Since the Grenfell Tower Inquiry began in May, we have heard over six months’ worth of evidence from fire fighters, control room operators, professional experts and from the bereaved residents and survivors of the fire. Phase one of the inquiry aimed to discover exactly what happened on the night of the fire, whilst the second phase will focus on why the fire spread. Here we look back over what we have learnt so far and what is to come moving forward. Read more...
People who sustain injuries would rather not have been injured at all and one of the main concerns they may have is will they receive the support to live their lives as independently and fully as possible. Rehabilitation plays a vital role when you have sustained an injury and should be considered in all cases whether it is a minor or life changing injury. Read more...
With the festive period looming most of us are probably looking forward to a well-earned break and some time with family and friends, but before any of us can put our feet up in front of the fire, there’s one more hurdle to cross: Black Friday. Read more...
In recent news we have seen a high profile clinical negligence claim concerning a number of hip-replacement patients fail at the High Court. Numerous Claimants had to have further surgery after being fitted with the Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) and Pinnacle Hip Implants manufactured by DePuy Synthes, which they say was due to the fact that the product was unsafe. They brought the claim against the medical equipment US manufacturer owned by Johnson & Johnson on the grounds that the materials used were unsafe and caused a risk to public health. Read more...
This week, the inquiry heard from several fire fighters who were the first on the scene at the Grenfell Tower tragedy on 14 June 2017. Fire fighters had mixed views on the stay put advice with some telling residents to leave the building and others stating that they should stay put in their flats. This raises huge cause for concern as to what training, if any, was provided to the fire fighters regarding the stay put policy and what type of plan of action is required when tackling in a high rise fire. Read more...
It has now been over a year since the Grenfell Tower fire claimed the lives of 72 people. Since the fire, countless questions have been raised as to how such a tragic event could happen; what caused the fire? How and why did it spread? Could more have been done to save lives? The Grenfell Inquiry has begun to hear expert evidence on the cause and spread of the fire. Five expert reports are to be published, outlining the cause of the inferno and why it spread so quickly. Read more...
Victims of the Grenfell Tower fire were told to “stay put” by fire safety operators during the crucial early hours on 14 June 2017. Operators of the initial calls made to the emergency services and fire fighters at the scene advised residents inside their flats to remain inside, close their windows and not attempt to come down to safety. Had they been advised differently the likelihood is that many deaths would have been prevented. Read more...
If you have been involved in any type of road traffic accident (RTA) that was not your fault, you have the right to claim compensation from the party responsible. RTA’s are arguably the most common type of personal injury claim. Read more...
In February 2017 the personal injury discount rate was reduced from 2.5% to 0.75%, which has resulted in a dramatic increase in the size of damages awarded to individuals who are bringing personal injury claims. Read more...
Accidents at work are not uncommon, however there are few instances where an accident will be life-changing, completely altering the way you live. On these such occasions, the injury itself may be so debilitating as to stop you from returning to work. You may be left with a hefty care bill, and without reasonable prospect of returning to work. Read more...
Cycling UK, an organisation that advocates cycling and all related to its activity has urged road users, motorists and cyclists to be better informed and careful on the roads, due to the increasing rate of ‘dooring’ accidents occurring in the UK. Read more...