Category Archives: Compensation

Cole & Van Note Announces Mon Health Data Breach Investigation

Oakland, California, USA, 2022-Mar-05 — /EPR LAW NEWS/ — Cole & Van Note, a leading consumer rights law firm, announces today its investigation of Monongalia Health System, Inc. on behalf of its consumers/clients, arising out the company’s recent data breach. According to the company, the private information of a massive number of people may have been stolen in the hacking of its information network. It is currently unknown how many people have had their information used for criminal purposes.

If you received a notice of this alarming data breach and/or have transacted in any way with Monongalia Health System, Inc., your information may already be in the hands of cybercriminals, making your urgent attention to this situation very important.

Cole & Van Note is ready to discuss your options and can be contacted at (510) 891-9800, by email at sec@colevannote.com or through its  website by clicking below:

Cole & Van Note has been successfully handling consumer and employee rights matters since 1992. The firm has recovered compensation for millions of individuals and stands ready to help you get paid for your losses.

Attorney Advertisement. Our previous results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome.

Full Name: Scott Cole
Organization Name: Cole & Van Note
Phone: (510) 891-9800
Email Address: sec@colevannote.com
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Cole & Van Note Announces Sedgwick CMS Data Breach Investigation

Oakland, California, USA, 2022-Mar-05 — /EPR LAW NEWS/ — Cole & Van Note, a leading consumer rights law firm, announces today its investigation of Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc on behalf of its consumers/clients, arising out the company’s recent data breach. According to the company, the private information of a massive number of people may have been stolen in the hacking of its information network. It is currently unknown how many people have had their information used for criminal purposes.

If you received a notice of this alarming data breach and/or have transacted in any way with Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc, your information may already be in the hands of cybercriminals, making your urgent attention to this situation very important.

Cole & Van Note is ready to discuss your options and can be contacted at (510) 891-9800, by email at sec@colevannote.com or through its  website by clicking below:

Cole & Van Note has been successfully handling consumer and employee rights matters since 1992. The firm has recovered compensation for millions of individuals and stands ready to help you get paid for your losses.

Attorney Advertisement. Our previous results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome.

Full Name: Scott Cole
Organization Name: Cole & Van Note
Phone: (510) 891-9800
Email Address: sec@colevannote.com
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Cole & Van Note Announces SAC Health System Data Breach Investigation

Oakland, California, USA, 2022-Mar-05 — /EPR LAW NEWS/ — Cole & Van Note, a leading consumer rights law firm, announces today its investigation of SAC Health System on behalf of its consumers/clients, arising out the company’s recent data breach. According to the company, the private information of a massive number of people may have been stolen in the hacking of its information network. It is currently unknown how many people have had their information used for criminal purposes.

If you received a notice of this alarming data breach and/or have transacted in any way with SAC Health System, your information may already be in the hands of cybercriminals, making your urgent attention to this situation very important.

Cole & Van Note is ready to discuss your options and can be contacted at (510) 891-9800, by email at sec@colevannote.com or through its  website by clicking below:

Cole & Van Note has been successfully handling consumer and employee rights matters since 1992. The firm has recovered compensation for millions of individuals and stands ready to help you get paid for your losses.

Attorney Advertisement. Our previous results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome.

Full Name: Scott Cole
Organization Name: Cole & Van Note
Phone: (510) 891-9800
Email Address: sec@colevannote.com
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Cole & Van Note Announces FPI Management Data Breach Investigation

Oakland, California, USA, 2022-Mar-05 — /EPR LAW NEWS/ — Cole & Van Note, a leading consumer rights law firm, announces today its investigation of FPI Management on behalf of its consumers/clients, arising out the company’s recent data breach. According to the company, the private information of a massive number of people may have been stolen in the hacking of its information network. It is currently unknown how many people have had their information used for criminal purposes.

If you received a notice of this alarming data breach and/or have transacted in any way with FPI Management, your information may already be in the hands of cybercriminals, making your urgent attention to this situation very important.

Cole & Van Note is ready to discuss your options and can be contacted at (510) 891-9800, by email at sec@colevannote.com or through its  website by clicking below:

Cole & Van Note has been successfully handling consumer and employee rights matters since 1992. The firm has recovered compensation for millions of individuals and stands ready to help you get paid for your losses.

Attorney Advertisement. Our previous results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome.

Full Name: Scott Cole
Organization Name: Cole & Van Note
Phone: (510) 891-9800
Email Address: sec@colevannote.com
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Cole & Van Note Announces Logan Health Medical Center Data Breach Investigation

Oakland, CA, USA, 2022-Mar-03 — /EPR LAW NEWS/ — Cole & Van Note, a leading consumer rights law firm, announces today its investigation of Logan Health Medical Center on behalf of its consumers/clients, arising out the company’s recent data breach. According to the company, the private information of a massive number of people may have been stolen in the hacking of its information network. It is currently unknown how many people have had their information used for criminal purposes.

If you received a notice of this alarming data breach and/or have transacted in any way with , Logan Health Medical Center your information may already be in the hands of cybercriminals, making your urgent attention to this situation very important.

Cole & Van Note is ready to discuss your options and can be contacted at (510) 891-9800, by email at sec@colevannote.com or through its  website by clicking below:

Cole & Van Note has been successfully handling consumer and employee rights matters since 1992. The firm has recovered compensation for millions of individuals and stands ready to help you get paid for your losses.

Attorney Advertisement. Our previous results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome.

Full Name: Scott Cole
Organization Name: Cole & Van Note
Phone: (510) 891-9800
Email Address: sec@colevannote.com
Facebook Page
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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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Dental Law Partnership Client Wins £24,000 for Dentist’s Negligence in Missing Tooth Decay and Damaged Sinus

A Dental Law Partnership client has received £24,000 in dental compensation after inadequate care resulted in untreated decay, lost teeth and sinus damage.

The client, a 39 year old woman from the South of England, won the sum in an out of court settlement after losing 3 teeth and suffering a damaged sinus following substandard treatment from her dentist. She was also forced to endure repeated dental treatment.

Between 2002 and 2008, she visited the dentist regularly, with routine checkups, scale and polishes or fillings, carried out every six months. But after fitting a crown to one of the woman’s upper teeth, she suffered a lot of pain which was so bad it kept her up at night. It was so bad, in fact, that just one month later the adjacent tooth had to be removed.

During this extraction procedure, the dentist damaged the crowned tooth and the crown came off. But that wasn’t all, because whilst removing the roots from the tooth socket, a fragment of the tooth root became lodged in the patient’s sinus.

This caused such excruciating pain that after a few days, the woman was forced to attend her local A&E. She was also worried that her nose was running constantly. An X-Ray proved that the tooth root lodged in her nose was causing constant discharge. The hospital referred her to a specialist to have the misplaced root extracted.

But whilst attending this procedure she was informed of the untreated tooth decay of 3 of her teeth. At this point she decided to change dentist and began an extensive treatment plan to fix the problem.

The original dentist’s failure to provide adequate care to the decaying teeth meant that the patient lost two teeth and was certain to lose another in the future. All will require painful implant treatment in the future. Further decay on other teeth had to be treated with fillings. She discovered that her original dentist had failed to properly assess the extracted tooth prior to carrying out the procedure. If he had carried this assessment out she would have avoided the treatment of the tooth fragment within her sinus.

While her dentist refused to admit or deny liability, the Dental Law Partnership were able to claim £24,000 for their client in an out of court settlement. Speaking after the decision she said: “I am very pleased with the outcome, I never thought I would have to sue my dentist but at least I have redress for the dental problems I suffered”.

The Dental Law Partnership provides specialist legal services to the victims of dental complaints, and they are the market leaders in the field. As the UK’s only specialist dental law practitioners, the Dental Law Partnership can help victims to seek dental compensation for the damages suffered.

Their specialist team is made up of experienced solicitors and dentists, providing unique expertise and insight. Patients who believe they have a right to compensation for poor dental work, can find out quickly if they have grounds for a claim and get the help they need to put things right.

For more information, visit http://www.dentallaw.co.uk or call 0800 0853 823 to speak to an advisor.

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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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Leading Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Law Firm Duffy & Duffy, PLLC Announces New Attorney

Duffy & Duffy, PLLC (www.duffyduffylaw.com) a leading law firm dedicated to medical malpractice and personal injury practice today announces the hiring of Melissa Eggers.

Melissa Eggers is an associate at Duffy & Duffy, PLLC. Ms. Eggers recently joined the firm after serving over a decade as a prosecutor for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office. Ms. Eggers gathered years of daily litigation experience that included daily courtroom appearances, over 200 Grand Jury presentations and numerous trials on both the misdemeanor and felony levels. Her career at the District Attorney’s office included prosecuting perpetrators of domestic violence, violent felony crimes including robberies, assault, conspiracy to commit murder, as well as complex white-collar crimes. Of these economic type cases, she has prosecuted cases involving criminals who conducted a multi-million dollar a Ponzi scheme; identity theft and employee embezzlements. Ms. Eggers brings her courtroom and trial experience to the firm and advocates for the clients of Duffy & Duffy, PLLC to seek justice on their behalf.

Ms. Eggers graduated from Florida State University in 1999 with a B.A. in Criminology and a minor in Business. She attended Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center where she earned her J.D. in 2002. She is admitted to practice in New York and Florida.

At Duffy & Duffy, PLLC we believe that curing medical malpractice starts with patient safety. That’s why the members of our law firm work to not only bring justice for each individual client we represent, but always with this larger idea in sight.

No guesswork. Just facts.

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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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Family Solicitors Gregory Abrams Davidson Offer Advice on Divorce Proceedings

When a relationship breaks down, particularly a marriage, it can be a distressing time for everyone involved, from the two parties who are separating to their children and other family members. If you are considering filing for divorce, it can be difficult to know where to start.

If the decision to separate is an amicable one that has been taken and accepted by both parties, then the can usually be resolved fairly quickly, or a trained mediator can be brought in to help iron out minor problems for some families. However, in most divorce cases, it is necessary to take the matter to court.

The law can provide a framework for couples to resolve their differences, and help them to make important decisions such as the custody of any children involved, financial affairs, and how to distribute shared assets between the two parties.

The future security of you and your family are of the utmost importance, and every effort should be made by the court and your team of solicitors to ensure that your needs and views are taken into account throughout the proceedings.

Of course, divorce is not the only legal matter that can affect your family. Other cases relating to couples and family relationships include cohabitation disputes, pre-nuptial agreements and family business disputes. All of these family law cases can be handled by the family law solicitors at Gregory Abrams Davidson.

With offices in London and Liverpool, Gregory Abrams Davidson LLP is a national firm of solicitors with over two decades’ experience of dealing with divorce proceedings and other family disputes. Their team of family law solicitors will handle your case in a sympathetic yet positive manner, ensuring that your case runs as smoothly as possible, with minimum distress and disruption to the lives of you and your family.

Find out more information about Gregory Abrams Davidson, and how to get in touch, by visiting the GAD website at http://www.gadllp.co.uk/, and one of their specialist family law solicitors will be able to advise you on how to proceed with your case.

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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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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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