgery, care, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, the personal injury claim settled for the sum of £400,000, ten days before the trial was due to begin.

Mark Bowman, clinical negligence lawyer at Field Fisher Waterhouse instructed by Mrs X to represent her said: “This was a particularly tricky case, involving experts from a number of disciplines and more than one defendant. I am very happy with the outcome. I am glad that Mrs X will now receive the compensation that she deserves and will be able to rest assured that her needs will be met for the rest of her life.”

 

About Field Fisher Waterhouse
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. FFW 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. FFW also has particular expertise in employment & pensions, dispute resolution, tax and competition & EU law, clinical negligence, spinal 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.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

The Parsa Law Group Has Helped Thousands Of Homeowners

In the midst of the current foreclosure crisis in reaches epic proportions, the nation’s leading provider of legal loan modifications services, the Parsa Law Group and its marketing arm, the National Loan Modification Center, have helped hundreds of homeowners stay in their homes and are preparing to help even more.

The Parsa Law Group provides professional legal representation for those wishing to renegotiate an existing mortgage with their lender. The ultimate goal of the service is to avoid foreclosure and keep people in their home. The on-site team of attorneys and staff has helped thousands of homeowners who are facing financial hardship, have a mortgage that is upside down, or are stuck with an ARM/Interest-only mortgage they can no longer afford by stopping foreclosure, reducing their monthly mortgage payments, adjusting the principal on their mortgage, working out a modified loan with a lower fixed interest rate, and getting any missed mortgage payments tacked on to the end of their loan.

“For me this is a mission to help as many homeowners as possible stay in their homes. It’s such a shame when we see so many people that were taken advantage of with loans that were not explained to them fully or when you have someone that is about to lose their house and entire life’s savings because someone lied to them outright, or because they lost their job, or are simply going through rough financial times like so many other Americans. With the banks out to save themselves with billions in bonuses, and refusing to free up credit markets with the bailout money, a line has clearly been drawn, and we have chosen to be on the side of struggling homeowners.” said James Parsa, Lead Attorney at the Parsa Law Group / National Loan Modification Center.

“It’s been a quite challenge to keep up with the explosive growth of this area of our business,” says Mike Ponzillo, Director of Operations at the Parsa Law Group / National Loan Modification Center “we are literally hiring people every week because the calls keep coming in and every single case we negotiate with a lender requires a huge commitment of staff hours and resources on our end.”

Kelly Sneed, Marketing Manager at the National Loan Modification Center, said “Since we started this service it has been an ongoing effort from a marketing standpoint to get the word out about Loan Modifications as an alternative to foreclosure. A few months ago people didn’t know what a Loan Modification or a Loan Workout was, or how it could help them save their home.”

The Parsa Law Group is also in the process of assisting homeowners who do not qualify for the foreclosure help President Obama has recently issued. The Parsa Law Group is the staunch legal ally that struggling homeowners need in these incredibly difficult times.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Legal Networking Sites Help Lawyers and Law Firms Achieve Far Greater Reach

It looks like the dot com bust of the year 2000 is well and truly behind us if the number of web start-ups in the past three years is anything to go by. F r o m online retail stores to social networking sites, many web based companies have come up and they are not only surviving but actually showing profits with huge valuations against their name.

But it seems in the year of 2007 and 2008 the real winners are the legal networking that provide valuable legal expertise to their visitors and allow registered users to post their problems or legal requirements on their sites. Lawyers can then advise these users on what to do next and even pursue taking up their cases. The fact that these sites have made the common man more comfortable with their legal issues and overall handling of the law, have made them an absolute favourite with users.

Richard Susskind predicted just this back in 1996 who is now in Toronto promoting his new book called ‘The End of Lawyers? Rethinking the Nature of Legal Services’ to Toronto Lawyers. He argues that not so in the distance future majority of the Lawyers and Law Firms will start offering the legal services online while those who are slower to adopt the use of technology to increase their reach online will falter. “I’m seeing a whole wave of new technologies emerging, which are allowing clients to gain cheap and new access to legal services and advice. The classic interface between lawyers and clients is disappearing because online services are replacing it” Mr. Susskind said.

Lawyer Ahead Inc founded in 2007 is one of the most popular legal networking sites that have learnt f r o m the mistakes of their predecessors and now concentrate on offering the best value proposition for their lawyers. They make sure that their users experience is something that they genuinely value and at the same time make it as easy as possible for them to use the facilities of the website. Through compelling offerings to lawyers to encourage them to sign up – not only are they showing profits with huge valuations, they have also made the lawyers understand the importance of harnessing the power of web as a tool for effective advertising. Recent Neilson study shows that 3 out 4 people are now online looking for a lawyer and that number continues to grow month over month. “Lawyerahead services are an inexpensive way to gain internet exposure.”

Said Christopher Hicks, a Criminal Lawyer and a Partner with Hicks Blocks and Adam LLP. “We have received several inquiries f r o m Day 1, their customer focus in number 1 and they do a wonderful job promoting their lawyers as top lawyers. It’s a no brainer.”

It’s no wonder Mr. Susskind has raised quite a stir about his new book. He expects thistrend to continue, he expects continued shakeups in the legal industry, and believes that if a lawyer or law firm is to continue its success in the legal space they are going to have to change also.

About the company
Lawyer Ahead Inc. aims to help consumers find lawyers with the right experience for theirlegal needs. Often choosing a lawyer is an important and difficult task for any consumer.

Lawyer Ahead Inc, narrows the gap here by providing a simple, guided process for consumers to present their legal matters online and then by connecting those consumers to lawyers in an efficient and effective manner. Unlike the yellow pages, lawyerahead.com gives consumers multiple selections of lawyers to choose f r o m as it stands by that giving the consumers the option is a valuable tool when selecting the right lawyer. Lawyerahead.com’s community is constantly sharing their own legal experiences allowing new consumers to learn f r o m their insights and learning f r o m another who has already been there. Lawyer Ahead, Inc also operates under www.lawyerahead.ca to better serve its Canadian consumers looking for legal help for their legal needs.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

California Holistic Lawyer Duane Light Has Introduced A Leading Edge “Flexible Fee” Policy For His New Marin County Law Practice

Clients often open legal bills with dread – afraid of being surprised with costs that are hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than expected. A new, consumer-friendly, win-win approach to fair billing has found its way to the San Francisco Bay Area.

California Holistic Lawyer Duane Light has introduced a leading edge “Flexible Fee” policy for his new Marin County Law Practice. He and the client sit down together, discuss goals and options, and together create a fee structure that is fair, manageable and predictable.

Mr. Light found in the past that client uncertainty about legal fees created stress for them as well as for him. With this more open approach to fees, his clients feel empowered in the process, certain of costs, and more satisfied overall with their legal experiences.

Some attorneys and law firms nationwide have begun to adopt alternative billing practice, where in effect they toss their standard hourly rate out the window. The goal is to give the client more certainty in costs, as well as exactly what the attorney will be doing and in what time frame. In a first, no-cost consultation with Mr. Light, if both he and the client decide to move forward they take a holistic view of the client’s needs and payment options.

Common questions might include:

(1) What are the larger goals that led to a legal consultation? Are there simple and cost-effective ways to achieve those goals?

(2) What is the desired budget and what can be accomplished within that budget?

(3) Are there alternative ways to provide compensation such as creative exchange, bonus, or a percentage-of-recovery fee?

(4) Are there low-cost alternative resources such as self-help books or forms that could lower legal costs?

(5) Are there non-legal approaches to a situation where the attorney would primarily be a guide and advisor?

(6) Can payment be made on a stage-by-stage basis, where client and attorney review the case periodically to decide the most efficient and cost-effective next steps?

(7) Can a fixed fee be set for a certain task or representation so the client can have complete confidence in the cost?

Mr. Light became a holistic lawyer in the mid-1990’s, limiting his practice to people who wish to invoke their highest principals, and create more personally and spiritually fulfilling legal experiences. He immediately found that client satisfaction improved, and cases generally ran more smoothly and more often resulted in win-win outcomes. With Flexible Fees, another avenue has been created for clients to have a more satisfying experience with legal services.

Mr. Light’s website is www.PeaceInTheLaw.com, and he can be reached at Ask@PeaceInTheLaw.com or 877-275-5444.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

2008 – Record Year For Asbestos Claims

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

Some of the significant asbestos claims cases over the past year have included:

– Negotiating an award of £703,000 for the widow and family of a 52 year old partner in an engineering firm who died from mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos at work. This is amongst only a handful of awards exceeding £500,000 across England and Wales.

– Winning £100,000 damages (plus legal costs) for a retired teacher who developed mesothelioma by using drawing pins to pin children’s work to the walls of her prefab classroom, which contained asbestos.

– In a landmark case the firm recovered £12,500 for the value of hospice care as part of a £170,000 settlement for a man who worked with asbestos in 1963 and contracted mesothelioma in 2005. The funding of hospice care is almost exclusively by charitable donation and this is thought to be the first time a firm of solicitors has recovered the cost of care in this way.

– Field Fisher Waterhouse acted for the family of a 75 year old man who died due to mesothelioma, and who used to take care of his grandchildren after school in term times. The defendants initially denied that this was compensatable, since there was no reported precedent for it, however the firm recovered£109,352 at a High Court hearing including £27,960 for the grandchildren’s care.

The FFW team of asbestos lawyers has also been actively lobbying the House of Commons, requesting that the Government overturn the House of Lords ruling that pleural plaques – a scarring of the lining of the lungs as a result of exposure to asbestos – is not a compensatable disease. The team also responded to the Ministry of Justice’s consultation on the Law Lords’ pleural plaques ruling.

Asbestos-related diseases affect thousands of people in the UK each year. Factory workers and labourers are amongst those who are commonly affected, but Field Fisher Waterhouse has also acted on behalf of professionals such as doctors, nurses and teachers who have been exposed to asbestos through their work. Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP is a leader in the field of Asbestos Claims.

Rodney Nelson-Jones, head of the Asbestos Claims group at Field Fisher Waterhouse, said: “I am delighted that in 2008 we were able to win over £16 million in compensation for the victims of these terrible diseases. It is crucial that sufferers and their families receive the compensation they deserve.”

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 and mesothelioma claims, personal injury, spinal injury cases and medical negligence, public sector and tax.

 

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Schillings announce briefing to businesses on protecting investor value in a downturn

Following on from the success of the previous BITESized briefings Schillings, one of Britain’s top law firms, dedicated to safeguarding the privacy and reputations of international corporations, celebrities and high-profile business people, has announced the subject of the latest event to be held on 28th January.

These information events by Schillings are intended to help their clients and PR professionals keep up to date with how to use the law as a tool in protecting reputations and this event will cover the extremely pertinent and important subject of protecting investor value in a downturn.

Previous Schillings BITESized briefings were extremely well received and covered subjects such as handling social media threats, legal tools for crisis management, the importance of HR in averting media crisis, executive Reputation Management, cleaning up and restoring an online reputation and brand management

The upcoming event is intended to help businesses prevent and deal with scurrilous rumours which can badly damage investor confidence, in turn causing serious problems for companies and their directors. Subjects being addressed include finding out how to act quickly to identify and quell the sources of harmful false allegations before they do more harm, and the steps that can be taken to prevent these allegations from crossing into the mainstream media.

This briefing forms just part of the wide ranging regular calendar of Schillings events and seminars for specific interest groups where people come together to learn about how the law can be used to help protect both personal and corporate reputations.

Registrations are already being taken for the event and based on previous briefings, places are expected to fill up quickly.

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 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, 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
More Law press releases

Quadriplegic Man Awarded $10 Million in Bad Faith Case

In January 2002, Atlantic Mutual had a chance to settle a quadriplegic personal injury case for $1 million but chose to “roll the dice.” The jury awarded a $16 million verdict and the injured party sued for bad faith. Today, a LA jury found that Atlantic committed bad faith.

A Los Angeles jury today awarded a quadriplegic man $10 million in a bad faith case against Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company. The jury found that Atlantic Mutual acted despicably and with malice and oppression in wrongfully refusing to settle his personal injury case in 2002. Lawyers return tomorrow to deliver closing arguments in the second phase of the trial to determine whether plaintiff is entitled to $5 million in attorneys’ fees.

More on www.smithchapman.com

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Schillings to discuss privacy and reputation management issues at Legal Weeks Private Client Forum

Schillings, one of Britain’s top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the privacy and reputations of international corporates, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people, will be represented by senior partner Keith Schilling at Legal Week’s Private Client Forum. The main theme will be “Assessing Risk in a Volatile World”, which will be looking at changes the international wealth market has faced in 2008 and the new risks brought about in an ever increasingly volatile market.

Keith Schilling, senior partner at Schillings, will participate in a panel discussion on the topics of privacy, reputation management and human rights and will discuss, along with fellow panelists, how the world’s high-net worth individuals are in a constant battle with the media to protect their own privacy and reputations.

The conference will examine the major issues that have arisen following the advent of the credit crunch and the economic strain currently being suffered on a global scale. Increased pressure from regulatory authorities in Europe and the US government also spell uncertain times for the world’s financial safe havens.

These developments and more will provide the basis for a three day programme for the world’s leading private client lawyers.

The first day of the conference will offer a view of the impact of the credit crunch and how the shift of wealth globally has brought about new risks in wealth management.

The second day will feature a Q & A style debate on the future of international financial centers and a discussion assessing the effects of new US exit tax laws which will form a wider discussion on the reach of exit, gift and inheritance taxes globally.

The third day will see Keith Schilling, recently voted one of the 1000 most influential people in London, join a European panel discussion on privacy and reputations. His fellow panelists include Basile Ader from the French law firm Ader, Amigues et Jolibois; Professor Dr. Matthias Prinz from the German law firm Prinz Neidhardt Engelschall and Jennifer McDermott from Withers in the UK. The panel will outline the differences in privacy laws across a number of jurisdictions and the steps to take to avoid unwanted media attention and what to do if it arises.

Keith Schilling said about the conference, “At this time of volatile market conditions, the threat of a global recession and fears about the security of individuals’ wealth, the media are increasingly focusing on the private wealth of high-profile people. We are seeing a trend in the media towards ‘money being the new celebrity’ and we are working with our high-net worth clients to advise them how to protect their reputations and manage their own and their families private lives. This conference is on at a time of unprecedented financial turmoil and proves just how important an issue it is.”

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
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.”

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.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

The bankruptcy laws require the utility company to restore the service of any utility that was terminated prior to the filing

Immediately upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition, no creditor may pursue or commence an action against the debtor (person filing the petition). It’s the law. Therefore, after the filing, a utility company may not terminate the debtor’s service, even though there may be substantial arrears. Also, in the event that the debtor’s service was terminated prior to the filing, the service must be restored, upon notifying the utility provider after the filing. Generally, the provider will restore the service within 24 to 48 hours after the filing.

New Jersey residents can obtain answers to questions regarding foreclosure resolution and bankruptcy laws by visiting http://www.bankruptcylawyer-nj.com

The bankruptcy code states that within 20 days after the filing, the debtor must pay a security deposit to establish a new account. Each utility company may apply a different criteria in determining the deposit amount. The utility companies generally apply the following criteria to determine the amount of the security deposit: 1. average monthly usage for the 12 months prior to the filing; 2. average of the highest two months of usage during the 12 months prior to the filing; 3. twice the average monthly usage for the 12 months prior to the filing.

Is the debtor required to pay the pre-bankruptcy debt owed to the utility provider? If the debtor has filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy protection and meets all of the requirements for a discharge, the debt is eliminated without any payment. After a debtor has established a new account, subsequent to a chapter 7 discharge, the utility company may terminate the service for payment arrears, based on their typical standards.

New Jersey residents can obtain answers to questions regarding foreclosure resolution and bankruptcy laws by visiting http://www.bankruptcylawyer-nj.com

The following pertains to chapter 13 protection. An individual may file a chapter 13 case for numerous reasons that are unrelated to utility issues. A chapter 13 typically requires the debtor to make monthly payments to a trustee (bankruptcy administrator) over a 36 to 60 month period. The trustee payments may be paid to various creditors based on the debtor’s financial position and desires. Utility debt is classified as unsecured. The debtor may be required to pay none, some, or all of their unsecured debt, based on the following factors: personal and household income; personal and household expenses; real and personal property values; amount of arrears on secured debt; and, to some extent, the debtor’s desires. A chapter 13 may permit the debtor to eliminate the entire utility balance, without payment.

Similar to a chapter 7, in the event that a debtor falls behind with the utility payments after the chapter 13 filing and the establishment of a new account, the company may terminate the service, based on their typical standards relating to payment default.

For more information on bankruptcy laws in New Jersey, visit
http://www.bankruptcylawyer-nj.com

Robert Manchel is a New Jersey, Board Certified Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney, whose practice is limited to foreclosure resolution and bankruptcy law. For more information, please contact Mr. Manchel at (856) 797-1500, 1(866) –503-5655 or go to his web site at http://www.bankruptcylawyer-nj.com

Robert Manchel handles cases from the following counties: Cumberland, Atlantic, Salem, Gloucester, Camden, Burlington, Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, Ocean, Mercer, Monmouth, and Philadelphia.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

 

Schillings Lawyers Are Set To Speak The 2008 International Bar Association Conference, Held In Buenos Aires

Schillings, one of Britain’s top law firms dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of corporate organisations and high profile business people is set to be represented at the 2008 International Bar Association Conference to be held in Buenos Aries.

Rachel Atkins, Partner at Schillings and the IBA’s Programme Officer of the Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law Committee, will be taking part in an international panel discussion on Protection of Information in different jurisdictions around the world.

The panel will deal with issues such as cross-border protection of information and sanctions for its misuse, the extent of solicitor/client privilege, especially in the context of multi jurisdiction litigation, and also consider what other advisers can take advantage of such privilege/confidence.

Discussions regarding sanctions for breach will also take place as well as the examination of scenarios where different jurisdictions give conflicting decisions as to disclosure and privacy of the same information. Specific attention will also be given to the impact of privacy law in identifying cyber-counterfeiters with or without the help of judicial or criminal authorities.

Speaking about the conference, Rachel Atkins said, “At this time of volatile market conditions international commercial disputes are on the increase. It is particularly exciting to be involved in a panel which is at the forefront of considering how advice given in one jurisdiction can have such a dramatic effect on a client position in another”.

The International Bar Association (IBA), established in 1947, has a membership of 30000 lawyers and 195 bar associations & law societies. The IBA has considerable expertise in providing assistance to the global legal community. The 2008 International Bar Association Conference will take place in Buenos Aries, Argentina from the 12 – 17th of October.

About Schillings:
Schillings is one of Britain’s top law firms specialising in reputation management as it relates to 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 law and copyright 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.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Keith Schilling Has Been Named One Of The Most Influential People In London

Schillings Senior Partner, Keith Schilling, has been named as one of the 1000 most influential people in London according to the Evening Standard’s 2008 survey, appearing alongside just 28 other eminent Lawyers in the Law section of the list.

Schilling’s placement in the top 1000 follows other accolades he received earlier this year. In January 2008, he was named by Legal Business magazine as one of the Top Ten Crisis Lawyers in England while shortly after, in April 2008, he was placed 10th in the Times Newspapers survey of the UK’s Most Powerful Lawyers.

In 2007, he was named as one of The Lawyer magazine’s “Hot 100” Lawyers.

Keith Schilling is one of the founding Partners of the law firm Schillings and is Britain’s top media litigation specialist as well as an expert in Matrimonial Law. His work in reputation management, defamation, privacy and copyright have made him one of the most sought after media lawyers in the country.

Keith Schilling is no stranger to legal firsts and his pioneering work has seen him win numerous landmark cases. He is widely acclaimed for helping to establish a law of privacy in England, providing every person, whether famous or not, the right to a private life from the media, notably with a landmark law lords’ ruling in favour of his client Naomi Campbell against the Daily Mirror in 2005. Following this he extended this law even further when he represented the Harry Potter author, JK Rowling’s son in his privacy appeal against Big Picture (UK) Ltd which granted enhanced privacy rights for Children.

Speaking about being included in this year’s list of influential Londoners Keith Schilling said, “The inclusion in this years’ list is down to the excellence of my fellow partners and the quality of our whole team of staff who strongly believe in the work they do in order to best help our clients. It is really recognition of the great work the whole firm does.”

Schillings has long been admired by celebrities and high profile business people who want better protection of their private lives from the media. The firms’ 24 hour hotline enables clients to receive advice right at the time when they need it the most. This often saves valuable time enabling swift action to be taken in order to obtain emergency injunctions to stop stories about clients’ private lives becoming tomorrow’s news.

Keith Schilling is a guest speaker at the Legal Week Private Client forum in Lake Como, Italy in November 2008, speaking on Privacy Reputation Management and Human 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 and copyright 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. It also specialises in commercial litigation, dispute resolution, copyright issues, employment dispute and family matters.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Schillings Is To Be Guest Speaker At The Upcoming Media Law And Liability Conference

Schillings, one of the UKs foremost law firms specialising in safeguarding the reputations of businesses and high profile people, has announced their involvement with the upcoming Media Law and Liability Conference to be held in central London at the start of October.

The conference is set to cover the issues of privacy, defamation law, intellectual property infringement and UGC (user generated content) issues in the real and virtual world.

Schillings’ representative at the conference will be Simon Smith who will cover the areas of reputation and media management for both the corporate and its executives. Smith is a partner at Schillings and represents the likes of Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake and Nicolas Cage on one side of a spectrum, to GlaxoSmithKline, Russian oligarchs, hedge fund managers and the London Stock Exchange on the other, in libel, privacy law and other related matters.

As the celebrity obsession gathers pace, a huge increase in the number of cases reaching the courts on the grounds of infringement of privacy have been seen, not least in the case involving JK Rowling’s son who successfully won his privacy appeal when represented by Schillings earlier this year. The Media Law and Liability Conference aims to discuss and educate those attending on the evolving areas of privacy and defamation law. With new precedents being set in cases such as Jameel v. Wall Street Journal and Max Mosley vs. News of the World, legal aficionados who attend the conference can expect to discuss topics including the very real implications of the new privacy law cases, the latest wave of internet defamation and exploration of the alternative causes of action in defamation cases and how to find your defendant on the internet.

With Schillings present to offer the expertise in the world of reputation management and many representatives of other law firms attending the Media Law and Liability Conference, a wealth of legal wisdom is set to be on offer.

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 and copyright 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.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

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
More Law press releases

Schillings Support The Cancer Research Charity As They Take Part In The Annual Fundraising Event In The Mothers And Daughters Ultimate Challenge

Schillings, the UK’s leading law firm dedicated to safeguarding the reputations of international corporations, brands, celebrities and high-profile business people is set to join other corporate teams as they take part in the Mothers and Daughters Ultimate Challenge, all day fun-packed ‘It’s a Knockout’ style event in aid of the Cancer Research UK charity.

This will be the 10th consecutive year of the Ultimate Challenge and it will be the first time Schillings has entered a team, taking some time off from the world of reputation management to battle against several other teams in the Corporate Challenge, which promises to be a series of outlandish games and exciting challenges.

Schillings fundraising attempts in the run up to the charity day fuels the hopes that their involvement will help surpass the success of last year’s Ultimate Challenge event, which raised a tremendous £165,000 for Cancer Research. The money was donated to the research of Professor Richard Begent of the Cancer Research UK Targeting and Imaging group at the Royal Free and University College Medical School.

The 2008 Mothers and Daughters Cancer Research Ultimate Challenge featuring the team from Schillings is scheduled to take place on Sunday 7 September in the scenic grounds of Haberdashers Boys Askes Boys School, in Elstree, Hertfordshire. The games themselves will be run by a professional events company to help raise money for Cancer Research UK, and will include several huge wet and dry inflatables which always make these events so much fun for participants and spectators alike.

The Mothers & Daughters committee was founded in 1999 by a group of concerned women whose aim was to ensure a better future for their children and future generations through research into cures for cancer. Each year they choose a different Cancer Research UK project to support and eight years on they have raised a total of over a million pounds.

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 and copyright 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.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP Has Reported The Recovery Of £405,750 Settlement In Erbs Palsy Case

Law firm, Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP, has reported the recovery of £405,750 to a nine-year-old girl, who was injured in 1998 whilst under the care of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust; the highest reported settlement in an Erb’s Palsy case of its type.

The claimant was injured during birth as her head was delivered but there were difficulties in delivering the shoulders, known as shoulder dystocia. Field Fisher Waterhouse acted for the claimant in the case that the antenatal care was negligently managed, and there was a failure to deliver by caesarean section. There were further negligent acts and omissions in the obstetric management, including inter alia – the application of strong traction to her head.

As a consequence, she suffered a severe traumatic injury to the nerves supplying her right arm, causing paralysis. She underwent four extensive surgeries to attempt to improve function in her arm in the first seven years of her life. Despite this the claimant has been left with a permanent disability and the right limb remains for all practical purposes, functionless.

The claimant’s mother brought the clinical negligence case against the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust. Samantha Critchley, a solicitor in the Personal Injury and Medical Negligence Group at Field Fisher Waterhouse, acted for the claimant.

The hospital accepted that there were elements of the management of the labour, which were not appropriate and admitted negligence in the claimant’s care and invited proposals for settlement. After a lengthy negotiation the amount of settlement was agreed, in principle, between the parties.

At an Infant Settlement Hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice on 28 July, the terms of settlement were approved. In addition to the substantial damages recovered by Field Fisher Waterhouse for the claimant, the hospital was also ordered to pay the claimant’s legal costs.

The claimant’s parents said: “We now know that our daughter will have enough money to help her get through the rest of her life. We would encourage any parent to be very patient in a case like this and not to jump at the first offer they are given.”

Samantha Critchley said: “I am delighted to achieve such a significant award on the claimant’s behalf. She is a delightful and brave little girl who will be affected by her disability for the rest of her life. I hope that the compensation will allow her to obtain the necessary support, now and in the future, to ensure she reaches her full potential in life.”

The claimant was represented by Henry Witcomb of 1 Crown Office Row.

About Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP:
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, we 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, personal injury and clinical negligence, public sector and tax.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Field Fisher Waterhouse recovers substantial compensation against Barts & the London NHS Trust on behalf of brain-damaged youth

Law firm, Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has recovered a substantial sum in compensation on behalf of Matthew Ellerbeck, who sustained serious brain damage after contracting herpes at the age of six.

In 1997, Matthew suffered a prolonged convulsion, and was taken in an ambulance to the A&E department of the Royal London Hospital. Herpes Simplex Encephalitis (HSE) should have been suspected, and aciclovir (an antiviral drug) should have been administered immediately. However the drug was not given to Matthew until over 30 hours later.

As a result of this delay, Matthew sustained serious brain damage. He is now 17, and as a result of the brain damage he suffers daily epileptic attacks and severe learning difficulties, as well as serious attention and behavioural problems.

Matthew’s mother, Susan Culling, brought the case against Barts & the London NHS Trust on his behalf in the High Court. Richard Earle, a lawyer in the Personal Injury and Medical Negligence Group at Field Fisher Waterhouse, conducted Matthew’s case to settlement.

The hospital accepted the delay in treating the HSE was negligent, but it argued that most of the damage and subsequent consequences to Matthew would have occurred anyway.

The case had gone on for nine years, in which time a number of concessions were made by the hospital, when a settlement was agreed two months before the case was due to go to trial.

Following this long legal battle, Field Fisher Waterhouse recovered substantial damages. This includes provision for periodical (annual) payments to be made for the rest of Matthew’s life to cover his care and accommodation needs.

Susan Culling said: “I was determined to press on and seek justice for Matthew. I am very pleased at the level of compensation which will make a huge difference to Matthew’s life.”

Richard Earle said: “I am absolutely delighted that substantial damages have been recovered on Matthew’s behalf, in what was an extremely complex case on the medical evidence where both Matthew’s lawyers and medical team had worked extremely hard to overcome the Defendant’s arguments on causation. This will improve the quality of Matthew’s life and provide protection for the future.”

Matthew was represented by James Badenoch QC and Dennis Matthews of Counsel.

About Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP:
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, we 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, personal injury and clinical negligence, public sector and tax.

Via EPR Network
More Law press releases

Information Portal on Alabama Bankruptcy Protection

Dionne & Dionne Law today announced an expanded service area to include Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and all surrounding areas. The firm also has expanded its recently launched information portal, www.BankruptcyLawyerInAlabama.com. The portal serves as a comprehensive source for Birmingham area consumers to find information about bankruptcy solutions and bankruptcy protection. It also offers consumers a way to speak directly with an attorney at the firm to discuss their case without obligation.

As previously announced, the portal includes bankruptcy FAQs on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Consumers can also download a free financial analysis form to use in determining the need for bankruptcy.

The web site will be an invaluable resource to Birmingham consumers in finding accessible information to address their bankruptcy questions and gain access to Birmingham bankruptcy lawyers for one-on-one advice.

Melinda Dionne of Dionne & Dionne stated, “By expanding into the Birmingham area we’re able to help more Alabama consumers who are in financial distress. Our goal is to put our nearly 40 years of combined experience to work for them. We specifically designed the resources at www.BankruptcyLawyerInAlabama.com to be simple, concise and to offer every consumer something of value.”

About Dionne & Dionne Law – Dionne & Dionne Law was founded in 1996 by husband/wife team Don and Melinda Dionne. Don and Melinda tout nearly 40 years of combined experience serving and advising consumers. The firm specializes in bankruptcy, family law, and estate planning services. The firm has offices in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Via EPR Network
Via EPR Financial News
More Financial press releases
More Law press releases