Unfortunately accidents do happen when we least expect them to. All of the cases we handle here at PHC Law are claims that are being pursued for compensation for injuries suffered as a direct result of an accident or crime. The injuries are usually caused by the negligence/violence/breach of statutory duty of a third party, for instance a road traffic accident, an accident at work, an act of crime or violence or as a result of a slip, trip or fall.

If you were to be involved in an accident or suddenly taken ill, has it ever occurred to you which person you would want the emergency services, or the person who has come to your aid to contact?

The chances are it would be your next of kin, your partner, or a close friend you would want them to contact, but how would the person who has come to assist or help you know how to contact them?

This is something we do not tend to think about because none of us expect to be in this type of situation and do everything we can to prevent an accident from happening.

So, what is ICE?

ICE is an in case of an emergency contact number we are encouraging everyone who possesses a mobile phone to add ‘ICE’ in their contacts list in the event of a crisis or medical emergency.

By simply adding your next of kin, partner or close family or friend to your phone book as an ‘ICE’ (in case of an emergency) contact number, the emergency services or anyone who assists you in the event of an accident will know who to contact.

Likewise, you should add ‘ICE2’, ‘ICE3’, ‘ICE 4’ etc. just in case the people who you have chosen to be your ‘ICE’ numbers cannot be reached, having various ‘ICE’ numbers stored in your mobile phone gives the emergency services more options for them to contact the correct people on your behalf.

The idea is the brainchild of an East Anglian paramedic, Bob Brotchie who has worked for the ambulance service for 13 years who said: “I was reflecting on some of the calls I’ve attended at the roadside where I had to look through the mobile phone contacts struggling for information on a shocked or injured person. Almost everyone carries a mobile phone now, and with ICE we’d know immediately who to contact and what number to ring. The person may even know their medical history”.

Mr Wood, a road traffic accident solicitor from PHC Law said: “It’s surprising how many clients of ours hadn’t heard of or been aware of the ‘ICE’ campaign before now. Many clients who I have spoken to about it for future reference have said it could have made a difference if they would have had ‘ICE’ contact numbers stored in their phone when they became involved in an accident and will most certainly add ‘ICE’ numbers to their mobile for future reference.

“It’s simple to do and could help to save your life, so we encourage everyone who hasn’t done this to act now”.

Have you ever been involved in a work related accident and suffered an injury through no fault of your own? Did you know you may still be entitled to make a claim for accident at work compensation?

Who to turn to?

Making a work claim for the first time might seem rather daunting at first, it can be difficult to know who to turn to when you need professional advice and many people are unsure whether or not to claim compensation for injuries arising from a work-related accident. Accidents happen unexpectedly so it is difficult to know what your rights are if you have never been put in this situation before.

It is important that you have someone you can trust to seek advice from. Your first port of call would be to seek legal advice from a specialist accident at work solicitor. Before you decide to instruct them to handle your case, make sure they are regulated by the solicitor’s regulation authority and have the relevant experience and expertise in personal injury.

Please find below more information below that you might find helpful if you are considering to claim compensation.

Making a claim for accident at work compensation – time limits

By law you are legally entitled to make a claim for personal injury within three years of the accident date under the limitation act 1980. To ensure you receive the best possible outcome of your claim and the highest compensation award that you are entitled to, it is vital that you pursue a claim as soon as possible after the event.

A claim for compensation will only succeed if fault can be established. To help to support making a claim, you should provide your solicitor with as much information about the circumstances of the accident and how it has affected you.

Here is a quick check list of the information you should provide:

• The contact name and telephone number of any independent witnesses who saw the accident happen.
• The name of the GP or any other medical professional who accessed your injuries and the address of their establishment.
• The contact name and position of the person who you reported the accident to and the details of the person who recorded the accident.
• Any evidence of the losses you have suffered such as wage slips and receipts.
• Photographic evidence of the accident scene, and and of your injuries to provide your solicitor with a clear indication of how the accident happened and the extent of your injuries.

Could making an accident at work claim affect my terms of employment?

No your terms of employment will not be affected. It is a legal requirement for every employers’ to have insurance to protect them in the event of an accident, including small companies. The type of insurance employers’ have to have is called Employers’ Liability. This protects your employer in the event or a work claim being made.

However, in the unlikely event that your employer acts unreasonably you should seek legal advice from an employment law solicitor.

At PHC Law we have not handled any cases where a Claimant has had to resort to this.

How much compensation could I be entitled to?

Once liability has been admitted by the insurers and medical evidence obtained, your solicitor will be in more of a position to advise you and provide you with an indication of the level of compensation you could expect to receive.

No amount of money can compensate you for your injuries or illness suffered which has been caused by the negligence of a third party. One of the benefits of seeking compensation is to recover compensation for the injuries suffered, and to recover compensation for past and future losses, including loss of earnings, any cost of medical treatment and travel expenses.

This is where an experienced solicitor can help.

At PHC Law, our aim is to secure the highest possible award that you may be entitled to and to put you back into a position you was in before the accident happened.

From the outset of your claim, we will be able to advice you of the level of compensation we think you are entitled to and will seek to recover the maximum amount for you as quickly as possible.

How can PHC Law help?

Our team of personal injury solicitors has over 30 years’ experience successfully handling accident at work cases for non-fault accident victims and has grown into one of the most respected law firms in the UK for securing the highest compensation awards.

If you require more information or would like to pursue a claim for accident at work compensation, simply call 0800 612 7 612 to discuss your claim today with one of our accident at work solicitors, or alternatively visit www.phclaw.com for more information.

By law employers are required to have Employers Liability Insurance to prevent them against liability for injury or disease to their employees.

Similarly to motorist insurance, all motorists must have vehicle insurance to protect them in the event of an accident. The same applies in the event of an accident at work. Employers Liability Insurance protects the employer in the event of a work accident claim being made against them. For example, if an employee suffers an injury in the workplace that was caused as a result of their employer or another employee’s negligence, they may be entitled to claim accident at work compensation.

Accident at work compensation can be claimed for with the help of a personal injury solicitor.

Many law firms in the UK specialise in accident at work claims.

In the event of a work accident claim being made, a solicitor will request evidence from the Employers’ regarding the employers’ employment and the accident circumstances to prove they are liable for their employee’s injuries.

If the claim is successful, the solicitor will claim their legal costs from the Employers’ insurance company.

Would this still apply if I worked for a small company or organisation?

Yes, Employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement for any business which has one or more employees.

If I have sustained an injury whilst at work, what am I entitled to claim for?

If your employer has failed to carry out their duty of care and as a result of this you have suffered an injury or illness during the course of your work, you are entitled to claim accident at work compensation.

This will not only compensate you for the pain and suffering you have suffered but also for any financial losses you have sustained, including loss of earnings.

Could making an accident at work claim affect my terms of employment?

By law your terms of employment should not be affected simply because you have made, or are thinking about making a personal injury claim. If your employer dismisses you or treats you unfairly as a result of this then you should seek legal advice from an employment solicitor.

At PHC Law our team of personal injury solicitors rarely hear of this occurring and most employers act responsible and accept that a claim being made against them is not personal, that a claim is being made to simply seek compensation to help restore a physical recovery and to help reimburse any financial losses which may have been incurred.

How PHC Law can help?

If you have been injured during the course of your work, it would be advisable to seek the professional legal advice and guidance off a specialist accident at work solicitor. Although you have up to three years to make a claim, it is recommended that you seek advice as soon as possible after the event so that your solicitor can quickly obtain the necessary evidence to build a strong case.

For more information visit www.phclaw.com or to speak directly to a personal injury solicitor call free on 0800 612 7 612.

The man who cannot be named for legal reasons sustained an injury to his lower back as a result of falling onto the floor which was caused by a slippery floor surface.

Mr Cooper a senior consultant at PHC Law personal injury solicitors said his client suffered an injury to his coccyx that required a period of months off work needed to help aid his recovery.

“My client was walking towards the wash basins in the gentlemen’s toilets and fell due to the floor being extremely slippery that resulted in him being unable to work and required him to take a period of months off to recover.

“Although he wanted nothing more than to return to work, during the course of the recovery period, his employers decided to terminate his employment.

“This deeply saddened both my client and I that he could be treated in such a way, however he is now making a good recovery and is seeking alternative employment and is now getting his life back on track,” said Mr Cooper.

The Defendant, the client’s employers, denied liability in this case. But further to witness statements that were supportive of the circumstances of the accident, and medical documentation that had been obtained from the client’s GP and a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, a sufficient amount of evidence was brought forward and proceedings were commenced.

“They did not formally deny liability but made no concessions with regard to liability and made it clear that no offer would be forthcoming,” Mr Cooper added.

Proceedings were commenced and the Defendants raised no argument on liability but made an offer of £3,000.00 in response to Mr Cooper’s proposal of £4,500.00 compensation.

In settlement £3,500.00  was agreed by the client who received 100% compensation in full.

How can PHC Law help you?

PHC Law has a specialist department of experienced solicitors who deal with all different types of accident at work claims.

If you think you could be entitled to claim compensation, or require further information call us on 0800 612 7 612 or visit www.phclawm,com

The man turned to PHC Law for help to pursue a claim for criminal injuries compensation after suffering multiple injuries requiring surgical treatment. He suffered a fracture to the mandible bone requiring an implant, a fracture to the forearm, fractured cheekbone and damage to his teeth.

Miss Louise Kenny, a criminal injury legal expert at PHC Law who settled the case commented: “My client suffered significant injuries due to an unprovoked attack. Justice has now been served and both my client and I are happy with the outcome of his claim.

“Incidents like this unfortunately do happen and help is available to people who have been a victim of a crime or violence.  I would urge anyone who has been injured as a result of crime to seek legal advice and not suffer in silence.

“At PHC Law we successfully help hundreds of criminal injury victims every year to receive the justice they deserve and to be compensated for injuries caused through no fault of their own”.

A detailed investigation into the circumstances of the incident was carried out, medical documentation was obtained and following assessment by the CICA, PHC Law’s client received compensation in the sum of £4,790.00.

How can PHC Law help?

PHC Law personal injury solicitors have grown into one of the UK’s most respected law firms, helping non-fault accident victims to receive compensation for injuries suffered as a result of negligence or as an act crime or violence.

PHC Law’s specialist areas of law include accident at work compensation, road traffic accident claims, slip, trip or fall claims and criminal injury compensation claims.

For more information about PHC Law can help you, simply call 0800 612 7 612 to speak directly to a specialist criminal injury solicitor today, or visit www.phclaw.com

The 29 year old man turned to PHC Law for legal advice and guidance following a vicious attack which took place in his hometown in Doncaster, following a night out.

The man was assaulted by a group of men who left him with significant injuries that have left him permanently scarred for life.

A local taxi driver who witnessed the attack found the man unconscious and phoned the Police and local hospital for help.

The client sustained fractures to the face and had to undergo surgery. Metal plates were inserted into his face to help aid his recovery. However, his injuries have left him with numbness and loss of sensation to the face and he will remain permanently scarred as result of the injuries he sustained.

Louise Kenny, a criminal injuries legal expert who handled the case commented: “The circumstances of this incident are shocking.

I am pleased that justice has now been served. My client has now received compensation he is entitled to which will help him recover and recoup the financial losses he has incurred over the past 12 months having required time off work to recover.

“Both my client and I are extremely pleased with the outcome of his claim and he can now move on from this”.

“All matters that we handle here at PHC Law are dealt with professionally, sensitively and in the strictest of confidence. We would urge anyone who has fallen victim to an act of violence or crime to speak to us with the assurance that we will help you to receive the justice and the maximum amount of compensation you are legally entitled to”.

How can PHC Law help?

PHC Law has a  specialist department of experienced personal injury solicitors handling claim for victims of crime, helping people to receive the maximum amount of criminal injuries compensation they are legally entitled to.

The team at PHC Law has grown into one of the most respected personal injury firms in the UK, helping non-fault accident victims to receive compensation for accidents at work, road traffic accidents and slip, trips and fall accidents.

Call us today free on 0800 612 7 612 to find out how we can help you to make a successful claim for compensation, or visit our website www.phclaw.com for more information.

It is estimated that in the UK there are around 4,500 specialist personal injury firms, so how do you know which firm you can trust to handle your compensation claim?

So what should you look for when selecting the right personal injury solicitor?

Here is a brief check list for you to take when deciding which firm of solicitors to choose from:

Experience

Choosing an experienced firm of specialist personal injury solicitors to pursue your injury claim will increase the chances of your claim being successful and you receiving the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to by law.

Researching into how long the firm has been established is a good indicator as to how successful the firm is. A well respected and reputable firm of personal injury solicitors will continue to thrive following establishment and will be a leader in their field of expertise, supported by their client testimonials.

Expertise

There are many law firms out there who specialise in various legal sectors who have specialist departments within the cooperation or company who handle personal injury cases which is not necessarily their specialism. This does not mean they are any better or less experienced compared to a firm who specialises in ‘personal injury’.  Therefore, choosing a firm of specialist personal injury solicitors may increase the chances of your claim being successful and result a higher compensation award.

It is important that consider every aspect of this guide to help you to choose the right solicitor for you.

Regulation

All practicing solicitors are regulated by the Solicitor Regulation Authority (SRA), and this by no means is an indication of excellence.

However, you should check that the firm if regulated for peace of mind they are a registered practice and not an accident claims management company.

Recommendation

Personal recommendations reinforce trust and assurance. Trusting another’s personal experience weighs heavily on many of the decisions that we make in every day life.

Choosing the best firm of solicitors to handle your case is no exception to this. Before proceeding with a claim for compensation, make sure you look into what testimonials and personal recommendations the firm has and make sure you choose the right solicitor for you.

On 17^th April 2009 the man was injured when a high pressure hose failed, causing industrial glue to be blasted into his face resulting in horrific injuries to both eyes.

The Claimant suffered a transient injury to the left eye, together with a corneal abrasion to the right eye.

Expert medical evidence was obtained by the Claimant’s solicitor, Mr John Cooper, senior consultant at PHC Law. The evidence obtained from an Ophthalmologist identified recurrent erosion syndrome.

Mr Cooper issued proceedings against the Defendants.

The Defendant’s reluctantly cooperated with the Part 20 proceedings issued against them thereby delaying and complicating the settlement of the claim.

After negotiations, offers and counter offers, the claim was settled in the sum of £5,000.00 upon the Defendant accepting the Claimant’s Part 36 proposal to settle the claim.

Mr Cooper commented: “The recurrent erosion syndrome is a potentially serious condition which can affect the injured party for life. This can lead to a permanent restriction to the types of employment in which all exposure to dust or similar materials must be eliminated. Fortunately,  the treatment worked for the Claimant in this particular case.

In this accident my client was very fortunate that his injuries did not result in him losing his eye sight completely.

The accident could have been prevented if his Employers had provided a safe system of work and safety wear.

By law every employer has a duty of care and is legally obliged to maintain a safe system of work, adequate training and the correct safety or protective wear.

I would advise anyone who has been involved in a work accident who has suffered injuries as a result of other’s negligence to get in touch with us”.

How PHC Law can help?

PHC Law’s team of personal injury solicitors are experienced in handling claims relating to all types of personal injuries and has a specialist department experienced in handling claims for victims of accidents at work.

If you think you have a case or require further information, contact us on 0800 612 7 612 to speak directly with a personal injury solicitor today,

Mr John Cooper, a senior consultant at PHC Law said his client was employed by a construction company. On the day of the accident they asked him to cut out cabling using an angle grinder. As he did so there was a large electrical flash and the Claimant was electrocuted.

“My client was thrown against the walls and described a near death experience, extreme pain and distress”, said Mr Cooper.

“He was rushed to hospital and there became aware of the extent of the burns to his face and arms. As a result, he has suffered severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that has included nightmares, hyper vigilance, increased irritability and anxiety.”

The Defendants throughout denied liability in this matter and provided disclosure unwillingly and went onto file a complex and detailed Defence. Not satisfied, Mr Cooper issued proceedings.

Proceedings were commenced and following negotiations with the Defendants after various offers and counter offers, the Defendants agreed to pay £20,000.00 damages.

“My client was extremely lucky in the accident which could have been fatal. He has received treatment for his injuries and counselling which is helping him to make a good recovery”

“I would urge anyone who has suffered injuries or trauma as a result of an accident at work to contact us”.

How can PHC Law personal injury solicitors help?

PHC Law can help you to claim accident at work compensation for victims who have sustained injuries or psychological injury as a result of an accident at work.

Contact us free on 0800 612 7 612 for more information or fill in the complete the contact form online.

The Applicant suffered serious injuries when he was assaulted in a nightclub where he was knocked unconscious.

He suffered a skull fracture, brain injury and loss of smell and taste along with migraines.

A claim was submitted on behalf of the Applicant to the Government body who fully investigated the circumstances along with his Criminal Injury Law legal representative, Miss Louise Kenny.

Having successfully obtained a sufficient amount of Police and relevant medical documentation, the claim was accessed by the CICA in the sum of £6,865 compensation to include partial loss of taste and smell, brain injury over 28 weeks and a skull fracture, awarded on the Multiple Injury Scheme.

Miss Louse Kenny, a Criminal Injury Law Specialist who handled the case commented:

“The Applicant and I discussed his injuries, treatment and prognosis for the future at length and it was agreed that we would request a review of this decision as the Applicant’s loss of sense of smell and taste was not partial but permanent and the initial award did not take this into consideration. There is always risk when requesting a review of a decision that the award could be even less favourable when looked at by another Case Officer.

Accordingly, we obtained medical evidence to support the permanent loss of smell and taste and requested a review of the Applicant’s case”.

The application was looked at again by another Case Officer and assessed in the sum of £16,078.50 to include permanent loss of sense of smell and taste, brain injury over 28 weeks and skull fracture based on the Multiple Injury Scheme.

Miss Kenny added: “My client and I are very happy with the reviewed decision and thought it was a reasonable award for the serious injures he had suffered.

This case highlights the benefits of legal representation in being able to accurately assess possible awards and know when a decision should be reviewed based on experience and knowledge.

This was a very good outcome and my client received the justice he deserved.”