Whiplash Claims Reforms Pass Final Obstacle
Controversial whiplash claim reforms took a step nearer to reality at the end of October, when Labour amendments were defeated and a second reading of the Civil Liability Bill opened up a debate and voting, which saw it advance to the final stages. The bill aims to introduce a fixed tariff for whiplash damages and…
Graham Roberts: Successful Child Abuse Case
Graham Roberts, part of our Personal Injury department shares his recent success in a child abuse claim: Miss C and Mr C ‘s mother could not look after her children appropriately, therefore in the 70’s the two children were placed by the Local Authority into Foster Care. From the ages of 11 to 16 both of…
Ison Harrison Gets Switched On For Christmas
#LeedsChristmas Campaign: The countdown to Christmas is on, and we are taking the opportunity of our landmark 40th anniversary celebrations to join in the festive fun! In partnership with Leeds City Council, Ison Harrison has invested in a key sponsorship of the city’s annual Christmas celebrations, including the prestigious Christmas Lights switch-on and the extremely…
Emily’s Hartley’s Successful Inquest Case Study
Diane Coulson’s daughter Emily Hartley, was the youngest woman to die in prison custody in recent years. Emily took her own life at New Hall Prison in April 2016, at 21 years old. Emily had a long history of mental health issues; which she believed began at the age of 9, after grieving the death of her grandmother,…
Mining Searches
Mining Searches are largely something we take for granted in the Yorkshire area, but they’re extremely important for both you, the mortgage lender and indeed the current occupiers of the property. It’s estimated that around 18% of residential property in Yorkshire is impacted by the mining legacy. That’s a substantial amount of homes so it…
Introducing Chris Brierley, Solicitor & York Branch Manager
As we have now officially opened our 13th regional branch in York, we thought this was a perfect time to introduce our York branch manager, Chris Brierley. Chris is a solicitor with expertise in residential property who joined Ison Harrison in August 2018 having been qualified for ten years. Chris is bringing his vast experience…
How Health and Safety Compliance Can Help Businesses
Laws relating to health and safety provide a legal duty for businesses to protect the health, safety and welfare of all employees- as well as any others who may be affected. Here, we offer an overview of the most common accidents and the regulations which aim to prevent them. Having good health and safety practices…
Reasonable Adjustments An Employer Should Make For Erb’s Palsy Sufferers
Living with Erb’s Palsy requires a number of adjustments to be made both at home and at work. The key to this is information and understanding. At home there is likely to be a support network and specialist help at hand, but at work it is often the case that a lack of knowledge and…
600 Ambulance call outs in 3 years to UK Amazon Warehouse
A Freedom of Information request to ambulance services from the GMB union has revealed that over the past three years, ambulances were called out 600 times to an Amazon warehouse, with 115 call outs this year to site in Rugeley, near Birmingham. Three call outs were related to pregnancy or maternity problems Three for major…
Erb’s Palsy Awareness Week: Read Our Interview With Debbie Robinson From The Erb’s Palsy Group
As part of our support of Erb’s Palsy Awareness Week, we have interviewed Debbie Robinson, Deputy Chair from the Erb’s Palsy Group to find out more about her role at this charity that helps to support families affected by Erb’s Palsy. 1. Please tell us about your background and how you got involved with the…
The Erb’s Palsy Group Ball 2018 – Supported By Ison Harrison
This year we are proud to have supported the Erb’s Palsy Group Silver Anniversary Ball. The Silver Anniversary Ball celebrated 25 years of the Erb’s Palsy Group and was held at the Marriott Hotel in Leeds. Tickets for the ball included a drinks reception, three-course set menu and four bottles of wine per table of ten…
Erb’s Palsy Awareness Week 2018
Very few people have heard of Erb’s Palsy and the awareness week is designed to change that by raising public awareness. Also known as Brachial Plexus Paralysis, Erb’s Palsy is often a birthing injury, caused by trauma at birth and generally with larger babies that get stuck during the birthing process. Affecting one to five…
Burn victim achieves settlement of £55,000.00
Simon Helliwell in our personal injury department recently settled a case involving a 96 year old Claimant who suffered serious burns to her lower leg after a storage heater that had very recently been fitted fell away from the wall due to shoddy workmanship. The storage heater weighed 165Kg and trapped my client’s leg for…
New Ison Harrison Branch Opening in York City Centre
We are delighted to announce the opening of our 13th regional office of Ison Harrison and a promising move into North Yorkshire. Our new branch will be based in York city centre with the opening taking place on 29th October 2018. The last two years have seen a rapid expansion of the Ison Harrison network,…
Making a Medical Negligence Claim for Erb’s Palsy
Sadly, despite the excellent standards of today’s medical professionals, many of the cases of Erb’s Palsy that still occur could be prevented. At Ison Harrison we understand that it can be extremely difficult to learn that your child has suffered an injury and to deal with the emotional and financial strain of raising a child…
What Nerves Are Affected In Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s Palsy is a condition which occurs during birth trauma. Also known as Brachial Plexus Paralysis, the condition can affect 1 or the entire 5 primary nerves that supply feeling and movement to an arm. This affects mobility and functions of an arm, impacting daily life. Erb’s palsy is a partial to complete paralysis of…
Can I Be Sacked Whilst Off Work Sick?
One of the most commonly discussed issues relating to human resources and employment law during my 15 years with Ison Harrison, is this question of whether an employee can be dismissed whilst they are on sick leave. The simple answer is “yes they can”, however the employer must first go through a staged process of…
My Employer Is Bullying Me – What Should I Do?
Cases of bullying at work are unfortunately quite common, even when this involves your boss rather than a colleague. Such issues often arise when a person is new to a job, but can also develop after you have been in a job for a number of years and your line manager changes. You should not…
Chris Drabble’s Success Story
Our client, Kickboxing champion and proud father of two, Mr Chris Drabble, recently received £135,000.00 in settlement following an accident at work on the 7th September 2015. He suffered a significant fracture dislocation of his wrist when the boom on a genie lift fell towards him and he put his hands out to protect himself. …
Children Accidents
Infants and children can often be involved in accidents. This can be due to their inquisitive nature; the desire to test everything they find. On some occasions, an accident may lead to an injury. You may be able to make a compensation claim on behalf of your child. Common accidents include Defective playground equipment Poorly…
Victims of Abuse Being Let Down by the NHS
Reports find lack of support and failings within NHS Mental Health Services Child maltreatment has been called the tobacco industry of mental health. As smoking directly causes or triggers predispositions for physical disease, early abuse can contribute to virtually all types of mental illness, leaving these children vulnerable to depression, addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder…
Acid Now Listed as a Dangerous Weapon
In March, acid was listed as a highly dangerous weapon in new sentencing guidelines. Those caught carrying acid or likewise corrosive substances in public can face 6 months in jail under new guidelines. Those under the age of 18 could receive 4 months detention and training order. If the substance is used to harm- this…
Allergic Reaction Causes Fatal Accidents
Boy with severe dairy allergy dies after schoolmate throws cheese A 13 year old boy from Greenford West London, died due to a serious allergic reaction, after going into anaphylactic shock. The boy was severely allergic to wheat, gluten, all dairy, eggs and all nuts. He was also asthmatic and suffered from atopic eczema. The…
Baby Loss Awareness Week 2018
The loss of a baby can be one of the most harrowing times a person, couple or family has to deal with. Whether the baby is lost during pregnancy or in the early weeks or months of life, it can be a life-changing event, where blossoming attachments and connections already made are severed before you…
UK Forced Marriage Prosecutions
The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 In 2014, legislation was introduced to tackle forced marriage in the UK. The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 amended the Forced Marriage Civil Protection Act 2007, and Family Law Act 1996. It became stringent; criminalising those who breach Forced Marriage Protection Orders. Since the new…
What are the Regulatory Aspects of Advertising?
Laws are in place to protect consumers from false advertisements. False advertising is the use of misleading, false, or unproven information to advertise products to consumers. All marketing and advertising must adhere to regulations set out in UK law, as well as advertising codes of practice. If information about customers or potential customers is stored,…
Domestic Abuse: Myths Vs Facts
Common misconceptions surrounding domestic abuse tend to be based on stereotype and myth. Perceptions can be perpetuated by media and society. These myths are unrelated to the reality and extent of domestic abuse, and furthermore harms victims. The myths below tend to blame the victim, rather than holding the perpetrator accountable. This information aims to…
Forced Marriage Recognised as Modern Slavery: Changes in Policy?
NGO Charities warn that thousands of victims across the UK live in conditions matching modern slavery. Under the freedom of information act, figures collected by the Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation revealed 3,546 reports between 2014 and 2016. In 2017, another NGO charity, Karma Nirvana took approximately 9,000 calls on the forced marriage helpline,…
Police Stop and Search Powers Extended
The extension of stop and search powers are underway, as Sajid Javid plans officers to be able to stop anyone suspected of carrying acid without a good reason. Currently, police can only do so when they have evidence that a person is about to cause an injury. The home secretary is also pushing for police…
An insight into Criminal Behaviour Orders
Punishment for antisocial behaviour The punishments for antisocial behaviour can include civil injunctions, community protection notices CPN, and criminal behaviour orders CBO. These punishments replaced Antisocial Behaviour Orders in England, but ASBO’S are still issued in Scotland. Antisocial behaviour includes: Playing loud music at night Vandalism and graffiti Drunken or threatening behaviour Persistent aggressive behaviour…
Vaccines Stored at Wrong Temperature – Again
Simon Helliwell, a senior Chartered Legal Executive within our Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Team, had been instructed last year in relation to a number of cases involving a Leeds GP surgery which, following a routine inspection by the Care Quality Commission, was found to have stored vaccines at an incorrect temperature – for up…
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 Offences and Sentencing
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 Offences and Sentencing The Modern Slavery Act 2015 consolidates and simplifies existing offences into a singular act of modern slavery. This ensures that perpetrators receive suitable punishment. The act also requires businesses over a certain size to disclose actions made to ensure modern slavery is not underway in their business…
Animal Welfare Law: Developments in 2018
The law relating to the welfare of animals is not usually a hotbed of innovation, but developments are on the horizon. Here, Ison Harrison provides an outline of what’s new. Sentencing Powers Increase Maximum sentences in cases involving animal cruelty have increased as a result of legislation led by Environment Secretary Michael Gove. Those found…
Not Out: England Cricketers Now Facing Professional Misconduct Proceedings
Ben Stokes and Alex Hales are in the spotlight once more- but again, not in relation to their cricketing prowess. Instead, professional misconduct proceedings have been brought following the recent criminal trial. The controversy surrounding the case is well documented, and the grainy CCTV footage has been circulated widely. In summary: Stokes was found not…
Calls to HMRC’s Tax Evasion Hotline double
On average, 250 people call HMRC’s Tax Evasion Hotline every day. The hotline, set up in 2006, has attracted widespread public attention. A Freedom of Information request has shown that 40,695 people called the hotline in 2017/2018- more than double the number of reports handled during the previous year. It is estimated that in the…
Sale of Conventional Petrol and Diesel Vehicles Ending by 2040
Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 The government are implementing the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 to achieve carbon targets set out in the Climate Change Act 2008. Decarbonising transport is a key aspect of this policy. It has been announced by government that nearly all cars and vans should be zero emission vehicles…
NHS Care in Maternity Units Not Meeting Standards
Maternity units forced to close across the UK In 2017, 11 NHS trust disclosed they had been forced to close maternity units more than 10 times during the year, due to shortage of staff. Freedom of Information (FOI) requests by Labour identified 300 occasions where maternity units were closed and mothers were sent elsewhere, due…
How To Get On The Property Ladder If You’re A First Time Buyer
There are several schemes available to first time buyers wanting to buy their first property. Shared Ownership These schemes are provided through local housing associations. In a shared ownership, you buy a percentage share of your home, ranging from 25-75% with a mortgage and pay a reduced rent on the remaining share. This reduces the…
Travel Disruptions and Employment Law
Are employees entitled to pay if adverse weather disrupts travel? By UK law, employees are not automatically entitled to pay if they are unable to get to work due to travel disruptions or bad weather. If your employer deducted your pay, you would possibly have the right to bring a claim on the basis of…
LPA Requirements
An LPA enables you to choose a trusted person to make financial or healthcare related decisions on your behalf, should you lose mental capacity. However, you need mental capacity to initially set up a LPA. Mental capacity is the capability to make specific significant decisions. There are two kinds of LPA; financial and healthcare. Financial…
What is the Law for Young Offenders?
What is age of criminal responsibility? The age of criminal responsibility is 10 in England and Wales. Children under 10 cannot be arrested or charged with a crime. Children between 10 and 17 can be arrested and taken to court (dependent upon the severity of the crime committed). Children are subject to specific sentencing guidelines,…
Royal Mail Breaches Competition Law, Fined £50m By UK Communications Regulators Ofcom
The investigation initially followed a complaint made by Whistl (previously known as TNT) in 2014. Whistl intended to enter the wholesale mail delivery market, and stated that Royal Mail had abused its dominant market position. A £50m fine was issued to Royal Mail by the regulator, for breaches of competition law and discrimination against its…
Cybercrime Set To Double By 2020
With the rise of the internet, organised crime has quickly taken advantage of opportunities online. Cybercrime targets individuals, businesses of all sizes and corporate networks. The ranges of personal criminal offences encompass the harvesting of data (phishing), identity theft, hacking, financial crime and the distribution of indecent and extreme material. For businesses, hacking and Distributed…
Schoolgirl Awarded £15,000 in Damages for Sexual Harassment
A teenage schoolgirl wins £15,000 in damages for sexual harassment after she was targeted by her boss at Pizza Hut, in Stratford East London. The 16 year old teenager had taken on her first ever job at Pizza Hut in 2016, working 10 hours per week as a receptionist. Employment Judge Catrin Lewis described the…
Revival of Oldest Street in Leeds Kirkgate
Plans have now been submitted to revive Leeds oldest street; Kirkgate. The transformation of Leeds oldest street has been submitted by Think Architecture and features include new build apartments, a new public square, and a new pedestrianised street featuring retail and leisure space for independent businesses. Paul Nathan-Geary of Geary & Associates, advising Cityfusion, stated:…
Erb’s Palsy Group Picnic in the Park 2018
In celebration of their 25th Anniversary the Erb’s Palsy Group had a picnic in the park on Sunday 19th August. They decided to have a picnic as they wanted to refocus on the original remit of their family events which was to provide an opportunity for families to meet, socialise, share experiences and forge friendships….
Online Pharmacy Doctor-4-U Sells Opioids to False Repetitive Buyers, Fuelling Addicts Through Legal Loopholes
A number of online pharmacies have no alert systems to identify fake profiles made by someone making multiple repeated prescription orders to the same address. This means that addicts are seeking new alternatives to enable drug usage; people are taking advantage of this loophole- ordering hundreds of pills a month. Customers are able to make…
A Non-for-profit organisation seeks tech sector whistle-blowers; offering a witness protection programme
Whistle-blowers are now being offered a witness protection scheme, to aid and expose wrongdoings made in the tech industry. The Signals Network works with a global network of journalists, providing assistance to potential whistle blowers. The purpose is to ensure that large organisations and corporations can be investigated. The non-for-profit founder Giles Raymond stated it…
New NHS Guidance Could Save 600 Stillborn Babies Each Year
According to a recent article by the Telegraph, 600 babies could be saved from stillbirth each year in the UK under new NHS guidance. This guidance is known as the Saving Babies Lives Care Bundle. It seeks to increase monitoring of babies throughout pregnancy by intervening to reduce cigarette smoking, detecting small babies, informing women…
Ison Harrison Visits Nell Bank Centre in Ilkley
Ilkley branch manger Iain Oliver and Trainee Solicitor Jess Bourke in association with Ilkley’s Rotary Club visited the Nell Bank activity centre at the end of last month. Nell Bank provides day and residential experiences for schools and community groups across the full age and ability range. The centre is aimed at under privileged, able…