Category Archives: Criminal Justice

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

New Lawyer for the Alleged Ukrainian Child Porn Tycoon

Maksym Shynkarenko, who has been charged with 32 counts of advertising child “adult content” to child exploitation enterprise and money laundering, has retained the Bukh Law Firm, P.C. of New York as his criminal defense counsel in his upcoming trial. He was arrested in Thailand in 2009 and had been fighting extradition to the United States since that time. Mr. Shynkarenko was extradited from Thailand earlier this summer (June 2012) and was allowed by the court to have time to prepare for trial in the Federal Court.

The investigation of the 33-year-old Ukrainian and his alleged child pornography network by U.S. investigators has claimed 560 child pornography convictions across the country since it first began. Mr. Shynkarenko was indicted in New Jersey (case #2:2008-cr-00625) as that is where U.S. investigators first uncovered his alleged website on the computer of a New Jersey resident which was then shut down in 2005. The trial will take place in the U.S. District Court in that jurisdiction.

Mr. Shynkarenko is a native of Kharkov, Ukraine and the indictment has charged him as running a worldwide network of several child pornography sites with two co-conspirators, one from the Ukraine and one from Russia. While this is alleged to be a very profitable enterprise for all involved, Mr. Shynkarenko was granted the services of a public defender by the Judge at the time of his indictment. He is now represented by federal criminal defense attorney, Arkady Bukh.

At the time of the hearing after his extradition, the Associated Press reported that a spokesman for Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry stated that detectives had found absolutely no evidence that Mr. Shynkarenko had committed a crime and they are concerned about the “rights of our citizen”. The Shynkarenko family is very concerned and they do presume him innocent. Ukranian officials are quite concerned about this case as they feel that U.S. prosecutors have a poor reputation regarding the rights of their citizens. If convicted, Maksym Shynarenko could face up to 20 years in prison on each count.

U.S. District Court Judge William H. Walls has set the pre-trial conference in this case to March 26, 2013. The Bukh Law Firm, P.C. has several criminal defense attorneys experienced in the defense of this type of case in Federal Court.

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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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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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I rather be a dog

Any time soon, this young 24 yrs old Malaysian boy, convicted of drug trafficking, will be hang till death do him part by an unidentified Mr. Hangman in Changi Prison, Friday morning @ 6 am sharp.

If no one comes to his rescue soon, he’ll definitely and surely be under water very soon!

Supposing we see someone drowning like this, will we immediately dive in and rescue him from near death? Or will we ask questions first before we can help rescue him, questions like, “Who is he?”, “How come he’s in the water?”, “Did he fell into the water or was he pushed in?, “Is he rich or poor?”, “Where is he from? He looks like he’s not from this region.”, “Maybe he’s a ex-criminal wanting to commit suicide? Must have done a lot of bad thing in his life one la. That’s why this is call ‘retribution’ la. Ah… just let him drown la. He deserves it one la. Don’t care for him la. Just let him die la.”

Huh?

I don’t get it. People saved a dog but they won’t save a fellow human being from near death! Strange. So does that means that the dog’s life are more precious than human beings’ life?

If it is, than I rather be a dog then. At least I’m assured that I’ll be rescued and loved by human beings, unlike them human beings who weren’t rescue their own human beings. We dogs saves dogs you know.

Duh…

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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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Win A Chance To See British Superbikes For Free With Sorrymate.com At Motorcycle Live 2011

Motorcycle accident claims specialist Sorrymate.com will again be roaring into Birmingham’s NEC for the annual Motorcycle Live show, and repeating a competition it first staged last year which attracted hundreds of entries.

A daily prize will be offered to the person who wins the company’s ‘Guess the mileage on the rear tyre’ competition, with the winner each day going forward to a grand draw for a top prize of a weekend away at the British Superbikes round of their choice for the 2012 season.

Meet the Sorrymate.com team on Stand G451 at Motorcycle Live, where you can find out about how this specialist firm of solicitors – and keen bikers – helps many motorcyclists every year who are involved in accidents which were not their fault.

“We’re really looking forward to being back at Motorcycle Live, and promise that, along with the exciting arena shows and other attractions, we can offer people who come to see us sound advice should they ever need to make a motorbike accident claim,” said Sorrymate.com’s Paul Dutton.

“Even when they’re on their way to the NEC, some of those who attend may well experience someone pulling out of a junction or changing lanes in front of them, knowing that it could easily result in an accident,” he added.

“So while they’re here, they can come and talk to us about their experiences, and find out how we can help them in the event of them needing to make an accident claim.”

Sorrymate.com wants to make sure that every biker knows about their right to appoint a solicitor of their choice to represent them, with specialist knowledge of bikers’ needs. So the company will be giving away its valuable ‘smidsy’ cards, explaining this, which means that, should they need to make a claim, their case won’t be sold on to just any other company, but will be handled by experts.

Collect your free ‘smidsy’ card on stand G451 at Motorcycle Live telling you how you could save money, and at the same time get your name entered into the free draw to win tickets to one of the biggest get-togethers in the British biking calendar. It’s just another great reason not to miss the biggest bike show of the year.

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Sorrymate.com to Exhibit at Motorcycle Live 2011

Motorcycle accident claims group Sorrymate.com is set to return to the Motorcycle Live event this year, with an industry stand available for the duration of the show at the Birmingham NEC.

Motorcycle Live is an annual event that has taken place since 1981 and continues to draw in thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts every year. The show is set to run from 19-27 November 2011 and has something for everyone. You will be able to see some death defying motorcycle stunts performed by trained professionals at the Ramp’d Up show and get some hands on training at the Get On area if you are just taking up motorcycling or returning to it after a long while. Those interested in purchasing new bikes can try before they buy in the Test Ride Zone, and anyone wanting to have a go at off-road motorcycling can sign up for a Yamaha or Suzuki Off Road Experience.

The Sorrymate.com team will be available at the company’s exhibition stand in hall four during Motorcycle Live to answer any questions about motorbike accident claims.

Paul Dutton at Sorrymate.com said: “Motorcycle Live is going to be an amazing event, one of the best in 2011 for motorcycle enthusiasts in fact. While everyone is having a good time though, we just want to be there to lend a helping hand to anyone who has ever been involved in a bike crash accident claim with an unobservant car driver, which is still a huge problem on the UK’s roads.

“You can guarantee that many of the motorcyclists coming to Motorcycle Live will have had some experience of a car driver pulling out of a junction or changing lanes without looking, and all too often that can result in an accident. We want to help them with their accident claims, because we know how difficult it can be out on the roads – a lot of us at Sorrymate.com are motorcyclists ourselves.”

Sorrymate.com also represents motorcyclists involved in no collision accidents – crashes caused by diesel spills or pot holes- as well as industrial accidents in the workplace. To find out more about the services offered, go to the official website now.

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Be More Aware Of Winter Driving Hazards, Warns Solicitor

The numerous crashes earlier this week on the regions motorways has prompted a local personal injury claims solicitor to remind motorists that extra care is needed throughout the long winter days and nights.

“Throughout the autumn and winter months, the weather conditions, darker days and nights, spark a hike in the number of road traffic accidents throughout the UK,” said Mr Cuerden of PHC Law Ltd.

And he said that a “frightening” rise in personal injury claims is usually seen at this time of year, due to a variety of causes, including speeding, drink-driving, and driving carelessly.

Mr Cuerden said: “I would urge all drivers to slow down, abide by the law and stick to the speed limits on the side streets, in residential areas, as well as on main roads and motorways.

“Check your blind spots and always be aware of other road users around you, especially motorcyclists, pedestrians, the elderly and young children.

“Make sure you are alert at all times while driving, and take a break if at any point you feel tired. Don’t get behind the if you have had a drink too many. Drive carefully and consider other road users around you.

“It is easy to make assumptions that ‘it won’t happen to me’. Even the most experienced of motorists can become complacent.

“Drive carefully, and ensure you take care of your own well-being as well as for others.”

Mr Cuerden is the owner of PHC Law personal injury solicitors, based in Preston, Lancashire.

If you have been injured in a road traffic accident and would like more information about how Mr Cuerden and his team can help, visit www.phclaw.com or call 0800 612 7 612.

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Preston Solicitor Welcomes Tough Line From Justice Ministry in Rooting Out Rogue Accident Claim Firms

Preston Solicitor Welcomes Tough Line From Justice Ministry in Rooting Out Rogue Accident Claim Firms.

Ten times more accident claims handling specialists were forced to close for breaching the rules regulating their trade in 2010/11 than in the previous year, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has announced.

Licences were withdrawn from 349 firms in 12 months, compared to 35 the year before.

Some had been shut down for serious transgressions, such as fraud, and using misleading marketing and aggressive sales techniques, according to Kevin Rousell, from the Ministry’s claims management regulation unit.

And the tough line has been welcomed by Preston-based personal injury solicitor Craig Porter, of PHC Law.

He said: “It is disappointing to learn that there are so many companies who are in breach of the regulations on our business which are intended to safeguard the interests of our clients.

“We deal with many personal injury victims on a daily bases, and for some of these the consequences are very severe.

“The overriding objective of any reputable, genuine firm is to attend to the needs of the person who has sustained an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence.

“We therefore believe that action needs to be taken against companies which breach the rules and regulations of the MoJ.”

PHC Law receives most of its work through referrals and recommendations, and as Craig Porter points out: “What distinguishes personal injury solicitors like PHC Law from claims management companies is our experience, expertise, and our client care – but, most importantly, we, along with many other firms, are regulated to the most stringent of standards.”

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PHC Law Secures £9,000 Compensation For Ladder Fall Victim

A barman who fell from a ladder while taking down a promotional banner has secured £9,000 in damages for his injuries.

With the help of expert personal injury solicitors from Preston-based company PHC Law, the man won the settlement after negotiations which took place following the man issuing legal proceedings against his employer.

During those negotiations it emerged that the accident, in which the man broke his right heel bone, happened despite his immediate superior being stood at the bottom of the ladder at the time watching the work being done.

As he climbed down the ladder, the victim reached for the banner, but slipped and fell to the ground.

When the case was brought, his employers tried to reduce their liability by claiming that the man’s negligence had contributed to the accident, and that he was aware of the risk of an accident happening.

But his legal representative, John Cooper, successfully argued that the man had been simply following the instructions given by his supervisor, and the bar’s manager.

Mr Cooper said that the employer had been right to admit liability, and added: “It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the safety of their employees at all times and in this case, they were found to be negligent.

“The claimant’s employers were ultimately responsible for accessing, planning and ensuring that work being carried out done safely, using suitable safety wear and equipment.”

He concluded: “It has taken three years to settle, but both my client and I are very pleased with outcome.”

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PHC Law Recovers £400,000 Damages For Motorcycle Accident Victim

The Claimant suffered an exceptionally severe leg injury including compound fractures to the tibia and fibula extensive degloving together with damage to the right knee. In order to prevent infection in the lower leg a transplanted muscle from the Claimant’s back was made and attached to the leg. The result was an exceptionally deformed looking leg. The Claimant underwent a number of further procedures because the accident had caused associated injuries to the toes, tendons, ankle and knee. Only after the injuries had thoroughly settled and no other further surgery was contemplated did the Claimant undergo plastic surgery to reduce the cosmetic abnormality in his lower leg.

After a lengthy period of absence from work the Claimant returned to his pre-accident employment as an engineer and continued to be restricted in the hours of work which he could manage and the extent to which he could manage lifting and standing up at work.

He suffered psychologically as a result of the accident. He received therapy and improved significantly. His long held ambition was to join the Police Force. His prospects of doing this were eliminated by the injuries sustained in the accident.

Expert evidence was obtained from a range of medical experts including orthopaedic surgeon, plastic surgeon and consultant psychiatrist.

The Defendants made a number of inadequate offers as the matter progressed. Eventually settlement was achieved at a joint settlement meeting when the Claimant accepted the Defendants’ offer to pay a total of £400,000.00 damages inclusive of interim payments and CRU. Interim payments totalling nearly £60,000.00 had been made by the Defendant to the Claimant during the course of the action.

The Claimant who was very disturbed by the accident suffered a great deal emotionally and physically subsequently as he sought to come to terms with the gross cosmetic abnormality caused by the accident and a series of operations. He was distressed at his inability to make a full recovery and that his ambition of becoming a Police Officer had been permanently thwarted.

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PHC Law Recovers Over £500,000 Compensation For Accident At Work Claimant

PHC Law Recovers Over £500,000 Compensation For Accident At Work Claimant

The Claimant claimed damages for an accident which occurred on 6th December 2005 when he was 42-years old. He was required to move a completed lorry by means of a hand operated electrically powered “dead man truck”. His left foot/lower leg was trapped and crushed by the truck causing very serious injuries including compound fractures to the left tibia and fibula, a fracture dislocation of the ankle and a fracture of the calcaneum.

The Claimant has suffered a very serious injury and underwent three operations in quick succession his treatment involving external fixation and skin grafting. The Claimant did not make a good recovery and suffered multiple corrective operations – a total of 13 to date of settlement.

Although the Claimant attempted to return to his work as a motor engineer the effect of ongoing pain and disability made this impossible. He was unable to do manual work from a standing position and work involving weight bearing. He was equally unable to manage sedentary work due to swelling and increased pain caused by being seated.

Expert evidence was obtained from a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. The Defendants obtained orthopaedic evidence from two other specialists.

Settlement was necessarily delayed to enable a proper assessment of the full extent of the Claimant’s ongoing disability together with his future limitations on the labour market and domestically.

The matter was dealt with co-operatively throughout between the parties and the Claimant was voluntarily provided with interim payments by the Defendants.

The Defendants initially offered £110,000.00. This offer was rejected by the Claimant. The Defendants then offered £400,000.00 in January 2011 which was rejected by the Claimant. The Defendant subsequently reduced this offer to £380,000.00. Both parties wished to seek disposal of the claim by joint settlement meeting. As the date for the meeting approached the Defendants disclosed surveillance evidence which required most careful consideration by the Claimant and the Claimant’s legal advisors.

In the event the matter was settled by way of joint settlement meeting on 21st July 2011 for the total sum of £568,330.28. Settlement was inclusive of £49,000.00 interim payments and £19,330.28 payable to the Department of Work and Pensions in respect of refundable benefits.

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Preston Injury Solicitors Highlight Work Related Accidents Numbers In Lancashire

More people are injured in work related accidents in Lancashire than in any other areas throughout the North West, or the whole country, according to a new analysis of official data by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

Last year there over 10,000 injuries in the workplace were reported due to slips and trips, estimated to cost businesses a total of £521,000,000.

In so many cases, these types of accidents could easily be prevented if the correct action has been taken by the employer.

In Jan 2011, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) released a plea to employers to make health and safety a priority going forward.

According to the Health and Safety Executive, in 2010 more than 300 work related incidents occurred across the North West each week, an annual total of 16,385 people being injured or resulting in fatal accidents.

The HSE hope this figure will be a reminder to employers and staff to make their workplaces safer moving forward and drastically improve casualty rates.

In 2010 the Health and Safety Executive prosecuted North West firms for 100 breaches for health and safety legislation, taking action against hundreds of businesses by issuing them with Prohibition and Improvement Notices.

David Sowerby, Regional Director for the North West said:
“Behind these statistics are the real life stories of thousands of workers suffering injuries and ill health. Together with their families, they have to deal with real hardship, pain and suffering.

“The New Year is an opportune time to reflect on the number of incidents in the past 12 months, and to take positive action to improve conditions in workplaces. “The main causes of fatal incidents nationally remain falls from height and from workplace transport, with the highest numbers being found in the construction and agriculture sectors. For other injuries, slips and trips and incidents affecting the back and upper limbs are the most common cause.

“Most of these injuries are entirely preventable. We implore businesses to take practical action to manage the risks people face in their day-to-day work.” Britain boasts one of the best health and safety records in Europe but with 180 workplace deaths nationally last year, HSE says there is still much to be done.

Dr Sowerby added:

“Simple measures, including the assessment of workplace risks to identify improvements, and providing training and instruction to workers, can and do prevent many incidents. Involving the workforce in this process has been shown to have significant success.

“HSE works with a number of partners to provide free advice and guidance to those both carrying out and managing work. We want businesses and the self-employed to work with us to help reduce injuries and make the North West a safer and healthier place to work.

“Every employee has the right to return home from work safely and without their health affected and I hope all employers in the North West share that view and take steps to ensure that is the case.”

Many people who have suffered a work related injury go onto seek the legal advice and guidance from a personal injury solicitor about pursuing an accident at work claim.

Lancashire based personal injury firm, PHC Law Ltd, help thousands of people every year throughout the North West and the UK to recover from injuries they have sustained whilst at work, recovering millions of pounds in compensation.

A spokesman from PHC Law said: “If someone has suffered an accident at work within the past three years, they are entitled by law to seek the legal advice and guidance from a personal injury solicitor. It is their employer’s duty of care and responsibility to ensure the health and safety of their employees. Employers who are found to be in breach of this are breaking the law”

“In this climate, many people feel reluctant to pursue a claim for compensation, fearful of losing their jobs if they made a claim, or concerned about the financial loss they will suffer because they are unable to work”

“We help thousands of people throughout Preston, the North West and the UK, recovering compensation for the pain suffering and affect the injury has had on their day-to-day lifestyle and also access the compensation amounts they are entitled to for any financial loss they have suffered. Severe injuries can often be disabling, affected their future employment prospects and lifestyle. Not only do we set out to achieve the maximum amount of compensation they deserve, we also arrange for any medical rehabilitation they might require and access their financial circumstances, recovering compensation for any financial losses they have also suffered”

PHC Law Ltd are one of the UK’s leading ‘No win, No fee’ solicitors. For more information, please visit phclaw.com or call free on 0800 612 7 612.

Via EPR Network
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PHC Law Supports RoSPA’s Lighter Evening Campaign

RoSPA has been calling for many years for a move to a system called “Single/Double Summer time” (SDST), which would put the clocks one hour ahead of GMT in winder and two hours ahead of GMT throughout the summer months.

The campaign has been launched to improve road safety and the number of fatalities and people that are injured on the roads, being the key aim behind RoSPA’s campaign.

Research found a move to SDST could reduce road death by around 80 per cent every year and serious injuries by around 212 per year.

A spokesperson from PHC Law personal injury solicitors said:

“Our Road Traffic Accident Solicitors recover millions of pounds in compensation every year from people who have sustained a whiplash injury, been involved public transport accidents through to pedestrians and cyclists who have been involved in an accident”.

“The main benefit of SDST will help to protect not only motorists and pedestrians but vulnerable road users like children and the elderly, making them more visible to motorists”

“Children are often a high-risk in regards to road traffic accidents, they tend to go straight to school in a morning but often participate in after school activities, increasing their exposure to road dangers in the evenings. It is vital in any case for motorcyclists and pedestrians to ensure they can be seen and for motorists to watch their speed and be aware of vulnerable road users like pedestrians, children and the elderly at any time of the day or night”

“If SDST is enforced, hopefully this will drastically improve the amount of people who are involved in road traffic accidents each year, especially children”.

Tom Mularkley, RosPA chief executive said: “We need to keep the momentum behind this long-running campaign. In view of the reports published in 2009, plus casualty data, we will continue to call a change which, we believe, would save lives and reduce injuries.

“More pedestrians are killed and injured in the afternoon and early evening than in the morning. Therefore, by moving to SDST, vulnerable road users like children walking home from school would have an extra hour of daylight in which to make their journeys.

“It is time for the issue to come off the shelf and for the full implications to be considered.”

RoSPA recommends a trial is run for 2-3 years to provide objective, up-to-date evidence about the effects of SDST, also recommending that it would enable the public, industry and business sectors to experience the change for themselves.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Via EPR Network
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