Category Archives: Accidents

New online course deeps into the principles of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) activities

AMSTERDAM, 9-Dec-2020 — /EPR LAW NEWS/ — In December 2020, Social Links, in partnership with Corma.de – the German private investigative agency, is launching an Academy that explains the principles of OSINT activities. It expounds in detail the methods of extracting information from a very wide number of online sources and clarifies the principles of analyzing this information. The course constitutes a series of videos on the application of more than 900 Social Links Transforms for Maltego software – a widely used solution in the areas of law enforcement and cybersecurity. The online course is available by subscription and included in the package for customers who order Social Links Box, a full-fledged cyber security and threat intelligence unit solution.

Due to lockdowns and mass migration of people to the Internet, 2020 is officially recognized as the year of digitalization. This trend has also been picked up by companies that are increasingly resorting to the Internet not only as a communication tool, but also as the main source of open information, which they ultimately rely on in their business decisions. Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) – originally born as part of intelligence and homeland security, is a set of methods and tools for working with the analysis of open data. OSINT has always been fundamental in intelligence and business (up to 90% of the valuable information on which decision-making is based can be obtained through open sources). Today, the technology is successfully used by companies of various scales, allowing to reduce specific risks to almost 100%.

Corma.de Social Links academy is prepared by the head of the agency and the lead trainer of Corma – Jörn Weber. He spent many years working in the German police and retired with the rank of Kriminalhauptkommissar (Detective Chief Inspector). He and his team now support corporate security departments and brand protection teams from international clients with the successful execution of their investigations. Jörn Weber has been teaching OSINT technologies for many years and has gained vast practical experience, not only in the investigations themselves, but also in the transfer of his skills and knowledge. He devoted a significant place in the Social Links OSINT Academy courses to general approaches to working with data, analyzing real cases, and building an investigation strategy.

“For 6 years, we have been working with the leading OSINT specialists, platforms and clients, which allows us to use their knowledge and experience to develop Social Links services. Everything we do in one way or another is based on the experience of this collaboration and we understand the importance of proper automation of data collection and analysis processes more than anyone else. The only thing that no OSINT service can do is to teach an investigator’s way of thinking. Such a mindset coupled with the right tool is the key to successful investigations, so it is extremely important to get a theoretical basis from an experienced instructor, which is undoubtedly Joern Weber,” says Andrey Kulikov, CEO of Social Links.

The course is available by subscription and included in the package for customers who order Social Links Box, a full-fledged cyber security and threat intelligence unit solution.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Phil Wakefield of Snohomish Law Group Published in Quick Throttle Magazine

Everett, WA, 2018-Aug-07 — /EPR LAW NEWS/ — Phil Wakefield preeminent motorcycle accident lawyer in everett, wa is a contributor to Quick Throttle magazine, a magazine that focuses on all aspects of the motorcycle riding community. Established in 2001, Quick Throttle magazine now distributes nearly 150,000 copies per month, and Mr. Wakefield is proud to have shared his love of motorcycles and knowledge of motorcycle law for riders throughout the Northwest within several of these editions. If you’re interested in reading some of Mr. Wakefield’s work in Quick Throttle, check out the links below.

QUICK THROTTLE MAGAZINE WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PHIL WAKEFIELD August 2018, November 2010, August 2012, April 2016

Snohomish Law Group
3120 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201
Ph:425-444-4444
http: www.snohomishlawgroup.com

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Experienced Personal Injury Litigator Paul Jacobs Joins West Palm Beach Law Firm Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC

West Palm Beach, FL, October 06, 2014 — Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC (LLL&S) announces that personal injury litigator Paul Jacobs has joined the Firm. Jacobs will be based in the Firm’s Boca Raton office, focusing on growing its practice of Plaintiff personal injury in the areas of automobile injury, motorcycle and ATV injury, wrongful/accidental deaths, and insurance bad faith. Admitted to the Florida Bar in 1985, Jacobs is a member of both the Florida Bar and South Palm Beach County Bar Association.

According to LLL&S Managing Partner Gary Lesser, the Firm recruited Jacobs because of his successful 30-year successful track record in litigating personal injury cases, including over 20 years practicing law and being involved in the Boca Raton community. He joins LLL&S from Jacobs & Straus, P.A., a law firm he founded in Boca Raton in 1991 with his wife, Geri Sue Straus who he met while he and she were earning their Juris Doctorates at the University of Miami School of Law. Following a courageous battle she valiantly waged against cancer for several years, “Susie” passed away in 2013, and Jacobs began exploring both business and personal transitions.

“We pursued Paul because of his legal expertise, skills, and strategies,” said Lesser. “With Paul now as an integral part of our legal team, we look forward to growing our business, relationships and client service in South Palm Beach County.” He added that Jacobs will continue the Firm’s strong support for the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, the Adolf & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center and Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County.

Prior to founding Jacobs & Straus, P.A., Jacobs was a partner in the law firm Aronovitz & Jacobs, P.A., where he expanded the firm’s personal injury practice. After receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1985 from the University of Miami Law School and admittance to the Florida Bar, Paul began his law career as an associate attorney handling Plaintiff’s personal injury and medical malpractice cases. While in law school, Paul served as both a law clerk and bailiff in the 11th Judicial Circuit of Miami-Dade County for Judge Francis X. Knuck.

“When you lose a dynamic partner in life and business, it is a quite a daunting step to transition out from a family-owned practice, but the opportunity to join Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith is a welcomed, natural fit,” noted Jacobs. “We share the same core values and ethics, respect and love for the legal profession, and an unwavering commitment to advocacy and client service for those who are to be protected by the law.”

Paul was born and raised in New York, and he graduated from Ramapo High School in Spring Valley and attended State University of New York at Binghamton, where he majored in Political Science and graduated in 1977. As a long time Boca Raton resident and father of two children, Kirby and Sam, Paul spent many years active in coaching Boca youth league sports. He has served as the President of the Boca Tierra Homeowners Association since 1991, and he and his family are longtime members of Temple Beth El in Boca Raton.

Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC, the third oldest law firm in Palm Beach County, was established in 1927 by Joseph H. Lesser in West Palm Beach, and has been serving clients throughout Florida for over 85 years, focusing on serious personal injury and wrongful death cases. LLL&S (www.lesserlawfirm.com) enjoys a reputation in the community for superior legal skills, hard work, client service and high ethical standards. All Firm partners are /126″AV/126″ rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating in ethics and legal ability. LLL&S is active in the community, and has donated significant time and financial support to numerous charities. The Firm has obtained substantial settlements and verdicts over the years and is well known to insurance companies and insurance defense lawyers as skillful advocates. This experience and reputation allows the Firm to obtain the best possible results for its clients.

For more information on Paul Jacobs and LLL&S with offices in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Stuart, call Meghan Fielder at (561) 367-7799 or visit www.lesserlawfirm.com.

Contact-Details: Bonnie Kayr

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UK Personal Injury Law Sees a Calm Month after June Scrutiny

2013-07-15 — /EPRLawNews.com/ — Due to the nature of claiming for a personal injury, usually with the individual going against a business, it is always going to be a turbulent world, with legislation and law always having to keep up with the advancements in technology, professions and culture. The UK is no stranger to those twists and changes, and they can sometimes put the claimant in a position where they feel uncomfortable claiming for their personal injury, at work or otherwise.

Last month for example, there was media uproar about the amount of whiplash being made in the UK, with claimants coming under fire from a number of popular newspapers, saying that 50-60% of claims were fraudulent. According to Mail Online, fraudulent claims cost insurance companies £1bn ($1.51bn), blaming ‘American style claims’ for the increase in claim figures. On top of that, the attention came alongside changes to personal injury law. The interesting thing about these remarks is that the amount of car accidents has fallen by roughly 60,000 over the last year, understandably causing some confusion about the consistent level of claims.

Despite all this, the past two weeks have been a relatively quiet period in the UK. With no changes and little media attention, we are beginning to see a calmer season, yet that doesn’t mean it’s the last of scrutiny and change for the summer. As the temperature increases there is a higher amount of people on the road, workers that do their job outside are exposed to extra risks from the heat and the school break opening holiday season, meaning that we can probably expect some more attention before the end of August.

For the outside workers, the most common injuries are slips and fall that can end in minor breakages, so you would think that that becomes less in the dry summer, however, The heat can easily cause fatigue and dehydration, making people more likely to injure themselves.

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Bernard Walsh Gains AV® Preeminent Rating For Personal Injury Expertise and High Ethical Standards

The AV Preeminent® is a significant rating accomplishment – a testament to the fact that a lawyer’s peers rank him at the highest level of professional excellence. An extremely dedicated attorney, Bernard Walsh, was admitted into the Florida Bar Association in 1978 and has been actively serving the Florida justice system for 34 years.

Mr. Walsh obtained this AV Preeminent® rating by garnering the praise of his peers in an objective review by other bar members and judges. Reviewers rated Mr. Walsh on a number of factors including ethical standards and legal ability in the personal injury and wrongful death areas of practice.

Now a partner with the Florida personal injury law firm Shapiro Goldman Babboni & Walsh; Mr. Walsh has demonstrated his leadership in the Florida legal community by founding the Manasota Trial Lawyers Board, an organization of Southwest Florida’s prominent trial lawyers and by his years of service and successes in representing injured clients.

During the review process Mr. Walsh received praise from many Bar members. One such Attorney had this to say about Bernie Walsh, “I have known Mr. Walsh for many years and have defended cases brought by him. He is an excellent lawyer who cares deeply about his clients.” That reviewer rated Mr. Walsh 5 out of 5.

Another bar member remarked, “Definitely the “go to guy” for any questions regarding the practice of personal injury.” Comments like “I have known Mr. Walsh for many years and have defended cases brought by him. He is an excellent lawyer who cares deeply about his clients,” illustrated his worthiness to receive the rating of AV Preeminent®.

Attorney Bernard Walsh had this to say about his recognition by the AV Preeminent® rating “I am deeply honored by the comments of my fellow attorneys. It’s wonderful to have the years of hard work recognized. Receiving this honor helps my clients better understand the level of dedication and expertise we offer for their behalf.”

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Shoosmiths launches new Bereaved Service

Access Legal, the private client arm of top national law firm Shoosmiths LLP, has launched a new service for those recently bereaved that aims to provide a thoroughly professional, seamless, integrated and empathetic approach to the legal issues associated with a death.

Commenting on the new Bereaved Service launch, David Palmer, practice group head of Access Legal Private Client said: “Aligning our proposition to satisfy our clients’ need is key to how we differentiate ourselves. While other law firms simply list their products and services under categories and headings convenient for them, this new, integrated service addresses the complex and interconnected issues people have to face after a bereavement in a way they will appreciate and relate to.”

Presenting legal services in terms that are both understandable and accessible is nothing new for Access Legal. However, the new Bereaved Service is intended to grow into a comprehensive one-stop resource providing not just technical legal advice, but all the information, support and practical guidance needed in the aftermath of bereavement with absolutely no obligation to purchase or commission any of the services on offer.

National head of clinical negligence, Richard Follis, added: “The Bereaved Service does incorporate all the discrete areas of legal expertise that many other solicitors would offer, but what is new is the approach in providing those legal services together with other advice about benefits, official responsibilities and coping with the emotional impact of bereavement. To my knowledge, no other law firm has such a holistic, integrated proposition based on the needs of the bereaved rather than the convenience of lawyers.”

Follis maintains that the service has been shaped by the fact that bereavement is not a discrete or episodic experience. A death generates many onerous official tasks and obligations for surviving family and friends at what is an emotionally difficult time so the service aims to minimise the personal stress the recently bereaved must endure.

Practicalities may dictate legal expertise that could range from power of attorney prior to a death through to representation at an inquest, challenging a will, sorting out probate issues or seeking financial compensation immediately afterwards. However, Shoosmiths has also invested heavily in training the staff who will man a dedicated bereavement helpline to provide not just advice and assistance about legal issues, but also to understand the caller’s situation and give advice and guidance about the many issues that confront any recently bereaved person.

The helpline on 03700 864 570 is available seven days a week and lines are open Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm, Saturday 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm.

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Access Legal From Shoosmiths Announces Uplift On All Compensation Awards Next Year

Access Legal from Shoosmiths has announced that a decision handed down at the Court of Appeal recently means that people awarded damages in court for all personal injury claims will get 10% more compensation from next year.

A case handled by Shoosmiths’ private client arm Access Legal (Simmons vs Castle) was successfully taken to the Court of Appeal in February of this year and has been used by the Court of Appeal judges to set guidelines on the level of general damages at 10% higher than at the present time.

Access Legal’s client, Christopher Simmons, was riding his motorbike when the defendant carried out a U turn immediately in front of him, causing Mr Simmons to collide with the vehicle. He was knocked off his bike and thrown across the bonnet, suffering a traumatic rupture of the spleen and soft tissue injury to his knee. The personal injury solicitorssuccessfully won compensation amounting to more than £24,000.00 and if Mr Simmons should develop a long term disabling illness related to his injuries which causes significant ongoing loss of earnings, he can go back to the court for further compensation.

The proposed increase in damages is intended to ensure the reforms set out in the Legal Aid, Sentencing, and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 is a package to compensate for the loss of conditional fee agreements and after the event insurance when the rules come into force in April 2013. These new rules are based on the recommendations of a 2009 report produced by Sir Rupert Jackson (who sits in the Court of Appeal as Lord Justice Jackson) which proposed abolishing the no-win-no-fee Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) system where the claimant’s lawyers recover a ‘success fee’ to compensate for those cases that are not successful and where they cannot recover their costs.

Instead, from next year, the Act means that it’s the winning claimants who will have to pay the success fee (capped at 25%of the damages they are awarded). They will also no longer be able to recover premiums paid for After the Event insurance (taken out to cover having to pay the other side’s costs in the event they lose) from the defendant. This can be seen as a positive step against the background of the new rules which penalise deserving and genuine claimants on costs. At least the 10% uplift partially ameliorates the significant negative impact of the abolition of the claimant’s right to justice; however, claimants will still lose out.

Access Legal partner Rose Donoghue commented: “Although the 10% uplift on personal injury claims is a step in the right direction, we must not lose sight that the new rules may, because of the financial risks, deter those the individuals who have suffered serious injuries, from pursuing genuine claims.”

The package of measures introduced by the government to reform civil litigation costs emphasises why it’s now even more crucial that any solicitors appointed to represent a client in any personal injury claim is experienced, qualified and professional. No matter how credible and convincing the case may be, those involved are now exposed to a greater element of financial risk, so a solicitor who can give an accurate and realistic assessment of the chance of success based entirely on the merits of the case to ensure that any the damages due are retained is more important than ever.

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Law Offices of James Scott Farrin Announces ProductsThatHurt.com – a Website Dedicated to Informing Consumers about Defective Drugs and Medical Devices

The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is proud to present ProductsThatHurt.com – a website dedicated to informing consumers of the dangerous side effects and recalls of various defective drugs and medical devices in the United States.

ProductsThatHurt.com is hosted by the NC defective products lawyer team at the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin, and it provides information about recalls and the serious side effects of many dangerous drugs and medical devices –some that are still currently on the market. Visitors can stay current on the latest information about these dangerous drugs and medical devices through up-to-date blogs and can post comments and questions about their concerns.

ProductsThatHurt.com has been divided into distinct categories to make the website easier to navigate:

The site will feature frequently updated blogs about these categories and the various recalls of defective drugs and medical devices that affect consumers in North Carolina and throughout the United States. Through these blog posts and in-depth informative articles, readers can leave the website feeling better informed and updated about the various risks of dangerous drugs and medical devices that they may be taking or that may be suggested as a course of treatment by their doctors. Ultimately, the website will be a place for readers to educate themselves about recalls and potential dangers, while also providing them resources for getting legal help if they need it.

“There are many prescription drugs and medical devices on the market that are being promoted to help patients but that are actually proving to be quite harmful and to cause even more serious health problems in some cases,” said President James S. Farrin. “We want to give consumers the information they need about these defective products. We are also here to offer them the legal protection they may need if they feel that they have suffered serious side effects as a result of these dangerous products.”

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Avoid Jail Time For Your First And Possibly Even Your Second DUI

You certainly can avoid jail time for your first and possibly even your second DUI provided you are dead serious to go through the procedures set forth by the Sobriety Courts which often are also called Drug and Specialty Courts. These courts are a recent novel approach and have been set up to reduce DUI/DWI s by helping recovery of offenders instead of punishment, following being there main goals and objectives:

  • Reduction of drug and alcohol consumption.
  • Eliminating substance use.
  • Reduce the incidence of repeat drinking and driving offenses.
  • Reducing the recidivism of offenders.
  • Reduce the number of cases being scheduled for trial, and the length of time between the date of offense and the date of sentencing. Decrease case backlog.
  • Reduce incarceration in local jails. Diverting offenders from jail.

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

The process involves the following pertinent steps:

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

A Structured Sober Living facility plays a fundamental KEY role in the dynamics of Sobriety and Drug Courts . Most attorneys advise their clients to admit themselves in a sober home ahead of their first hearing. It is a no brainer of a strategy as it goes a long way to convince the court that you are serious about receiving help for your disease and never to get behind a wheel while under the influence of a mind altering substance. Sobriety Court Judges are not “itching” to send you to jail. They are well meaning individuals trying to keep you from hurting others or yourself. Period. Jail Sentence is their last resort. Your sincerity to help yourself will always prove to be your best advocate for keeping you from doing time.

Mandatory AA/NA meetings, random drug tests, living in a sober home are likely to apply. Reporting to the court, probation officer, being subjected to monitoring with a remote breathalyzer or ankle bracelet may or may not be part of the equation. Nonetheless, consider these “inconveniences” as a minor price for your freedom.

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

So, if you are seeking an economically viable and a court preferred defense option for a DUI or DWI, avoid jail and most importantly help yourself by remaining clean & sober call 734-846-0966 or visit www.soberooms.com for details. It may likely change your life for the better – forever.

View at www.youtube.com/watch?v=n54HRe3Gu7U

Points Of Interest:-
Low One Time Admission Fee of $300 with $495 monthly charges.

Ann Arbor ranks among the very top few “recovery friendly” cities in the United States.

Reputable Local IOP, Counseling and Therapy Services Available. Most Residents Qualify For A “Bridge Card” From The State For Free Groceries.

Structured Living LLC is a subsidized “giveback” personal initiative, financed and managed by A Grateful Recovering Alcoholic Serving Drug Treatment Centers nationwide. It is not State funded and does not accept any donations or contributions.

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Access Legal From Shoosmiths Wins Compensation For Former Prison Officer

Access Legal from Shoosmiths has reported a significant compensation win for a former prison officer diagnosed with mesothelioma.

The 63 year old, who was diagnosed with the fatal illness in June 2011, sought advice from Access Legal from Shoosmiths, concerned to ensure his wife would be adequately provided for in the event of his inevitable death. The Yorkshire man had worked for the prison service in the 1990’s up until the early 2000’s. It was during this period that he was exposed to asbestos when he was required to inspect the prison boiler houses, roofs and cellars which contained asbestos and were in a poor state of repair.

The prison authorities also arranged for asbestos removal in parts of the prison and, while the contractors actually carrying out the work took precautions, his employers did not make provision to ensure he was adequately protected during the times when he came into contact with the asbestos. Nor did they give him any training on the dangers of asbestos in the course of carrying out his normal duties to ensure the security of the prison, which inevitably required him to enter areas where removal work was being carried out. It was therefore while conducting his normal and expected work as a prison officer that he was exposed to the hazardous dust.

After receiving instructions from the client, Sara Hunt, Access Legal partner and asbestos specialist, began to assemble all the medical evidence required for the case. Mesothelioma is a malignant and sadly incurable illness. Once contracted, all medical intervention can hope to achieve is to relieve the symptoms and pain and marginally increase life expectancy. Mesothelioma can be caused by one single asbestos fibre and can take as long as 40-60 years before someone exposed to asbestos will develop the illness. Despite his pessimistic prognosis, the former prison officer insisted that Access Legal pursue the mesothelioma claim so that his wife would be adequately provided for.

Sara Hunt, partner and asbestos specialist commented: “Compensation can never replace someone’s good health but in this case we could at least ensure that his wife would be financially secure for the future which was our client’s main objective.”

On settlement Access Legal’s client said: “A heartfelt thanks from my wife and me for your attentiveness and professionalism. Thank you to you, your staff and colleagues in pursuit of my claim.”

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ClaimsHeaven.co.uk Online Game Highlights Issues with Personal Injury Claims Marketing

Entertaining online consumer siteClaimsHeaven.co.uk has added a new free online game that takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the personal injury compensation industry in the UK to their array of claims resources.

If you’ve ever wondered about the personal industry claims market, and whether those adverts promising massive payouts if you have “been injured in an accident at home, at work or on the road” actually encourage a culture where people see being injured as a chance to cash in, then ClaimsHeaven.co.uk has a lot of interesting information and resources that can explain the way this controversial industry works, and help those who need to make genuine compensation claims avoid being ripped off or seduced by the promises of unscrupulous companies.

The latest tool the site offers consumers is a new free online game called Train 2 Claim that “trains” the player to become a better personal injury claimant. It involves the player’s character walking down a typical street with manhole covers and loose paving slabs, and having the ability to move to avoid these potential trip hazards. If you step on them, you’ll fall over, getting more and more injured the more times it happens. When the timer is up, you go and visit a compensation claims company to see how you’ve done. You then get a chance to try again, helping you learn what you need to do to get a bigger payout!

The game, and the supporting information can be found at:

www.claimsheaven.co.uk/games/train2claim.php

As well as being entertaining, it is intended to illustrate the problems in the personal industry claims market in the UK right now, and highlight the methods companies use that could potentially persuade people to make claims. The site is all about supporting legitimate claimants and helping people to understand the pitfalls and scams that exist in the UK claims industry, and aims to present its information through insightful, fun and interesting methods like this game.

Train 2 Claim is free to play through any popular internet browser, and users don’t need to submit any personal details to get access to the game, or any of the other information or games and resources on the site.

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RJW Joins Forces With Slater & Gordon In The UK Following ABS Licence Approval

RJW has been acquired by Slater & Gordon – the world’s first publicly listed law firm – for £53.8 million (approximately $AUD80 million). The acquisition took place on 30 April 2012 following the approval of an Alternative Business Structures (ABS) licence by the UK Solicitors Regulation Authority. The law firm notified the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) of its ABS licence approval on the same day.

Slater & Gordon was amongst the first organisations to be granted an ABS licence by the UK regulatory authority.

RJW and Slater & Gordon and announced their plans to join forces and capitalise on changes in the UK legal landscape in January of 2012, following 12 months of negotiations and due diligence.

RJW Chief Executive Officer Neil Kinsella said his team knew that changes were required to stay “at the forefront of a changing legal landscape” and Slater & Gordon was the “perfect partner” law firm.

Mr Kinsella said: “This is an exciting new chapter in our history, and an important step towards us achieving our ambition to become the largest and most trusted brand for personal legal services in the UK.

“We are in the midst of a changing landscape in the UK and we want to be at the forefront of that change – both in a regulatory sense and in service delivery.

“One thing that will not change is our commitment to make access to justice available and affordable to all, because that’s a common goal that we share with Slater & Gordon and it’s one of the things that attracted us to them in the first place.”

Slater & Gordon Managing Director Andrew Grech said it was the optimum time to enter the UK market because of the changes in ownerships laws and impending changes to the personal injury sector.

Mr Grech said: “Firms which do not adapt will simply not be able to compete effectively over the long term.

“This partnership gives RJW security so that they can continue providing a first class legal service, but it also gives them the resources needed to develop and grow whilst retaining and attracting talented people in a way that would not have been possible otherwise.”

Mr Grech said Slater & Gordon would support its UK business to continue to grow and meet the needs and expectations of their clients into the future.

He continued: “We have jointly identified the opportunities that will come as a result of the changes in the UK market and have already benefited from sharing our knowledge.

“The potential to share technology and have greater resources to retain and attract additional talented people will underpin our future success.”

RJW equity partners have exchanged ownership of a traditional partnership for share-ownership in Slater & Gordon Ltd. The partners will hold Slater & Gordon shares for a minimum of four years. RJW has traded as ‘Russell, Jones & Walker part of Slater & Gordon Lawyers’ from Monday 30 April, 2012. The acquisition includes RJW’s Claims Direct brand.

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Access Legal From Shoosmiths Announces £10.8m Payout For 11-Year-Old Left Disabled From Birth

Access Legal from Shoosmiths has announced that Milly Evans, an 11-year-old-girl left severely disabled from birth, was awarded £10.8 million compensation.

The national law firm Access Legal and its team of medical negligence solicitors helped secure the amount – believed to be one of the largest ever in the UK – at a High Court hearing.

The injury to Milly happened during her birth at Lincoln County Hospital. Milly’s mother, Kate Evans, was already in established labour when she was admitted to hospital at 7pm on 1 March 2001. Her baby’s heart was initially monitored, but later heart rate monitoring was totally inadequate. By 10pm it was discovered that the baby had an abnormal heart rate and was suffering fetal distress.

Milly was born at 10.20pm and transferred to the neo-natal unit, where she underwent resuscitation and suffered a seizure. Mrs Evans said that if the baby’s heart had been properly monitored, the midwife would have spotted the fetal distress sooner and Milly would have been delivered earlier and not suffered catastrophic injury.

After many years, United Lincolnshire Hospital NHS Trust, which runs Lincoln County Hospital, eventually admitted liability for its mistakes, but national law firm Access Legal from Shoosmiths had to fight to secure adequate compensation for Milly.

Milly suffers from cerebral palsy and requires 24-hour care. In addition to being confined to a wheelchair, she is unable to speak and is dependent on others for all daily activities. Milly’s intellect has remained fairly well intact, and she communicates through an eye-gaze system.

Milly’s parents will use the money to pay for past and future full-time carers, plus ongoing treatment, education, special equipment, transport, and loss of future earnings. Additionally, the compensation amount takes into account general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity.

Mr and Mrs Evans have had to make many sacrifices for their daughter over the last 11years. Milly’s father, Andy, was an RAF Squadron Leader and a former member of the famous Red Arrows display team. He was not able to continue with his career as a consequence of Milly’s disabilities.

Milly will now be able to have a specially-adapted home featuring hoists and a hydrotherapy pool, and it will be big enough for Milly to access all rooms in her wheelchair.

Mrs Evans said: “We’ve all been through a very difficult time. The money will never make up for the mistake that condemned Milly to a lifetime of dependency on others. However, it will ensure that Milly is provided with full-time care and equipment throughout her life. We now want to build a loving and secure life for Milly in a new adapted home.”

Access Legal partner and medical negligence specialist Denise Stephens said: “Milly is an amazing girl, with a beautiful smile and a sense of humour. She requires round-the-clock care and attention, and will do so for the rest of her life. It was crucial, therefore, that we were able to secure a compensation award of this size to provide for Milly’s needs.”

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Access Legal from Shoosmiths announces that it will provide free wills for Marie Cure Cancer Care charity

Access Legal from Shoosmiths has announced that it will become the national free wills provider for end of life care charity Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Access Legal will support Marie Curie’s Free Wills Scheme by writing wills for anyone over the age of 55. The service will be provided with the hope that some people will include a gift in their wills to the Marie Curie Cancer Care charity; however, there is no obligation to do so.

In addition to Access Legal from Shoosmiths, other law firms and will-writing providers will continue to work for the charity as well.

Tevor George, Partner and Head of Access Legal’s Wills, Family and Wealth Team said: “We feel privileged and very proud to be associated with such a highly respected UK charity in this way.

“We’ll work closely with Marie Curie Cancer Care to ensure that both the charity and its supporters benefit from the free Will writing service our knowledgeable legal advisers are able to provide.

“This is a new and exciting relationship, and one we hope will last for many years to come.”

Marie Curie Cancer Care is dedicated to providing quality end of life care to patients and their family members. In addition to its home nursing service and nine hospices, it also supports terminally ill patients with more logistical advance care planning- often with the help of its partners. Advance care planning may include making advanced funeral arrangements, setting up an advance directive and writing a living will.

Access Legal is highly qualified to take on this charitable endeavour, as it devotes a large portion of its consumer services to wills, family and wealth. It offers legal advice on probate, making a will, contesting a will, inheritance tax and estate administration. The Access Legal website features will-related case studies, useful legal guides and an extensive FAQ section on wills and family law.

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PHC Law Helps Man Gain Compensation For Broken Ring Finger

Preston-based personal injury specialist company PHC Law has succeeded in recovering £3,250 in compensation for a man who trapped his ring finger in a window at his place of work.

When the window’s locking mechanism was found to be faulty, the man contacted PHC Law, and was advised by Mr John Cooper, a senior consultant solicitor at the firm, which specialises in personal injury law.

The incident resulted in the man sustaining a fractured finger, and when Mr Cooper contacted his employer to notify them of the claim, their insurers admitted liability due to the window’s defective mechanism.

Mr Cooper is a senior partner in PHC Law personal injury solicitors, based in Preston, Lancashire. He said: “We obtained a report from a consultant orthopaedic surgeon to assess the seriousness of the injury, and from this assessed the likelihood of being able to bring a successful injury claim using our many years’ experience, and this formed the basis of our submission.

“This case was similar to thousands every year, in which people suffer injuries in the course of their regular work through no fault of their own, and subsequently receive compensation for the injury and the distress caused, with help from dedicated and caring personal injury solicitors such as us,” he added.

If you have been injured in an accident at work and would like more information about how Mr Cooper and his team can help, visit www.phclaw.com or call 0800 612 7 612.

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PHC Law Recovers £2,750 Compensation For Supermarket Accident Victim

Well-known Preston-based personal injury solicitors PHC Law has recovered £2,750 for a women that was involved in an accident while shopping at a reputable supermarket, which resulted in injuries to her back and hip.

The woman had finished shopping at the supermarket and was getting ready to leave when she slipped and fell quite heavily, dropping her shopping and smashing four of the jars of jam she had purchased.

The supermarket instantly provided assistance to the woman and the incident was reported – it was discovered that she had slipped on a grape that have been left on the floor near the checkout. The store’s insurers later admitted liability.

When the woman decided to seek compensation for her accident she contacted PHC Law and her case was quickly passed on to senior consultant solicitor Mr John Cooper, who worked closely with her throughout the case.

“I am very pleased with the outcome of this case,” said Mr Cooper. “However, our client was very fortunate to have not suffered any serious injuries and has made a good recovery.

“Unfortunately accidents like this do happen, and I would urge anyone in this situation to get in touch and speak to a specialist personal injury solicitor to discuss their case”.

PHC Law was able to agree damages of £2,750 with the supermarket and the woman received one hundred per cent of the compensation, as the law firm always recoups legal fees from the other side. They also work on a no win no fee basis, ensuring all clients that come to them aren’t left with expensive fees should their claim be unsuccessful.

PHC Law specialises in a number of claim types, so whether you have been involved in an accident at work or have a personal injury claim you can contact the firm today to find out if you have a case for compensation.

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Factory Worker Gets £2k Payout With The Help Of PHC Law

A Polish migrant worker has been compensated after injuring his hand in a potato slicing machine at work.

The accident took place on December 10, 2010, while the man was operating a machine designed to shape potatoes for the catering industry. His role involved placing potatoes in the machine so they could be correctly cut, and then removing them. However, the machine became clogged with potato and then jammed, as it had done on numerous occasions.

The worker attempted to clear out the machine but it moved, trapping and injuring his hand. The man’s employer denied responsibility, but he decided to call on the services of personal injury solicitors PHC Law to find out if it was possible to claim compensation. Once the case came to court the worker was offered £2,270 by way of compensation.

Mr John Cooper, a senior consultant solicitor at PHC Law said: “This man was performing the same role as he had done many times before when the accident happened. And despite his employer refusing to accept responsibility, the company backed down and offered a financial settlement once PHC Law got involved and helped the man to take his case to court.

“This is yet another example of why it is vital that people who have suffered an accident at work should make sure they get in touch with a professional personal injury specialist. This man deserved to be compensated financially following the injuries he sustained and the team at PHC Law were pleased to be able to use their expertise to make sure this happened.”

Mr Cuerden, Managing Director of PHC Law added: “We’d urge anyone who has had an accident and sustained an injury in the last three years to contact to discover if they too could make a claim.”

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PHC Law Helps Worker Receive £100,000 Following Serious Injury At Work

A man who fell out of the back of a lorry and sustained a serious injury has received a £100,000 settlement.

The worker was being helped to load his lorry by a forklift truck driver who then left the area, before lowering the retractable steps at the rear of the vehicle. Without the steps the man had no safe way of getting to the ground and ended up falling off the back of the lorry. He sustained serious injuries to his right knee including damage to the tibia and the fibula.

The man called on Preston-based personal injury solicitors PHC Law to take on the case, which was accepted by senior consultant solicitor Mr John Cooper.

Mr Cooper said: “This was a particularly serious incident. While the man returned to his job, as a result of the injuries he sustained in the accident at work, he was unable to complete his normal duties without the assistance of a helper.

Orthopaedic evidence was obtained by both parties, and doctors agreed that this was a serious injury. Following proposals and counter proposals, the claim was settled at the total sum of £100,000.

Mr.Cuerden, Managing Director of PHC Law said: “We were happy with the outcome of this case, which should serve as a reminder to anyone that has sustained an injury at work, that they could well be entitled to compensation and damages. We’d urge anyone in this situation to get in touch so they can discuss their case with a specialist solicitor.”

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PHC Law Hails Court’s Decision To Compensate Injured Kitchen Worker

Preston-based personal injury solicitors PHC Law has backed a court’s decision to award a woman £2,000 in compensation after she was injured at work.

Mrs Wilkinson was working in a hospital kitchen using a portable, combined fridge and oven unit when the accident happened. As she attempted to close the door of the fridge, another door attached to the cooker opened, causing hot air to rush out of the appliance and catch her in the face.

Mrs Wilkinson suffered scalding to her face and neck and was forced to take three weeks off work as a result. Thankfully, despite receiving extremely painful injuries, she went on to make a full recovery and was not scarred during the accident at work.

Following the incident, Mrs Wilkinson decided not to suffer in silence and contacted PHC Law to discover whether she was entitled to make a claim. The professional team at PHC Law talked her through the whole process and agreed to take on the case on a no win, no fee basis. The company’s legal costs were recovered separately and Mrs Wilkinson was able to keep 100 per cent of her compensation.

John Cooper, a senior consultant of PHC Law said: “We’re delighted that Mrs Wilkinson has been suitably compensated following an accident that shouldn’t have been allowed to happen. Every employer in the UK has a duty of care to their workers, and must ensure that they are providing a safe and secure working environment.

“We would urge anyone who has been injured following an accident at work to get in touch with a member of the team at PHC Law, just like Mrs Wilkinson did, to see if they could be entitled to compensation.”

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PHC Law Win Production Worker’s Compensation Pay-Out Following Accident At Work

A client of the well-known personal injury solicitors PHC Law has received £2,700 in damages following an accident at work.

The Preston-based solicitors work with victims of road traffic accidents, accidents at work, personal injury and criminal injuries, awarding claimants the compensation they deserve following devastating accidents. The company works on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis and provides free injury claim assessments.

The claimant of PHC Law’s latest case worked on a production line where breakfast cereals were packaged. The accident occurred when he was struck in the face by a cereal box that had been rejected by the machine he was working on. The corner of the box caused a scratch to the surface of his eye, after which he was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was treated for his injury. As a result of the accident the man had to cover the injured eye with a pad for two weeks, in which time he was unable to attend work for a full six weeks.

Following the accident PHC Law contacted the man’s Consultant Eye Specialist and obtained a report detailing his recovery and confirming that there would be no long term damage caused to the injured eye.

The insurers admitted liability and damages were agreed at £2.700. All legal costs were recouped from the other side and, as per PHC Law’s ethos; the claimant received one hundred per cent of the compensation.

“We’re thrilled to have helped in winning this case for the man in question,” said Victoria Leah of PHC Law. “We believe that the compensation amount that has been awarded is suitable and are happy to have helped. At PHC Law we strive to recover compensation for victims and are pleased with the results of this case.”

To find out more about PHC Law visit www.phclaw.com today.

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