While the Parliamentary Advisory Council on Transport Safety have said the new 80mph limit will lead to as much as a 10 per cent increase in motorway casualties, the Government insist that the change will help the economy by reducing travel time on the roads. But as the current average speed on the motorways is only 69mph then raising the maximum limit may not be as effective as they think.

The positive side of this change is the proposal to increase the amount of 20mph zones in built up areas.

Whatever the changes, it does appear on the face of it that an increase in speed limits and a reduction in access to free legal advice to motorists is an accident waiting to happen.

The coveted award recognises the commitment Bott & Company have made to their staff training through the establishment of an Academy to support and fund colleagues on ILEX and other training courses.

Paul Hinchliffe, Practice Manager for Bott & Co was at the graduation and award ceremony to receive the trophy in front of 100 ILEX level 6 graduates and their families. Paul explained “We made the decision last year to create the Bott Academy as a way of developing our most important business asset, our staff.

“We fund ILEX courses, tutor sessions and provide additional learning materials for all Bott Academy members to ensure they have the best possible chance on succeeding in their studies.”

David Bott, Managing Partner of the personal injury and conveyancing specialists commented “We’re delighted that ILEX has recognised the extent to which we have developed our staff training policies. We greatly value our internal resources and creating the Bott Academy has benefitted both Bott and Company as a business but most importantly the individual staff members who have progressed their career and personal development as a result of participating on ILEX and other courses.

“It is the continued investment in our colleagues, along with the growth of the company that has put us in such a strong position throughout this period of national economic uncertainty.”

ILEX President David McGrady, on handing over the award to Bott & Co said: “ILEX is grateful to all employers who support Legal Executive students and the level of nominations this year was very high.

“However, Bott & Company’s initiative to single out development through the ILEX qualification via its academy showed great commitment to the advancement of not just Legal Executives but of the legal sector as a whole.”

At Bott and Co we have been aware of these possible changes for a long time and while this proposal is still under a consultation process until June and no changes will be implemented before October 2012,  we are committed to passing on 100% compensation to clients, and we’re creating a business model to make sure this continues.

David Bott, Managing Partner for Bott and C0 and the incoming president of not-for-profit campaign group the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) said: “People with the most serious of injuries face being denied access to justice because lawyers will be less able to offer ‘no-win, no-fee’ in difficult, high value cases.

 “It is hard to see how a ‘big society’ would ever justify putting the interests of big institutions ahead of the needs of vulnerable, injured people. Profits should never be put before people.

“The only party to benefit from these proposals is the negligent defendant who has caused a needless injury, or moreover his insurance company which has collected a premium to pay out in the event of such a claim.

 “Whilst we welcome the ten per cent increase to general damages for victims, it still falls short of Law Commission recommendations that they should go up by at least 50 per cent.

 “It is bitterly disappointing that the Ministry of Justice has been seduced by the myth of a so-called ‘compensation culture’ when the Government’s own statistics show that the number of claims has fallen in most categories during the past ten years.”

A woman from Tadworth is attempting to claim personal injury compensation after losing a finger in a freak racecourse accident.

Clare Wiffin, 37, was attending the Kempton Park racecourse in 2009 when the incident occurred, which saw Mrs Wiffin lose the finger after her wedding ring was caught on a metal fence. Mrs Wiffin suffered the injury after climbing a temporary fence during the weekly market at the racecourse.

The mother of five is applying for personal injury compensation after being directed by the racecourse staff towards the fence when she asked to be shown to the nearest cashpoint.

“I was trying to find a cash machine and I was directed down a footpath to one side of the course. I would never have gone down there otherwise,” Mrs Wiffin explained when speaking about the incident.

“My hand was resting on the top of temporary fencing when my wedding ring caught on top. I was in hospital for 10 hours afterwards.”

Mrs Wiffin, who underwent therapy because of the incident, said the injury caused her to suffer depression, as well as having an effect on the emotional wellbeing of her children.

“If it had been blocked off at the time, I would have never gone down there. My son and stepson both saw it happen and they were obviously traumatised,” she added.

“I am proceeding with damages but nothing has been resolved. I’m angry with what happened, and that it’s taken more than a year.”

Amy Starkey, the managing director of Kempton Park Racecourse, said that the venue accepted no liability for the incident and that the matter was being addressed by the racecourse’s legal team.

“The fencing in question was standard Herras fencing. Clearly the health and safety of all Kempton Park visitors is always a top priority and this incident was not the fault of the racecourse,” Starkey added.

If you’ve been affected by an incident that may have been the result of negligence from a third-party, please contact one of our personal injury specialists today. Our solicitors will be able to discuss your case and advise you on your legal rights.

The unnamed woman was injured after debris from a passing train struck her in the face while she was waiting at the Mile End Station platform.

The woman suffered cuts to the head after a canvas and wood barrier broke off from the Central Line train, hitting her at 30mph. The faulty section of the carriage, which consisted of a canvas screen attached to two wooden poles, became detached as the vehicle passed through the station. The passenger’s injuries were severe enough for her to be taken to hospital for treatment.

She is now claiming for personal injury compensation from London Underground because of her injuries.

The incident occurred when a faulty section of the train, which was initially fitted around the vehicles to prevent passengers falling between carriages, became loose. It was later revealed the potential danger from the canvas screen was reported an hour earlier in Leytonstone and that a pervious attempt to remove it at Stratford Station had been unsuccessful.

London Underground could now face a fine of up to £10,000 after admitting to breaching the Health and Safety at Work act over the incident.

“We detected there was a faulty barrier and we failed to remove it promptly and efficiently. If things had gone slightly differently we would have removed that barrier and the accident wouldn’t have happened,” said Mike Stzelecki, director of safety for London Underground.

If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to personal injury compensation. Here at Bott and Co, we can assess your claim and provide you with experienced, impartial advice. Contact us today to find more about our personal injury compensation.

The employee, Lorraine Mallon, received £24,000 after an incident in September 2007 left her with a slipped disk. Ms Mallon suffered the injury during a fancy-dress event at the city’s Botanic Gardens when posing for a photograph in front of local photographers.

The incident occurred after Ms Mallon agreed to sit on the ground while the then Lord Mayor, Jim Rodger, leapfrogged over her for the picture. The injury was caused when the major slipped during the action shot, which resulted in his leg colliding with the back of Ms’ Mallon’s neck. The resulting injury – a slipped disk – required extensive treatment.

Ms. Mallon, who took legal action against the council, received the injury compensation fee of £24,000 after a judge found the organisation guilty of negligence, breach of statutory duty and nuisance. Ms Mallon, who had been employed by the arts department of Belfast City Council’s development department, was unable to return to work because of the incident.

Speaking at the time, the Ulster Unionist councillor said he was “devastated” by the injury to Ms Mallon. Talking to the BBC, Lord Rodgers commented:

“There had been three false runs and I think Lorraine thought this was just another one. I just caught the top of her head and unfortunately I injured her.

“I have been absolutely devastated over what has happened,” he added.

The injury occurred during a gourmet garden event in which Ms. Mallon was dressed as a tomato. Responding to criticism of the stunt which led to her injury, the Lord Major said:

“I’m very fit and look after myself, but it was just one of those unfortunate things.

“I have kept in regular contact with her and my thoughts and prayers are with her,” he added.

If you’ve been injured by negligence at work, contact us with a view to a personal injury claim.

On-loan Newcastle footballer Hatem Ben Arfa may launch a personal injury compensation claim against Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong after an incident in a Premier League game in October. Arfa suffered from a broken leg and is likely to be side-lined for up to six months after a tackle from the Manchester City Player.

“We will file a complaint against de Jong,” said Jean-Claude Dassier, the chairman of Marseille, Afra’s parent club. “It’s about getting rid of this type of individual from European grounds.”

The incident, which took place during Manchester City’s 2-1 victory against Newcastle on October 3rd, saw Arfa require surgery for a broken fibula and tibia. Speaking to the BBC after the game, Newcastle manager Chris Houghton described the tackle as “unnecessary”.

“It’s a cruel and devastating blow for Hatem, and for the club as a whole,” added Houghton.

“To get injured at any time is bad enough, but to suffer such a horrendous injury as a double leg break is sickening for the lad. Everyone connected with the club sends Hatem their best wishes for a speedy recovery. At this stage no time limit has been put on his expected return date,” he continued.

De Jong, who also plays for the Dutch national team, found himself dropped from the Netherlands squad as a result of the tackle. Speaking about the incident, the Dutch coach Bert Van Marwijk commented:

“It was a wild and unnecessary offence. I have a problem with the way Nigel needlessly looks to push the limit,” he told a national newspaper.

While personal injury claims are not particularly commonplace in professional football, if Marseille or Arfa decide to pursue compensation, their claim will not be the first taken out against a player for dangerous conduct.

In 2006, West Ham striker Dean Ashton made an injury compensation claim against Chelsea footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips after an incident during an England training session in 2006 ended the centre-forward’s career. Elsewhere, the Bradford City striker Gordon Watson was successful in a personal injury claim against Huddersfield player Kevin Gray following a dangerous tackle.

If you’ve suffered from a sporting injury which wasn’t your fault, contact Bott and Co to see if you are eligible for a sports injury compensation claim.

The incident, which occurred during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, saw two individuals thrown from the moving ride due to a fault with the attraction’s seating. The event occurred at a funfair held outside the racing circuit, opposite the entrance to the Silverstone arena.

Searle, originally from South Ockendon, Essex, admitted to breaching health and safety rules after a health and safety executive found that the incident had occurred because of corroded structural steel work on the seating. Searle was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £1,000 in court costs.

Aylesbury Crown Court heard how two members of the public were thrown from the ride, a ground-level spinning attraction, suffering back injuries and bruising. Officials at the time said one man had serious head trauma, while the second man suffered minor injuries. Both individuals have since recovered from their ordeal.

The director of Fairground Inspection Service Ltd, Michael Rodgers, responsible for inspecting the ride, also pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety rules. Mr. Rodgers, of Leicestershire, was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £2,000 in court costs.

Mr. Rodgers’ company, Fairground Inspection Service Ltd., was fined £7,000 and ordered to provide £2,000 in costs.

A spokesman for the HSE commented:

“The corrosion was significant and clear to see and should have been identified by the ride owner, Mr Searle, and during an inspection visit by Mr Rodgers.”

Karl Howes, an inspector for the HSE added: “Everyone on this ride faced a real risk because the owner and inspector failed to comply with the law.”

Manny Helmot, 39, was rendered partially blind and suffered substantial brain injuries after being knocked from his bike during a training ride in Guernsey in 1998.

Helmot, who represented Guernsey at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, was injured after being hit head-on by a speeding car while cycling along the Route du Braye. The incident hospitalised him for 36 weeks and left him needing 24-hour care.

His injuries left him without the use of his left arm and he now suffers from constant double vision. The severity of the incident also left Helmot unable to continue his career with the Guernsey cycling team.

“He will need care for the rest of his life and we won’t be around forever so we are pleased that we know his future is safe,” said Rose Helmot, Manny’s mother and full-time carer.

“Manny needs 24-hour care from a team of carers for the rest of his life and the only way that we could have afforded that with confidence was to win this appeal,” she added.

The case was brought against the insurance company representing the driver responsible for the crash and becomes the biggest compensation payout in the UK. The award eclipsed the previous sum of £11 million, awarded to Wasim Mohammed who was left paralysed after a car accident in 2006.

“The size of the award is very large but it must last for Manny’s estimated lifetime, which is another 40 years or more, hopefully,” Rose Helmot told reporters outside the court.

“All the money will go into a trust to support Manny for the rest of his life. It’s been very upsetting but everything that has been done is to ensure Manny’s future.”

There are around 150,000 cycling accidents per year in the United Kingdom, although research by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents claims that between 60 and 90 per cent of incidents are not reported.

Discover more about bike accident claims and find out whether you’re eligible for compensation.

Whether this is due to the floors being cleaned or items having been spilled and not immediately mopped up, the wet floor then becomes a potential hazard to customers.

Larger supermarkets do not reveal the figures for accidents occurring within their stores, but we do know that at least 20,000 customers suffer some sort of accident whilst shopping in our supermarkets each year, with the majority of these happening as a result of slipping.

Injuries can range from minor bruises to more significant injuries such as dislocated knees or fractured hips.

For many, a simple trip for the groceries ends with weeks of pain and discomfort, surgery, hospital stays and time off in recuperation.

It is the responsibility of the supermarket manager – and therefore the staff – to ensure that the floors are inspected regularly for any spillages. Any liquid dropped or leaked onto the floor should be cleaned up immediately, and any floor mopping should be done outside of opening hours.

If you have been injured in a slip or trip at a supermarket, you should contact us at Bott & Co, and we’ll be able to advise if you have a valid claim.

Many people have suffered inconvenient and even debilitating injuries as a result of slipping on a supermarket or shop floor, but through embarrassment have not considered seeking advice from personal injury specialists on how to claim compensation.

If you are one of these people and have recently had an accident in such a location, consider this: it is likely that the supermarket has been negligent.

Contact Bott & Co today for an informal discussion on 0800 083 0110 and we will guide you all the way.