“Moral Stain” Addressed As LGBT Veterans Can Finally Claim Compensation
A historical ‘gay ban’ which saw thousands of LGBT veterans mistreated or dismissed from the armed forces merely on the basis of their sexual orientation, has finally prompted an apology in the House of Commons. But a proposed award of up to £70,000 in compensation has been criticised as insufficient, when compared to the losses…
What is the risk of infection from a needlestick injury?
If you have suffered a needlestick injury, then chances are your first concern is whether you have sustained an infection as a result of the incident. While there is always a chance of infection by a blood borne virus (BBV) those chances are very, very slim and the need for injections and blood tests is…
How To Know If You’re Ready To Be A Home-Owner
Buying a house and becoming a homeowner is a common ambition, and is a significant milestone most people aspire to. While renting a property gives you some freedom, becoming a homeowner is the first step towards financial security and stability, and is also a more dependable form of investment. However, building up equity in a…
What Happens When You Get 12 Points On Your Driving Licence?
If you drive a lot of mileage due to work, family or lifestyle commitments you face the risk of committing a road traffic offence all the time. Although you might think you are a careful and experienced driver, you can quite quickly accumulate penalty points for exceeding a speed limit or driving through a red…
6 Ways To Create A Positive Working Environment
Negativity in the workplace can be an enormous drain on an employer’s resources, in terms of time, energy and personnel. Any kind of division or conflict can demotivate the workforce, which affects commitment and loyalty and ultimately impacts on productivity. The cause of negativity and division in the work environment can be many things –…
When You Are Unable To Soldier On
The Armed forces are there to protect our freedoms and for their personnel it is their way of life with a great sense of pride, achievement and camaraderie. Too often this is taken away from them when they suffer fatal or permanent life-changing injuries such as hearing loss, cold injuries, or other serious injury and…
Dog Bites and Compensation Claims: What Delivery Drivers Need to Know
For delivery drivers, encountering dogs is a common part of the job and with increased deliveries at Christmas the chances of confronting a potentially aggressive dog increase. While many interactions are uneventful, the risk of dog bites remains significant, with injuries ranging from minor scrapes to serious trauma. Preventing dog bites should be a priority,…
Inquest Findings and Safety Failures: Lessons from the Tragic Death of Mrs. Gloria Linton
The Inquest touching upon the death of Mrs Gloria Linton concluded last week with the Jury returning a critical narrative conclusion. Mrs Linton received care at home and on the 6 August 2022 emergency services were called with reports of Mrs Linton being trapped in a commode. Firefighters cut Mrs Linton free, and she was…
Secure Your Justice with Ison Harrison: CICA Claims Made Simple
If you’ve been the victim of a violent crime, be it a physical or sexual assault, obtaining compensation for your injuries and trauma can be a vital step toward recovery. At Ison Harrison, we specialise in helping victims navigate the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) claims process, ensuring you get the support and financial award…
How Old Is Too Old? What To Do When Discriminated At Work For Your Age
The Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from being treated unfairly at work in the form of discrimination. This legislation includes discrimination in nine different forms, such as gender, race, religion and disability, plus age. It is important to note that age discrimination can include being treated unfairly for being too young, but the most common…
A Guide To The Pet Abduction Act 2024
The Pet Abduction Act 2024 brings two new offences in relation to dog and cat abduction. From 24th August 2024, it was a criminal offence to abduct a household pet from its owner, and a person convicted could face up to five years in prison. The new legislation will benefit a large proportion of people…
Understanding Needlestick Injuries: What is Post Exposure Prophylaxis?
If you have had a needlestick injury you may have been prescribed a course of Post Exposure Prophylaxis; don’t worry, contrary to popular myth, it does not mean that you are a high risk for HIV. PEP is given as a precaution when there is any possibility that the person who used the needle (the…
Navigating Christmas Contact Arrangements
Shhhh, don’t say the C word! Some think that the word Christmas shouldn’t be uttered until 1 December and shudder at the sight of Christmas decorations in the shops as soon as the kids have returned to school in September. Whilst others embrace the season and can’t wait to hear Mariah on the radio. But…
Neurodiversity: What Is It And What Can It Mean For Your Child?
This National Children’s Month, we recognize and celebrate children who are neurodivergent. What Is Neurodiveristy? What does that mean? Is it a buzzword, or a medical condition? Is my child neurodivergent? Neurodiversity is a term which arose from the disability rights movement. It challenges the idea of there being a ‘normal’ way to think. It…
The Hidden Risks of Workplace Christmas Parties: Addressing Sexual Assault and Your Rights
The festive season is a time when workplaces often come together to celebrate the year’s achievements and foster team spirit. Office Christmas parties are a staple of this period, providing an opportunity for colleagues to unwind, network, and enjoy a break from the usual routine. However, as joyous as these events can be, they can…
Spotlight On: The Forcer Protocol – And How Resilience Is Never Lost
Resilience is a key attribute required of anybody involved in the Armed Forces, particularly because, many years after being exposed to the traumas of warfare and human suffering, in your quieter, isolated and more reflective moments, you are still fighting a battle. Alan Forcer, an Armed Forces veteran from Stockton-on-Tees, demonstrated resilience in many different…
Pet Ownership: What Happens to the Family Pet Upon Separation or Divorce?
Your children may have been pestering you for what feels like eternity, and you finally decide to give in. What’s the perfect present for the whole family you think….. a pet! Similarly there may not be any children in the family but you and your partner decide that you want a pet. Your pet becomes…
Changes Around Employee Ownership Trusts
In the midst of the Autumn Statement, it is easy to overlook that the government was also consulting on the recommendations around Employee Ownership Trusts following recent consultations. Under the Autumn Budget 2024, the government made numerous changes to the current EOT Regime that was in response to a consultation on EOTs which ran in…
5 Minutes With…Loreena Walker, Chartered Legal Executive, Private Family Team
Introducing Loreena Walker, one of the newest members to the Ison Harrison team! Loreena is a Chartered Legal Executive in our Private Family team. How long have you worked at Ison Harrison? I joined Ison Harrison in September 2024. Where did you work previously? I have previously worked for other well-known solicitors firms in West…
16 Common Neighbour Disputes (And How To Resolve Them)
Domestic bliss is one of our main goals in life, but unfortunately we can’t choose who we live next door to, and disputes with neighbours are very common, everyday occurrences. Mostly these can be settled with a cordial conversation and a mutual understanding, because it is in everyone’s best interests to settle a dispute amicably…
If You Go Down To The Woods Today You’re In For A Scary Surprise!
The sun was shining through the trees on Saturday 26th October when Katrina Stapleton and Adina Guy from our Clinical Negligence team attended the Little Hiccups Halloween themed adventure in the woods with Wilderness Adventures. Wilderness Adventures C.I.C. is a not-for-profit forest school based predominantly in a private woodland in Kippax. Director, Nicola Cowell, and…
Inquest into the Death of Henry Grierson
An inquest into the tragic death of 17-year-old Henry Grierson was opened on 8 October at Bradford Coroner’s Court and will resume at 2pm on 31 October 2024. Henry had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at the age of 10. However, after being discharged from mental health services, the medication prescribed for…
Duty To Take Reasonable Steps To Prevent Sexual Harassment
Under the Equality Act 2010, sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that is considered to be intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, offensive or violates a person’s dignity. With effect from 26 October 2024, the law in relation to sexual harassment is changing. There will be a ‘preventative duty’ on employers to prevent sexual…
10 Key Points of the ‘Tipping’ Act
On 1 October 2024 legislation (accompanied by the Code of practice on fair and transparent distribution of tips) came into force governing the distribution of tips, service charges and gratuities, over which employers have ‘control and significant influence’. Where the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 (the ‘Tipping Act’) is not correctly applied, tribunals can…
Common Misconceptions In The Making Of A Will
I meet with clients on a regular basis and have come across many instances whereby individuals have misconceptions into the making of their Will. Some of the main misconceptions I have come across include the following: 1. Making a Will is only for the wealthy I have come across situations where individuals and couples feel…
Renters’ Rights Bill – what does it mean for Landlords?
On 11th September 2024, the new labour Government published the Renters’ Rights Bill (the Bill), with the aim of making renting fairer for tenants, protecting good landlords and holding bad landlords to higher standards. At this stage, the Bill has only been proposed, it is yet to come into force so the opportunity for amendments…
Civil Partnership Vs Marriage: Which Is Best For You?
Same-sex or opposite-sex couples have the option of both a civil partnership and a marriage in terms of formalising their relationship. In England and Wales, legally, same-sex couples have had the option of civil partnerships since 2005 and marriage since 2014. Of course, marriage has been an option for opposite-sex couples for a long time,…
We Won! Ison Harrison Win Two Awards at the Yorkshire Legal Awards 2024
Press Release – October 2024 Yorkshire law firm Ison Harrison has enjoyed major success at the Yorkshire Legal Awards, one of the legal sector’s most prestigious industry events. The firm was shortlisted for four awards in total, winning in the residential property and personal injury and clinical negligence categories. The 25th Yorkshire Legal Awards ceremony…
Ruth Bundey Named on Women of Leeds Sculpture
We are extremely proud to announce that our inquest solicitor Ruth Bundey, is to be named on the Women of Leeds Sculpture. Nearly 400 inspirational Leeds women, voted for by members of the public, are being celebrated with a new sculpture in the heart of the city’s cultural quarter. Created by artist, Pippa Hale, ‘Ribbons’…
Sexual Harassment Culture Allowed To Thrive In The Royal Navy
A culture of sexual assault, sexual harassment and misogyny is widespread and “permitted to thrive” in the submarine service, according to a whistleblower who has triggered a damning investigation by the Royal Navy. Sophie Brook – a former Lieutenant in the submarine service – made a formal complaint about repeated and ongoing sexual assaults which…
Spotlight On: Tina’s Haven And The Trees Of Hope
One year to the day since the famous and iconic Sycamore Gap tree was cruelly cut down in an “act of violence against Mother Nature itself”, there is a sign of hope that nature could bounce back. The parallels with vulnerable women finding hope and recovery from being subjected to the worst possible adversity, and…
“I Inspire Me”: Celebrating the Journey of Empowerment and Fulfilment for People with Erb’s Palsy
In a world where stories of resilience and self-empowerment often go untold, Ison Harrison have launched the “I Inspire Me” campaign in association with the Erb’s Palsy Group to shine a spotlight on individuals with Erb’s Palsy who inspire themselves and others every day. We are inviting individuals with Erb’s Palsy to nominate themselves and…
Urgent Reform Of Maternity Care Called For After Increase In Clinical Negligence Cases
Pregnancy and childbirth should be a joyful and happy time, but sadly this is not always the case. Poor maternity care is becoming a more common and widespread issue impacting many families in causing avoidable harm or life-changing injuries. In 2023, 13% of all clinical negligence claims related to pregnancy and childbirth and NHS Trust…
Ison Harrison Receive Multiple Nominations For Top Yorkshire Awards
The Ison Harrison team are very proud to announce that we have been shortlisted for four awards at the prestigious ‘Yorkshire Legal Awards’, which are due to be held in October at a glamourous event which is always the highlight of the legal calendar. Our director and head of corporate and commercial, Richard Coulthard, has…
#YouAreNotAlone – Violence is not the only form of domestic abuse.
Trapped, isolated, frightened and without hope. These are some of the emotions that are likely to be experienced by those all over our country that are in an abusive relationship. Those feelings must be magnified at a time where the victim may not be able to get any break from their abuser; forced into lockdown…
“Stronger” Bill Should Lead To No-Fault Eviction Ban
The revised Renters’ Rights Bill, which has finally been published and entered parliament, has been praised as a “stronger” piece of legislation than the previous version, and which will better protect renters in the private rental sector. This is expected to include a ban on no-fault evictions to be in place by Summer 2025. Having…
Key Stage In Asda’s Long-Running Equal Pay Dispute
UK retail giants could face an £8bn compensation payout if a long-running equal pay dispute involving 60,000 Asda workers rules in favour of female shopfloor staff. The equality row started in 2008 at a Manchester store of the supermarket giants, and has this week reached a key stage which could pave the way for a…
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Know The Signs & Symptoms
Each October, people all over the world show their support for everyone affected by breast cancer. It is a great opportunity to educate yourself and others about the importance of cancer screenings and being breast aware. Breast cancer doesn’t just affect women, everyone has breast tissue, which means that whatever your gender, you could be…
A Simple Guide To Making A Will
The only way to ensure that your estate and assets are divided according to your wishes in the event of your death is to make a will. If you don’t make a will, the people that benefit from your money, property and valuables may not be the people you would want to. If you die…
Yorkshire Law Firm Works with Leeds Charity to Provide Legal Advice
Press release – September 2024 Ison Harrison has experienced significant growth in the number of clients that it acts for and recently opened its 20th office in Selby, reaffirming its expansive presence in the region. To compliment this growth and to be able to assist people in more of the communities where the firm has…
Making a Medical Negligence Claim for a Child
Where a child is harmed as a result of unacceptable medical care, this can have a devastating impact on the child and their family. The consequences can be far-reaching and lifelong. For the child, it may mean enduring further medical intervention, physical disability, or a delay in development, which can affect their education, social interactions,…
9 Things To Do As Soon As You’ve Been Made Redundant
If you are facing a redundancy situation it can come as a huge shock. It presents a scenario where there is uncertainty and anxiety, and while it is easy to become emotional and to feel vulnerable, it is also a time where you need to respond quickly and see this as an opportunity. More than…
Delayed Diagnosis vs. Misdiagnosis of Cancer: Key Differences and When You Can File a Medical Negligence Claim
Macmillan estimates that there are more than 3 million people living with cancer in the UK and that figure is rising all the time. Finding out that you or a loved one has cancer can be a shock. There is no right or wrong way to feel and you may have lots of questions. Those…
The Pros And Cons Of Buying A New House Vs An Old House
Everyone has different tastes and ambitions when it comes to buying a house, and often there is an overriding factor which determines our choice, such as location, availability or budget. There is a fundamental difference between buying a new-build property compared to buying an older property. Some people are attracted to the history and character…
5 Minutes With…Afzal Patel, Family Solicitor
Today we’re chatting to Afzal Patel, a Solicitor within our Private Family team. How long have you worked at Ison Harrison? I joined Ison Harrison in March 2023. Where did you work previously? I have previously worked for law firms in Yorkshire. Describe your day-to-day role Working through cases, preparing applications and drafting documents. Consultations…
Bile Duct Injury After Gallbladder Removal: What Should You Do?
Removal of the gallbladder (also known as cholecystectomy) is considered a relatively safe procedure; however, it is still a procedure which goes wrong from time to time. Occasionally the bile duct or the hepatic duct can be cut during surgery, but not identified or repaired. Where this occurs patients can suffer serious complications. What happens…
10 Most Desirable Places To Buy Property In Yorkshire
The people of Yorkshire might roll their eyes at reference to the Government’s fabled ‘Northern Powerhouse’, but the levelling-up agenda is a real thing and investment in the north offers plentiful areas of huge potential for eager property investors. Average house prices for the region currently sit at £227,000 but there is a substantial swing…
Landmark Agreement Reached With MoD Over Historical Hearing Loss Claims
Veterans and ex-service professionals who have served in the armed forces since 1987 will soon be able to successfully claim for hearing loss suffered during their service, thanks to a landmark High Court agreement reached this week with the Ministry of Defence (MoD). This has opened the door for as many as 10,000 claims for…
Law Firm Opens New Office In Selby Increasing Regional Network Presence To 20
Press release – July 2024 A leading Yorkshire law firm has opened its newest regional office in Selby, taking its total network of offices to 20. Ison Harrison’s new office on Brook Street will be managed by Daniel Kenworthy, who is assistant head of residential conveyancing for the firm and also manages the firm’s successful…
Informed Consent and Medical Negligence Claims
The theme of this year’s birth trauma awareness week is informed consent. You can find more information about informed consent in our blog article: Birth Trauma Awareness Week – What Is Informed Consent? As medical negligence solicitors, we advocate for mothers and children in cases where they were not adequately informed about the risks associated…