Claims

Twitter boast by hit and run driver alerts police

Twitter boast by hit and run driver alerts police

Police are investigated a claim that a woman knocked a cyclist off his bicycle on the strength of a bizarre tweet the driver herself made after the accident. The tweet, by... Read more

£1.37m compensation for inflatable ring accident

A teenager who was told she might never walk again after an inflatable ring accident has been awarded £1.37million compensation. Rebecca Coles was in an inflatable ring being pulled by a... Read more

750 medically negligent events in NHS

There have been 750 overtly negligent incidents in the NHS over the last 4 years according to a recent BBC investigation. Described as "never events" - events that should never happen... Read more

Pothole claims up but compensation down

Motorists throughout Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK are all too familiar with the damage that potholes can cause to their cars. Few drivers who have to pay to... Read more

Compensation win for employee exposed to asbestos

A 58-year-old man who was diagnosed with the terminal asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma in January 2011 has won his claim for compensation against two former employers. Lawrence Coles was first exposed to... Read more

Twice as many NI road deaths in 2013

The number of deaths as a result of road traffic accidents in Northern Ireland in 2013 is currently double the amount over the same period in 2012. There have been 17... Read more

Accident that resulted in lost arm was preventable

A work accident that resulted in an employee of a recycling company losing his arm has been described as "easily preventable" by a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector. In March... Read more

NI Health Dept paid £116m in negligence compensation

The Northern Ireland Department of Health has paid out negligence compensation totalling £116million over the last five years according to a new report by Stormont's Public Accounts Committee. The report raises... Read more

Man who called 999 sued by policewoman

A petrol station owner in Norfolk who thought his premises was being burgled call 999, which he was to later regret when he received a solicitors letter advising he was... Read more

Gov to tackle young driver accident rates

A meeting between transport ministers and representatives of the insurance industry took place yesterday, with the express purpose of considering how to tackle the high rate of road traffic accidents... Read more

1 in 3 company cars involved in a road accident

Road traffic accidents involving employees driving as part of their work are the biggest cause of accidental deaths in the 'workplace', and employers are being urged to do more to... Read more

Council pays £800k in work accident claims

It has been revealed that East Sussex County Council has paid out £800,000 worth of compensation to employees over the last five years, including some rather bizarre injuries. Some of the... Read more

£10k fine for asbestos breach at Belfast hospital

The Belfast Health Trust has been ordered to pay a fine of £10,000 in respect of three health and safety breaches at Belfast City hospital, involving improper management of asbestos... Read more

£116m negligence claims bill for NI health

The Northern Ireland Department of Health has paid out medical negligence compensation totalling £116million over the last 5 years, according to a new report by the Comptroller and Auditor General... Read more

55 NI negligence claims ongoing for 15-27 yrs

Families in Northern Ireland have been waiting for as long as 27 years to find out the result of their medical negligence cases. The large number of long-running clinical negligence cases... Read more

Belfast Trust pleads guilty to asbestos charges

The Belfast Trust has admitted that it failed to alert sub-contractors about the presence of asbestos at Belfast City Hospital before they began work, and also pleaded guilty to failing... Read more

Belfast dentist faces 46 counts of malpractice

A dentist working at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital is facing 46 counts of malpractice in a London hearing, including claims that he misdiagnosed 15 patients who it was later discovered... Read more

Compensation for dental patient left brain damaged

An unnamed man has been awarded £1million dental negligence compensation after his heart stopped beating during a tooth extraction. The man, now aged 22, was 6 years old when he went... Read more

Claim spinal condition confused with back pain

A woman has lodged a claim for medical compensation as she believes that doctors negligently confused a serious spinal injury that she was suffering from with back pain. In May 2011... Read more

Survey reveals bad driving in icy conditions

A new survey has revealed the bad driving habits in winter conditions that result in so many road traffic accidents at this time of the year. Released by road safety charity... Read more

NI road traffic accident deaths at record low

There were 48 fatalities as a result of road traffic accidents in Northern Ireland in 2012 - the lowest number since records began, and a decrease of 11 from 2011. Commenting... Read more

Gardener loses lawn-mowing compensation claim

A man has lost his bid for compensation for noise induced deafness, which he claims resulted from years of using lawnmowers, chainsaws and other noisy tools while working as a... Read more

NI thalidomide victims await compensation news

The thalidomide drug prescribed for morning sickness proved to be the worst drug disaster in the world, with 10,000 babies born with disfigurements including missing or deformed arms and legs. The... Read more

Postman wins compensation after fall

Postman Patrick Bitton, aged 65, has won a £3,600 compensation payout after he fell on a metal manhole while on his round on a wet day, fracturing his left ankle... Read more

£2.35m compensation for man left brain damaged

A businessman who was left brain damaged and requiring round the clock care as a result of an error made in his medical treatment has been awarded £2.35million compensation as... Read more

NI firms fined over arm loss work accident

Two Northern Ireland companies have been fined by Belfast Crown Court for breaches of health and safety regulations after a work accident involving a mixer resulted in an employee losing... Read more

Hospital trust botched 4 surgeries in 1 month

Action is being taken against a hospital trust that botched 4 surgeries in 1 month, including operating on the wrong patient, leaving instruments in two patients, and operating on the... Read more

£23m compensation for teenager in car crash

Compensation totalling £23million is to be paid out to a teenager that was left paralysed after a road traffic accident that caused the death of her mother. The car crash occurred... Read more

Employee hospitalised on first day of job

A 40 year old man was left unconscious in hospital for 2 weeks after a work accident on his first day of a new job. The man was working for Quick... Read more

Newtownabbey Council defends work accident rate

The council for the Newtownabbey Borough of Northern Ireland has defended the high level of compensation paid to employees injured in work accidents. It was revealed that the council paid out... Read more

Ulster rugby fan wins fall compensation claim

A Belfast man has been awarded £37,000 in compensation after a fall at Ravenhill Stadium that resulted in damaged ankle ligaments and chipped bone in his foot.Mr Rae, aged 41,... Read more

NI health negligence compensation to reach £250m

The Northern Ireland Department of Health has paid out compensation totalling £116million over the last five years in respect of clinical and social care negligence. There are also estimated to be... Read more

Compensation payout for carpenter with mesothelioma

A carpenter who has been diagnosed with the terminal lung disease mesothelioma has won a large compensation payout from his council employers of 3 years. Michael Brandon worked for North Herts... Read more

£10m compensation pay-out for brain damaged man

Stepping Hill Hospital is expected to pay out a total of £10million in medical negligence compensation to a man who was left brain damaged when his parents took him to... Read more

Councils pay over £100k in bullying compensation

Local Councils throughout Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK paid out £109,000 to pupils injured by bullies at school last year. The total compensation was paid out to just... Read more

Company fined for worker asbestos exposure

A business has been fined £28,000 and ordered to pay £22,631 in legal costs after sub-contractors were unwittingly exposed to asbestos. Reading University contracted Gardner Mechanical Services Ltd (GMS)to carry out... Read more

Northern Ireland company fined after work accident

A Northern Ireland company has been given a fine of £8,000 after an accident at work that resulted in an employee having his arm amputated. Justin Guiney, aged 20, was carrying... Read more

NI campaign tackles road traffic accidents

A new road safety campaign in Northern Ireland highlights that 95% of fatal crashes involve human error, and should not be called 'accidents'. The graphic television advertisement being used in the... Read more

Increase in complaints against NI doctors

Complaints against doctors in Northern Ireland to the General Medical Council (GMC) rose by 20 per cent last year. There were 119 complaints in total made to the GMC about doctors... Read more

5 per cent of prescriptions incorrect

A new report by the General Medical Council suggests that 5 per cent of all drug prescriptions contain an error, such as the dosage prescribed, or the instructions for the... Read more

US dentist reused needles for 12 years

In one of the most alarming cases of professional negligence involving a dentist, Dr Stephen Stein is said to have reused dirty syringes and IV's on patients for 12 years,... Read more

Council claims include 'bad fitting uniform'

A council in England paid out £5,500 compensation to an employee who suffered a spinal injury as a result of a 'poorly fitting uniform'. Details of compensation claims made against Northamptonshire... Read more

Cashier wins compensation after back injury

Mary Deller, aged 29, is said to be receiving £18,500 compensation from her employers after suffering a back injury while lifting bags of heavy coins. Ms Deller was employed by Natwest... Read more

Builder seeks compensation after sholder op

Builder Neil Brunton, aged 39, is seeking medical negligence compensation of £100,000 after a poorly executed shoulder operation. A consultant orthopaedic surgeon at the Queen's Hospital in Burton carried out corrective... Read more

Asbestos risk after Ballymena laundry fire

Residents in the immediate vicinity of a disused laundry in Ballymena have been advised of an asbestos risk after a fire at the building On Tuesday afternoon. Thirty homes were evacuated... Read more

Widow sues for £250k asbestos compensation

The widow of a man who died from asbestos related cancer after 39 years of exposure working as a shipwright and draughtsman is suing the Ministry of Defence for £250,000... Read more

Teacher loses welly boot throw compensation claim

In follow up to our news story on 19th July, we can confirm that teacher Glennroy Blair-Ford has lost his accident compensation claim for £5m damages. Click here to read the... Read more

£5m compensation claim by welly throwing teacher

A 45 year old teacher is claiming personal injury compensation of £5million after being left paralysed from the neck down during a pupil activity holiday. Glennroy Blair-Ford was invited to take... Read more

HSE to investigate work accident at NI firm

The Health and Safety Executive have confirmed that they are investigating a work accident that occurred in Linwoods food company in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. A 29 year old male employee... Read more

The role of facebook in compensation claims cases

A solicitors firm in Australia is advising its' clients that they could jeopardise their compensation claims by putting photos of themselves engaged in sport or other physical activity on Facebook... Read more

Compensation claim win after gym accident

A woman who was thrown from her bicycle during a spin-cycle class has been successful in her claim for compensation against the gymnasium. Charlotte Brown was at her regular spin-cycle class... Read more

£6m compensation for medication prescription error

A patient with mental health problems has been awarded £6.2million medical negligence compensation after a mistake in the medicine he was prescribed resulted in him being left profoundly brain damaged. Christopher... Read more

Compensation appeal win for woman struck by police car

Rebecca Ann Smith has won an appeal for compensation after suffering brain damage when struck by a police car while crossing the street in February 2005. Ms Smith had lost a... Read more

2860 women with PIP implants referred to NHS

Nearly 3,000 women who had PIP breast implants fitted have been referred to the NHS in England according to figures released by the government. The implants were manufactured by French company... Read more

£75k compensation payout for fall in cafe

An unnamed pensioner who tripped on a door-mat at the entrance of a cafe in Swindon has been awarded £75,000 in compensation. The woman knocked over several tables as she fell... Read more

PIP breast implant founder arrested

The founder of Poly Implant Prothese (PIP), Jean-Claude Mas, has been arrested at his home in France. It is believed he has been detained as part of a judicial investigation... Read more

Asda worker wins broken egg slip compensation claim

A 65 year old woman who slipped on a broken egg and suffered a serious back injury while working in Asda in 2007 has won her claim for compensation. The work... Read more

Increase in NI road traffic accident deaths

There was an increase in the number of people who died in road traffic accidents in Northern Ireland in 2011, with 59 deaths compared 55 the previous year. Environment Minister Alex... Read more

Santa's negligence results in compensation claim

A seventy-three year old women who tripped and fell at a Santa's grotto is to receive compensation after she required major surgery to insert a plate and screws to repair... Read more

Compensation claim win for golfer hit by ball

Golfer Rachel David is to receive personal injury compensation in the amount of £7,500 after she was struck in the face by a golf ball while walking along a footpath... Read more

Belfast bus crash victims lodge injury claims

A question posed in the Northern Ireland assembly has revealed that 26 of the 35 passengers who were in a Belfast bus when it overturned have lodged personal injury claims. The... Read more

Negligence claims against one surgeon reach £1m

Medical negligence claims against Yorkshire surgeon Manjit Bhamra have resulted in compensation payouts totalling just over £1million, and is likely to rise as there are 3 more claims pending and... Read more

Compensation paid to victim of school bully

A thirteen year old boy has been awarded an undisclosed four figure sum of compensation for an incident of bullying which required him to have hospital treatment for arm and... Read more

Widow to bring claim against texting driver

The husband of a woman who was run over and killed by a driver who was texting at the time is to bring a road traffic compensation claim against the... Read more

Pressure group rejects compensation culture claim

The Access to Justice Action Group (AJAG) have rejected the claims of the Association of British Insurers' (ABI) that there is a compensation culture that needs to be tackled with... Read more

Half a million compensation for NI school kids

Figures released to the Belfast Telegraph reveal that school children in Northern Ireland have received a total of £570,120 in compensation claim payouts since 2008. Most claims were made against the... Read more

Paramedic left disabled after botched brain op

Former Paramedic, John Tunney, now needs 24-hour case after the wrong part of his brain was removed in an operation that turned out not to be necessary in the first... Read more

Building owner fined for improper asbestos removal

An attempt to save money on asbestos removal during a property refurbishment in Birmingham has resulted in both the property owner, project manager and a general builder being fined by... Read more

Disability discrimination claim settled out of court

Belfast wheelchair user, Nicola Nesbitt, has reached an out of court settlement with Value Cabs after bringing a disability discrimination case against them. Ms Nesbitt had brought the claims against Value... Read more

Cyclist injured in hit-and-run seeks compensation

Cyclist, Peter Vaughan, injured in a hit-and-run accident while on holiday in Ireland is now seeking compensation after the repentant driver sent him a letter confessing to driving the car... Read more

Patient wins medical negligence claim

A woman who was scheduled to undergo a routine operation almost lost her life in Methley Park private hospital in Yorkshire, England, and has successfully won a compensation claim for... Read more

Amputee's compensation money added to divorce pot

A ruling by the Appeal Court could have a significant impact on how financial settlements in a divorce are calculated where one of the spouses has previously won a compensation... Read more

Cyclist wins £2.5m compensation claim

A cyclist who was injured in a road traffic accident has won a compensation claim against the company which was carrying out road works without properly advising or protecting the... Read more

Glass factory fined over work accident

Pilkington UK Ltd, a glass manufacturing firm in Lancashire, has been fined £20,000 and ordered to pay court costs of £5,646 after two employees suffered serious personal injury in a... Read more

£9k claim award in NI employee discrimination case

An employee of a Laura Ashley store in Northern Ireland has been awarded £9,520 in compensation by the industrial tribunal which found that she had suffered discrimination by her employer... Read more

£1m claim for chip shop work accident

Fifty-six year old chip shop employee Sylvia Cheung is to claim for £1million compensation after a work accident caused damaged to her spinal column which may leave her requiring a... Read more

£6m damages for negligent facelift surgery

Penny Johnson has been awarded a compensation payout of £6million by the High Court for damage and loss of earnings resulting from negligent facelift surgery she received in 2003. She brought... Read more

Road Traffic accidents: Rear-end bumps increase

New research by insurance company Admiral has revealed an increase in the number of rear-end bumps, which made up 27% of all road traffic accident claims received by the company... Read more

Solicitors urge holidaymakers to be cautious

Tanya Waterworth and Lenore Rice of Wilson Nesbitt solicitors in Northern Ireland have urged their clients going on holiday to exercise caution. There has been an increase in the... Read more

Shorts fined over fatal employee accident

Northern Ireland company, Short Brothers PLC, has been fined £80,000 for breaches of health and safety after an employee was killed in a work accident. Employee John Halliday Frazer died at... Read more

Asbestos claim against Mars and Nestle

Mars and Nestle are being sued by electrician Charles Parker, aged 66, for the sum of £200,000. Mr Parker claims that the negligence of the companies resulted in him contracting... Read more

No-win no-fee solicitor clients unhappy with payouts

A new survey carried out by market researchers consumerintelligence.com has found that 28% of clients who used no-win no-fee solicitors were unhappy with the outcomes of their cases, and that... Read more

459k for teacher injured by pupil waving ruler

The biggest payout of compensation to teachers last year was an award of £459,000 to a teacher in London who was injured while restraining a nine-year-old pupil threatening classmates with... Read more

Woman brain damaged after 2hr wait for ambulance

Caren Paterson of Islington suffered brain damage after waiting two hours for an ambulance to arrive in response to an emergency call. Ms Paterson's boyfriend called emergency services three times... Read more

Ruling leaves trustees open to negligence claims

A ruling by the Court of Appeal has questioned the long established reliance on a principle of case law by trustees to undo any actions which brought about unforeseen or... Read more

Council gardener wins carpal tunnel syndrome compensation

Fifty one year old Andrew Bowler has been awarded £60,000 compensation after developing carpal tunnel syndrome from working with vibrating tools on a daily basis for nearly thirty years as... Read more

Employers want protection against speculative claims

New research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has revealed that the majority of employers (69%) feel they don't have "effective protection .. against wholly unjustifiable [tribunal]... Read more

Barrister wins discrimination claim against PSNI

Dolores Creen, a female barrister who was asked to act on behalf of the PSNI in a public inquiry, has received a £70,000 settlement after she brought a claim of... Read more

Woman wins £160k medical negligence claim

Joanne Connolly has been awarded £160,000 by the High Court after a nine year medical negligence claim battle against Western Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland. Mrs Connolly is... Read more

Contaminated blood victim fights for compensation

A woman who was one of 5,000 people infected with Hepatitis C after receiving contaminated blood as part of the "worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS" is... Read more

Man given wrong medicine twice slips into coma

Raymond Johnston, aged 49, was given incorrect medical care on two separate visits to the Chesterfield hospital, causing him to slip into a coma in both occasions. Mr Johnston went to... Read more

Work accident leaves man in a Coma

Plasterer Carl Major was left in a coma for two months after sustaining serious head injuries in a work accident. Mr Major fell three metres onto a concrete floor and was... Read more

Workers to receive hearing loss compensation

Insurers for truck manufacturing company, Foden Trucks, have agreed that workers at the plant suffering hearing problems during their employment should receive compensation. Prior to the company ceasing manufacturing in... Read more

Mobility scooter death highlights need for laws

A 90 year old woman died from leg injuries sustained when she was knocked down on the pavement by the driver of a mobility scooter in Sandown on the Isle... Read more

Woman to sue over faulty DePuy hip implant

Charlotte Bird from Eye, in Suffolk, has begun a clam for compensation against Johnson and Johnson, the multi-national pharmaceutical company, after requiring painful corrective surgery to repair damage caused by... Read more

NHS early patient discharge costs millions in claims

According to the Express newspaper, the NHS has successfully been sued for a total of £22.5million in compensation over the last 8 years as a result of patients suffering serious... Read more

Nurse wins claim after lifting obese man's leg

Former nurse Linda Andrew, aged 56, has won compensation damages in the amount of £107,246 after suffering lower back injuries from lifting a 22-stone patient's leg. The resulting pain forced... Read more

Farm worker electrocuted in work accident

Waldersley Farms Limited, a major potato producer in England, has been fined £10,000 after an employee from Northern Ireland was electrocuted in a work accident. The worker, David McMullan, suffered... Read more

Northern Ireland road accident deaths halved

The number of deaths in Northern Ireland as a result of fatal road traffic accidents has decreased by 50% since 2009, and could soon be at its lowest level since... Read more

Belfast car accident victim wins £1million claim

A journalist who suffered significant brain and head injuries when a car hit him as he crossed the road in Newtownabbey, a suburb north of Belfast, has been awarded £1.125milion... Read more

Noisy classroom earns teacher £156k compensation

Joyce Walters, a teacher of English for Speakers of Other languages (ESOL) in London, has received a compensation award of £156,000 after developing vocal chord nodules from constantly having to... Read more

Unite vow to fight for fair asbestos compensation

Trade Union Unite have vowed to continue the fight for fair compensation for mesothelioma sufferers in the Supreme Court, after a recent Court of Appeal ruling effectively meant that many... Read more

Clamp down on No-win No-fee for claims

Please note: The no win, no fee system is illegal in Northern Ireland and solicitors here cannot deal with cases on that basis. Justice Secretary, Ken Clarke, has said that the... Read more

Botched kidney transplant left donor requiring kidney

A pharmaceutical industry executive who wanted to donate one of his kidneys to his sick father is to sue Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust for £14million after the surgeon made a... Read more

Car accident claim record broken 3 times in 6 months

The UK claim settlement record for an injury suffered as a result of a road traffic accident has been broken three times in the last six months. On March 25th of... Read more

First Choice sued over nightmare holiday

Holiday firm, First Choice, is being sued for damages by just under 300 holidaymakers who suffered "nightmare" stays at the Royal Park Hotel in Bulgaria between the months of June... Read more

Council payout over lord mayor's failed tomato jump

Lorraine Mallon, a Belfast City Council worker, has agreed a settlement of just over £24,000 after being injured by the then lord mayor, Jim Rodgers, during a failed publicity stunt. Ms... Read more

Ten children a week make injury claims against schools

A survey of local councils has revealed that almost £2.25million has been paid to pupils who were injured in classroom or playground accidents in 2009.  On average ten claims were... Read more

Compensation win for paint mixing employee

Eric Drummond, a 'paint mixer' from South Yorkshire, has successfully brought a claim against his employers for personal injuries suffered and for loss of earnings as a result of breathing... Read more

£100,000 compensation sought by pushed cyclist

Derek Hill, a 64 year old former Tour de France marshall, is seeking compensation in the amount of £100,000 for injuries sustained after being deliberately pushed by a passenger in... Read more

Courts report increase in personal injury claims

A Sweet & Maxwell study of the latest available figures shows that there was a 32% increase in the number of personal injury claims filed in the High Court between... Read more

Wilson Nesbitt successful claims settlements

The following are a few examples of the successful claims settlements negotiated by the private litigation department of Wilson Nesbitt solicitors. A Vibration White Finger case has been successfully settled by... Read more

Company fined by HSE after work accident death

SITA UK Ltd, a recycling company, has been issued a fine of £210,000 by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) follow man's accident at work resulting in his death. Lorry driver,... Read more

?1.25million for motorcyclist injured in road traffic accident

Stuart Bridge, aged 53, has been awarded a lump sum of £1.25million and periodical payments of £57,000 a year by the High Court after being knocked off his motorbike by... Read more

Neighbour right of way row costs pensioner ?50,000 in legal fees

The 73 year old pensioner, Keith Wall, has incurred a legal bill of £50,000 after an eight year dispute about a right of way to his double garage was decided... Read more

Company fined after employees suffer from dermatitis

A company in Bristol has been fined a total of £100,00 and ordered to pay £30,000 costs for breaching The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. They were also found... Read more

Man has fall in court in front of 10 injury claims lawyers

It sounds like the intro to yet another solicitor joke, or the plot of a TV comedy show, but one man's fall could not have been scripted to be any... Read more

Record ?11million compensation for car crash victim

The highest personal injury compensation amount in British history has been awarded to the victim of a car crash who was left paralysed. The settlement was reached just hours before... Read more

Wilson Nesbitt secures ?425,000 settlement for client in work accident

Wilson Nesbitt has recently settled a case for a client, hereafter referred to as Mr A, in relation to an employer’s liability action. Mr A was injured in... Read more

?2.25million compensation for paralysed car crash victim

A man who was left paralysed after a car crash which claimed the life of his friend has been awarded £2.25m compensation. Anthony Nathaniel Bennett, a 26 year old labourer and... Read more

APIL attacks government over bereavement damages

The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) has criticised the government for not extending the list of people who can claim for bereavement damages under the Fatal Accidents Act. The... Read more

Easyjet owner to sue Ryanair boss over "libellous" ad

Easyjet owner Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou has instructed lawyers to serve a writ on the chief executive of Ryanair Michael O'Leary, saying "It was about time someone was willing to spend... Read more

Increase in claims due to pothole damage

Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK continues to count the cost of the freezing conditions that so effected the economy over the last months; this time in the... Read more

Claims department's successful settlements in Dec 2009

Our Claims Department successfully handles claims worth thousands of pounds every day. The following are just a few of the many successful claims Wilson Nesbitt have concluded for their clients... Read more

Barn fire serves as reminder of danger of asbestos in old buildings

A large barn fire in Bedfordshire on 1st December provides a stark warning to the dangers of asbestos found in old buildings. 40 firefighters were called in to tackle the... Read more

?3million compensation award for injuries caused at birth

Helen Walker has been awarded compensation of £3million to be paid in lifelong periodic payments for injuries caused to her when she was born 37 years ago at Birmingham Women's... Read more

HSE announces health and safety changes

Businesses and solicitors in Northern Ireland may want to take note of new changes that have been introduced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in a bid to reduce... Read more

Damage to property leaves family distraught

A family in Northern Ireland may resort to seeking the services of a solicitor to push for compensation after their property was damaged by a bulldozer demolishing an adjacent building.Despite... Read more

NI police in compensation claims

In news that may be of interest to solicitors in Northern Ireland, police officers in the region stand to receive close to £90 million in compensation related to firearms.According to... Read more

Solicitors 'must stay with clients who reject advice'

The high court has ruled that solicitors must still represent clients who reject their advice, according to Solicitors Journal.Environmental lawyer Richard Buxton told the Solicitors Journal he may appeal against... Read more

Alternative model 'could speed up disputes'

An alternative model for resolving disputes could see the process speeded up considerably, it has been suggested. According to a draft consultation document, professionals should be fully trained and accredited... Read more

Government reveals further equality details

The government has revealed more details of the controversial equality bill, including what will not be covered under the legislation.As well as providing additional protection for those facing age discrimination... Read more

Tribunal risk for accent discrimination employers

Employers in Northern Ireland who discriminate against job applicants with certain accents are at risk of facing tribunals, it has been revealed.A survey carried out by a firm of solicitors... Read more

Lack of health insurance for older workers 'could lead to claims'

Employers in Northern Ireland failing to provide health insurance for older workers when they offer it to younger employees could be at risk of age discrimination claims.According to Personnel Today,... Read more

Neighbours' DIY errors cost £173m

Some 594,960 Britons have their properties damaged by a neighbour's home improvements every year, adding up to a total of £173 million, according to Halifax Home Insurance.And in one-in-three cases... Read more

Fraudsters target movers

While people in Belfast and Northern Ireland have enough trouble affording their new home, they could find themselves having to contact solicitors for a whole range of issues if they... Read more

Nuclear workers risk heart health

While solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland may be used to dealing with clients who have developed cancer from working with nuclear materials, there may be an even larger type... Read more

Employee litigation 'biggest business risk'

Businesses in Belfast and Northern Ireland could find that their biggest risk of financial loss may come if an employee contacts their solicitors following poor treatment, experts say.According to Hiscox,... Read more

Nuclear workers risk heart health

While solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland may be used to dealing with clients who have developed cancer from working with nuclear materials, there may be an even larger type... Read more

Employee litigation 'biggest business risk'

Businesses in Belfast and Northern Ireland could find that their biggest risk of financial loss may come if an employee contacts their solicitors following poor treatment, experts say.According to Hiscox,... Read more

Domestic violence 'not being tackled'

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland are seeing no let-up in cases of domestic violence in the province and now the government has been criticised for failing to protect females.While... Read more

Domestic violence 'not being tackled'

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland are seeing no let-up in cases of domestic violence in the province and now the government has been criticised for failing to protect females.While... Read more

No quality seal on NI garages

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland are more likely to see clients trying to take garages to court for poor workmanship than their British colleagues, as none of them are... Read more

NI warned of wintery roads

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland should be on alert for clients claiming for unexpected road traffic accidents after forecasters have predicted a change in the weather.While solicitors are unlikely... Read more

No quality seal on NI garages

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland are more likely to see clients trying to take garages to court for poor workmanship than their British colleagues, as none of them are... Read more

Solicitors see more RSI

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland are seeing more claims against employers for repetitive strain injury (RSI), statistics show.Of the work-related injuries that solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland see,... Read more

Racist attacks have risen

Solicitors in Northern Ireland are likely to have seen more criminal injury cases in which the victims are Polish after a spate of attacks in Killycomaine.Although many Polish immigrants have... Read more

Landmark suicide case in court

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland will have been keeping a close eye on a landmark case where a company has been blamed for an employee suicide, according to Workplace... Read more

Agency employees could be more protected

Solicitors could see more temporary workers coming to them for help after the government is considering extending the rights of agency workers in Belfast and Northern Ireland.Although some employers in... Read more

Tradesmen 'ignorant' of asbestos hazard

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland could see more cases of asbestos-related illnesses caused by work in the future as research has shown a stark lack of knowledge about the... Read more

£76m medical negligence bill

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland have secured almost £76 million in compensation for victims of medical negligence in the province over the past five years.According to the BBC, details... Read more

Employers 'must consider back pain'

Employers in Belfast and Northern Ireland should consider reviewing the problem of work-related back pain if they do not want to be taken to court by solicitors if an employee... Read more

Ageist bosses could face £45m bill

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland are being increasingly called on to mediate in cases of age discrimination.Yet experts warn that employers in Belfast and Northern Ireland could end up... Read more

Hazard industries 'must tackle safety'

Solicitors could be called in if major hazard businesses in Belfast and Northern Ireland do not tighten up safety measures to reduce the risk of accidents.The Health & Safety Executive... Read more

Schoolchildren to study human rights

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland could see the next generation of clients particularly well-informed about the law after a new initiative has been launched to teach schoolchildren about their... Read more

Charity fined after voicemail sacking

Solicitors in Northern Ireland have secured nearly £35,000 in compensation from a charity after two women were unfairly dismissed from their jobs, with one of the ladies fired via voicemail.Marilyn... Read more

NI contractor fined for serious negligence

Contractors in Belfast and Northern Ireland have been sent a stern message to take health and safety regulations seriously after a court ordered a hefty fine for a breach in... Read more

Firefighter attacks drop

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland have seen the number of firefighters claiming damages for criminal injuries fall over the last year, after the number of attacks on fire crews... Read more

Fine increased for negligent nightclub

Solicitors for Belfast City Council have ensured that a nightclub which was negligent about Northern Ireland's safety laws has been duly penalised. Originally solicitors managed to convince a Northern Ireland... Read more

Solicitors could secure more compensation

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland will be able to secure more money in compensation for people treated unfairly at works thanks to updated guidelines.Under the Employment Rights (Increase of... Read more

Brides in favour of contracts for bridesmaids

While solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland are well versed in dissolving marriages where one partner has breached the contract, soon lawyers could see bridesmaids penalised for failing to fulfil... Read more

ECJ backs mother in landmark discrimination case

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland could see a surge in a new type of claim after the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has backed a working mother's claims against... Read more

Motorbike victim turns to the Lords

After solicitors for a Belfast girl have failed to secure her compensation from Northern Ireland's court system, the teenager wants to appeal to the House of Lords for help.The girl,... Read more

Minister admits to contractor slur

Solicitors in Northern Ireland have secured damages for a contractor after SDLP minister Thomas Burns admitted he had libelled the firm.Not only did solicitors win damages for Eastwood, but also... Read more

More workers 'happy in their jobs'

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland could see fewer claims for people being badly treated at work, as studies show that employers seem to be increasingly concerned with being fair... Read more

Snow set to hit Belfast

Solicitors in Northern Ireland should be prepared for a rise in road traffic accident claims after wintery weather is set to cause hazardous driving conditions, with snow expected in Belfast.Some... Read more

Care workers injured in attack

Solicitors in Northern Ireland could become involved in more criminal injury cases involving young offenders if care workers do not deal with the problems in juvenile halls.According to the Belfast... Read more

Vital for NI employers to be savvy

Vital for NI employers to be savvySolicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland are likely to see a great deal of claims regarding unfairness at work if employers do not figure... Read more

Rise of the superbug

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland may have to deal with more medical negligence cases after a superbug has reached levels not previously seen in the province.While solicitors in Belfast... Read more

Jury members 'are not peasants'

A solicitor has spoken out for all of the profession in Belfast and Northern Ireland by voicing concerns that juries are sometimes treated like idiots.In Belfast's Court of Appeal a... Read more

Catholic case is settled

Solicitors in Northern Ireland have managed to secure damages for two employees sacked from a Belfast hotel because they were Catholic.Riccardo Cafolla and Stephen Mooney called their solicitors after they... Read more

Drink-driving levels up over Christmas

It is likely that solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland saw a rise in cases of road traffic accidents in the New Year after the number of people drink-driving in... Read more

Potholes cost a third of a million

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland have secured nearly a third of a million pounds in compensation for victims of potholes on the province's roads over the last three years.Drivers... Read more

Attacks on emergency crews soar

Solicitors who deal with criminal injuries in Belfast and Northern Ireland have seen more of their clients involved in cases where members of the emergency services have been harmed after... Read more

Freedom of the press challenged

Solicitors in Northern Ireland and the rest of the western world will be paying close attention to an appeal case which could have massive implications on the freedom of the... Read more

Silver car case continues

Solicitors in Northern Ireland have been hearing new medical evidence in the case where a woman claims that she was pursued by a man in a silver car, who deliberately... Read more

Line managers 'need employment education'

Solicitors who are recruited to assist in employment tribunals in Belfast and Northern Ireland may find that line managers are most often the cause of complaint among employees, a new... Read more

NI school insists hair rule is legal

Solicitors in Northern Ireland have asked for a judge presiding in Belfast to back up its legal right to suspend a pupil whose hair was too long for school rules.The... Read more

NI rugby fan wins libel damages

Solicitors in Northern Ireland have won libel compensation for an Ulster rugby fan after newspapers claimed he had fought with Toulouse lock Trevor Brennan at a match in January 2007.Patrick... Read more

First NI age discrimination case won

Solicitors have helped to secure compensation for a man in the first ever age discrimination case ever seen in Belfast and Northern Ireland.Terence McCoy, from Newtownards, contacted solicitors after he... Read more

No compensation for bike victim

Solicitors in Northern Ireland have failed to win compensation from the Motor Insurers' Bureau for the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Belfast because of a legal loophole.An unnamed teenage... Read more

Unison lodges 33,000 claims in New Year

Unison has already launched 33,000 equal pay claims to begin its New Year campaign, meaning that solicitors in Britain and Northern Ireland are likely to be very busy in 2008.According... Read more

Cyclist awarded compensation

Solicitors have secured over half a million pounds in compensation for a Canadian cyclist who was injured in a road traffic accident in Northern Ireland.Martine Samray was injured in an... Read more

Education boards in massive legal payout

The Department of Education and Northern Ireland's five education boards spent a massive amount on legal disputes last year, new figures show. According to the Belfast Telegraph, disregarding solicitors' fees,... Read more

Weather causes dangerous driving conditions

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland have been put on alert for road traffic accidents, as the weather in the province causes treacherous driving conditions.Although careful drivers should remain safe... Read more

Family questions hospital over mother's fractures

Northern Ireland solicitors have accompanied the family of a pensioner to a hospital to ask how she sustained 34 fractures that were found after she died.On the first anniversary of... Read more

NI road deaths fall to 60-year low

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland had to deal with fewer cases of road deaths than at any time during the past 60 years.Only 112 people died on the roads... Read more

£3.5m for PSNI crashes

Solicitors in Belfast and the rest of Northern Ireland have secured nearly £3.5 million in compensation for road accidents caused by the police over the past five years.The Police Service... Read more

NI considers jail for chatty drivers

Solicitors in Northern Ireland could see the number of cases of road traffic accidents fall if motorists in the province are put off using their mobile phone while driving by... Read more

Blind friends awarded £1,000 after being turned away from restaurant

A court has awarded compensation of £1,000 after two blind people were not admitted to a restaurant. Upon arriving at the Imperial City Chinese restaurant in Belfast Jamie Coady and... Read more

Disfigured man wins nightclub compensation

Solicitors in Northern Ireland have secured £2,500 in compensation for a disfigured man who was forced to leave a Belfast nightclub because of the way he looked.Raymond Crowe, who has... Read more

Vet sued over lame horse

Two equestrians from Northern Ireland have contacted their solicitors after they claim a vet breached her contract over a lame horse. Northern Ireland's event rider Jayne Doherty and her husband... Read more

Tougher penalties for bad employers

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland should see fewer claims from employees after a new employment bill has been published to ensure bosses are fairer.Even if businesses do exploit or... Read more

Drink driving charges fall

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland may have to deal with fewer cases of road traffic accidents where the accused has been intoxicated, after the number of drink drivers caught... Read more

HSE warns landlords on gas

Landlords in Belfast and Northern Ireland may have to call in solicitors if they do not heed the latest warning on gas appliances from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).People... Read more

Businesses 'should document everything' to avoid claims

Solicitors in Belfast and Northern Ireland may be able to defend more businesses against professional negligence claims if only firms documented all the advice they give.Northern Ireland solicitors are best... Read more

Death toll on NI roads hits 100

It seems that the number of road traffic accidents that solicitors in Northern Ireland have to deal with will not be reduced after underinvestment on the province's roads was revealed.Regional... Read more

Haircut case could set precedent

A legal case that solicitors in Northern Ireland are currently dealing with involving a haircut could set a legal precedent, it has been claimed. George Stranaghan has recruited solicitors for... Read more

Ageism 'affects young as well as old'

New research has found that solicitors in Northern Ireland and Britain could see an increase in cases relating to ageism brought by young people in the near future. A recent... Read more

Extreme team building brought to an end

Companies are set to be forced to end their extreme team bonding sessions with the introduction of new legislation into Britain and Northern Ireland. Solicitors could see claims being brought... Read more

NI motorists warned over driving behaviour

Motorists in Northern Ireland have been told that they need to take a look at their own driving behaviour. Northern Ireland environment minister, Arlene Foster, has called on drivers to... Read more

Work-related RSI cases 'overblown'

Solicitors in Northern Ireland and Britain are seeing far more cases of work-related repetitive strain injury (RSI) coming through their doors than may be necessary, it has been claimed. Cases... Read more

PSNI pays out £9.5m in compensation

Solicitors in Northern Ireland have had to deal with eliciting more compensation from the police force per resident than anywhere else in the UK excluding London.According to the Times, solicitors... Read more

Belfast council in tomato damages

A member of staff at Belfast City Council has visited Northern Ireland solicitors in order to make a case against her employer for an unusual work-related injury.According to Sunday Life,... Read more

Social worker wins damages after 'threat'

Solicitors of a social worker who was sacked after threatening a teenager have secured damages in Northern Ireland courts.Laurence O'Connor was sacked from a church-run hostel after allegedly threatening a... Read more

Haircut case to reach court

Solicitors in Northern Ireland are helping a family take a school to Belfast's High Court over a haircut.According to the Belfast Telegraph, George Stranaghan is taking Ballyclare High School to... Read more

Cameras to catch red light roadhogs

Solicitors in Belfast could see fewer people claiming compensation for road traffic accidents if a new scheme of cameras to catch drivers who jump red lights has the desired effect.Northern... Read more

Subbies owed thousands by haulage firm

Northern Ireland solicitors may see an increasing number of sub-contractors coming to them for legal advice after Reid Transport has gone into administration, owing them tens of thousands of pounds.The... Read more

Work-related road accidents hidden

Solicitors in Northern Ireland may be ignorant as to the number of road traffic accidents which involve drivers who were working at the time if they listen to the police,... Read more

HSE warns on silicosis risk

Solicitors in Northern Ireland could see fewer claimants seeking compensation for silicosis if quarrying companies heed the warnings of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). While such cases are rare... Read more

TV presenter secures damages

Belfast solicitors have secured compensation from BBC Northern Ireland for the corporation's former presenter George Jones after libellous remarks were broadcast about him.Mr Jones sought the help of solicitors as... Read more

Half of NI motorists drink and drive

The number of road traffic accident victims that solicitors in Northern Ireland must assist could be increased by the fact that nearly half of all Ulster motorists admit to have... Read more

Government pays up on asbestos claims

The government's Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has finally agreed payment for workers suffering from asbestos in Britain and related diseases after over a year and a half of pressure... Read more

NI journos falter in libel case

Solicitors have successfully defended a former Irish justice minister from libel accusations from two Northern Ireland journalists in the High Court in Belfast.In a turnaround from normal proceedings, two journalists... Read more

Fire crews to get fair deal?

Solicitors in Northern Ireland may see fewer fire fighters claiming compensation for discriminatory treatment if the Fire Brigade Union (FBU) makes its point successfully at the Croydon employment tribunal on... Read more

NI drivers urged to change attitude

Northern Ireland is considering lowering its legal limit of alcohol drivers are allowed to have in their blood, in an effort to reduce the number of road traffic accidents that... Read more

Innocent jailbird wins compensation for race bias

An innocent engineer of African origin has won compensation after being thrown in Northern Ireland's Maghaberry Prison, suspected of being an illegal immigrant, despite the fact that he showed his... Read more

Innocent jailbird wins compensation for race bias

An innocent engineer of African origin has won compensation after being thrown in Northern Ireland's Maghaberry Prison, suspected of being an illegal immigrant, despite the fact that he showed his... Read more

Ministers consider cut to NI drink-drive limit

Solicitors in Northern Ireland could see fewer people claiming compensation for alcohol-related road traffic accidents, after the government revealed that it was considering cutting drink-driving limits in the province.Currently the... Read more

Ministers consider cut to NI drink-drive limit

Solicitors in Northern Ireland could see fewer people claiming compensation for alcohol-related road traffic accidents, after the government revealed that it was considering cutting drink-driving limits in the province.Currently the... Read more

New driving laws to jail careless killers

New legislation is set to come into force in Northern Ireland, which orders that reckless drivers who kill or seriously injure others could face up to five years in prison.... Read more

New driving laws to jail careless killers

New legislation is set to come into force in Northern Ireland, which orders that reckless drivers who kill or seriously injure others could face up to five years in prison.... Read more

Carer claims for discrimination

Solicitors in Britain and Northern Ireland will be watching the outcome of a discrimination case heard by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) last week very closely, as a new... Read more

Carer claims for discrimination

Solicitors in Britain and Northern Ireland will be watching the outcome of a discrimination case heard by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) last week very closely, as a new... Read more

Pleural plaques compensation blocked

People suffering from work-related pleural plaques in Northern Ireland are less likely to visit their solicitors to try to make a case for compensation, following a House of Lords ruling... Read more

Fat drivers told to buckle their belts

Solicitors in Northern Ireland who deal with road traffic accident cases may see an increasing trend of the people they are claiming against on behalf of their clients being obese.According... Read more

Quarry firm fined for disclosure failures

A quarrying company has been found guilty of failing to report the ill-health of an employee as well as breaching health and safety regulations.The law requires employers to report industrial... Read more

Caution on age discrimination laws

After the first age discrimination claims following new laws have seen tough decisions by judges, People Management magazine has warned employers to take the legislation seriously.Solicitors in Britain and Northern... Read more

Door firm forced to pay damages

A door firm has agreed to pay £5,350 in damages to a hospital worker after she was injured by a product that had not been fitted correctly.Workplace Law reports that... Read more

Acra warns of asbestos risk

While asbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in Britain and Northern Ireland, The Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (Arca) says it difficult for workers to know when they... Read more

Lack of education on dispute avoidance revealed

Although 58 per cent of senior managers worry about how a commercial dispute will affect staff morale, law firm Nabarro has found that 30 per cent of firms in Britain... Read more

Mesothelioma case snowballs

A family has been awarded over £100,000 in compensation following the death of the father from mesothelioma two years ago.Frank Ede, from Hull, died in July 2005 aged 75 from... Read more

Disabled employees unequal in healthcare

Solicitors in Britain and Northern Ireland are likely to see many clients who work in healthcare pursuing claims for unequal treatment in the workplace, according to a new study.The Disability... Read more

Motorbike accidents double

Following solicitors dealing with nearly double the number of road traffic accidents caused by motorcyclists since last year, Northern Ireland is set to get stricter tests for learner motorbike drivers.Northern... Read more

Compensation awarded for dental hell

Legal action against dentists who have been negligent is increasing in Britain and Northern Ireland and a man from Bridgwater who £25,000 in compensation has sent out a warning to... Read more

Unfair pay claims rocket

The number of women in Britain and Northern Ireland taking legal action over unfair pay is rocketing, according to the latest statistics.There were 44,013 unfair pay claims heard by the... Read more

Millions invested in road safety scheme

Solicitors could see a fall in the number of clients from the Larne area claiming for road traffic accidents, as the Northern Ireland Executive has announced that £2.1 million has... Read more

Foundry worker found to be honest

A foundry worker who broke his back has been awarded compensation by a judge who believed he had been honest in his claim, despite photographic evidence conflicting with his story.David... Read more

Education Worker claims unfair dismissal

An Education Worker is taking the London Borough of Camden Council to an employment tribunal, claiming unfair dismissal, race discrimination and victimisation.Salik Miah worked for the council in their education... Read more

Man snaps up photo shop compensation

A man confined to a wheelchair has accepted compensation from Jessops, the photographic shop which operates across Britain and Northern Ireland, after he was unable to enter its Bournemouth store.Michael... Read more

Third of construction sites a hazard

Solicitors could see far too many compensation claims from builders who have had accidents, as one in three construction sites in Britain and Northern Ireland have been deemed unsafe.The Health... Read more

Cancer charity in sex discrimination case

A woman from west Belfast has won her case for sex discrimination against Northern Ireland charity Action Cancer.According to UTV, the charity will now have to pay out over £30,000... Read more

Epileptic beats the bullies

An epileptic woman who was employed by Estee Lauder has been told she will receive compensation after an employment tribunal ruled that she had been a victim of bullying. The... Read more

Dangerous driving habits revealed

Solicitors in Britain and Northern Ireland may have to deal with more road traffic accident victims, as 68 per cent of motorists have dangerous driving habits, a new survey has... Read more

HIV compensation claims reach UK

Haemophiliacs in Britain and Northern Ireland who were infected with HIV during the 1970s and 80s, due to transfusions with contaminated blood, have won the right to fight for compensation... Read more

Asbestos claims triple

The number of claims and criminal prosecutions in Britain and Northern Ireland for asbestos poisoning at work is on the rise and more than tripled last year.Under the Control of... Read more

Charity director wins unfair dismissal case

The former director of the London Irish Centre as been awarded compensation of £46,537 after a tribunal found that she had been unfairly dismissed and had suffered sex discrimination.Margaret Murnane... Read more

Law firm hit by lawsuit

City legal practice Charles Russell has been served with court papers by pop record producer Mike Stock, who is suing the firm for professional negligence.The law firm will face a... Read more

Floods could bring about landmark claim

A victim of this summer's flooding is trying to get her local community involved in a class action claim for compensation against the Environment Agency.According to the Oxford Mail, Binsey... Read more

Employment claims driven up

Solicitors in Britain and Northern Ireland will have dealt with a sharp increase in equal pay cases as the number of cases rose by 155 per cent to 44,013 year-on-year.According... Read more

FLTA warns of fork lift safety

The Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) has highlighted the fact that solicitors in Britain and Northern Ireland currently see too many cases of work-related accidents caused by fork lift trucks.... Read more

Stockpile tragedy families unhappy with court outcome

A representative for families affected by the Stockpile tragedy said he was not satisfied with the fine that the firms responsible received for professional negligence.The 2004 explosion at Glasgow's Stockpile... Read more

Civil servants rapped for online abuse

Civil servants in Northern Ireland could face solicitors for libel charges if they do not stop posting offensive comments on Wikipedia, the Belfast Telegraph reports.Warnings have been have been sent... Read more

NI road crash figures clash

Solicitors may see more cases of claims for road traffic accidents than the police could estimate after figures released by Northern Ireland's Audit Office show a much higher toll than... Read more

Incapable worker loses claim

Even with the help of solicitors, a Glasgow biscuit factory worker was not able to win his claim for unfair dismissal, after being sacked for turning up at work the... Read more

Hammer man wins damages for severed hand

Bryan Banham has been awarded a six-figure sum in damages after his hand was severed while he was rebuilding a factory in Suffolk.In February, the 31-year-old was working for foundation... Read more

Tesco shopped by two employees

Tesco Stores has been forced to pay compensation to two members of staff following health and safety breaches which resulted in two separate accidents.It has paid out £11,000 in total... Read more

Ellis outcome could mean more PI claims

While Susan Ellis won her case against Bristol City Council for slipping on a wet floor in her workplace, a law firm has warned that the ruling could mean that... Read more

Hoff makes off with libel compensation

Baywatch actor David Hasselhoff has been awarded a "substantial", yet undisclosed, amount of compensation after his solicitors successfully sued a magazine for libel.An article in the version of OK! Magazine... Read more

Law beats lawyers in discrimination case

Law firm Clifford Chance has paid an undisclosed sum in compensation to a former partner in the first claim of sexual orientation discrimination against solicitors in Britain and Northern Ireland.... Read more

NIO not documenting solicitors' fees

The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) has not got official evidence of how much money it has spent on solicitors in order to fight legal challenges over the last five years.... Read more

Chartered surveyor wins clinical negligence claim

A chartered surveyor from Andover has been handed a six-figure sum in damages after the doctors Royal at Hampshire County Hospital failed to detect his perforated appendix.Philip Russell was paid... Read more

Belfast Airport workers win unfair dismissal case

Nearly £600,000 in damages has been awarded to 22 security staff in Northern Ireland, who were sacked for going on strike for a row with their employer five years ago.The... Read more

Employee wins compensation after near-fatal accident

A Bradford businessman has been jailed for six months and forced to pay £90,000 in compensation after a near-death accident on his building site left a man in a coma.When... Read more

Many work-related accidents not reported

After the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) published statistics of work-related deaths and injuries in Britain and Northern Ireland between 2005 and 2006, Consult GEE says that the full picture... Read more

Barrister wins damages against wife

Solicitors in Britain and Northern Ireland may see some strange cases, but one of the most unusual cases of a personal injury claim was seen in court when a newlywed... Read more

Welshman wins compensation for ladder accident

Michael Morgan has won £45,000 in compensation after he fell from an unstable ladder at work and broke both feet.Mr Morgan was working as a mason for Pembrokeshire County Council... Read more

Compensation settlements soar in NI schools

Some £1,764,212 million was paid out by Northern Ireland's education boards in compensation claims last year, an increase of almost 70 per cent in 12 months, the Belfast Telegraph reports.... Read more

Solicitors want asbestos compensation raised

Solicitors have said that the amount of compensation awarded to families of mesothelioma victims in Scotland should be the same as that given in the rest of Britain and Northern... Read more

IOSH says health and safety is common sense

While people working in Britain and Northern Ireland deserve to be protected at work, the president elect of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) says that health and... Read more

UK should catch up on drink driving

Solicitors could see fewer cases of road traffic accidents caused by drunk drivers if recommendations made by the British Medical Association (BMA) come into force.The BMA said that the legally-allowed... Read more

Medical negligence less likely from NI doctors

A study has shown that solicitors receive fewer complaints about doctors who have been trained in Northern Ireland than those who have come overseas to practice.Across Britain and Northern Ireland,... Read more

PI claims can cripple small firms

People who run small businesses should insure against personal injury claims, according to experts, for while the risk of a case is low, the costs could be financially devastating should... Read more

Printers a health and safety risk?

Offices in Britain and Northern Ireland could see a glut of employees reaching for their solicitors' numbers if research into the health risks of modern office printers is proved to... Read more

Council not negligent over icy road

After a claim against a council over icy roads was quashed, a solicitor has said that the ruling will have personal liability implications for local authorities across Britain and Northern... Read more

Men 'sold out' over salary at Sellafield

After it was revealed that male employees at Sellafield nuclear power plant are paid £4,000 less than females that do a similar job, 370 men have announced that they will... Read more

PI insurance would be convenient

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has advised that, although small shops do not get many cases of personal injury claims against them, public liability insurance is advisable in case... Read more

BAA coughs up compensation

The British Airport Authority (BAA) has been ordered to pay compensation to a man in their employment who was exposed to asbestos while working at Heathrow Airport.The man from Middlesex... Read more

Compensation delay highlighted

A man who was blinded after being shot has been talking to the Belfast Telegraph about the delays that he and other victims in the province face when trying to... Read more

Licence age to be driven up

Solicitors in Britain and Northern Ireland could see fewer cases of claims involving road traffic accidents caused by young drivers, as the government is proposing raising the minimum legal driving... Read more

The eyes have it for proper practice

The number of claims for compensation against opticians in Britain and Northern Ireland has fallen to its lowest level in three years.According to statistics from the General Optical Council (GOC),... Read more

Climber loses 75% of compensation claim

Seventy-five per cent of compensation has been taken away from a man who was left paralysed from a climbing accident, after it was decided that he was partly responsible for... Read more

£30m in NI medical negligence compensation

Not including solicitors fees, nearly £30 million has been awarded to patients in Northern Ireland who have sued heath care trusts for medical negligence, according to the Department of Health.Some... Read more

Solicitors not having to deal with smoking ban breaches

It seems that Northern Ireland's smokers have by and large accepted the smoking ban, with the majority of businesses being compliant with the new laws.In the three months that the... Read more

Marine wins compensation for murder mislabelling

A marine has been awarded an undisclosed amount in damages after the Herald Express mistakenly published a picture of him linking him to a murder trial.The photo of Sergeant Gareth... Read more

Stats published for workplace injuries and deaths

Provisional figures for the year from 2006 to 2007 have been published by the Health and Safety Executive, revealing that the number of workers killed by fatal injuries in Britain... Read more

Diabetes drug could be dangerous

Despite new analysis stating that two diabetes drugs possibly double the risk of heart failure, the chair of the British Medical Association's GPs committee in Northern Ireland has said that... Read more

Directors' fear of litigation increases

Research by Eversheds has shown that most executives fear solicitors, with 70 per cent of directors in Britain and Northern Ireland claiming they are more likely to be prosecuted than... Read more

Hospital moves fast to avoid medical claim

Northern Ireland's largest hospital may have avoided a glut of medical negligence claims after it shut its intensive care unit for thorough cleansing.A bacterial infection was detected in two patients,... Read more

Corporate Manslaughter Bill to be a reality

After April 2008, amendments to the Corporate Manslaughter Bill are likely to become law if it gains Royal Assent after the government finally agreed to extend its scope.From that date,... Read more

Illegal landlord smoked out

Hamish Howitt will be the first landlord to involve solicitors in the smoking ban across Britain and Northern Ireland as it was found that the consumption of tobacco occurred on... Read more

Compensation awarded for hearing damage

While employers in Britain and Northern Ireland have been warned recently of the health and safety implications of loud noises in the workplace, a man has been awarded compensation after... Read more

Apil says PI reforms should be fair to victims

The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (Apil) has said that although some of the government's ideas for personal injury (PI) reforms are commendable, legislation should not compromise the rights of... Read more

Firm fined over unsafe forklifts

Following two workplace accidents caused by poorly managed forklift trucks, Norlec Engineering has been ordered to pay £20,000 for failing to protect its employees.Both Stephen Hewitt and Ian Hustings were... Read more

Sex discrimination case thrown out

Investment bank BNP Paribas has been vindicated after a working mother attempted to sue the company for sex discrimination and victimization after she was dismissed. Katharina Tofeji claimed she had... Read more

Big bosses disagree with equality law

The majority of senior executives do not want women to be paid the same salary as men, a new poll has revealed. Despite legislation meaning that women in Britain and... Read more

Meningitis mistake costs a life

The family of a 17-year-old girl is suing the NHS 24 helpline after a nurse advised her to take paracetamol, when she actually had meningitis, which consequently resulted her death.... Read more

Meningitis mistake costs a life

The family of a 17-year-old girl is suing the NHS 24 helpline after a nurse advised her to take paracetamol, when she actually had meningitis, which consequently resulted her death.... Read more

Lack of black solicitors in UK law firms

Only 19 per cent of major law firms in the UK have black partners, according to the Black Solicitors Network's (BSN) diversity league table for 2007. The Lawyer reports that... Read more

PI may rise for summer sports

Personal injury (PI) solicitors in Britain and Northern Ireland may have to deal with an increased number of cases this summer, as research has shown that the number of accidents... Read more

Lack of black solicitors in UK law firms

Only 19 per cent of major law firms in the UK have black partners, according to the Black Solicitors Network's (BSN) diversity league table for 2007. The Lawyer reports that... Read more

PI may rise for summer sports

Personal injury (PI) solicitors in Britain and Northern Ireland may have to deal with an increased number of cases this summer, as research has shown that the number of accidents... Read more

Compensation for pregnancy dismissal

An assistant manageress of a hotel in Perthshire has won £8,184 compensation for sex discrimination after being fired for being pregnant. An Edinburgh employment tribunal heard that Tracey Lamond... Read more

Quinn wins dermatitis compensation

James Quinn has won an undisclosed amount of compensation after solicitors negotiated a settlement with his former employers for a work-related dermatitis claim. Mr Quinn, a machine driver for Mone... Read more

Compensation for pregnancy dismissal

An assistant manageress of a hotel in Perthshire has won £8,184 compensation for sex discrimination after being fired for being pregnant. An Edinburgh employment tribunal heard that Tracey Lamond... Read more

New age discrimination law to be tested

Unless solicitors can resolve the case at the last minute, the first claim of age discrimination could come to court since new laws were passed in October. Peter Bloxham is... Read more

Welsh women in equal pay campaign

Unison, Wales' biggest trade union, is in talks with solicitors about taking legal action on local councils after it found that thousands of women working in the public sector are... Read more

Seatbelt dodger retains compensation

A man from East Yorkshire has been told he will receive most of his compensation claim for a road traffic accident, which left him paralysed, even though he was not... Read more

Ten PSNI cases thrown out of court

Mr Justice Patrick Coghlin has thrown out claims from all ten of the main complainants in the McClurg case against the Police Authority for Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Chief... Read more

Road traffic accidents driven down

Solicitors will hopefully see fewer cases of clients having to claim compensation for road traffic injuries, as the Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that the number of road traffic... Read more

Minister says workers dying needlessly

North Down MLA Leslie Cree has appealed to the minister for Enterprise Trade and Investment to invest more in ensuring that construction workers are aware of safety precautions.Mr Cree said... Read more

£100 million compensation case to be decided

After 5,000 police officers in Northern Ireland have claimed that they suffered stress in the workplace during Northern Ireland's turbulent years, a high court judge will rule whether they have... Read more

Hospital settles out of court for baby death

Wythenshawe Hospital has agreed to settle financially with a family's solicitors to avoid a medical negligence case being dragged through the courts.After premature baby Clarke Jackson died following an emergency... Read more

Mesothelioma victim awarded compensation

Ken McDonald of Barrow has won £102,500 in compensation after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, which he developed from being exposed to asbestos in the workplace.The 67-year-old, who was a former... Read more

Middle classes 'admit petty' crimes

While solicitors in Britain and Northern Ireland often have to deal with cases where a tradesman has been negligent or where a business has been found wanting, they may not... Read more

AvMA aims to get justice for Scotland

Patients' charity Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) has announced that it is holding its annual conference in Glasgow this year, as it launches a campaign to improve access to justice... Read more

False CV sackings could be unlawful

Although last week Patrick Imbardelli, chief executive of Intercontinental Hotels' Asia Pacific Region resigned after his employers found he had lied on his CV, solicitors warn that firing someone for... Read more

NI inquest hears of faulty forklift

On the second day of an inquest into the death of a man in Northern Ireland, the court has heard that the forklift truck that claimed the 59-year-old's life had... Read more

Landmark ruling for road accident victims

The High Court has allowed a 17-year-old to claim against the Department of Transport (DoT) for a road traffic accident for which the driver responsible could not be traced.The new... Read more

20-year fight for medical negligence ends

Although solicitors in Britain and Northern Ireland do see cases of medical negligence, it is very rare that they have to deal with a case lasting 20 years.Yet, finally a... Read more

Hearing over first day of work death

Two representatives from the construction industry have appeared in court to answer health and safety charges after a 17-year-old from Northern Ireland was killed in an accident on his first... Read more

Companies should be firm on smoking ban

Solicitors have warned that some employers who try to accommodate smokers by providing shelters outside for staff could be breaking the law if they are not careful with the construction... Read more

Cadbury pleads guilty to salmonella charges

Cadbury Schweppes faces huge fines and compensation payouts after pleading guilty to food hygiene breaches that led to over 30 people falling ill last year, alleging that they had become... Read more

UK employers evade European accusations

Solicitors in Britain and Northern Ireland will have noted the news that the UK government has successfully fought off a legal challenge brought by the European Commission (EC) over health... Read more

PSNI fined £30,000 for safety negligence

Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde's office has been fined £30,000 after a 28-year-old man was crushed to death by the gates of a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) station.Ciaran... Read more

Apprentice questions inappropriate

Solicitors have pointed out that if employers made the same comments as Sir Alan Sugar does to potential employees in TV's The Apprentice, they could face charges of discrimination.Tony Bourne,... Read more

Firm fined after hand injury

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning to businesses to ensure that health and safety is assured after a firm was fined for breaches when a worker's... Read more

Top firms to tackle worker exploitation

Land Securities, Serco and Jaeger are among the firms who have agreed to join the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to try to tackle the problem of exploitation of employees.Some of... Read more

Minister pledges support for the disabled

Disabled people in Britain and Northern Ireland may have to visit the solicitors less often for discrimination cases, if the pledges of a government minister come to fruition.Employment and learning... Read more

Forklift truck warning for employers

Employers have been reminded about the dangers of working with forklift trucks following a serious injury to one worker in Berwick.The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has urged employers in... Read more

£65,000 for health & safety breach

Space 4 Limited, a new-build home manufacturer, has picked up a £65,000 fine for failing to protect workers from automated machineryAdditional costs of £60,000 were added to the case, which... Read more

In hot water over bricks and mortar

Howard Kennedy solicitors is facing a professional negligence claim after its property department allegedly misinformed Secured Property Finance (SPF) about commercial property loans.The £1.7 million negligence claim was filed in... Read more

HIV drug recalled after cancer risk

Solicitors specialising in prescription drug poisoning will be monitoring the breaking news that an anti-retroviral drug has been recalled after batches were found to contain a potentially carcinogenic substance.People in... Read more

'Dodgy' ladders to be ditched

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced that it will use a 'ladder exchange' scheme to replace 4,000 'dodgy' ladders from workplaces across Britain and Northern Ireland.This news could... Read more

Churches fight new gay rights laws

Religious institutions in Northern Ireland are in the process of arguing in the High Court in Belfast that the new Sexual Orientation Regulations (Sors) breach their human rights.The new laws... Read more

More laws than ever during Blair years

Solicitors in Britain and Northern Ireland will have had their work cut out for them over the past decade as statistics show that Tony Blair has passed a record number... Read more

Quiet music to the ears

Managers of orchestras in Britain and Northern Ireland may face trips to the solicitors for harming the health of orchestra employees if they do not comply with new EU regulations... Read more

Agency workers unsure of their rights

Temporary workers in Britain and Northern Ireland are unsure of whether to approach their solicitors when incidents occur in the workplace, as research reveals that they are unsure of their... Read more

Bereavement compensation 'not enough'

The amount of compensation people in Britain and Northern Ireland receive upon the death of a partner could be too low, according to new research.A study produced by the University... Read more

DWP appeals to employers to prioritise the disabled

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) minister, Lord McKenzie, has called on employers to take responsibility to help disabled people achieve social inclusion.He appealed for managers to ensure the... Read more

Lifesaver receives payout for sacking

A Citizens Advice Bureau worker has received £18,000 compensation for unfair dismissal after she was sacked for breaching confidentiality rules, even though her actions led to a life being saved.Terri... Read more

Drug giant Glaxo may face legal claims

Although it is fairly rare for solicitors in Northern Ireland to have to deal with cases of prescription drugs harming patients, GlaxoSmithKline could face legal claims from Americans over its... Read more

Keira Knightley accepts £3,000 for libel over anorexia

Actress Keira Knightley has accepted a £3,000 settlement from the Daily Mail for libellous claims in the newspaper that said she was hiding an eating disorder.Ms Knightley filed the libel... Read more

Gay nurses win record discrimination payout

Two psychiatric nurses have been awarded a six-figure compensation payout after a tribunal found that they had been treated unfairly because they were lesbians.Barchester healthcare has been ordered to pay... Read more

PSNI cleared of rave injury claim

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has been cleared of causing injuries to a 31-year-old partygoer after officers infiltrated an illegal rave.Paul Bradley was left with brain damage and... Read more

Former mayor fined for press punch

Desmond Stewart, a former DUP mayor of Coleraine, has been fined £300 after punching a Press Association photographer last October.Mr Stewart was told by Antrim Magistrates Court that he would... Read more

Daily Mail libel battle begins

Journalist Rebecca Hardy appears to be in hot water as former TV executive Mike Hollingsworth's High Court libel case kicks off against the Daily Mail after Ms Hardy alleged that... Read more

Smoking ban may involve legal implications

The smoking ban in Northern Ireland may lead to solicitors seeing fewer claims for smoke-related illnesses in employees, but recent commentary has not fully addressed wider implications for employers, according... Read more

Claimants would do better to settle with solicitors

Astronomical court costs in recent cases have led law experts to advocate the use of solicitors as a cheaper way to sort out legal disputes.After a judgment in April 2006... Read more

Solicitors report more mesothelioma

The British Mesothelioma Register's statistics show that mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure, is on the rise. Mesothelioma deaths have risen from 153 in 1968, to 1969 in 2004,... Read more

Businesses warned to insure against Corporate Manslaughter Bill

Businesses should be aware that they face big bills and trips to the solicitors if they do not prepare for the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter Bill.The bill should be... Read more

TfL admits flaw in road safety

A widower has forced Transport for London (TfL) to admit that the accident which claimed the life of his wife occurred on a pedestrian crossing which did not comply with... Read more

Epidemic of epilepsy discrimination

Charity Epilepsy Action has accused employers of continuing to discriminate against people with epileptic conditions, by either not employing them or treating them less favourably than other workers while in... Read more

Schools, contractors and councils warned of asbestos risk

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has found it necessary to alert local authorities, schools and contractors to the dangers of disturbing asbestos, following a case involving all three groups... Read more

PSNI to promote women PCs

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is holding a seminar to promote the profile of females in the police force, the Belfast Telegraph reports.Women In Policing, which will be... Read more

Councils face disability rap

Five councils are set to face legal action after failing to comply with the regulations on disability equality.The action against the councils comes after the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) issued... Read more

Directors urged to tackle health and safety

Company directors in Britain and Northern Ireland have been urged to take the lead on improving health and safety standards in their companies.Over 300 senior personnel from some of Britain... Read more

EU risks food poisoning health

Solicitors in Northern Ireland could see a rise in the number of claims against food outlets if the European Union's plans to relax hygiene legislation for smaller establishments are passed.The... Read more

DJ war ends in settlement

A legal case between two rival radio stations in Northern Ireland has been negotiated by solicitors at the last minute, rather than face judgement by a jury.The battle began when... Read more

Lack of beds 'sparks baby bug'

It has been claimed that a lack of beds at hospitals in Northern Ireland is resulting in overcrowding and the spread of a potentially deadly virus.The Belfast Telegraph reports that... Read more

Calls for drivers to stub it out

As the public smoking ban prevents drivers from lighting up in corporate vehicles, road safety campaigners in Northern Ireland have called for the ban to be extended to public vehicles... Read more

Road safety Foster's priority

New Northern Ireland environment minister Arlene Foster reacted to four road deaths in one day by saying that she would prioritise road safety.Ms Foster said: "We can't continue with the... Read more

Solicitors seeing more unusual cases

Around two million people seek legal advice a year and although some cases will always be in a solicitor's daily remit, people are increasingly seeking advice for more unusual matters.According... Read more

No wilful negligence from trucker

TNT Global has won its appeal against Denfleet International, which accused a subcontractor for the freight company of being wilful in shedding Denfleet's cargo of goods.The fact that TNT's lorry... Read more

Beware the builders

Seven out of ten people across Britain and Northern Ireland have said they would prefer to get a professional in to make home improvements to their property, rather than take... Read more

HSE summit to highlight asbestos danger

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has felt it necessary to call the eighth summit of its kind to try to persuade the asbestos removal industry to shape up, as... Read more

Scots show the way for new smoking laws

Since the new smoking ban took effect in Northern Ireland, bar managers have been complaining that they were finding it difficult to prepare by the deadline.However, it could be a... Read more

Both salaries and tribunals gather strength

People in Northern Ireland have more wages to invest than previously yet the preponderance of employment tribunals has revealed an unfortunate trend towards employer unfairness.According to the latest salary survey... Read more

Employers tread carefully around the disabled

Employers are more than willing to employ people who are disabled, according to a new survey, but can be discouraged by the 'politically correct' language used to define disabilities.Remploy, which... Read more

NI women 'still waiting' for equality

Despite over 30 years of laws banning gender discrimination, solicitors in Northern Ireland will still encounter many cases where women have not been treated fairly, according to the University of... Read more

Car-sprayers suffer asthma risk

Occupational asthma affects 24 workers per 100,000 in the motor manufacturing industry, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which is issuing advice to firms on the occasion of... Read more

Prisoners claim £1 million of compensation

Over the past five years, prisoners in Northern Ireland have received over £1 million in compensation payouts, according to the BBC.Investigators found that £1,107,830 was paid out in compensation claims... Read more

Cushnahan takes NIO to tribunal

John Cushnahan, a former head of the Alliance party, has taken the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) to an employment tribunal, after complaining that he was discriminated against.The case, which will... Read more

Threatened dinner ladies win compensation

The House of Lords has ruled that a group of dinner ladies were threatened with job losses if they filed for gender discrimination charges.Originally, 500 dinner ladies from St Helens... Read more

Office workers suffer 'poor desk health'

With 46 per cent of workers in Britain and Northern Ireland spending six or more hours in front of a computer everyday, millions are complaining of poor health, according to... Read more

Irish woman wins discrimination case

Warwick University has been ordered to pay £35,000 in compensation after an employment tribunal ruled that it had failed to hire a potential employee purely because she was Irish, according... Read more

Increase in work deaths rattles HSE

From April to September 2006, 124 work-related deaths were recorded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in Britain, a 17 per cent increase on last year's fatalities if the... Read more

Firm is fined £2,500 after construction accident

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued a warning that construction firms should ensure proper safety measures after a Lancashire worker was awarded costs after falling through a roof.Steven Davieson... Read more

NI firms told to protect staff from smoke

Bosses of firms in Northern Ireland have received a reminder of duties to protect employees and customers ahead of the smoking ban, which is due to be introduced on April... Read more

Builders boost employment figures

The latest Quarterly Employment Survey has shown that Northern Ireland has a record-breaking number of jobs, with increases in people taking up construction employment bolstering figures.The survey estimated that 708,880... Read more

Increase in personal injuries awards

It has been reported that there has been a considerable rise in the amount of money paid out in personal injury cases in recent years.According to figures released by the... Read more

Fast track plans for asbestos-cancer

Solicitors in Northern Ireland are set to see major changes in the way in which claims surrounding the contracting of cancer from asbestos.The UK government is looking to change the... Read more