It’s traumatic enough to see a loved one in hospital particularly if they’re frail and elderly.
But it’s even more upsetting to then discover that because they’ve not received appropriate treatment, they’ve developed pressure sores – or bed sores as they’re also commonly known.
Sadly, this is an all too common occurrence. Read more
A recent BBC investigation reported on BBC Radio 4’s The World at One, has found that between 2009 to 2012, there have been 762 Never Events within England’s Hospitals. Never Events are defined as “serious, largely preventable patient safety incidents that should not occur if the available preventative measures have been implemented[1]”. Examples of Never Events include incidents where wrong body parts have been operated on or where foreign objects have been left inside a patient following surgery. Read more
It would seem that more and more of us are opting for a bit of help to slow the appearance of ageing.
The idea of growing old gracefully – wrinkles and all – seems alien to a growing number of Britons.
The cosmetic procedures industry is booming. It has undergone an estimated five-fold increase in turnover in a decade. This would be astounding at any time – but in the midst of a recession it’s even more astonishing. Read more
…we’re continuing to guarantee a quality, no win no fee service to clients.
There’s a lot of change going on in the legal profession at the moment. New laws, part of the so-called Jackson Reforms, affect how much of their costs a client can claim back from the other side and, consequently, whether or not a client can expect to keep all damages recovered on their behalf.
Most law firms are now looking at making a claimant pay them a percentage of any damages won to cover legal services and fees. Read more
By Sean Gordon, Senior Solicitor, Neil Hudgell Solicitors
Recent changes in the law* have affected the way that compensation claims operate for personal injury and medical negligence claims, particularly for those up to £25,000.
The changes mainly affect how much of their costs a client can claim back from the other side and, consequently, whether or not a client can expect to keep 100% of any damages recovered on their behalf.
Instead of keeping 100% of any damages won, a claimant may have to pay a percentage to their lawyer. To avoid this and to ensure there are no deductions from any compensation, and you keep 100% of any damages you win, there are five essential questions to ask a lawyer before you agree to let him or her handle your claim. Read more
Picture the scene; you’re joining a new dental practice, just before you go for your first appointment you search for your dentist on the General Dental Council. You find your dentist is registered and an address is there on screen to reassure you that all is above board and legitimate.
Well that’s ok then, right? If anything goes wrong, you have the reassurance that your dentist is registered with the General Dental Council and that offers you some protection. Read more
Stafford Hospital has graced the headlines for all the wrong reasons many times over the last few years. The Healthcare commission revealed a catalogue of errors and appalling standards that put patients at risk. The most basic elements of care were sadly neglected, calls for help to use the bathroom were ignored and patients were left lying in soiled bedding and sitting on commodes for hours. Some patients were left unwashed for up to a month. Food and drink was left out of reach of patients who had to rely on family members for assistance. Pain relief was provided late or not at all and patients were discharged inappropriately soon. Hygiene standards in particular were appalling with used dressings being left in public areas and families taking it upon themselves to clean toilets for fear of infection. Read more
The Government and insurers would have us believe (amongst other things) that whiplash is an epidemic, with fraudulent claims costing society millions of pounds each year.
Hand in hand, they are seeking to effectively remove legal representation from many of those who suffer from this often very painful condition as a result of an accident which was not their fault.
But what are the facts about whiplash ?
The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) have carried out their own research, with some very interesting results.
Take a look.
Neglect in care homes is something that we all worry about; from the point of view of our relatives who may have to live in a care home once they are unable to live independently and also from our own point of view as we get older.
The British population is aging as we all live longer. The provision of proper care is something which needs to be addressed. Unfortunately, whilst many care homes provide good care, there is still a minority where neglect and even abuse take place. Read more
Extreme Winter weather, and in particular snow and ice, is a nuisance for us all. As temperatures plummet, we’re often advised only to venture out if our journey is absolutely crucial. That’s all well and good, but the fact is that life can’t just come to a standstill because the roads and footpaths become more treacherous, and no matter how much care you take, the fact is that accidents are going to happen, and people are going to get injured.
So if you injure yourself like this, when can you claim compensation, and who can you claim against ? Read more
