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…
Inquiry unearths illegal arrest and demeaning strip searches by members of Greater Manchester Police
A damning report published today has found that serving officers of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have been “using their powers unwisely, unnecessarily and sometimes unlawfully”. What is the Baird Inquiry? It is an independent Inquiry commissioned in August 2023 by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. The purpose of the Inquiry was to investigate…
Birth Trauma Awareness Week – What Is Informed Consent?
Birth Trauma Awareness Week is an annual event run by the Birth Trauma Association (BTA), which aims to raise awareness about birth trauma and provide support for those affected. This year, it runs from 15-21 July 2024. The theme this year is Informed Consent. Here’s what you need to know: Informed Consent Informed consent is…
Jury concludes that there were missed opportunities to save the life of 4 year old little girl
The inquest touching upon the sad death of Makenna-Rose Thackray concluded today with the Jury returning a narrative conclusion. The Jury concluded that there were missed opportunities to save the life of 4-year-old Mekenna-Rose Thackray. Makenna-Rose was diagnosed with Scarlett Fever on the 9th December 2022 but was only prescribed a 7 day course of…
NHS In Crisis? NHS Resolution A Contradiction In Terms
Mr Simon Helliwell in our personal injury team recently settled a claim on behalf of Mrs W in the sum of £12,500.00 in which the NHS litigation authority fought the case all the way to within 1 month of Trial denying liability throughout. Mrs W was at work and slipped due to wet floor that…
Ison Harrison Expands with Strategic Acquisition of Cohen Cramer Solicitors
Press Release – July 2024 Leading Yorkshire Law Firm Strengthens Expertise and Employee-Owned Vision Ison Harrison, one of Yorkshire’s most prominent law firms, is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Cohen Cramer Solicitors, a distinguished firm with a robust presence in Leeds and a national clientele. This strategic move underscores Ison Harrison’s commitment to growth,…
Inquest Opens Into Self-Inflicted Death Of Vulnerable Young Woman Shortly After Discharge From Hospital
Before HM Assistant Coroner Mr J Puzey Worcestershire Coroner’s Court, Martins Way, Stourport-on-Severn, DY13 8UN. Scheduled 28 June at 1pm to Wednesday 3 July 2024 Beth Taylor Jarvis was a much-loved daughter, sister and aunt. She was born on 4 July 1997 in Hammersmith, London and died on 25 March 2023 aged 25 years old….
Tips For Blowing The Whistle On Workplace Wrongdoing
It is common to witness what you perceive to be a ‘wrongdoing’ in the workplace, and out of a sense of decency and honesty you feel a duty to report it to someone to protect the public and/or colleagues. However, there is a very specific way you need to do this. People can feel cautious…
Leasehold Vs Freehold: Here’s Everything You Need To Know
When you are buying a property there is a lot to consider, usually this relates to costs, contracts and the results of searches and surveys, but you may also come across the terms freehold and leasehold. These are quite common terms in UK property and this article is designed to define the difference between the…
Grace Smith: Hospital Failures Linked to 16-Year-Old’s Tragic Death, Inquest Reveals
Grace Smith, aged 16, passed away on August 5, 2022, at Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People in Loughborough following a self-inflicted ligature at St Andrew’s Healthcare in Northampton. An inquest jury determined that Grace’s death resulted from suicide, influenced by a failure to adequately address her risks and triggers despite available information. The…
Leading Lawyer Gears Up To Represent Great Britain Age Group At Duathlon European Championships
Press Release – June 2024 A Yorkshire lawyer is proving she’s fit for business after qualifying to represent Great Britain in the Duathlon European Championships. Victoria Boid, a Partner in the Corporate team of leading Yorkshire law firm Ison Harrison, will be taking on the gruelling challenge in Portugal. Victoria, who has been training for…
Ison Harrison Named As A Top Donating Firm For 2023 Will Aid Campaign
We are proud to announce we have successfully raised £7,630 through our firm’s participation in an annual charity will-writing campaign, placing us among the top contributors nationwide and the third highest in the North East. At Ison Harrison, we have been involved in the Will Aid campaign since 1998 and accumulated a total of £119,187…
Conservative MP’s Sepsis Battle Highlights Importance of Early Detection
Conservative MP Craig Mackinlay has spoken of his life-threatening sepsis ordeal that left him having his hands and feet amputated. Mr Mackinlay said that he was “extremely lucky to be alive” and had had some “extreme surgery” as a result of the illness. Speaking about his return to work, he said he now wants to…
Enforcement action taken against Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has issued the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with a Section 31 notice, putting conditions on its registration, and demanding urgent improvement following concerns with the provision of maternity care within the Trust. The maternity service remains open but has several reporting conditions in place to ensure improvements are made…
APPG inquiry calls for overhaul of UK’s maternity and postnatal care
An All-Party Parliamentary Group’s (APPG) inquiry into traumatic childbirths has called for an overhaul of the UK’s maternity and postnatal care. The picture which emerged from the inquiry, was of a maternity system where poor care is all-too-frequently tolerated as normal, and women are treated as an inconvenience. What is the Birth Trauma Inquiry? It…
Can I Claim For A Missed Scaphoid Fracture?
What is a scaphoid fracture? The scaphoid is one of the small bones which make up the wrist. It is located on the thumb side of the wrist. It is an important bone for movement and stability of the wrist. The scaphoid can be injured by a fall onto an outstretched hand, by a blow…
Knowing Your Legal Rights As A Grandparent
How grandparents fit into the legal framework with regards to the care of children is not a commonly understood element of family law and is not as clearly defined as the parent’s rights. And yet grandparents can play a key role in how children are brought up and looked after. They can also play a…
eVisas Set To Replace Biometric Residence Permits: Here’s What You Need You Know
Many foreign nationals living in the UK have what is known as a Biometric Card otherwise known as a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). This is a card that confirms their identity, contains their biometric information, immigration status and conditions of stay. Employers want to see this so that they can determine when that person’s visa…
What Happens If New Drivers Get Caught Speeding?
In many areas of life there is leniency applied to people who are newly qualified in a certain field, but the legal standpoint on newly qualified drivers is actually stricter, purely because they have less experience and are more likely to cause accidents if they can’t demonstrate safe and lawful driving. Any learner driver has…
Ison Harrison Launches Dedicated Employee Ownership Service
Press Release – April 2024 We are proud to announce we have launched a dedicated employee ownership advisory service. Employee Ownership Advisor is a new service from Ison Harrison designed to provide business owners with the ultimate resource for navigating the world of Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). With its own dedicated website, the service aims…
Mediation: How It Can Help With Your Separation
Separation can be a traumatic and upsetting point in time, whether it is a trial period or is an arrangement that looks to be semi-permanent. The situation can be made even worse if it dissolves into arguments, resentment and bitterness and if the two parties can’t communicate properly. Often children are caught up in this…
Bradford Stabbing: Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Kulsuma Akter Murder
We read with great sadness details of the heinous murder of Ms Akter as she pushed her baby in a pram on a Bradford Street. It transpires that her alleged murderer, Mr Masum, was bailed by magistrates in November after being charged with assaulting and threatening to kill Ms Akter, offences which he had denied….
Concerns Raised Over NHS Funded Care At Private Hospitals
There is a growing concern about the level of care provided to patients at private hospitals and clinics in the UK. There has been much publicity surrounding surgeons such as Ian Paterson, Habib Rahman, Arackal Manu Nair and Michael Walsh. Mr Ian Paterson, a Breast Surgeon based in Birmingham, is currently serving a 20-year sentence…
Coroner Finds That The Death Of A Young Man With Autism And Learning Disabilities Was Contributed To By Neglect
The inquest into the death of Peter Dickens (31) concluded on the 28th March 2024 with HM Assistant Coroner, Dr Elizabeth Didcock returning a scathing narrative conclusion. Peter had a past medical history of autism, severe learning disability with challenging behaviour, choking disorder (Dysphagia) and epilepsy. He was non-verbal but for a few words and…
Law Firm’s Booming Litigation Division Registers Further Success
Press Release – April 2024 A Yorkshire law firm’s litigation division is on course for a record year following significant revenue growth, increasing client numbers and the appointment of a new Head of Department. The litigation division of Leeds headquartered law firm Ison Harrison’s turnover for the year to date is currently over 67% higher…
Ongoing Worries Persist at Mental Health Trust Following Nottingham Attacks by Triple Killer
A mental health patient was failed in the care he received at Highbury Hospital, Nottingham which led to his death. Steven Parkin was a 52-year-old man who lived in Nottingham with his wife. He had a diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder receiving care within his community, together with a noted medical history of ischemic heart disease,…
Special Measures Put In Place After Choking Death at Ashcroft House Leeds
A nursing facility has found itself under scrutiny as it faces special measures following a tragic incident involving a resident’s fatal choking, shedding light on significant safety oversights. Ashcroft House in Leeds came under fire with an inadequate rating subsequent to an inspection triggered by the mentioned fatality and another resident sustaining injuries from a…
5 Minutes With…Jessica Hudson, Family Solicitor
Today we’re chatting to Jessica Hudson, an Associate Solicitor based at our Huddersfield branch. How long have you worked at Ison Harrison? Almost five years. I started working at Ison Harrison in April 2019 as a newly qualified solicitor. Where did you work previously? I completed my training contract at a firm in Wakefield but…
What Are My Paternity Rights?
When it comes to making work arrangements around childbirth, the father is often forgotten. It is a unique and emotional time, and a father has a right to ensure he is available to share in some irreplaceable experiences with a newborn child, as well as being able to provide invaluable support for the mother. Some…
Hypoglycaemia – What do I need to know?
My child has developed a brain injury due to hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels) – What do I need to know? Unfortunately, on rare occasions, the signs of hypoglycaemia in newborns are not identified quickly enough or acted upon with treatment. Without enough glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood, the brain is deprived…
How To Apply For A Child Arrangement Order
The process of navigating divorce and separation can be stressful and traumatic, and finding an agreement for the future of children involved in such proceedings can be the most complex part, and one which needs to be handled delicately for the benefit of all parties, but primarily for the children themselves. In most cases the…
Avoidable Methadone Intoxication Death Was Contributed To By Neglect
A mental health patient was prescribed methadone as part of a care plan at Farmfield Hospital in Horley, Surrey, an Inquest heard, and this led to the death of the 37-year-old man. The Inquest concluded that a series of failings amounted to neglect, which was a contributory factor in the patient’s death. Ricky Keenan lived…
Ovarian Torsion – A Medical Emergency
When the ovary twists around its supporting tissues, it is called ovarian torsion or adnexal torsion. This is a rare but serious medical condition that requires immediate attention. Unfortunately, ovarian torsion is often mistaken for other problems, such as urinary tract infection, kidney stones, appendicitis or gastroenteritis. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and…
Celebrating International Women’s Day at Ison Harrison
Today we celebrate International Women’s Day. Recently we invited colleagues to share thoughts about colleagues who inspire them. Here we share the comments we received and we interview a few colleagues who received nominations. Louise Nichol You’ve been described as ‘One amazing person’ and someone who’s ‘Brilliant at sorting anything out’. How do you feel…
5 Minutes With… Kate Camm, Family Law Executive
We’re chatting to Kate Camm, who is a Family Law Executive based at our Doncaster branch. How long have you worked at Ison Harrison? I’ve worked for the firm for 11 months. Describe your day to day role I help clients through what is usually one of the most challenging and upsetting times of their…
Employers Face Possible Discrimination And Harassment Claims For Menopause Workers Treatment
New guidance issued by an equality watchdog claims that employers could be sued for discrimination or harassment if women going through the menopause are not treated fairly and offered ‘reasonable adjustments’ in the workplace. The Equality & Human Rights Commission (EHRC) issued new guidance on Thursday 22nd February 2024 stating that menopause symptoms could be…
Home Office Launches A Call For Information and Evidence To Support Changes To The Laws Around Crossbow Usage
Ison Harrison have been campaigning alongside Laura Sugden the partner of Shane Gilmer who was shot dead by a crossbow by his neighbour in January 2018, to tighten the laws on crossbow usage, since Shane’s Inquest in April 2021. Today the Home Office has launched a call for information and evidence about the introduction of…
Ison Harrison Opens New Office In Bradford
Press Release – February 2024 Leading Yorkshire law firm, Ison Harrison has opened a new regional office in Bradford, taking its total network of offices to 19. Based in Queensbury, Ison Harrison’s new office, on Brighouse Road, will be managed by Susan Ram, a solicitor, specialising in residential conveyancing, who completed her training contract with…
Putting The Kids First: How To Divorce Without Hurting Your Child
Divorce and separation is a profoundly sad time, and for all parties involved. Nobody enjoys breaking a commitment that two people have made to each other, but when there are also children involved it is a unique link that will always be shared, and while you may not be partners any more, you will always…
Fatal Crossbow Incident Highlights Urgency Of Law Review
A 30-year-old man was shot dead by armed police this week after he was seen by police officers threatening the occupants of a property while brandishing a crossbow. The incident brought the issue of regulations surrounding the use and storage of crossbows back into the public domain and highlighted the need to conclude a Home…
Ison Harrison Marks Second Anniversary Of Employee Ownership With Increased Annual Profit Distribution Payment To Staff
Press Release – February 2024 One of Yorkshire’s leading law firms has marked the second anniversary of becoming employee-owned by awarding all qualifying 270 team members a £4,000 profit distribution. The firm also posted its most successful trading period ever for October last year, making 2023 its most successful and profitable year in its 46-year…
Introducing Our ‘You’ll Know When It’s Time’ Campaign
Needing a lawyer isn’t something you’re likely to consider often. You may find that legal services are rarely required as you make your way through life’s ups and downs, and that’s great if so. But sometimes, you may find yourself in a situation where you need extra support. That’s why we’re here to help. At…
Ison Harrison Behind Family Determined To Improve Window Safety In High-Rise Tower Blocks To Prevent Future Deaths
In December, we shared the story of Exodus Eyob. A little boy who fell to his death from the 7th floor of a high-rise tower block in Leeds. Exodus gained access to the window by climbing upon a bed placed under the window. The window opened horizontally almost 360 degrees, supposedly for cleaning purposes. The…
New Partner Promotions Announced – January 2024
Press Release – Jan 2024 Leading law firm Ison Harrison has announced nine promotions across its network of Yorkshire offices for the start of the new year. Among the promotions from solicitor to partner are Ami Law, Gemma Vine, Magda Dakowicz, Tim Wilson, Simon Helliwell, Jessica Haigh, James Pascoe, Katrina Stapleton and Georgina Pogge-Von Strandman. This…
2023 with S.N.O.O.P., Special Needs Objective Outreach Project
Throughout 2023, Abi Hewison and Tom Nippress from our Clinical Negligence team have worked with S.N.O.O.P. to build a relationship and gain a better understanding as to how Ison Harrison can support them and their members. Who are S.N.O.O.P.? S.N.O.O.P. are a registered charity based in Bradford. They provide services ranging from before and after…
2023 Supporting The Snappy Trust
Ison Harrison were proud to support The Snappy Trust throughout 2023. The Snappy Trust are a small York based charity who are dedicated to maximising the personal development of children and young people with a wide range of disabilities. They provide a safe space and community that supports their members by offering a wide range…
A Cautionary Tale: If You Are A Victim Of A Crime Of Violence, Please Come To Us Rather Than Deal With The CICA Directly
Mr Simon Helliwell in our personal injury department recently settled a claim on behalf of Miss M. In 2016, Miss M was viciously assaulted by a prisoner during her work as a prison officer and suffered post-traumatic stress disorder. The injury was such that she was medically retired in 2018. A personal injury claim was…
Inquest Opens Into The Death Of Army Veteran George Jacobus Du Preez
George Jacobus Du Preez, a 37 year old Army Veteran who served in Afghanistan was found dead in his home address on 17 November 2019. Originally from Namibia, George enlisted in the South African Army after completing his education, later joining the Parachute Regiment in the British Army upon moving to the UK in 2007….
Medical Error at GP Surgery Results in Administering Fatal AstraZeneca Covid Vaccine to Healthy 28-Year-Old
A tragic incident unfolded at an Inquest on 10th November where a 28-year-old man, Alex Reid, had lost his life due to a rare blood clot caused by the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine. This heartbreaking event arose from an error that occurred almost two decades ago, misclassifying him as morbidly obese. The mistake, dating back to…
Inquest Into The Death Of Krispos Layas Due To Commence
The inquest touching on the death of Mr Krispos Layas commences on the 28 November 2023 at Hull Coroners Court before HM Senior Coroner Professor Paul Marks. Mr Layas, born in Limassol, Cyprus, was a retired merchant Navy captain. His children remember their father spending months at sea and warmly recount loving his return when…