Category: Covid-19

What can I claim beauty treatment compensation for?

Posted on July 16, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Cosmetic Claims, Covid-19, Work Place Accidents

Beauty treatment compensation can protect you from any injuries you may have received whilst undergoing cosmetic treatments. This could be in nail salons, tanning salons, make-up parlours or a massage parlour. On the 13th July 2020, the UK allowed nail salons and beauty parlours to re-open after the lockdown. New safety measures are in place to help protect people from catching and spreading Covid-19, however accidents can still happen. That’s why it’s important to know precisely what you can claim compensation for if you are the victim of an injury or some form of “loss”. That way, when you reach out to a solicitor for legal guidance, they can let you know an estimated pay-out amount.

Gowing Law Solicitors are here to help you if you do suffer from a beauty treatment injury. Make sure to check out our beauty treatment page for more information:

What safety procedures should be in place at a salon?

If we are thinking about Covid-19, some of the main safety procedures in place should include:

PPE (i.e. Facemasks)
Screens and socially distanced work stations
Socially distanced queues
Clean and germ free surfaces

Whether you are going to a hairdresser’s or a cosmetic salon, remember to follow Government social distancing advice in order to protect yourself and the others around you. However, outside of Covid-19, a beauty salon should also have trained staff who know how to take care of their clients and provide them with treatments that are safe and effective. However, this is not always the case.

Did you know that whilst the beauty treatment industry does have a turnover of £6 billion a year, the amount of negligence claims against different salons have also been growing? These claims could have occurred due to one of the following:

As you can see from our infographic, there are a lot of hazards when it comes to salons that you need to be aware of. It is the duty of the employees of the salon to keep you safe. This is known as a “duty of care.” When you step into the property of a business, they must look after you and make sure that you do not get hurt due to their services. If you do, and it was no fault of your own, this could mean they are liable. This means that you could be due compensation that can help you recover.

How do I protect myself from Covid-19 in a salon?

If you are going out in public, including going to work or shopping, you may be wondering what kind of safety precautions you can take to stop the spread of Covid-19. This is a great move, as if you do end up in an accident, you can prove that you took precautions to try and lessen the risk. Therefore, you are not liable for catching Covid-19 from a specific salon or cosmetic business.

You may want to consider:

Wearing a mask at all times.
Carrying hand gels or wipes to stop the transfer of germs.
Avoiding touching surfaces with your bare hands.
Keeping a social distance from other customers of 2 metres.
Staying at a reasonable distance from any beauty technicians.
Using electronic payments instead of physical money.

How do I know that I am not liable for my accident?

Liability for an accident falls on the party that caused the injury in the first place. So, for instance, if you went to a hairdressing appointment and it went wrong, you were not the one that put the bleach on your hair. Your hairdresser did it and they did not test you to see if it would cause you any problems. That means they are “at fault” for your accident. Have a look at our example below if you are still have any queries about whether or not you could make a claim:

As you can see from our example, Ruby was not asked about if she was allergic to any products. She was also not required to sign a consent form to prove that she understood the risks of her treatment. That meant that she had no knowledge of what was being put on her nails. There was no way that she could have been aware that her skin would react unless there had been a warning in advance.

Has anything similar happened to you when you had a beauty appointment?

Your technician should show you the products they intend to use in advance. That way you can understand the products in them and know if any of them could cause you any potential harm. They may have also tried to a patch test on you, where a certain product is tested on a patch of skin. That way if a product reacted negatively, it would only affect a small area of the skin. It could then be avoided in the future whenever you came back for a treatment.

If you went through these precautions and still demanded service, a negative reaction to a product or an injury would be your own fault. That would mean that you are liable for your own injuries. A salon can only do so much to product you if you agree to the risks before treatment happens.

What to do if you have been injured at a salon?

One of the things you need to think about is your own safety. Consider how bad your injury actually is. If it requires medical assistance, for it may be a bad burn or chemical injury, then you should go to hospital or ask if anyone has had medical training in the salon. You should also ask for your injury to be recorded in the salon’s work accident book. That way you can prove it happened. Just make sure that you have a copy of it for yourself. The salon is legally required to give you one.

So, now that you have registered the injury/accident you will have to start looking for evidence to prove that you were not at fault for your injury. The more evidence you have, the more likely it is that you will have a stronger claim.

Evidence may include:

Photographs of the environment, your injuries and the products used
Videos of the environment, your injuries and the products used
Witness statements
Police reports
Medical reports
Diary record
CCTV footage

Make sure to keep this evidence filed away so that you can provide it to your solicitor for your case. You should also take care to write down in detail any information about communications you have had with the other party’s insurance firm, medical/rehabilitation firms or any other firm that could have a connection with your accident. That way, if the other party makes a settlement agreement with you, you will always be prepared to speak with your solicitor. You can also make notes made about the agreement.

Special Damages & Beauty Treatment Compensation

If you have suffered from any type of physical injury then it is likely that this will fall under ”general damages”. However, if your injury has made you suffer more than physical damages, then these are known as “special damages.”. For instance, if you beauty treatment has caused such a bad injury that you cannot go to work, that means you have incurred financial losses. You may have also damaged some of your property in the salon due to the negligence of the staff. Worse still, if a staff member has been violent or aggressive towards you then it is likely that you have incurred emotional damages.

These additional damages can add up to give you a larger compensation claim. Make sure to keep a note of them and try and include any witnesses that may have seen how your suffering increased. For instance, you could have a worse quality of life if you feel bad about your appearance. You may avoid being seen in public if you are embarrassed about your appearance. You may have even paid for clothing to hide the injury.

Make detailed notes about each of these losses and present them to your solicitor. They can calculate whether these additional losses will add to your compensation claim.

Employees & Beauty Treatment Compensation

Now, not all paying customers make compensation claims in nail salons. Instead, an employee of the company may want compensation. The employer of any of the beauticians in the store may be taking unnecessary health risks or not be providing safe working conditions for workers to do the best job they possibly can. However, instead of this being beauty treatment compensation, this would fall under a work accident compensation claim. Make sure to check out our blogs on accident at work compensation. They should give you some assistance on how to move forward with your claim:

Keep in mind that employees can experience the exact same thing as injured customers. Make sure to document your injury in the work book. Then you can collect evidence and prepare for your case.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your beauty treatment compensation claim

Here at Gowing Law, we understand that it can be devastating to have your beauty affected by any sort of accident. It can leave you feeling unconfident about your appearance and may even make you feel less inclined to go outside and enjoy yourself. You should not take on this sort of claim on your own. Instead, Gowing Law Solicitors is here to make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve. As experienced professionals, our lawyers are happy to give you free advice and consultations. These can be done remotely to make sure you are safe during the pandemic. Video calls and phone calls can easily keep you in contact with your solicitor.

If you decide to work with us, we can offer you our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means even if we do not win your case, you will not need to pay any fees. Just remember, you may need to put your claim in quickly. The UK court system already has a back up due to the pandemic. That means that you may have to wait longer than you would like to when pursuing a claim.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our direct messenger located on our contact page. One of our team members will get in touch as quickly as possible to answer any additional questions you may have about your claim. They will then help you set up an appointment to get you in touch with one of our specialists.

Want to read more about beauty treatment laws?

If you have a beauty treatment compensation claim, you may want to read similar blogs. That way you can keep up with the latest UK laws about what you could be owed. Gowing Law’s blog contains detailed articles about a range of topics. This includes personal injury claims, accident at work claims, cosmetic injury claims and financial mis-selling claims. Reading our blogs can help you get up to speed with the basics of your claim. By the time you speak to one of our solicitors, you will already know what you can claim for!

We update our blog every week, so make sure to keep an eye on it to see our latest articles. You can also write in to info@gowinglaw.co.uk to let us know what topic you would like to read about. We also have a weekly newsletter that covers similar themes. We can sign you up to it. Just let us know!

We look forward to hearing from you in our next blog. Happy reading.

Gowing Law Solicitor’s work with Botched!

Posted on July 14, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Covid-19, Uncategorised

Botched! is the type of reality show that shows the consequences of cosmetic injuries. As beauty, hair and nail salons open around the country re-open after 5 months of lockdown, it is important to take a moment to reflect on the safety procedures that now make them accessible to the public. Yes, we should celebrate that these businesses have managed to survive the pandemic, however there is always the chance that these procedures could go wrong. A nail salon technician could damage one of your nails or you could get an infection. In a hairdressers, you may suffer a burning accident or be cut with scissors. There are lots of potential hazards that you need to keep aware of.

This is where Gowing Law Solicitors can step in to help you. As specialists in personal injury, beauty & cosmetic negligence and hair damage and medical negligence claims, we want to help protect you from anything that goes wrong. We support claimants from all over the UK in getting their money back if an accident does take place during these treatments. That is why we have paired with the American smash-hit TV show, Botched!, to advertise our services all over the country. Make sure to tune in, that way you can catch our advertisement at the beginning and end of each episode.

Botched! What is it?

Botched! is a fantastic TV show that demonstrates what can go wrong with cosmetic surgery. You won’t be able to look away from the shocking states that some doctors leave their patients in! It’s amazing some of these victims have not tried to claim compensation for medical negligence already. Either way, they are helped by two of the best surgeons in California: Paul Nassif and Terry Dubrow.

Both of these surgeons carry out complicated corrective procedures to help their patients to, according to The Hollywood Reporter:

“remedy extreme plastic surgeries gone wrong.”

This includes:

Scar correction
Breast and nipple correction
Rhinoplasty fixes
Tummy-Tucks
Cement removal
Saggy Skin

The surgeons will talk to the patient about their experiences with their previous doctors and the losses they suffered due to their previous treatments. It is Gowing Law’s mission to help patients like this recover their dignity and regain their confidence about their appearance. These sort of surgeries can be devastating and can really impact a person’s quality of life. That is why we have chosen to sponsor Botched! to ensure we can help people in similar positions get the compensation that they deserve.

Gowing Law sponsors Botched!

Gowing Law has had the pleasure of working with many big names throughout our years in business, including working with Michael Owen on our advertisements and charity works:

Of course, we think it is incredibly important to support young people of all backgrounds, and we cannot forget about our own roots in medical and cosmetic injury claims. This is why we decided to work with Botched! in order to give our clients examples of what they could claim for. Of course, a lot of the cases on this show are very extreme. However, whether you have suffered from a small hairdressing accident or perhaps something more severe, we will be here to support you throughout your legal claims process.

Having reconstructive/corrective surgery is only the start of your journey. If you want to get compensation to help you with these treatments, or perhaps to help keep you comfortable as you recover, having a trained solicitor on your side can help take the burden from you. Gowing Law solicitors are here to support you.

Work with Gowing Law on your cosmetic injury claim

Here at Gowing Law, we understand that cosmetic injuries can have an extremely negative effect on the lives of the victims. That’s why you may be feeling a little worried about going out to your local nail & beauty salon even though they have just opened. But don’t worry, if anything goes wrong then Gowing Law will be here to have your back.

Our team of cosmetic negligence experts are here to help you with your claim, no matter how small it is. So, why not give us a call to discuss it today? We can offer you free advice and consultations. If you do decide to work with us, Gowing Law’s expert advisors work on a “no win no fee” basis. That means you will always come out on top.

Call 08000418350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our direct messenger located on our contact page. Our staff will then be in contact with you as quickly as possible.

Pedestrian Safety & Covid-19: What you need to know

Posted on July 10, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Covid-19, Traffic Accidents, Uncategorised

Pedestrian safety is a big issue nowadays. Not only do pedestrians need to worry about being involved with accidents with traffic but there is always the threat for non-drivers of Covid-19 on public transport and in crowded areas of cities. Pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users as they can dart out on to the road without much warning, especially if they are trying to avoid coming into contact with groups of people. That’s why if you are vehicle driver, you need to keep an eye out for them. If a collision does happen, it is very likely that the pedestrian involved could sue for pedestrian accident compensation.

It is important that pedestrians feel safe if they are crossing the street, even if they are socially distancing from others on the street. However, if you have been involved in an accident whilst crossing a road, Gowing Law Solicitors can help you. Read our blog below to learn more information about pedestrian safety during the pandemic.

Pedestrian Safety & Road Traffic Risks

As a pedestrian, you are always at the risk of being involved in a traffic accident. Even if you are following the pedestrian rules of the road. According to a study in 2015, on average 14 pedestrians are seriously injured every day. Think about it this way. A pedestrian is not protected by a vehicle shell, similar to motorcyclists and cyclists, and therefore if they are hit by a vehicle, it is more likely that they will sustain greater injuries that could potentially be life threatening.

Pedestrian traffic accidents may include:

Hit and Run
Speeding vehicles
Darting out during changing traffic lights
Drunk Driving
Vehicle left hand turns
Reversing vehicle
Being “Doored”
Being pushed in to traffic
Illegal vehicle manoeuvres

As you can see, the roads can be extremely dangerous for pedestrians. That’s why, if you are a car driver, it is important to keep an eye out for them. This is because you have a duty of care towards everyone who uses the road. Pedestrians will need to cross the road, therefore you need to look out for them as well. That way you will to get yourself involved in a collision or a future pedestrian accident compensation claim.

Covid-19 & Pedestrian Safety

Now, Covid-19 has turned the world upside. Not only has the UK been through a lock down period, but now that it is easing, there is still a likely chance that a second wave will hit the country. People are going back to work and are creating social bubbles to try and reintegrate themselves in to society. That’s why it is more than likely that more people will be going outside and using public transport to get to quieter areas. If you are a pedestrian, you need to make sure to follow strict social distancing regulations to ensure your safety, as well as the safety of others around you.

To avoid catching Covid-19, you may want to consider following some of these safety regulations:

These are only a few of the examples of how you could socially distance as a pedestrian. In some cities they are considering putting up social distancing signs in crowded areas. Other places may even change the speed limit of their roads in order to promote bicycle and pedestrian use. One of the biggest changes is also in relation to traffic lights. In order to alleviate fears of spreading germs by touching a crossing button, the traffic light system may even become automatic or have a touchless feature installed to help pedestrians cross.

Active Travel & Pedestrian Safety

Another thing that drivers will need to be aware of is “active travel”. According to the BBC,

‘Transport Secretary Grant Shapps ordered English local authorities to make “significant changes” to give more space to pedestrians and cyclists. He said he would be setting up a £250 million emergency fund to encourage what he called “active travel”.’

This emergency fund was created in order to encourage more pedestrians to use the city streets for cycling and walking. This includes using the money to create temporary traffic orders that can install cycle lanes, create zebra crossings, close streets to traffic, and widen the pavement. Basically, it is to encourage more people to actually use the public space for walking. In turn, that means you are going to have to be aware of more people crossing roads. You do not want to be the reason behind an accident due to these changes. Instead, you will have to be aware of pedestrian safety measures.

Keep aware that the pandemic is going to change how we travel, as well as the use of cars and motorised vehicles on the road. The more pedestrians use the street, the more likely it is that a collision may happen. That is why you need to stay alert when driving.

Pedestrian vs Driver Negligence

If you are a pedestrian that has been involved in a traffic accident with a vehicle, one of the most important things that you can do is prove that you were not at fault for the accident. Many pedestrians believe that traffic accidents are solely caused by the driver. This is because they are more protected and so have more “responsibility” whilst they are on the road. Well, this is certainly not the case. Not all pedestrian accident claims result in the driver being at fault. In fact, there are a number of case outcomes where a pedestrian may be at fault for the accident. This is the sort of case where the pedestrian will not be awarded compensation even if they have suffered from injuries.

Examples of pedestrian negligence may include:

A pedestrian being distracted by their phone
A person crossing the road trying to beat an oncoming vehicle
People distracted by talking to each other and not watching the road

So, should you make a claim, it is important to know whether or not you were the main cause of the accident. If you were at fault for the traffic collision, it is unlikely that you will be able to get compensation.

What should I do if I have been in a traffic accident?

If you have unfortunately been involved in a car accident as a pedestrian, you may have experienced injuries that need to be looked at by a medical practitioner. These may only be minor, but in other cases you may also have sustained broken bones or traumatic head, spine and brain injuries. Make sure to focus on your injuries before taking down any evidence of the accident. Your health is what really matters, so get examined as quickly as possible.

With that said, there are a number of ways you can strengthen your case against any other party if they are liable for your injuries. The most important thing you can do is find evidence to prove you are not at fault:

Take photographs and videos of the scene. You may want to take pictures of the environment to detail where you were and what time it occurred. That way the driver who hit you cannot dispute it.
Images and videos of your injuries can help detail the severity of how badly you were hurt. These will be crucial in determining the amount of compensation you are awarded.
Information about the other driver’s insurance details and images of their vehicle.
Take witness statements and contact details from people who saw your accident.
CCTV footage may have captured your accident. Ask your solicitor to help you collect this evidence.
Call the police to get a police report taken of the accident. You can collect a copy of this report.
Save all receipts that have come from your expenses (i.e. medical and lost wages).

What can I claim for?

Now that you know how to handle an accident that you are involved in, do you know what you could actually claim for? Pedestrian traffic accidents can get complicated, especially if you solely set your mind on claiming for physical damages.

A solicitor can help you consider other options of compensation that include:

Emotional damages
Financial damages
Broken goods/property
Medical expenses

Your financial expenses may include wages that you have lost due to being away from work or the time you have spent in hospital. You can also claim for any medications that you have had to pay for or even recovery therapies (such as physiotherapy).

Make sure to look at everything that has happened in your accident. You need to consider cause and effect, as well as how has your daily life been impacted. These are what damages actually are. From these, a compensation tally can be totalled.

How much money can I claim?

Pedestrian safety is extremely important when it comes to sharing the road. However, if you have become the victim of a car collision then you may be considering how much money you could claim. Now, the first thing you need to know is that each traffic accident claim is different. Some people who have experienced life changing injuries may be able to claim thousands. However, others may get hundreds. It entirely depends on the extent of your injuries, whether the other party admits liability and the evidence of your losses. The more you can prove, the more likely that you are going to get a higher pay-out.

How long do I have to make a road traffic accident claim?

From the day of your accident, you have exactly three years to make a claim. We would recommend waiting at least two weeks to see the extent of your injuries and to process any evidence. Once you have sufficient evidence and know the extent of your injuries, this is when you should get in contact with a trained road traffic accident claims solicitor. They can help you understand the claims process and take the stress off you. This can really help if you have suffered severe injuries and are trying to recover. You may simply not have the time to make a claim on your own, especially if you have to balance work with your hospital appointments and work commitments. We can help you balance your schedule and make your claim.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your claim

Here at Gowing Law, we understand that pedestrian safety is key to helping people feel safe in public areas. It is not easy to recover from a collision with a car or any other type of vehicle. That’s why our trained solicitors are here to help you get the compensation that you deserve.

All of our experienced team in Manchester work remotely and so would be happy to assist you all from the comfort of your own home. They can offer free advice and consultations about your case. If you decide to work with our team of specialists, they can work with you 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.

If you are interested in learning more about how we can help you with your RTA claim, please get in contact as soon as possible! All you need to do is call 0800 041 8350 , email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or contact us directly through our live chat. This is located on our contact page. One of our staff will then get in contact with you as quickly as possible.

Learn more about RTA claims!

If pedestrian safety near roads is something that you are passionate about, you will be delighted to know that we cover more about them in our blog section! This contains articles about different law issues, including safety and accident claims on the road. Take a look at some of our suggested reading below:

We also cover other topics about financial mis-selling, personal injury and accidents at work. Please let us know if you would like us to write about a question you may have. We would be happy to know your suggestions. If you message info@gowinglaw.co.uk we can also sign you up to our weekly newsletter.

We look forward to seeing you in our next blog!

Car Accidents & Whiplash: How much compensation could I claim?

Posted on July 6, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Covid-19, Traffic Accidents, Uncategorised

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries that comes from car accidents. According to the BBC, the UK is known as the ”whiplash capital of Europe”. Apparently, for every traffic accident that is reported in the UK, there are around 2.7 claims made to insurers. This means that there are around 8 in 10 personal injury claims made for traffic accidents compensation in relation to your injuries. If you wore a seat belt, and were struck in a collision, it is very likely that the impact caused injuries to your back, neck and spine. Whiplash claims may sound simple, but with the amount of fraudulent claims made about this type of injury, you may feel a little nervous about making a claim of your own.

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are here to support you with any sort of road traffic accident (RTA) claim. That’s why this blog is going to discuss whiplash compensation claims in detail, as well as what to do if you have recently been involved in a traffic accident.

What is Whiplash?

If you have suffered from whiplash, most people will assume that you have merely suffered from a minor injury. However, this type of RTA injury can have lasting effects that could make you feel uncomfortable throughout your life.

Whiplash is caused when your vehicle experiences a sudden jolt or movement (aka. a collision with another car. This causes the ligaments in your neck to suddenly stretch, damaging them in the process. This sort of injury does not have to occur due to a high-speed collision. Instead, it can be low speed and doesn’t need to actually take much force to occur. Normally, the average speed for whiplash to occur is between 5-10 mph. So, as you can see, it does not take a lot for any sort of driver or passenger to suffer from whiplash injuries.

Whiplash: The Detailed Description

Should you have gone to hospital to deal with an injury, you may be experiencing severe pain in your neck and upper spine. During your accident, the impact of the other vehicle hitting your own will cause your body to jolt forward. This sudden movement causes a sprain around your spine that can quickly become inflamed. Your symptoms may include:

Headaches
Dizziness
Limited mobility
Soreness
Jolts of pain
Overly stretched moments
Lack of flexibility
Muscle damage

Whiplash can also occur outside of a car accident. Keep in mind that it could happen to anyone who suffers from slipping over something. For instance, if you suffered from an accident at work, you may have slipped on an unmarked puddle, your fall could have damaged your spine and caused you whiplash. Keep this in mind when you make your compensation claim.

What vehicles do whiplash accidents usually happen in?

Honestly, a whiplash accident can happen to any sort of driver or passenger. Think about it this way, usually the type of injuries you sustain in a vehicle depend on the size of the vehicle, the amount of protection it has and the severity of the impact. Therefore, if you had a motorcycle accident or an accident on public transport, you could have been thrown to the ground or perhaps hit a different hazard when you fell. This combined with the jolt and the lack of safety restraints (aka. seat belts) may have made your injuries worse.

So, make sure to speak to a solicitor about the vehicle that you were in during the accident. It could make a different to the type of RTA accident compensation claim you are proceeding with to court.

What will affect a whiplash injury accident claim?

One of the main things you need to know about compensation claims is that they are all unique. This is because there are so many different circumstances that can affect the accident. What you need to prove is that you were not at fault for your accident, i.e. that you are not liable for the other person’s injuries. This is what will determine whether or not you are due compensation. However, the amount of money you receive will also depend on:

Whether or not the other person involved in the accident accepts blame
How severe your injuries are

Medical evidence will be needed to prove how bad your injuries are, that means that it is more likely that your case will be drawn out in order for your doctor to accurately present your physical losses. You may want to wait around 1-2 months to see the extent of your injuries. That way you can know exactly what you want to claim for.

What is the claims process like for a Whiplash injury?

Normally, when it comes to a whiplash claim, there are four stages to make sure that your claim goes through without being invalidated. Working with a Gowing Law Solicitor can help you avoid any potential pitfalls and prove why you deserve compensation to help you recover from your injuries. Here are the basics of what you should expect if you want to go through with a road traffic accident compensation claim:

One of the most important things that you can do for any claims solicitor is to provide them with evidence. Whilst it does not matter whether or not anyone witnessed your traffic accident, if you do have evidence then this could show that you abided by the rules of the road. Instead you were forced to make emergency car manoeuvres to protect the people around you. That’s why evidence is crucial when it comes to proving that you were not at fault for your accident.

What sort of evidence do I need to prove I was not responsible for more injuries?

As you can see from Cathy’s case study, she suffered whiplash at the hands of a negligent driver. All drivers have a duty of care towards other road users. If they put them in danger then they have responsibility to help with their recovery through compensation.

If you want to prove that it was not your fault then you are going to need evidence. Once you have taken down the other driver’s insurance details, make sure to call the police to make sure that a police report is made. These police reports will detail the environment of the accident and take down both participant’s statements. This should show an unbiased perspective on the accident itself.

Additional evidence that can help your case may include:

Photographs
CCTV/Dash Cam/Video Footage
Witness Statements
Medical Reports
Diary Entries (Made on the same day)
Letters of Grievance
Reports made from witnesses about your future losses

What sort of losses can I claim for with a case of whiplash?

Before you think about your compensation claim as a whole, you need to consider what sort of losses have happened due to your accident. This can be more than just physical injury. Instead, you need to think of how the accident has impeded your daily life. How has it been negatively affected? That way, your solicitor can estimate what could help you return to your previous situation before you were hurt.

Losses may include:

Financial losses (aka. medical bills or lost wages)
Physical losses (aka. disabilities or injuries)
Emotional losses (aka. PTSD)
Vehicle losses (aka. a car that has been written off)

Your compensation costs will also cover any rehabilitation or therapies that you need to heal. Note down all of the potential losses you have made and the evidence to back them up. This will strengthen your case and show that you need financial assistance (aka. RTA compensation) to get back on your feet.

How long do I have to claim compensation for my whiplash?

Usually, we would recommend that you wait at least 2 weeks before you make your claim. However, you should claim RTA compensation within three years of the road traffic accident. The faster you make your compensation claim, the more likely that your solicitor can help you gather evidence to support you. Make sure not to rush your legal counsel. Whilst you may want to receive compensation as quickly as possible, if your compensation claim is complicated, it may need careful thought and a strategy put in to place to help you with your case.

How much compensation could I claim from a whiplash injury?

Now, this is where you have to be careful. Whiplash tends to be one of the most common accident claims there are when it comes to traffic injuries. That’s why in 2017, there was a crackdown in the UK about fraudulent whiplash injury claims. If your claim is genuine that means that you have every right to make a compensation claim. However, you do need the proof to show that you are telling the truth.

With that said, each RTA claims case is different. That means that the amount of compensation you receive will also depend on the extent of your injuries. If you can prove that you have been severely injured and that you do require compensation to help you with your recovery, you may get a bigger claim. If you have also experienced other injuries that could have caused you losses combined with whiplash, then again, you could be due a large amount of compensation.

Speak to your solicitor for more of an accurate estimate about your claim. Once they have your evidence and know all of the information of your case, they would be happy to give you a rough pay-out amount.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your whiplash injury

Whether you want legal counsel or advice on rehabilitation centres, Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help you with your RTA compensation case. Whiplash injuries can have severe consequences on the human body. Some people can get away with having minor pain, others find it extremely difficult to move around. That’s why our experienced team is here to help you get the pay out that you deserve.

We can offer you free advice and consultation services. If you are worried about Covid-19, these can all be conducted remotely or through communication devices. If you do decide to work with our experienced solicitors in Manchester, we can offer our services on a ”no win, no fee basis”. That way there is no risk to losing money with your claim. Instead, you will always come out on top and get the result that you want. Any fees required by your solicitor will always be upfront.

Are you ready to get your compensation? Contact Gowing Law Solicitors now by calling 08000418350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our direct messaging feature on our contact page. A member of our team will be in contact with you as quickly as possible to answer any additional questions you may have about your RTA claim.

Please get in contact with our teams as quickly as possible. Due to Covid-19, the courts may have a back up of cases that they will need to sort. That means that your case may take longer than you initially expected. The faster you let us know how we can help you, the better!

Ready to read more about RTA accidents?

Gowing Law is proud that we keep our website and blog updated with the latest content about UK legal matters. Covid-19 has caused the world to turn upside down. That’s why we will make sure you know exactly what to expect from any sort of claims case. Whether you want to find out more about road traffic accidents or perhaps want to know about financial mis-selling, like mis-sold PPI tax reclaims. We can help you get the pay-out you need to get you back on your feet. Keep an eye on our blog to check out the latest legal topics.

We are also accepting requests for content topics and have a weekly newsletter that goes out to our clients. If you want to learn more about any of these, or perhaps want to see a certain topic covered, feel free to email info@gowinglaw.co.uk. We would be happy to write about exactly what you want to hear!

We wish you a fast recovery with your whiplash injury and look forward to seeing you in our next blog.

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

Posted on June 30, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - 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?

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.

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

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?

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 Hannah Fletcher - 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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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.

The importance of solicitors during Covid-19

Posted on June 26, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - 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

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.

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:

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

What can a lawyer do?

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

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.

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.

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?

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?

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!

Health & Safety in Retail: Avoiding Accidents

Posted on June 16, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Accidents in Public, Blog, Covid-19, Employment, Work Place Accidents

Health and safety in retail is a big issue right now. As of June 15th 2020, the UK government has now allowed for non-essential stores to re-open. Non-essential stores, including clothing and book shops, have been closed for over three months. This was to help lower the rate of infection of Covid-19. However, you may be feeling a little nervous about going out and about so soon. The corona virus is still a major health & safety risk with a lot of businesses having either moved online or to remote work to remain open. That’s why at this moment you may be thinking that it is just safer to shop online.

Boris Johnson has stated that we should ”shop with confidence”, but do you know precisely what you would do if you had an accident in a public place? If you work in retail, you may have no choice but to return to your store. That’s why, whether you are a customer or a consumer, it is essential that you know precisely what rules and regulations are in place to keep you safe. That way you can avoid accidents.

Read on to learn more about how you can protect yourself and the others around you from accidents in a retail store, and what you should do if you do suffer from an accident.

What is happening in the UK?

As you can see from the BBC’s latest update video, the UK has undergone a number of changes in the last 24 hours. Whilst this may not immediately get things back to the way they were, it can help workers in the retail industry have their livelihoods restored to them. Although essential stores have remained open, like food stores, pharmacies and banks, most non-essential stores have been shut since March.

Now, what’s important to take from this is that not only will stricter shopping measures be in place, but you will have a choice about whether or not you should return to your work environment. If you have proven that you can do your job from home without any problems, then it will be quite hard for an employer to outright say that you should go back to the office. However, if you can only do your work by being in a certain building, you will have to go in to do your work. Should you tell your employer that you are not going in because of fears of Covid-19, you will not be entitled to sick pay.

According to David D’Souza, from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, he has listened to the complaints of people being forced to go back to work by their employer and believes that it is:

”Of huge concerns in terms of people’s physical and mental well being…Any return to work should only be done if these criteria are met: It’s necessary, it’s safe and it’s mutually agreed.”

It is up to you to decide how you feel about returning to work. If you are worried about catching Covid-19, you will need to discuss this with your employer. That way you can get an outcome that would suit your situation.

Safety in a retail: Covid-19 Edition

For both employees and consumers, new safety measures have been put in place in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19. So, if you are going out today, it’s important that you adhere to the following rules:

These rules have been put in place in order to help the public get used to shopping outside again. However, there is controversy about this move. The World Health Organization has warned against further lock down easing in England. According to Hans Kluge, the WHO’s European director, the UK is still in a “very active phase of the pandemic”. This means that there is still a chance that Covid-19 could be spread around through public contact.

If you do choose to go out to shop, make sure you do it with caution. There have been hundreds of people queuing already to visit large retailers like Primark, therefore take social distancing regulations seriously and try not to approach people within 2 m. You may also want to wear face-protection and have your own personal supply of hand gel.

Public Accidents in a Retail Store: Health and Safety

Despite all of the health and safety regulations that have been put into place, there is still a chance that both consumers and workers could be involved in an accident in the store. Yes, employers need to make sure that social distancing measures are put in place, but with all of this focus on Covid-19 safety regulations, it is more likely that smaller problems may be overlooked. There is still potential for one of the following accidents to take place in a store or retailer:

Slips and falls from unmarked puddles.
Trips over hazards/objects on the floor.
Poorly built shelves falling over.
Mannequins and display items falling down.
Bad Lighting.
Bad carpeting.
Violent customers

All of these accidents can help due to employer negligence. Each business has a duty of care towards their customers and employees to keep them safe. Therefore, to have an unsafe work environment, and to not keep it clean and tidy, is to breach that duty. You deserve to feel safe when you are shopping, therefore if you have had an accident in a public place, you could claim compensation for the fall. This is due to the fact that the retailer themselves has been negligent.

Who was to blame for the accident?

All retailers have to keep their employees and customers safe when they are on their premises. This is normally through risk assessments. This includes keeping the place clean and tidy and ensuring any spills or hazards are fixed before customers can fall victim to them. Employees must also ensure that all staff are trained to carry out their work safely. If these duties are not fulfilled then they could be liable for a compensation claim, especially if they do not enforce social distancing regulations.

Customers: What to do if you have suffered an accident in a public space?

It can be nerve-wracking building up the courage to go back out in public to go shopping. That’s why you don’t deserve to be hurt when you finally enter a store. If you do unfortunately get injured, you need to report it to a member of staff. This injury can then be written down in the store’s accident book. You should be given a copy of the injury statement.

If you do not have to go to hospital due to your injury, remember that you will need to collect as much evidence as possible. This could include:

Photographs
Videos
CCTV Evidence
Witness Statement
Diary Entry (made on the same day)
Police reports
Medical Statements

If you want to make a personal injury claim, you will need to make it within three years of the accident occurring. Make sure to seek help from a solicitor as these types of injury claims can get extremely complicated if you are looking for compensation on your own. A solicitor can explain how much compensation you could be owed, what pitfalls you need to avoid and how long it may take to get an outcome from your claim. Be patient with your solicitor and make sure to keep in contact with them about your claim.

Employees: Health & Safety in retail stores

Customers are not the only people who get injured in a store. As an employee, your employer owes you a duty of care, especially in regards to health & safety in retail environments. That means you should have received official training to help you cope with the latest social distancing laws and safety in general in the work space.

So, you have a responsibility towards customers to keep them safe. But you may be wondering, what should you do if you get hurt? An accident at work could put your livelihood at risk, as you may not be able to keep working and claim your wage. You can experience the same accidents as a normal customer, worse still you may be more at risk of Covid-19 if your store has not put in health and safety regulations to ensure the safety of their employees.

In order to keep safe in the work environment, remember to:

Your employee must be trying to implement social regulating laws, perhaps even communicating through walkie-talkies or phones instead or face-to-face contact. If there is no evidence of a risk assessment, you could be owed compensation for your work-place accident.

How much could I earn from an accident at work compensation claim?

Now, this depends on the type of accident you have had and how severe it is. If your retailer employer has not carried out sufficient health assessments or thought of the risks of returning employees to work, you could be owed thousands if you recently had a work accident, aka. a breach of health and safety in retail.

To use an example, perhaps you work in a clothes shop. They implemented a one-way system to help customers get around the store. However, you did not think of aggressive and messy customers. So you slipped on the clothing and fell over. If you broke your leg this may mean a higher pay out than if you pulled a muscle.

Talk to your trained solicitor about your injuries and how much you could be owed. The amount you receive will depend on your losses and injuries. Therefore, they will be able to give you a good estimate.

How to handle a breach of health & safety or a work accident?

The same way a customer must alert staff to an injury in a store, you must alert your employer or manager about your injury. They will record your injury the accident book. Make sure to ask for a copy! You must also find evidence of your accident that can prove that it was your employer that was liable for your accident. This could be through their lack of a risk assessment, a dangerous environment or perhaps a lack of training. Either way, keep calm and simply follow procedure to ensure that you can collect your evidence and alert your employer to your accident.

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

The transition from complete lockdown to social-distanced work can be quite scary. You want to support your family, however what happens if bring something home nastier than intended. If you have been injured at work, or health & safety guidelines have been breached, Gowing Law Solicitors can help you get the compensation that you deserve.

We can work with you remotely and can offer you free advice or consultations to talk about your accidents. Our trained work accident specialists can then get to work on your case. If you are happy working with us, we work on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means that even if we do not get a positive outcome, you will still come out on top. Let our trained specialists help you get the best amount of compensation to allow you to recover from your injuries.

Contact us now by calling 0800 041 8350 or emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk. You can also directly message us through our contact page.

Want to learn more?

Do you want to know more about Covid-19 and UK legislation? Our blog is has the latest legal stories and information. That way you will always know what to do if you are faced with a legal battle. That includes information about work safety and your worker’s rights.

If you have a blog topic that you want us to discuss, let us know by contacting info@gowinglaw.co.uk. We would be happy to write about it!

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Can I make a public transport accident compensation claim?

Posted on June 11, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Covid-19, Traffic Accidents

Public transport accident compensation is not the normal type of claim that you would think of if you get injured on the road. Usually, you would think of car accidents or collisions on the road. You don’t usually associated public transport with accidents. That’s because you see them as having a “duty of care” towards commuters who utilize them. You pay to use public transport, therefore, you should not be scared about what will happen to you if you get into an accident.

In 2019, the UK government survey indicated that 4,513 buses and coaches were involved in accidents over the year. That is not even accounting for the amount of accidents that could have been involved on trains, ferries and taxis. Public accidents are more common than you think. That’s why you can get compensation to help you with your injuries.

You do not need to suffer in silence. Gowing Law Solicitors are here to make sure that you can recover, having all of your financial worries taken care of. It’s time to learn how we can help you with your public accident compensation claim!

What sort of public vehicles can I claim compensation for in an accident?

If you are using public transport, you may instinctively feel safe when you get on to the vehicle. This is because public transport drivers have received specific training to ensure the safety of all passengers when they in the vehicle. They know how to manoeuvre a large vehicle through traffic to ensure the safety of everyone on board, as well as other vehicles and pedestrians on the road. That is why when an accident does happen, it can come as a bit of a shock for everyone involved.

One of the most important things you need to know is that if a vehicle is registered as a form of public transport, then you can claim compensation if you have been involved in an accident. This could include:

Buses/Mini Buses
Trams
Taxis/Private Hire Vehicles
Ferries
Trains/Metros

It is important to remember that accidents do not need to solely happen on the road to have a public accident compensation case. They are not the same as car or motorcycle accidents because accidents can also happen in the interior of the vehicle. Most public forms of transport have large interiors because they need to transport a number of different people around the city. That means there’s more chance of their being a hazard during the commute. Our infographic below will have a little look into some of the examples of what sort of accidents you could encounter:

Different Types of Accidents

As you can see from our last, using any sort of public transport comes with its dangers. However, what is important is to distinguish the differences in these accidents. That way you can decide who is liable for your accident. In some cases it will be the company that owns that form of transport. For instance, if you were injured on a ”northern railway”, you may want to launch your complaint to them. However, if it is a violent passenger then you may want to involve the police and ask them to pay for your compensation. Each situation is completely different, therefore you will need to decide carefully who you wish to pursue. This may change the amount of compensation that you can claim.

The main cause of your accident could be due to:

A fellow passenger
The vehicle driver
Other drivers on the road
The manufacturer of the vehicle
The environment (aka. the responsibility of local government)

Be aware of the environment and what impact it could have on your claim. You may think that the cause of your accident was due to your driver. However, the accident may have occurred due to a broken traffic light. Lots of factors can make up a public transport accident case, this is why you make need a lot of different witness statements to build up a clear picture of what has happened. From there, you can go to your solicitor and they can help you find the real cause of your accident.

Covid-19 & Public Transport Accidents

Recently, the UK government has announced that new rules are being made in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 amongst commuters. Although you may have your own private vehicle you will be legally required to wear a face mask if you do have to use public transport. This will be from the 15th June 2020.

You should be trying to stay at home as much as possible in order to lessen the spread of Covid-19, including working from home if you can. However, if you have no choice but to use public transport then you will need to:

Plan your journey to avoid busy commuting times.
Be prepared for delays due to less vehicles being on the road.
Keep a 2 m distance from different people on and off the vehicle.
Mix up the different types of vehicles you may be using.
Carry the right PPE for your journey, including hand gel, hankies and gloves.
Be aware of any surfaces that you may touch whilst on your journey.
Wait for other passengers to board and leave before you do.
If the public transport looks busy, you may want to consider waiting for the next vehicle to arrive.

Have you caught Covid-19 from public transport?

If you think that you have caught Covid-19 from the unsanitary/crowded conditions of the transport, then you will need to prove that you specifically caught it from that area. It can be classified as a public accident. The unsanitary conditions have caused a bio-hazard that have put commuters and the staff of the vehicle in danger. Make sure to take statements and evidence from people who traveled with you. You may also want to take video or photo evidence of the state of the conditions of the transport. This could be the deciding factor between claiming compensation from the owner of the company and not being able to any compensation whatsoever.

How much money could you claim from an accident on public transport compensation claim?

Now, one of the most important things to think about public transport accident claims is that each case is completely individualistic. It depends on the type of accident you have been in, the severity of your injuries and the type of losses you have made thanks to the injury. This can include:

Physical Injury
Emotional Injury/Trauma
Financial losses (i.e. from time spent off work)
Medical assistance (i.e. medication and recovery programmes)

The more severe your injuries, and the losses you have made, the more likely that you could receive a bigger claim. It is important to draw on the fact that a breach of duty has occurred. Therefore, it is their duty to compensate you from their insurance.

Overall, it depends on the extent on your injuries. The most common of traffic accident injuries is whiplash. For minor whiplash, you could claim over £3,000. However, for major whiplash you could claim between £50,000- $114,000. This is a rough estimate and, again, we would like to stress that it does depend entirely on the public accident injury case that you have been through. Build up your case with the help of an experienced RTA specialist.

How long should I wait to make a public transport accident compensation claim?

Do not wait to make your claim! This is one of the worst things that you can do. You are trying to recover from your injuries, therefore you need the appropriate funds to help you do this. Covid-19 may mean that there may be a backup of documents in the court system that could mean that your case is delayed.

To ensure that you receive the appropriate compensation in a reasonable amount of time, you should ask for compensation as soon as possible. You will have 3 years to claim compensation before your claim will become invalidated. So, make sure to speak to a trained solicitor about how you can approach your case. They will keep you updated about every move they make and how they are handling your case. That way you can get compensated for your injuries as quickly as possible.

How do I make a public transport accident compensation claim?

Although you may be tempted to make a compensation claim on your own, it is better to have the support of a solicitor to get you through the tricky jargon and court proceedings. You will need time to recover from your injuries.

If you are not injured at the scene of the accident, make sure to document evidence of what happened. This includes photographic and video evidence. You will also want to take witness statements from participants in the accident to show how the accident affected you. You can then write a letter of intent to the party who was responsible to let them know that you are going to press charges for the accident.

Once you have organized all of your information, it is time for you to get in contact with a trained RTA claims solicitor. A public traffic accident is not the same as being involved in a pedestrian accident, a car accident or any other type of road accident. They can help sort out your information and prepare you for your impending public transport accident compensation case.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors to help with your case

All of our trained public transport accident compensation solicitors can help you with any sort of road traffic accident. You need to claim the compensation if you have been involved in an accident. This will give you the time you need to recover. Any sort of road accident can be a traumatic experience for passengers and staff on a vehicle. You deserve to feel stress-free when you recovery. So, let your trained solicitor take care of any difficulties that you may encounter. They can help understand what sort of claim you have and how you can move forward.

To contact Gowing Law, please call 0800 041 8350 or email info@gowinglaw.co.uk. One of our trained lawyers will then be in contact as quickly as possible. You can also visit our public accidents page for more information.

Covid-19 & Accidents at Work: What hazards do you need to look out for?

Posted on June 5, 2020 by Hannah Fletcher - Blog, Covid-19, Employment, Work Place Accidents

No one likes dealing with accidents at work. However, Covid-19 has changed the face of what it means to have a work accident in general.

On the 13th April 2020, the UK announced that it was going to begin easing down some of its lock down regulations. That meant workers who could not work from home could return to work. Currently, there have been over 280,000 cases of Covid-19 in the UK. That’s why there is currently so much debate about whether or not it truly is safe to return to the workplace. Some think it is far too soon, others believe that the first wave has passed, however it is entirely up to you about whether or not you think you can take the risk of working in a public environment.

Your business has a legal obligation to you (aka. a duty of care) to keep you safe. No matter what sort of business you work in, they must continue to uphold government hygiene regulations. You need to understand your rights, but more importantly you need to know how you can personally minimize the bio-hazards you may encounter on your way to and in the work place. If not, you have a higher chance of catching Covid-19 than someone who is currently working remotely.

Read on to learn how you can keep yourself safe. If you do end up getting ill because of your work place’s negligence, please contact Gowing Law Solicitors. We can help you make a claim for a work accident compensation or even represent you at an employer tribunal. All of this can be done remotely.

Remote Working

Honestly, one of the safest ways that you can avoid the virus is to work from home. If you have the chance to do this then take up this opportunity. It can truly help you avoid any accidents at work. Over 51% of the global population have internet, therefore if you think that a work environment is unsafe, it is your right to ask for changes or to work outside of it.

Not only will it protect you from the transmission of Covid-19 but you may find that it helps you create a more engaging work space that increases your productivity. For instance, if you are easily distracted by noise pollution in your work environment, your workspace at home can provide a peaceful place that you can retreat to.

Speak to your employer about continuing to work from home if you are suffering Covid-19 related anxiety. You may be a vulnerable person or simply don’t want to take the risk for the sake of your loved-ones, family and the people you live with. Any good employer will understand your worries and try to work with you to create a compromise where you can feel safe. This may mean that you work from home indefinitely or come into the office only a few times a week. You can also recommend that they look at the free remote safety courses that have been released by the government. They can help you manage stress and create an employee safety plan.

Keep in contact with your employer and stay inside as much as possible in a comfortable work environment. This will help you get the most out of working remotely.

Working Onsite: Lowering the Risk from accidents at work

If you have no choice but to go back to work, as you are an essential worker or perhaps your employer has put in safety regulations that include social distancing, you may be feeling scared about taking this risk. That’s why it’s essential to keep safe when you are:

Commuting to work.
Working in the office environment.
Using work office supplies.
Getting lunch/ using the kitchen.
Using the work bathroom.
Interacting with other employees/colleagues.
Commuting home.

You need to think about which areas in particular are going to be hot spots for germs. It is also wise to consider which of your colleagues may potentially be an asymptomatic spreader. Create a mental (or physical) plan that can remind you of how you can prevent the spread of Covid-19 and what biological hazards could harm you. This could be different depending on your work environment. For instance, construction workers may have different obstacles to office workers. Consider your environment carefully and what you can do to lower the rate of transmission.

Keeping safe on your commute to work

One of your biggest challenges is going to be actually getting to work. As the country has currently been in lock down for over 10 weeks, it is likely that many people have not been considering their commute. This includes using transport safely on the road, and claiming compensation if an accident happens. Naturally, to help with social distancing, some changes have needed to be made to the road, social transport and the amount of people who can go on transport at a time.

Private Transport

The first thing you need to consider, as you go on your commute to work, is what sort of vehicle you are going to use. If you are using a car then you do not need to worry about interacting with other people. However, you may want to avoid giving lifts or asking for rides from different people. If it is your car, make sure to keep sanitation products in the car with you. This includes hand gel, travel sized soap and napkins. You may also want to keep a mask in the car with you for you to wear when you leave the vehicle.

Remember, you will want to wash/ sterilize your hands before and after you touch the steering wheel. This will mean that you will not transfer germs to other environments. It will also help you avoid bio-specific accidents at works

Public Transport

Not all of us can be lucky enough to own our own cars. Instead, many commute to their place of work on either a bus or a train (i.e. The London Tube). According to Lloyds Banking Group, British workers actually spend around 492 days of their lives commuting to their work place. 33% of the people interviewed even said that the normal commute is usually crowded. In terms of catching the Corona Virus, this is where you can be most vulnerable.

A public commute can be a hazard in itself. You are mingling with a range of different people who come from all over your town, different cities or even from all over the country. Being in close proximity means that you have a higher chance of catching or spreading the virus. Remember to stick to social distancing rules if you can, or maybe ask if you can change up your working hours in order to avoid rush hour.

From the 15th of June, it will be mandatory to wear a mask on public transport. Make sure to combine this with hand gel when you get on and off your commute transport. That way you can avoid spreading germs you may have caught on the commute to work, especially as you are avoiding bringing germs into your work place.

Cycling

Recently, the UK government has advised that if people are going to commute to work, it should be through greener vehicles. This includes walking and cycling. If you are going to try and do this, one of the most important things you need to do is plot out your route. That way you will know precisely which the safest areas are to travel around your city. You can also time how long it will take you to get to work and back, as well as how you can avoid other people.

However, keep in mind you may need to think of the other dangers that the road could present, whether you are a bike or a motorcycle:

Judge the weather to ensure no accidents can happen due to slippery surfaces.
Watch out for other vehicles on the road, especially if there are aggressive drivers.
Watch out for unseen vehicles during busy commuting hours.
Wear appropriate cycling protective gear, like helmets, gloves and cycling shoes.
Make sure your bike has received full maintenance and can work (i.e. make sure its breaks are not broken or you have a flat tyre).
Oil your chains and keep them clean to ensure no problems happen whilst you are on the road.
Make sure there are no hazards on the road that cause you to fall from your bike

If you do end up in an accident due to a cycling accident, Gowing Law Solicitors can help you claim compensation if the accident was not your fault. You do not have to go through a RTA case alone. Instead, you can have the support of a trained solicitor.

In the Work Place

Unfortunately, the safety hazards do not stop when you arrive in the office. In fact, this is where social distancing may become more of a challenge. This is because you are going to spend most of your time trying to figure out ways of staying away from colleagues in your office. You can meet up with groups of up to 6 people as long as you keep your distance from them. However, if you do not want to risk this then you can tell your manager that you do not feel safe in your office. This could prevent accidents at work

If your workspace does not follow these regulations, and you do end up getting ill, then you have every reason to file an employer negligence complaint against them. After all, they have not taken the appropriate steps to ensure your safety. In fact, they have put you in harm’s way by asking you to come into an unsafe environment. That means accidents at work are practically imminent

The Three Categories of Hazards in the Work Place

Colleagues
Shared Work spaces, surfaces and equipment
Small work areas

Here is what you need to watch out for in relation to these different problems in the workspace.

Keep hygienic when you are in the office and remember to wash your hands whenever you touch a different surface or piece of equipment. You may also want to consider washing your hands if you are going to eat or drink anything. That way you can avoid picking up germs on your food or beverages. This may sound paranoid, but it is the best way to ensure that all social distancing practices can be maintained. That way you can avoid any type of accidents at work.

For more information on the best practices to avoid bio-hazards in the work office, check out the UK Government’s latest advice through their website. It contains different details on various work environments.

What to do if you get ill as a result of a hazardous work environment/accidents at work?

There is only so much you can do to protect yourself from Covid-19. If your work environment does not employ the latest sanitation advice from the government then it should not be open for business. They have breached their duty of care for you and your fellow employees, therefore you could potentially claim compensation from them, either as a personal injury or in an employment tribunal.

Just remember, if you have symptoms you will need to self-isolate for 14 days. The same will be true for anyone who lives with you.

Gowing Law Solicitors can represent you and get you compensation!

Getting Covid-19 at work could be classified as either employer negligence or an accident at work claim. You may feel a little worried about claiming compensation from your company. However, if you have the appropriate evidence to prove that their hazardous environment was the cause of your illness, you could be due compensation.

Before you leave your work space, make sure to take any notes or photographic evidence of any accidents at work. That way you can prove your company is not providing a safe environment. Working with a trained personal injury solicitor can help you figure out whether or not you could be owed anything. They work on a “no win, no fee” basis and also offer free advice and consultations. That way, you will always know what sort of claim you could make and what you could be entitled to.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors now for more information about Covid-19 and your rights if you get ill. You need to be prepared for anything and we can help you remotely! Please call 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our direct messaging system on our contact page.

We look forward to working with you soon to get you the compensation that you deserve. Just let us know the types of accidents at work you have experienced and we will help you.

Want to read more about work place hazards?

At Gowing Law, we are dedicated to bringing our customers the latest information about different law topics. This includes information about the rights of employees during Covid-19 and how to create a will if you are feeling anxious about the future. Keep updated about the latest laws by looking at our blogging page. We would also be happy to write about any topics you may suggest. So, feel free to let us know what you would be interested in by emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk.

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