Month: June 2020

Celebrating BAME Achievement in law: Christian Frederick Cole

Posted on June 30, 2020 by - Blog, Uncategorised

Christian Frederick Cole Image

Welcome to the first in our series of articles about the lives of BAME law figures in the past and present. We are starting off with the life of Christian Frederick Cole. Right now, the UK is in a tumultuous period due to Covid-19 and the recent events in America. At Gowing Law Solicitors, we want to provide support to everyone that needs it. The level of help you receive should not depend on the colour of your skin. Instead, all lawyers should be focused on getting their clients the justice that they deserve.

That is why we want to discuss the lives of important BAME figures that have played a role in shaping Britain’s legal history. Without them, we would not have made such great strides in the fight for equality of people of all races, genders, sexualities and ages. We want to use this moment to commend these figures and use them as case studies of human achievement. Anyone has the potential to be “great” if they are given the right opportunities. If they dedicate themselves to a good cause there is a wealth of possibility.

Here at Gowing Law, we want to listen to the experiences of people in the BAME community and amplify their stories to inspire young people in the present day. Anyone can become a lawyer or have a career in law. Hard work and a truly level playing field can give anyone the tools they need to overcome adversity.

That is why we want to start off our article series by looking into the life of Christian Frederick Cole, the first black barrister, all the way back in the 1800’s. This is history and his experiences of the legal system back in the Victorian Era.

Who Was Christian Frederick Cole?

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One of the most important things about Christian Frederick Cole (known as “Old King Cole” by his close friends) is that his greatest achievements derive from succeeding in the UK’s biggest scholarly establishments. Whilst this may not seem like a giant achievement nowadays, just imagine what it must have been like back in 1800’s where the majority of graduates would have been young white males. Diversity of opportunity was not exactly a well-known attribute of Britain back in the Victorian period, so to be of West African descent and then to graduate from Oxford University was a massive deal. Although he was not the first African-American to graduate from Oxford, the fact that he was in the first band of people (being encouraged by his role model Reverend Edward Jones) proved these courses should be more accessible to people of different races.

With that said, Christian Frederick Cole was born in Waterloo, in the British colony of Sierra Leone in 1852. His parents, Jacob and May Cole, managed to obtain their son a scholarship in Fourah Bay College. It was there that he was encouraged to apply for Oxford University. Although this may have been seen as an audacious move, Cole managed to pass his “responses”. These included exams in Greek, Latin, arithmetic and algebra. Through these he earned his place at the university.

Racism & Victorian Ideology

Let’s take a moment to consider what sort of obstacles Cole faced when he first came to England in 1873. A black man entering university would have immediately flipped the ideology of the time on its head. After all, when he made his appearance in the 1870s, Britain colonialism was still in full swing. There was also the prevailing ideology that black people were intellectually “inferior” to white people. So, to come to the UK and enroll at one of the most prestigious universities for one of the most difficult degrees (classical moderations), he showed how wrong this ideology actually was. Not only was he the first black African to study at the university, he demonstrated clearly the fallacy of the ideology then prevalent in British culture.

Christian Frederick Cole: A man of curiosity

Due to his appearance and gentleman-like attitude, Cole attracted a lot of attention to himself. He was an intelligent man, being part of the debating club and often speaking in parish churches and union workhouses about mission work in Sierra Leone. Not only did he achieve honours in his degree, but his essays were commended by Benjamin Jowett of Balliol, a famous translator and eventually the university’s vice-chancellor.

Although he did graduate, this put him into a lot of debt (£200). He eventually had to ask for help from the master of the University College, George Granville Bradley. Bradley asked for aid on his behalf claiming:

“the exceptional nature of Mr Cole deserves and calls for the sympathy of and assistance of those in Oxford in which he lived with so much credit to himself.”

Although Cole’s friends did fight for him to remain in London, Cole was forced to return home. He only came back to the UK in 1879 when his friends in Sierra Leona raised enough money for him. This helped him to pursue a career in law.

Cole’s Law Career

Cole became the first black African man to join the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. This was one of four Inns of Court in London. After four years of work, he was finally called to the bar to be the first African barrister to practice in the British courts. Although he was called to the bar, he was not able to secure any chambers in Britain. Instead, he moved to be a barrister in the consular court of Sayyid Barghash bin Said Al-Busaid in Zanzibar.

It’s important to take a moment to reflect on these important parts of Cole’s history. Yes, he made a breakthrough being the first African man to be allowed to the bar, but the main question is, why was he not able to secure any chambers? Of course, we need to think of the fear of the “other” in Victorian Britain, but perhaps, despite his achievement, there was still that sense of judgement that came from the class system. A black man that had been in debt throughout his education still did not have the power that a white man had. Nowadays, this ideology would never stand in the court system.

It is important to use his story to reflect on how far we have come in terms of equality. One’s successes in law are based on the strength of one’s cases, rather than the colour of one’s skin. However, we still have far to go as an industry and as a society.

African Roots vs British Careers

Consider this: How far did Britain actually force Cole to change himself as a person? He had always been described as an intellectual who had the respect of his colleagues. A document from 1883 introduced Cole in London Bankruptcy Court as a

“gentleman of colour- of the darkest tint”. He was received by all the other members of the bar with the courtesy which might be expected from English gentlemen. His address to the learned recorder, Sir Thomas Chambers, for mercy towards a young offender against the law, showed an unusual command of ‘the tongue that Shakespeare spoke’, a felicity of expression, good taste and intellectual force.”

Now, this description of Cole seems to be shocked at the prospect that there could be, as they put it, a “gentleman of colour” that could receive such respect, and in turn, speak with intelligence that could battle a legal court case in the UK.  We can see the prevalent racism that ran through Victorian Britain. However there is a side where Cole was respected by others in the law community for his  powerful voice.

The Mould of British Society

Some would say that Cole was forced to change in order to fit the mould of British society. It would make sense as he was looking to have a career in law. Therefore he needed to adapt to embody the mannerisms of a respected lawyer. However, Cole was keen never to let go of his African roots. He was interested in pan-Africanism in Sierra Leon. This was a political movement that advocated for a political union between all inhabitants of the continent. He also battled furiously in Britain against criticism against Africans. This appeared through a poem named Reflections on the Zulu War and a political pamphlet.

It was clear that Cole was incredibly strong-willed and intended to make his voice heard in Victorian Britain. This was not to appear as a “spectacle” but to actually raise serious issues of race, politics and discrimination. Doing this, while carrying the heavy load of expectation and public judgement, he will have been aware of the weight of his actions. Even under this pressure he remained a strong role model for any aspiring lawyer. This is due to Cole always speaking his mind in the finest wit and speech possible.

Why is Cole so important in UK history?

Christian Frederick Cole smashed through the barriers of race as the first Black barrister in the UK. This is why he serves as an important reminder of how far we have come. Of course, UK society does not have the same racial barriers as we did back in the 1800s. Sadly, Cole died at age 33 due to Smallpox. This leaves us to wonder, with more opportunities in his life, would he have achieved even more than he did? We will never know.

Think about this statement in relation to the lives of young black lawyers and barristers today. Cole has paved the way for them to achieve their dreams at some of the biggest universities in the UK. But how many are being held back by socio-economic circumstances? If we all received the same opportunities, perhaps we would have more BAME figures in the legal system. We do not have this idyllic platform. It shows that it is more important than ever that we offer support for people in the legal system.

Being a lawyer is all about obtaining justice for those who are vulnerable. Those in the BAME community deserve the opportunity to pursue the same values and dreams as Cole had. That way we can take another step forward in the name of equality.

Let’s learn more about BAME figures in the realm of UK law

If you enjoyed reading this article about Christian Frederick Cole, read our other blogs in this series. We want to celebrate BAME achievements and show how they have shaped Britain into what it is today. Tomorrow we are going to talk about Cornelia Sorabji. She was the first BAME woman to qualify as a law graduate from Oxford University. Sorabji moved forward and became a legal professional in both Britain and India.

You may also be interested in learning more about the work we do to support BAME youth through football! Have a look at our “Together in Football” campaign for more information and to register your support.

 

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The Basics of Accident at Work Claims: Explained by Gowing Law Solicitors

Posted on June 30, 2020 by - Blog, Covid-19, Work Place Accidents

Accidents at work claims are more common than you may think. Before the world turned upside down due to Covid-19, you may have worked onsite with different colleagues to complete a range of tasks. No matter what sort of work environment you spent the majority of your day in, there were most likely hazards scattered around your environment that you were not aware of. These hazards could make your life extremely difficult if they cause an accident at work. You may have to take time off work to recuperate and lose your wage as a result. This can be a daunting prospect when you think about how you are going to cope in the future, especially if you have just had an accident before the UK went into lock down.

But worry not! Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help you get the compensation that you need to sustain yourself, your family and your livelihood. No matter how big or small your injury is, if your employer has neglected to protect you, as their employee, then their negligence could warrant you asking for compensation. It is their duty to create a safe work environment and they have failed. This is where we will come in. You probably have a ton of questions about accident at work claims. Well, Gowing Law’s operations director, Elaine is here to answer them. Let us know if you have any additional questions. By sending them over to info@gowinglaw.co.uk.

What sort of safety policies does your work have in place?

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You may be wondering whether or not it is safe to go back to work. According to the BBC:

“Employees who can work from home are advised by the government to continue to do so.”

This means that if you have proven that you can work efficiently from home then you should continue to do this. Employment law states that workers do have the right to work away from their job if they need to protect themselves when it comes to “serious and imminent” danger. However, if you choose to do this then it is important that you do not expect to be paid.

Here at Gowing Law, we understand that this may make you feel nervous about returning to work. Contagion rates are high and you need to feel safe in your workplace. Your employer has a duty of care for you and your employees. Therefore, you should see some social distancing measures placed into the office. This could include:

  •  One-way walking systems
  • Hand sanitizer spots
  • PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
  • Staggered working shifts
  • Smaller work group contact
  • Virtual meetings
  • Walkie-talkie communications
  • Socially distanced cubicles/screens

When you go back to the office, make sure to keep an eye out for these changes. If they have not been made then you have every right to complain about them. Your employer should be valuing your safety so that you can be a productive member of your work force. Bring up your complaints to them in either a meeting, an email or through a form of grievance letter. That way you can prove that you spotted the hazards before they caused an accident.

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What are your questions about accident at work claims?

If you are going back to work, you may have a number of questions on your mind just in case worst comes to worst. It’s understandable; you want to protect your family and know your employee rights before you step foot in any sort of public building.

That is why Gowing Law has interviewed our operations director, Elaine, to answer some of the most common questions made about accident at work claims. That way if you do have an accident, or maybe already had an accident at work before the lock down began, you will know exactly what to do. We hope our interview videos answer any additional questions you may have about work accidents:

1. What sort of accident at work claims are there?

There are a wide variety of accidents you could have at work. Some examples of the most common include:

  • Failure to provide manual handling training so an employee gets injured lifting a heavy object or moving a trolley
  • Broken equipment
  • Slips & Trips
  • Falling objects
  • Repetitive strain injuries

2. How can I be sure I have an accident at work claim?

If you want to establish an accident at work claim, you need to prove that your employer has been negligent in the workplace. This means that they need to prove that:

  • The employer has breached their duty of care for their employees
  • The injuries were caused due to the breach of care

If both of these criteria are fulfilled then it is likely that the employee can ask for compensation. Most firms will deal with injuries from at least a two-week period within three years.

3. How bad does my injury need to be to make a claim?

If negligence is proven then you could be eligible to make a claim regardless of how bad your injury is. However, for your legal representation to recover costs, the injury should havekept you off work for at least two weeks. That’s why you should consider carefully about whether or not it is worth going for compensation as you may need to put in costs that you could not recover from the claim.

4. How do I make a work accident claim?

To make a work accident claim, here are the steps you need to consider:

  • The claim will be submitted to the employer, or your employer will be identified by their insurer, and you will need to set out the basis of why your employer is at fault for your accident and why they have breached their duty of care.
  • Your employer will then have a period of time to admit they were at fault.
  • If your employer admits they are at fault then you will need to get medical evidence and a schedule of all of your financial losses will be made to present to your employer and their insurer. A settlement figure can then be reached or decided by a judge.
  • If your employer refuses to admit they were at fault, you will still need to collect evidence and decide whether or not you have a case. If they still deny liability after seeing the evidence, court proceedings will be issued.

5. Do I need evidence to prove I was hurt?

You will need evidence to prove that you were hurt and that you have a claim. It is used to prove who is at fault and to show the effects of your injury on your life. You should try and claim medical records from your GP or hospital depending on the severity of your injury.

6. What do I do if no one saw my accident?

Do not worry if no one witnessed your accident. This is pretty common. Instead, consider alternative ways to prove that your accident at work occurred such as:

  • CCTV and video recordings
  • Photographic evidence
  • Walk-in-centres and hospital records

Collecting this evidence is vital if you want a strong compensation claim to prove your employer was at fault for your injury.

7. How much money can I get from a pay out?

Compensation from work accident injuries depend on your case. Some may pay out as little as £1,000, others may go up to seven-figure sum if you have had a life-changing injury. Your solicitor will treat your case on an individual basis. The estimated pay-out will depend on how much evidence you provide your lawyer and what they believe your case is worth. This is why evidence is so crucial to any case. That way a solicitor can see what losses you have made due to your injury.

8. Can I claim for more than just my injuries?

Compensation claims can be split into two elements:

  • General damages: An injury that can be compensated.
  • Special damages: These are financial losses that need to be supported by documentation (i.e. receipts or medical records) You can also claim for past, present or future loss of earnings.

Both of these elements are put together in order to put the claimant back in their original position before they were involved in an accident.

9. Can my employer sack me if I make a compensation claim?

No, you cannot be dismissed by an employer if you seek compensation. There is legislation in place to protect employees from unfair dismissal. However, if this has happened to you then you would need to get help from an employment solicitor.

10. Can a solicitor help me with my case?

A solicitor can help you understand your claim and how you can pursue it. They have expert knowledge that can help you understand what documentation would be useful for your case. Trained lawyers know how to use evidence to enhance a case and how to create a good defense. They can also establish what amount of compensation you could be entitled to. You may be entitled to more than you realize, but not receive it because you were not informed of the amount. This is why it is essential to have a strong law figure on your side.

Covid-19 & Work Accident Claims

Of course, Covid-19 has changed the face of the world as we know it. More and more work forces are going remote in order to stay afloat and others are making many changes to their on-site facilities to ensure that their employees are kept safe. The law world has had to change in order to cope with the pandemic. This is why the main question from most claimants will be “Does Covid-19 count as a work accident?”

That is an extremely complicated claim and will depend entirely on your situation. You will need to be able to prove that you definitely caught Covid-19 in your work area. After all, there are many other places you may have visited that could have increased your chances of catching this disease. Discuss this will your lawyer and make sure to detail all of the reasons why you believe it was your place of work. They will be able to advise you on whether or not you may have a claim. However, if you have been unfairly dismissed because of Covid-19, make sure to talk to an employment lawyer about this. They will be able to help you with making preparations to go to hold an employer tribunal.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today about your work accident compensation claim

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Have you recently had an accident at work? We understand that these sort of injuries can be extremely traumatic. That’s why Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help you! Our trained lawyers can offer you free advice and helpful consultations. If you decide to work with us, our solicitors work on a “no win, no fee” basis. That means that you will not need to pay any fees if we do not win your case. Therefore you have nothing to lose. You will always come out on top!

If you want to talk to a trained solicitor from Gowing Law, please call 0800 041 8350 now. You can also email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or visit our contact page to use our direct messaging feature. We will get back in contact with you as quickly as possible.

Want to learn more about work accident compensation claims?

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We are proud that we have kept our blog updated with the latest information about work accidents. This includes:

If you want to learn more about accident at work compensation claims before you speak to our solicitors, take a look at the links above. These articles contain useful information that can prepare you for your case. You can also scroll through our blog to see more information about PPI tax reclaims, mis-sold mortgages, mis-sold pensions, traffic accidents and much, more more!

We are happy to take requests for blog topics, so feel free to email us at info@gowinglaw.co.uk. You can also email us to let us know whether or not you want to be signed up to our weekly newsletter.

Gowing Law wishes you the best of luck with your accident at work compensation case!

Creating a safe work environment during Covid-19

Posted on June 26, 2020 by - Blog, Covid-19, Uncategorised, Work Place Accidents

Creating a safe work environment can be quite difficult during the Covid-19 pandemic. The UK has been in lockdown for over 14 weeks now. Many of us have been asked to work remotely, some have been furloughed and others have been unfairly dismissed. That’s why it can be quite unnerving when your employer finally asks you to return to your work place. You have not been in contact with many people since the start of lockdown, so how will you now be able to handle creating a social bubble with your work colleagues? Worse still, what if you become ill with Covid-19? It is important to think these things through before you step out into the public work sphere again. That way you can avoid having work accidents in the future.

It is your employer’s responsibility towards you and your fellow colleagues to provide you with a safe work environment. That is their duty of care. If this is breached and you get hurt, or fall ill, then they could owe you compensation. This blog will dive into work accidents and what it means to have a safe work environment during this pandemic. That way you will know how to protect yourself, even if your work does not put in the appropriate procedures to help you.

What is a work accident?

Now, you may be wondering why this is the first thing that we would bring up in this blog. Well, it’s a lot more important than you may originally believe. If you have been brought into an unsafe environment, it’s crucial that you know what would count as a work accident due to your employer’s negligence. Should you be at fault for the incident, that means that you won’t be able to claim compensation.

It does not matter what the accident was, after all different work environments offer different hazards. A construction site is different to a retail store. However, a manager/employer still has a duty of responsibility towards those who are in their employment. When you go back to the office make sure to have a look at what changes have been made to the environment, if no safety regulations have been implemented then you have the right to complain. This can show that you tried to alert management to the danger but were ignored.

work environment videos/images

Can’t I keep working from home?

This is one of the safest options right now. According to government advice, if you can work remotely then you should be doing that. This could be through a VPN connection, a work laptop or even through face-to-face video calls. If you can prove that you can work at home then you should be doing it. That way you can lower the spread of Covid-19 and still continue to be a productive member of your work team.

If your employers are insisting that you should go back to your work environment, they should give you at least two days to prepare. This should give you enough time to write to them if you want to complain about this action. Make sure to state the reasons why you do not yet think it is safe to return to the workplace. A good employer should be willing to offer you a compromise to ensure your safety.

How do I keep safe in my work environment?

Now, for the legal community, Covid-19 is an opportunity to modernise our practices to create more flexible environments for lawyers. However, the same might not be said about your own work place. Some employers are taking the changes seriously, whilst others may be acting a little too lax. Take a look at the examples below to see how your employer should be creating a safe work space for you to feel secure whilst doing your job.

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The main aim for any business right now is to lower the rate of Covid-19 transmission. This is through avoiding contact, shielding around work spaces, and staggering shifts. When you return to the office, your manager must have a safety regime put in place to ensure the health of any worker on the premises. For instance, if you work in retail, you may have a one way system for customers and workers or you may have to talk through walkie-talkies to avoid face-to-face contact. If you do not have this meeting, then you can ask your manager to email you a list of the latest safety updates. Should there be no new safety regulations for your work place, this could give you a reason to complain, or potentially ask to work remotely.

safe at work infographic

What should I do if I have a work accident?

As you can see from the video, it is possible to claim for more than just physical injuries. If you have suffered mental trauma, financial losses or any sort of damages whilst at work, you could be owed compensation. This could be the same for catching Covid-19. However, the main difficulty you have is proving that you caught it whilst at your work place.

Basically, you have to show that the unsanitary conditions led to you getting sick. Clearly, this is going to be a complicated case that many people will try to claim for in the future. Therefore, if you want to do this then it is recommended that you speak to your solicitor first. Remember, this is practically a brand new type of case. You will need to approach it carefully, especially if you wish to claim compensation.

With that said, the first thing you need to do is document your injury. Inform your managers of your accident and ask them to write it down in their accident book.

accident book definition

You may also want to consider collecting evidence that can be used when your case goes to trial. This could include :

  • Photographs
  • Videos/CCTV
  • Diary Entries
  • Letters of Grievance
  • Medical Documentation
  • Witness Statements

Take a look at our interview with Elaine, our operations direction, for more information about evidence:

An Employer’s Duty of Protection

If you have been hurt due to negligence in the work place, it is important that you show that it was your employer’s fault. Your employer owes you a duty of care. That means that you should feel safe in your work environment. If you do not feel safe then you need to ask for changes to be made in order to help you return to work.

Should you not have a safe work environment, and have suffered an accident whilst working, this means your employer was negligent, in other words it was their fault. Keep an eye out for the following in your workplace:

  • A lack of social distancing measures
  • Slippery hazards that are not marked
  • Faulty electronics
  • Tripping hazards
  • Aggressive co-workers/customers

A work place being messy is a hazard in itself, however if you have addressed these issues before with no changes being made, this means that any accidents that happen are the fault of your employers. They have breached their duty of care and you now have the right to claim compensation.

Will Covid-19 cause any problems for my claim?

In order to make work environments safe, different work places are going to face new and different challenges. This includes maintaining social distancing and changing the office environment to keep employees safe. In some cases, it is going to be safer for employees to continue working at home. However, if a business does want its employees back in the workplace, it is going to have to make changes to cope with government legislation.

In terms of your own work accident claim, you may find that the amount of time needed to process your complaint takes longer than expected. Usually, the amount of time depends on the type of work accident case you have. The more complicated the scenario, the more likely it is that it will take longer to process. However, Covid-19 has caused a backlog of cases for the court system. That means you may have to wait longer for your work accident compensation claim to go to court. Be patient and work with your solicitor as you wait. You may even have to go to court virtually in order to abide by social distancing laws.

Speak to your manager about your unsafe work environment

It’s completely natural that you may be feeling a little scared about going back to work. After all, we have all been socially isolating for over 14 weeks now. Going back into a small social bubble of colleagues is a daunting prospect. You do not know if they already had Covid-19 or perhaps are still susceptible to it. There are a lot of risks associated with going back to work and you may not be willing to take them.

If you are worried about your own personal situation, you need to tell your manager or employers as soon as possible. A good manager will understand your worries and will try their best to help you continue your work in a safe environment. They may even ask you to continue to work remotely from your home. As long as you can continue with your normal commitments to your business, there should be no reason why your employer cannot be flexible with you and your work environment.

Can a solicitor help me if I have had a work accident?

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Yes! A solicitor can help you with your claim. Making a work accident claim can come with a lot of pitfalls that may invalidate your claim. For instance, were you partially responsible for the event? If your company can prove that, and you don’t list all the facts then this could invalidate your claim.

A solicitor can put your injury in perspective and let you know how much you are actually due for compensation. They can take account of your losses, the severity of your injuries and your SSP to tally an estimate for your pay out. They can also help your organize your evidence, talk you through compensation procedures and also represent you in court. That way If you are socially isolating or worried about going to court, they can go in your place.

A lawyer is truly a worthwhile investment as they can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injury. That’s why you need to find an experienced law firm in Manchester as quickly as possible.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your work accident compensation claim

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If you are worried about getting hurt in an unsafe work environment, Gowing Law Solicitors is here to support you. We can work with you remotely and communicate with you through virtual means, such as video calling. Our experienced solicitors can offer you free advice and consultations to talk about your potential claim. If you decide to work with us, we work on a “no win, no fee” basis. That means if we do not win your case then you will not need to pay any fees. So, as you can see, there is no risk to working with our trained lawyers. We are here to get you the justice that you deserve.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors now by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our direct messaging system on our contact page. We are available 24/7 to take your call. Let us know how we can help you.

Read more about UK law and Covid-19

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Here at Gowing Law, we are proud that we have been able to use our remote time to keep our blog updated on a weekly basis about the latest UK law information. We have many other series of blogs on Covid-19, including safety in the work place and information about accident at work claims. Simply scroll through our blog to find a topic that interests you. We are certain they will prepare you for when you finally speak to your solicitor about your case.

Remember, we also have a weekly newsletter and are happy to use your suggestions for blog topics. Let us know if you want more information by emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk.

We look forward to hearing from you soon about your compensation case.

The importance of solicitors during Covid-19

Posted on June 26, 2020 by - Blog, Covid-19, Uncategorised, Wills, Work Place Accidents

Solicitors have always been figures of justice when it comes to UK law. Although we usually talk about specific legal claims on our blog, we thought it was important to take a moment to reflect on the difficulties encountered in the present due to Covid-19. The Corona Virus has changed the face of society completely and humanity has had to adapt in order to get through it safely. Unless you are Samuel Pepys and are lucky enough to have an isolated tower to observe the effects of the disease from a safe distance, you most likely have been forced to take precautions in order to continue living a normal life. That’s why it is essential for the UK public to know that the justice system is still here to protect you.

Not only have a number of courts re-opened but solicitors have been working hard remotely to help their clients through this difficult time. Although many different public facilities have opened up, you may still be feeling too nervous to use them. Perhaps this is due to fear of crowding or maybe to protect someone vulnerable in your household. This is why Gowing Law has tried to help as many people as possible through remote communication. We want to help you with your cases as much as you want compensation. Not even Covid-19 can get in the way of our values.

The figure of the lawyer is even more important during this difficult time. They can keep you updated about any changes made to the legal system and help you focus on the things that really matter, like your family, friends and personal health.

The Test of Covid-19 on Solicitors

Changes to the legal systems

As the UK lockdown eases, you may start to see more and more businesses re-open their doors. However, this should not mean that we can forget about all of the changes that Covid-19 has brought to our society as a whole.

In terms of legal matters, Covid-19 has caused a backlog of cases that need to be seen to when the court system re-opens. That’s why if you have a compensation claim, it’s more essential than ever that you contact a lawyer to start to discuss your plans to take it to court. You may have 2-3 years to make a claim, but the longer you wait, the more likely that it’s going to take even longer to get an outcome for your case.

Covid-19 has forced all professional lawyers to become even more flexible with their communications and legal expectations. According to the lawyer monthly:

“Every sector has managed to find a way to keep the cogs turning more remotely, without unnecessary face-to-face contact. Even the legal sector, famously known for sticking to its traditional guns, has welcomed the use of video conferencing for important court cases, with lawyers at home still working to keep their clients happy during this uncertain time.”

This difficult time period has proven that legal work can still be completed even if contact is not allowed. Lawyers will still fight to win justice for the clients no matter the circumstances, especially for a lawyer that works for Gowing Law Solicitors.

gowing law solicitor contact

Legal Changes & Different Employment Sectors

No matter what sort of sector you work in, you have probably experienced some changes in order to protect you and your colleagues. This may have included being furloughed, being asked to work remotely or perhaps even having staggered shifts. It’s important that you know your safety rights as an employee. Your employer owes you a duty of care. That means that if you think you can complete your duties remotely, and do not think it is safe yet to go back to the office, then you have the right to speak up about this.

If you do need to go back to the office, or to any sort of work environment, make sure to keep an eye on these factors. That way, if they do cause a work accident, or you catch Covid-19, you can have the evidence behind you to prove that it was not your fault and that you are owed compensation. Here are some example of what your work space should be doing if they are taking their employee’s health and safety seriously:

safety in the workplace infographic

  • Unfair dismissal
  • Suffered from a work accident
  • Caught Covid-19 due to unsanitary conditions

commute safety

What can a lawyer do?

work accidents compensation button

Right now, work issues are some of the biggest legal issues due to Covid-19. Not only have people suffered from unsanitary conditions in the workplace that have spread Covid-19, they may have been unfairly fired or perhaps forced to go to work despite their fears of catching the disease.

Lawyers are here to protect your rights in time of crisis. Your employer has a duty of care towards you and your fellow employees. That means they need to look at a situation and do the best thing for their workers. This may mean furloughing you or asking you to work from home. However, if they have already been negligent and you have got hurt, i.e. from a work accident or getting ill, there is a chance that you could either claim work accident compensation or go to an employer tribunal. Check out our video below to explain how you can claim work accident compensation for your employer’s negligence:

The Importance of writing a will

write a will button

One of the biggest legal matters that Covid-19 has brought to the surface is the importance of will-writing. Although it may seem like a morbid topic, it is something that all of us need to consider as we get older. Covid-19 has killed over 43,000 people in the UK, therefore we need to consider what will happen to our families if we do get sick. All of us are living with loved ones that we want to protect, especially those who have been classified as vulnerable. We need to think of the future and make sure our wishes are adhered to, even if we are not around in the future.

Covid-19 has obviously presented lawyers with some difficulties when it comes to will writing. In particular, this includes the use of witnesses signing a legal document. In order to help our clients, Gowing Law Solicitors encourages social distancing measures to be followed whilst a will is being constructed. This may include:

  • Signing the will on the hood of a car.
  • Signing a will in different rooms and alternative pens.
  • Socially distanced discussions of the will.
  • Sending the will through the post.
  • Discussing the will through virtual communication (i.e. video calls).
  • Working remotely to ensure social distancing is adhered to.

top tip about will signing

How long will it take to write a will?

We understand that you may want to complete your will as quickly as possible. That way you can ensure the protection of your family even under lockdown. This is why it is so important for solicitors to be flexible during the pandemic. Although it may mean that the production of a will is delayed slightly, we will try to complete the will in a reasonable amount of time. However, this will depend on the complexity of the will, including:

  • What possessions you want to give away.
  • If there are any tax or financial issues with your assets.
  • Who will be the executor of the will.
  • Whether you have any assets that are abroad.
  • Whether or not you want to exclude people from the will.

You will need to be available for calls with your potential solicitors. They can talk to you over the phone or through a video call to discuss your assets. You can also scan and send over important documents to them through email or fax. Your lawyer can then create drafts of the will to send back to you until you are happy with the final result. You can then socially distance with 2 witnesses to sign the will. That way the will can be validated and hold up in court.

will creation button

The future of the court system: What can we expect?

The future of the world is complicated. Solicitors are going to continue to be important, however the back log of court cases is going to come with its own set of problems. One of the main thing that we can expect are delayed lawsuits. We are going to be facing new challenges, especially when it comes to suing for Covid-19 related damages or work accidents.

As the Government changes the law to suit the R-level of the UK, solicitors are going to need to keep an eye on the news to see if any new legislation has been brought into play. Things are going to move fast and it is most likely that lawsuits are going to follow at a similar speed. That’s why lawyers will need to keep an eye out for emergency legislation and remain adaptable to make sure that clients can still obtain justice if they want to claim compensation.

According to Plaintiff’s attorney Elizabeth Cabraser:

“Mistakes are going to be made. This is an emergency. It’s unprecedented. Nobody really prepared for it.”

This is why solicitors will need to be flexible but realistic. That way they can advise their clients on the best way forward to help them with their claim. Things may be delayed for the near future but that does not mean that they are going to stop altogether.

What have we learned from Covid-19?

Although we all may be working remotely, that does not mean that the world has completely stopped turning. Technology is essential for keeping updated with different cases and for helping people. We need to recognize that being away from the office does not stifle our ability to continue on with our jobs. Instead, we have been shown that we can work remotely and still help get justice for other people. The world may be changing but the point of law is that we are able to change with it. Covid-19 has shown our vulnerabilities but we have been able to adapt and overcome. This may change the face of law as we know it, but perhaps for the better!

Do you need legal help?

contact us button

Here at Gowing Law, if you have been involved in an accident that was not your fault, our trained solicitors are here to help you with your case. We can work remotely to ensure that social distancing measures are completely followed. This includes offering support through free advice and consultations over the phone, video calls or any sort communication device. If you do decide to work with us, we work on a “no win, no fee” basis. This means that there is no risk to trying to claim compensation. If we do not win your case, this means there will be no fees. Therefore you will always come out on top!

Contact us today by calling 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our direct messaging system on our contact page.

Want to learn more about the UK law?

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Throughout the pandemic, Gowing Law has kept our blog updated with the latest articles about UK law and Covid-19. That way you can always know how you can claim compensation. Our articles provide information on different UK laws and legal news. Make sure to look through our blog to see if there are any additional articles you may like.

We also have a weekly newsletter and are happy to take suggestions for blog titles. Feel free to email info@gowinglaw.co.uk if you want more information.

Gowing Law looks forward to hearing from you soon. Good luck with your future compensation case!

The top 5 questions asked about work accident claims

Posted on June 25, 2020 by - Accidents in Public, Blog, Work Place Accidents

Work accident claims can be complicated. The main aim of any claim is to prove that you were not at fault for your injuries. Instead, you were the victim of your company’s negligence. For instance, you may have caught Covid-19 due to an unsafe environment, or perhaps were injured due to a task that was out of your skill set. Recovering from any work accident injury can be traumatic. Not only do you have to deal with the physical recovery but you may have financial losses due to not being able to go back to work.

This is why you should considering pursuing a work accident claim. UK businesses are legally required to have employer’s liability insurance to support any workers who may have experienced an accident on their premises. You will not be negatively impacting your company if you make a work claim. It is your right to receive compensation for your injuries.

Below, you will find some of the most common questions asked about work accident compensation claims, answered by our operations director Elaine. Read on to prepare yourself for your work accident claims case when you meet with you Gowing Law Solicitor.

1. What is an accident at work claim?

As Elaine explains above there are many different types of accident at work claims. It does not matter how big your work claim is, if you have had an accident on company grounds that was not your fault, you could be owed compensation. This is because your employer did not take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Examples of this include:

  • Unmarked hazards in the work environment
  • Messy/ dangerous work environments
  • Not taking necessary precautions to prevent spread of illness
  • Asking employees to complete unsuitable tasks
  • Repetitive work tasks

Take a look at our example below to get an idea of how this could work:

tony typist case study

As the spill was clearly not marked, and Tony had been requested to do a task that was outside of his normal work duties and that he was not trained to do, his injuries were clearly not his fault. This means that he could ask for compensation whilst he recovers. As he was not able to type as well as he could without the injury, he has suffered damages that impeded his ability to work. This means that he could be owed compensation for his work accident damages.

at fault definition

2. How bad do my injuries need to be to get compensation?

The severity of your injuries will change how much compensation you receive. However, if you have been injured in the workplace, and it is due to your employer’s negligence, you can be due compensation. This could be in the thousands if it is a substantial injury, for instance, you were badly hurt in a construction site handling machinery, or it could be less. Make sure to talk to your solicitor to get a rough estimate. Every injury claim is different. For instance, some people may be remote workers whilst others may be in an office and some may work in a public space. The different hazards in each work environment will change the claim. That’s why it is crucial to have an experienced lawyer on your side to make sure you know exactly what you want to claim for.

3. What should I do if no one saw my accident?

This question is more common than you might think. As the UK is currently implementing social distancing measures to ensure work shifts are staggered, you may find that your work safety policy means you need to work on your own. This means that there is a higher chance that if you have an accident it may go un-witnessed.

You don’t need to have witnesses to prove that you had a work accident. You just need to make sure that you have the right evidence to show that the accident happened in the first place. This may include CCTV footage, proof of the hazard through pictures and videos, and a doctor’s assessment of your injuries. Make sure to get your employer to note your injury in their work accident book and to give you a copy. Elaine explains more about evidence for work accident claims below:

4. Can my employer fire me if I make a work accident claim?

One of the most important things that you need to remember about any sort of accident compensation claim is that your employer was the one at fault. That means they cannot outright fire you for asking for compensation for their negligence. Yes, if you were the one messing around and causing problems that lead to your accident then they can fire you. But if the accident was genuinely not your fault then they will not be able to dismiss you.

If we look at an example, a lot of people are worried that they will be unfairly dismissed due to Covid-19. Some companies simply will not put in the safety measures that have been recommended by the government. So, if they catch Covid-19 from the work place, what will happen if they are let go by their employer? This was through no fault of their own, yet they are still being punished for it. If this happens to you then you could have an employer tribunal on your hands. This can get you compensation, so make sure you understand all of your employee rights.

It’s important as well to know that you do not have to tell anyone about your accident. Only your employer and you yourself need to know about it. That way if you are worried about people treating you differently in the workplace, this can be avoided altogether.

covid-19 remote working

5. Can a work accident claims solicitor help me with my case?

Hiring an accident at work solicitor can really help you increase the chances of having a successful compensation claim. Accidents work differently for different claimants. They can be extremely complicated, especially if you were partially responsible for the accident. The complexity of your case depends on whether or not your company will fight against paying you compensation. That’s why it can be very useful to have an experienced lawyer on your side. They can help you file all of your evidence and keep your case on track over the next few months. Some cases take longer than others, though you should expect an update from your solicitor about the case every couple of weeks.

Solicitors can help you avoid common pitfalls that may mean that you lose out on claiming compensation. You would be surprised to see how many people invalidate their claim due to incorrect paperwork. A trained lawyer can talk you through your incident and your evidence, and estimate what sort of compensation pay out you could claim for. If your employer decides to make things difficult for your claim, they can also help you make sure that you can overcome any problems you experience.

Make sure to ask your solicitor if you have any questions. They would be more than happy to help you.

What should you do if you have an accident at your work place?

The first thing you need to consider is your own health. Whilst it is important to collect evidence and make sure you can prove your case in court, you need to make sure that you get the medical attention that you need. If there are no employees trained in first aid, go to the hospital to seek help.

If you do not think your wounds need a doctor to check them over, you will want to do the following:

  • Inform your employer of the accident
  • Request that the accident is noted in the accident work book and that you get a copy
  • Take pictures or videos of the area of your accident
  • Collect witness statements
  • Write a diary that will document important facts of the incident
  • Write a letter of complaint to your employer

The more evidence you have to back up your claim the better. That way it will not turn into a case of “he said, she said.” Instead, you will know that you can prove that you were not the one at fault when it came to your accident. Liability must fall on the employer; that way they have a duty of care towards you as one of their employees. They must pay compensation to ensure that you can recover, this may also include statutory sick pay (SSP).

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your compensation claim

work accident compensation button

If you are looking for the help of a specialist accidents at work solicitor to help you with your claim, Gowing Law Solicitors is here for you. We can provide our expert knowledge to assist you with your case. Due to Covid-19, we understand that you may be working remotely, therefore we can work around your schedule and help you work from home.

Our lawyers can offer you free consultations and advice to move you forward with your case. If you do decide to work with us, we work on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means there is no risk in simply trying to claim compensation. If you do not win your case, there will be no fees. That means you will always come out on top.

Get in touch with us today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by directly messaging us via our contact page.

Want to read more?

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Gowing Law endeavours to keep its blog updated with the latest articles on UK law every week. That way if you have a compensation case coming up, or you want to know information about a certain topic, you can simply scroll through our blog and see what topics are relevant to you. This includes information about PPI taxes and mis-sold mortgages. We also talk about the latest Covid-19 legal updates, such as retail safety and writing a will during lockdown.

We also have a weekly newsletter and are accepting requests for blog topics. Feel free to email info@gowinglaw.co.uk if you are interested in signing up or want to suggest a blog. We would be happy to write about it.

We look forward to hearing from you soon. Good luck with your compensation claim!

Top 5 Tips for Cyclist Safety in the City

Posted on June 25, 2020 by - Accidents in Public, Blog, Traffic Accidents, Uncategorised

Now that the UK is no longer under full lockdown, various commuters and shoppers may be considering how they can safely travel to different public destinations. In order to relieve pressure on public transport during Covid-19, the UK government is investing £2 billion in a package that encourages alternative transport. This includes cycling and walking. If you are considering using a bike, you need to consider your cyclist safety measures. That way when you are commuting on the road you can avoid any traffic accidents.

It is important to remember that cyclists are some of the most vulnerable people on the road. In 2018, it has been estimated that 4,106 cyclists were seriously injured whilst travelling alongside traffic. Other vehicles, unless you are involved in a motorcycle accident, have a hard shell and a seatbelt to keep their drivers and passengers safe. Bikes have neither of these things. If a cyclist falls off their bike then it is very likely that they are going to experience serious injuries.

If you plan to commute on a bike, you should be concerned about cyclist safety. Cycling during heavy flows of traffic can be dangerous, therefore you need to know exactly how to handle the road. But don’t worry, you can learn precisely how to keep safe whilst on the roads. If you do experience an accident, Gowing Law will be here to get you the RTA compensation that you deserve.

Why do you need to consider cyclist safety when you’re on the road?

Aside from lowering the chance of being involved in a traffic accident, if we think about it from a legal perspective, you have a “duty of care” when you are on the road. Taking a risk when you are in heavy traffic could make you a “liability.” That means that if you do end up in an accident then you could potentially not be awarded compensation, if you did not take the necessary precautions to prevent an accident. In fact, your risky choices could have caused the accident in the first place.

cyclist safety negligence

Being aware of your surroundings, including any roads in a state of disrepair, can increase the amount of compensation you may claim. This is because you took the appropriate measures to stop the accident, however the other person (or perhaps your environment) still created a dangerous outcome. If you can prove what measures you took and still were hurt, this means that the other party involved in the accident will have to pay for your compensation. But keep in mind, these types of road traffic accident claims can become quite complicated, especially when trying to figure out who precisely was at fault for the endangerment of other vehicles on the road.

partial liability tips

The Government’s Cycling Campaign

As mentioned previously, the government is focusing on greener travel to influence UK commuters to avoid public transport, therefore lessening the spread of Covid-19. This includes more emergency lanes for bikes, trials of rental e-scooters.

Over the next few weeks, you may see more pop-up bike lines, bus-only corridors and safer junctions to encourage new cyclists to hit the road. As Transport Secretary, Grant Schapps said:

“During this crisis, millions of people have discovered cycling…While there is no change to the ‘stay at home’ message today, when the country does get back to work we need those people to stay on their bikes and be joined by many more…We know cars will continue to remain vital for many, but as we look to the future we must build a better country with greener travel habits, cleaner air and healthier communities.”

Whilst quite a few of us are still successfully working from home, if you have gone back to work then you may want to consider taking your bike as a way to avoid public transport. That’s why it is crucial that you know about cyclist safety. The government is even considering creating a mobile phone app that can warn when public transport is busier than usual. This means you can pick and choose when to use your bike and when to use public transport.

Keep an eye on the government’s website for more updates about transport and Covid-19. That way you can understand how you can use the roads safely whilst maintaining a safe distance from other people.

Cyclist Safety in the city

If you are interested in using a bike to get around your city, one of the most important things that you need to think about are the other types of drivers on the roads. Naturally, about 80% of road users are going to be cars, but you may also see larger vehicles, public transport and even pedestrians that are trying to move from one side to the other. There is a high chance that you could collide with any one of these road-users, which is why it’s important to keep an eye on the movements of other people.

Here are the top 5 ways that you can keep safe on your bike ride around your city.

bicycle safety tips infographic

As you can see, one of the main things that ties all of these cyclist safety measures together is awareness of the road. Whilst it may be easy to go cycling in the countryside and stick to one side of the bike pathway, on the road you have more obstacles. This also includes other cyclists. Make sure to try and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and indicate appropriately to let other vehicles know exactly which pathway you are going to take on the road.

Make sure to look at the UK highway code if you want to learn about the rules of the road for cyclists.

What type of accidents can cyclists get into on the road?

Although we do not want to discourage people from using their bike instead of public transport. It is important for cyclists to know the dangers that they could face. That way they will know how to avoid them in the future. Some of the most common risks include:

  • Motorists turning into T-junctions without seeing cyclists
  • Roundabouts and motorists
  • Parked vehicles “dooring” bicycle users
  • Overtaking
  • Aggressive vehicle drivers
  • Potholes and lack of traffic signs
  • Filtering lanes
  • Traffic lights and up-hill starts

Cyclists are very difficult to see. Therefore, cars should take extra care and give space when trying to safely move past a bicycle. However, some drivers simply do not do this. Be aware of the other vehicles on the other road and how they are acting towards you. If you feel that someone is becoming aggressive in your lane, try to move away from them safely or take an alternative route towards your destination.

For an example of what could be a successful bicycle road accident compensation case, have a look below:

steve cycle example

As you can see, Steve was clearly not at fault for this accident. Instead, it was due to the aggression of the driver behind him. This means that they are liable and will have to pay Steve compensation for his injuries and losses. If you have had an accident, you will need to think carefully about who was at fault. That way you can figure out whether or not you have a claim.

Your Losses & Injuries

Another thing you may need to consider before making a claim is the amount you could be entitled to. This depends on the amount of losses that you made. This could include:

  • Injuries
  • Wages
  • A broken bike
  • Broken electronic equipment
  • Medical bills
  • Rehabilitation costs

Initially, you may have thought that “losses” solely meant how you were hurt. But this could also include material and financial losses. Your life has been made worse because of your accident. Therefore, RTA compensation is designed to help you get through this difficult period. Write out your losses before you visit your solicitor. That way you can talk them through with a trained expert and find which are completely valid in the eyes of the law.

RTA compensation parties

What should you do if you are involved in a road traffic accident on your bike?

The first thing that you need to do is not panic. Bicycle accidents can be extremely traumatic, especially if you have done your best to adhere to cyclist safety guidelines whilst on the road. If you are injured then go to hospital. If your injuries do not require urgent medical attention, you need to ask the other driver for their insurance number and take down their licence plate.

Once you have exchanged details, you need to preserve the evidence at the scene of the accident. This can be through photos, videos and witness statements. You may also want to contact the police to inform them of the accident. That way they can take down statements and compile a police report. You should be able to get a copy of this report.

Remember, the more evidence you have the more support you will have for your case. So, don’t just take witness statements, instead ask them for their contact details or ask if you can record their statements. You may also want to write down a diary entry about the details of the event. That way you have a clear record of everything that happened.

Compile this into a file that can be looked at by an RTA compensation claims lawyer. That way they can easily go through your files and make sure that you have everything that you need before you go to court.

How long do I have to make an accident claim?

You will have three years to make a claim from when the accident occurred. Make sure you get in touch with a bicycle accident compensation lawyer as quickly as possible. Recovery periods can be difficult to get through whilst handling a RTA case on your own. Worse still, if you do not claim compensation, your livelihood may be affected.

The sooner you get your compensation, the easier it will be for you to focus on getting better.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your claim!

cycling accidents button

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we can support you through your compensation claim. Whether you are a pedestrian, a motorcyclist or any other vehicle driver, our experience can help you get the outcome that you deserve. Road traffic compensation claims can be difficult to manoeuvre on your own. That’s why you should leave all of the difficult work to Gowing Law whilst you recover.

We can offer you free advice and consultations, as well as service on a “no win, no fee basis”. That means if you work with us, and don’t get your wanted outcome, you will not need to pay any fees. That means that there is no harm in trying to claim compensation.

You can contact Gowing Law Solicitors by calling 0800 041 8350 or emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk. You can also use our direct messaging system located on our contact page.

Read more about RTA compensation claims and cyclist safety

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Our blog is always updated weekly with information about different UK laws and the biggest legal topics that may affect your daily life, such as Covid-19 & safety. Make sure to look at our blog to see if there are any additional topics that may interest you, including blogs on public traffic accidents and different types of pedestrian traffic accidents. If you have a blog topic that you want our specialists to talk about, please contact us now at info@gowinglaw.co.uk. We will update our blog as quickly as possible with information about your topic of choice.

We look forward to hearing from you soon and wish you luck with your compensation claim.

The top 10 things you need to do if you have had an accident at work

Posted on June 24, 2020 by - Blog, Employment, Work Place Accidents

Having an accident at work is more common than you think. According to the Labour Force Survey, over 28.2 million working days were lost during 2018/2019 due to work-place accidents and illness. Right now, most people are still working remotely in order to lower the spread of Covid-19. But before the UK’s lockdown, you may have unluckily got sick before safety measures were put into your work environment or you may have hurt yourself and been put on sick pay. You now may be considering to follow up with some form of work accident compensation.

If you have been put into this position, the most important thing you need to consider is your evidence. This can prove whether or not your work place has breached their duty of care towards you, as an employee. Whether you have had a minor injury or a major break, it’s important to get the care you need in order to help you recover. This includes getting compensation from your place of work in order to help you solve any financial issues ahead.

So, what should you do if you have been involved in a work accident? Whether you work in a retail store or at an office, our blog below will guide you through what you need to do. That way you can get the most amount of evidence to have a successful compensation case.

What counts as an accident at work?

accident at work graph

Source: HSE Gov

As you can see from the graph above, some of the most common accidents in the workplace are some of the simplest to avoid. However, if your work place is messy and is covered in hazards, it is easy to have a fall or hurt yourself. You also need to remember that the type of hazards you encounter depend on what sort of environment you work in. For instance, a construction worker is not going to have the same hazards as an office worker. An office worker may be a victim of repetitive strain injuries, whilst a construction worker could be injured by malfunctioning equipment.

Take a look around your place of work. Your businesses’ hazards may include:

  • Broken equipment
  • Untrained colleagues/employees
  • Messy environment
  • Tripping hazards
  • Faulty electronics
  • Spillages
  • Repetitive tasks
  • Lack of movement
  • Ill colleagues/managers
  • Violent customers

Once you have taken note of the hazards in the workplace, if you think that there are any that need to be fixed as quickly as possible then you need to go to your manager. That way if there are any future accidents, or you yourself are involved in one, you have evidence that you noticed a hazard and asked for it to be fixed, only for it to be ignored. It proves that your employer was negligent. This is the key to getting a successful work accident compensation claim.

top tip about work accident compensation

What should you do if you have suffered from an accident at work?

So, now that you have analysed what hazards are in the workplace, you may be feeling a little worried that you may suffer from a work incident in the future. Worse still, you may have already suffered from a work accident but just feel generally unsure about what you need to do. Well, do not panic! Here is what you need to do if you have hurt yourself at work.

1. Focus on your injuries

The most important thing is to focus on yourself. You need to figure out how badly you have been hurt and whether or not you need to receive medical attention. In some cases there may be a first-aid specialist on site to help you, however if your injuries are severe then you will have to go to the hospital to receive medical attention.

Your injuries should be logged into your work’s accident book so that they can be recorded. You have the right to receive a copy of this injury report. It’s important to receive this report because if your injury is worse than it appears then have evidence that it happened in the workplace.

If you do have to go to hospital, or later on need to go to the doctor’s for a check-up, make sure to get a medical report to prove that your injuries have caused you harm. You should also keep any receipts from medication that you have been forced to pay for in order to help you recover.

2. Photographs and Videos

Evidence is vital you want to have a successful accident at work compensation case. This is the same for any sort of accident, including traffic accidents and accidents in public places. Just in case your employer tries to cover up your accident, save and back up any photographs or videos you take of the scene, the hazard and your injuries. You can never have too much evidence! Make sure your photos or videos have a date on them to ensure that they can be proved to be taken from the day of the accident. That way if your employer does try to cover up your accident, you can prove what actually happened.

3. Ask your colleagues for witness statements

No matter what sort of environment your accident took place in, if there were others around you who saw the accident, they can be used to provide evidence and an unbiased perspective on the events that took place. If you were hurt due to the negligence of your employer, ask your witnesses to write out a statement that documents the events that led to your accidents. They have nothing to gain by helping you, therefore their testimony can really help your case.

accident at work witnesses

4. Ask your colleagues to keep an eye on your employer

If you have friends at your workplace, you may want to ask them to keep an eye on what your employer does after you have had your accident. Now, most good employers will try to fix the hazard so that other people will not be exposed to the risk. They will then be more than happy to sort your compensation from their employer’s liability insurance. However, in some cases the employer may just be trying to cover up the reasons behind the accident.

Make notes whenever your source tells you that a change has been made to office policy or the environment of your workplace. That way if your employer does try to fight against your claim, you can prove that they were the ones who were negligent. Having a trustworthy colleague can also be useful if your employer does try to unfairly dismiss you.

Fired for an accident at work image

5. Keep an injury diary

No one can predict when an accident at work is going to happen. That’s why it’s imperative that you remember as much information about the incident as possible. Of course, in some cases if there has been head trauma, it may be impossible. However, you should try to write out a description of the event, how it took place and what injuries you suffered. You may also want to note important details about who witnessed the event or what your employer’s reaction was. Try to do this within the first few hours of your accident. That way it can remain fresh in your mind.

You should also keep adding to the diary so you can take notes about what happened in the aftermath of the accident, including how your case was being handled and what evidence you have been able to collect for compensation case.

6. Submit a grievance report or letter of complaint

If the accident came from the irresponsibility of your management then you have every right to complain about it. If you were not trained to undertake a certain act or were pressurized by senior figures in your company and got hurt, you need to make a stand to ensure the same thing does not happen to other people. Take a look at an example of an unfair accident below:

Case study about accident at work

Like Larry, you may have been asked to do a job that was completely out of your range of skills. You may not have had the right skills to complete it, therefore were injured as a result. If you write a grievance letter then your employer must investigate it and fix any problems that could be found. That way, you are preventing future accidents and are also giving them a formal notification about your complaints.

7. Create an expenses & losses spreadsheet

Now, this is going to be important. When you have a compensation claims case, one of the most important things you need to do is prove that your injuries put you at a loss. For instance, you may have had:

  •  Physical damages
  • Psychological trauma
  • Financial losses (i.e. wages)
  • Equipment damages
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Medical costs

By creating a spreadsheet and keeping a record of the amount of money you have lost during recovery, you can prove in court that your company’s negligence negatively impacted your life. They have a duty of care towards you and have breached it. Now they must pay compensation.

8. Request a “Subject Access Request”

A subject access request is a formal request made to find out information about what your employer has said about you through any sort of communication devices. It can also show how:

  • Your employer has been using your information
  • Who they are sharing your information with
  • They collected information and data on you

These communications may contain valuable evidence that could back up your compensation case. Just make sure you file out the request before you put in a work accident compensation claim. That way your employer will have less reason to hold information back from you.

9. Organize all of your evidence

Now, this point may seem a little obvious, but if you have all of your evidence filed away then this will make it a lot easier when you eventually go to court for your compensation claim. It can also help your solicitor go through your evidence to make estimates on how long the case might last, how much compensation you are owed and whether or not you have a valid claim. Invest in a file, some dividers and a highlighter for marking out important evidence!

10. Ask for the help of a trained solicitor

Work accident compensation claims are complicated. You need to fill out a lot of paperwork and to try to avoid as many pitfalls as possible. An experienced accident at work claims solicitor can help you with this. You may be still recovering from your accident. Therefore you can let them do the hard work and even represent you in court if you cannot leave the hospital in time.

That way you can get the outcome that you deserve.

How do I make an accident at work claim?

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your accident at work claim

work accident compensation button

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, our trained work accident specialists are here to support you through this difficult period. We understand that accidents can be traumatic experiences. Therefore, we intend to take the pressure off you and help you get the compensation that you deserve.

If you need any advice, we can offer free consultations and advice on your case. Should you want to work with us, our solicitors can help you on a “no win no fee basis”. That means even if you do not get the outcome you want, you will come out on top! You will not need to pay any fees and instead can walk away from the case. There is no risk for trying to get compensation.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our direct message system on our contact page.

Read more about the UK law and accidents at work!

previous law blog

Gowing Law keeps our blog updated on a regular basis. So make sure to keep checking it to see the latest updates. We talk about law topics that could be relevant to your case, including work safety and Covid-19 related topics. We also have a newsletter that goes out on a weekly basis. Let us know if you would like us to sign you up for this. If you have an idea for a blog and want to see it on our website, let us know by emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk.

We look forward to hearing from you soon. Good luck with your compensation case!

Gowing Law & Michael Owen: Collaborating on Advertisements

Posted on June 23, 2020 by - Blog, Uncategorised

Gowing Law is proud to have Michael Owen collaborating with our legal firm to promote our services UK-wide. All of our experienced solicitors work hard to ensure that justice is brought to those who need it most. Michael, out of everyone, knows what it is like to be injured during times of great pressure. However, he has always strove to come out on top during difficult moments. That is why he has become a legendary footballer, being awarded the “Balon D’or”, one of the most prestigious achievements a footballer can receive, and potentially being voted as the best footballer in the world.. Michael Owen is a winner and we want to make sure that we provide winning service to anyone who needs our help.

We have now been collaborating with Michael for over four years and have truly enjoyed the journey. Michael is an extremely charismatic individual that is brimming with confidence. We loved having him visit our offices and meeting him in person. That is why we have produced so many advertisements with him as the face of Gowing Law. We look forward to continuing our collaborations in the future.

Gowing Law: Changing the face of legal advertisements

We understand that legal advertising is not the most interesting thing to listen to. Most of the time it can be quite dull listening to facts about accidents at work or car accidents, that’s why we wanted to liven things up. Working with Michael Owen, we were able to use fun facts about his career, such as his injuries, to do some “tongue in cheek” humour. These were mixed with some of the most common claims that we deal with. This includes work accidents, public accidents and traffic accidents. Take a look at two of our viral examples below:

Now, we have sponsored different shows before, such as Botched, but we decided that the best way to go about displaying our services was in a more fun and light-hearted manner. That way our clients can feel confident that not only are we experienced solicitors, but we are sociable individuals that can have a laugh. That’s why our ads quickly became viral and were even displayed on ESPN in America!

With Michael Owen spearheading our projects, Gowing Law couldn’t be prouder of the content that we have created. Not only is it funny, but it shows solicitors in a brand new light. We can have a laugh and let you know the facts without making them sound dull. This is why we are one of the best law firms in the UK. Not only are we extremely approachable, but we can display all the facts of your case in an easy manner to understand.

What do you think of our video campaigns? Let us know in the comments of our YouTube channel! We take all feedback and would love to know what sort of videos you would like to see advertised.

Collaborating with Michael Owen

We would like to take a moment to thank Michael Owen for his support and ideas when it came to the advertisements and campaign. He is a fantastic footballer and completely deserves being known for his kind-hearted nature and open-minded personality. We have truly enjoyed working with a winner like him. Over the last few years, we have collaborated on a number of projects with Michael, however our favourite has been for the good of the younger generation.

Together in football foundation button

Michael Owen is the figurehead and ambassador of our charity foundation. The “Together in Football Foundation” seeks to bring children of all backgrounds to enjoy a game of football in a stadium. Being on a football pitch is a place where every player is equal. Therefore, it is the perfect sport to bring people together and make everlasting friendships.

If you are interested in helping us with this foundation, or want to get involved or get tickets, please click the link above. This will take you to our foundation page where you can find out more information about our charity. Despite the UK being in lockdown, it is clear that football is a sport that simply won’t just go away. So feel free to get in contact about future events and how we are planning to support this charity in the future.

Radio Advertisements Collaboration: Michael Owen & Communicorps

Although Gowing Law Solicitors is currently working remotely, that does not mean we have stopped producing advertisements to spread the word about the services of our lawyers. That is why we have collaborated with Michael Owen and Communicorps to bring you radio adverts that can emphasize Michael’s triumphs in the football field, as well as give you a look into the world of a solicitor. Take a look at our advertising below!

As you can see, we have used the raw passion of football commentators to liven up our advertisements. That way you can feel the same way about collection compensation from an injury claim. Gowing Law Solicitors will always be here to support you in your time of need, just as Michael Owen has supported our advertising campaign. Our lawyers are experienced professionals who will be able to advise you on even the trickiest of cases. Just let us know what you need and we can set up a free consultation. You can also check out our blog page to see more information on different law topics in detail.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today for help!

We are a Manchester law firm that can provide help to anyone living in the UK that has suffered from an injury that is not their fault. We can offer you free guidance and consultation sessions. If you do choose to work with us, we work on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means there is no financial risk if you get in contact with us about your case. You will not need to pay any fees if your case is not successful. So, what do you have to lose? We can also offer remote communication if you are isolating or you do not want to go out in public due to Covid-19. We completely understand.

To contact us, feel free to call 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our direct messaging system on our contact page. One of our specialists will then get in contact with you as quickly as possible. That way we can start getting you the justice you deserve without any delays getting in the way.

We look forward to hearing from you soon about your case.

Working together: Michael Owen & Gowing Law

Posted on June 23, 2020 by - Blog, Uncategorised

Gowing Law Solicitors is one of the finest law firms in the UK. We are proud to be fighting legal cases for those who have been injured in accidents that are not their fault. Whether you have been hurt in a personal injury, an accident at work or perhaps a traffic accident, we will always fight to help you get the compensation that you deserve.

We are proud to be working with Michael Owen as the face of our brand. He is a man who overcame the odds and fought back against his injuries. Owen pushed through the pain to become a winner for his team. We want to become the winners for you in your time of need. Put your case in our hands and you will always get an outcome that makes you happy. Even if you do not get a successful outcome, our “no win-no fee” policy will make sure that you do not pay any fees for our services.

Our main aim is to get you the justice and compensation that you deserve. With Michael Owen spearheading our projects, we are confident that we can reach out to everyone who needs our help in the UK.

Four years of collaboration

For the last four years we have had the honour of working with Michael Owen on a wide range of projects. He is a man that brims with confidence and truly is an inspiration to everyone in the office. Check out this video of when he visited us!

Michael shares the same values, passion and drive as the solicitors that work for Gowing Law. As you can see from his twitter page, he is an extremely supportive person and is always ready to help people. He provides the voice and confidence to send our message around the country. That way we can help as many people as possible. UK law can be complicated, that’s why Gowing Law will always be on hand to make sure you understand it, and what sort of compensation you could claim if you have been injured or have become a victim of financial mis-selling.

Although the present day is tense due to the Covid-19 and violent protests, we are confident that we will be able to help you through this difficult time. The same way that football is now coming back to the stadiums, we are still working remotely to help you. Feel free to check out our blog page for more information about UK law and compensation.

Working with Winners: Michael Owen

BT Sport

Gowing Law has always strived for perfection when it comes to working together with our clients. That’s why we collaborate with the best of the best. Michael Owen is known as a the boy wonder of his time. This was because he won the Balon d’or, one of the most prestigious achievements for a footballer, and was voted “the best footballer in the world.” These are no easy feats and Michael Owen should be commended for his contribution to the world of sport as a whole.

Working with Michael has truly been an honour for everyone here at Gowing Law Solicitors. We are proud to have him on our team and to have him as the face of our brand. It is clear our collaboration is set to continue on for many years to come and we are looking forward to what the future holds for our partnership.

together in football foundation

Here at Gowing Law, we always strive for excellence. It is only through our actions that we can make the world a better place. Not only do we want to get you justice in the legal system, we want to have an impact on the lives of other people, in particular on the well-being of children.

That is why we have worked hard with Michael Owen to set up the “Together in Football Foundation”. This football foundation brings together children of different backgrounds to enjoy a game of football together in professional stadiums. Everyone is equal on the playing field, making it the perfect place to create lasting friendships and a strong united team spirit. If you are interested in getting involved or have a connection to football venues, please click on the link above for more information. We would love to have as many people as possible involved!

Fun Radio Advertisements: Working together with Michael Owen & Communicorps

We have already collaborated with Michael Owen on a number of commercials in the past. We understand that the world of law is not exactly the most fun topic, however with Michael’s help we have been able to turn personal injury law and traffic accident law topic on their head. Take a look at them below!

Yes, we will admit that our advertisements were a little cheeky. Michael enjoyed our “tongue in cheek” moments and had a lot of fun working with our crew and team to produce these advertisements. That is why we have now taken things a step further and are working with both him and Communicorps to produce radio adverts that will go on a number of famous news stations, like Smooth FM, Heart FM and XS. Make sure to listen out for them! Here’s a sneak preview of them below:

We would like to take a moment to thank Communicorps and Michael Owen for their support and collaboration. We have truly enjoyed working together with them and are confident that we will see many additional successful collaborations in the future.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today!

If you have recently been injured, and it was not your fault, Gowing Law’s trained solicitors want to start working together with you. We help people from all over the country get the compensation that they need to recover from their injuries. Gowing Law can offer free consultations and help sessions remotely, just in case you are worried about going out in public as the lockdown eases. We want to help you get back on your feet. So, why not contact us now to see what we can do for you.

Call 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our direct messaging system on our contact page. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Liverpool vs Arsenal 2001: Why was this game so special for Michael Owen?

Posted on June 23, 2020 by - Blog, Uncategorised

As you watch the clip from the Liverpool vs Arsenal match of 2001, you can practically experience the euphoria that flooded the crowd when Michael Owen scored two second-half goals to give Liverpool victory over Arsenal. This was no small feat. The last time these two English teams had met on in the FA cup final was in 1971, where Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-1 in extra time. That meant that the Liverpool team was under pressure to deliver a win for the sake of their fans and their own personal pride.

So, why was this match was such an important moment in Michael Owen’s history? Michael Owen was a fantastic player and helped make Liverpool the successful football team that it is today. Read on to learn more about this historic football event!

The Historical Context: Arsenal vs Liverpool

Arsenal vs liverpool context

As you can see from the image above, the rivalry between Arsenal and Liverpool was mostly because of how evenly matched they were. After all, they were only separated by one point in the final league table 1971. Arsenal finished second with seventy points and Liverpool finished third with sixty-nine points. Therefore, there was an innate desire to distinguish themselves from one another. Yes, they both had fantastic players that could work their magic on the pitch, but to be shown as similar in stature made the rivalry more intense. It was time for one team to claim ascendancy.

This was certainly shown in the 2001 match at the Millennium Stadium where Michael Owen showed the true stamina and power of Liverpool’s football team.

The build-up: Arsenal

Leading up to the finals, Arsenal had already a run of successes against strong teams like Blackburn and Chelsea. Their real challenge was their London rival, Tottenham, in the semi-final. Luckily enough for Liverpool, their route to the final was relatively easier with victories over teams like Rotherham and a struggling Man City. However, they did have to overcome the challenge of Leeds, beating them 2-0 at Elland Road, and the Wycombe Wanderers from the third tier of English football were on an incredible cup run. This meant they reached their first final since losing to Man UTD in 1996. It was time for them to play off against Arsenal.

The Match: Michael Owen’s triumph

Football greats Robbie Fowler and Dennis Bergkamp were benched for this game, Michael Owen and Emile Heskey were up front for Liverpool and Thierry Henry and Sylvain Wiltord for Arsenal. At the start of the match, Emille Heskey hit the ground after a tackle from Gilles Grimandi. However the penalty appeal was refused by the referee, Steve Dunn. Another penalty appeal was declined, this time from Arsenal, when Thierry Henrys’ effort on goal was stopped by Stephane Henchoz on the goal line. The footage did show that Stephane Henchoz was in contact with the ball with his arm, but the match still continued.

Arsenal were in possession of the ball more due to Liverpool’s unsuccessful counter-attack. However, the teams were well-matched and in deadlock by half-time. In the second half, Emille Heskey had a good early chance with a header but this was well stopped by David Seaman. The tight battle continued but eventually Arsenal took the lead through Freddie Ljungberg. Liverpool were now down one nil with only 20 minutes left on the clock.

This was when Michael Owen came into play.

With only 8 minutes left on the clock, Michael Owen with a flourish of skill, scored an equalizing goal. Arsenal failed to clear the substitute Gary McAllister’s free-kick, and Michael Owen was able to use his right foot to shoot past David Seaman from eight yards. A second goal was then scored with 2 minutes to go when Michael Owen moved onto a long ball from Patrick Berger. He managed to outpace Arsenal’s Tony Adams and Lee Dixon, and shoot accurately across David Seaman into the net.

Why was this an important event for Michael Owen?

For the majority of the game, Liverpool and Arsenal had been equal. With Arsenal scoring a goal in the second half, and with so little time left on the clock, it seemed impossible that Liverpool could do anything but tie with their competitor. However, Michael Owen smashed these odds. It may have been the adrenaline, or it could have been his natural ability as a sportsman, but he managed to outrun and outmaneuver great opposition players to bring home a win for Liverpool. In eight spectacular minutes, Micheal Owen had turned the Liverpool vs Arsenal game on its head and claimed Cup victory.

This showed his natural skill and impressive athletic ability. It shows us all that no matter how grim the odds look, there is always a chance to turn the game around. The same thing could be said for Michael Owen throughout his life, including his own battles with his injuries. No matter how badly he was hurt on the pitch, he always came back for more. Nowadays, Michael shares these stories to allow for a realistic glance into the life of a footballer. We do not just see a football legend. We see a real person who has a genuine love for the sport.

The Liverpool vs Arsenal match of 2001 made football history, and allowed Michael Owen to move forward in his career. It stands as a reminder of why we should all work hard to follow our dreams. This is so we can become the best of the best in any area that we choose to be. He truly is a role model for the next generation.

Michael Owen and Charity Work

together in football foundation button

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we have worked with Michael Owen for over 4 years. Not only has he visited our office, but he has also worked with us on charity projects. Michael has spearheaded our “Together in Football Foundation”. This is a charity that aims to bring together children and young people from all backgrounds. This is to enjoy a game of football. These games are held at professional stadiums and are great for building comradery and friendships that will never break.

If you are interested in learning more about our foundation, please click the link above. This will take you to our page where you can find out how you can get involved.

Gowing Law Solicitors: Excited to be partnering with Michael Owen and Communicorp!

It is Gowing Law’s aim to help as many as people as possible if they have been involved in accidents. We understand that these sort of events can be extremely traumatic. That’s why we have partnered with Michael Owen and Communicorp to bring you some advertisements. These can show you how Gowing Law can help you move forward with your case.

For more information, please contact Gowing Law Solicitors now at 0800 041 08350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or directly message us by visiting our contact page.

We wish you the best of luck with your case and hope you get in contact with us soon!