Did you work at Palmers Shipyard based in Hebburn, Tyne and Wear in or around 1946 to 1953? Browell Smith & Company Solicitors represent the Estate of a gentleman who sadly passed away of asbestos induced, Mesothelioma. The Deceased served his time as an apprentice and then joiner at Palmers Shipyard based in Hebburn, Tyne and Wear, between 1946 and 1953. This was a shipbuilding company. We are reaching out for anyone who may have worked as a joiner or in close proximity to joiners at the Palmers Shipyard between 1946 and 1953 who can give information about working practices for apprentice joiners that may have brought them into contact with asbestos both in the workshops and on board vessels. We are specifically looking for individuals who were employed as apprentice joiners during this period or those who may have supervised their work and training. Please contact Kirsty Dockerty on 0191 250 3213 or kirsty.dockerty@browells.co.uk if you are able to provide any information or assistance.
Can I Make a Claim on Behalf of My Elderly Parent Who Cannot? Yes, you can assist your elderly parent in bringing a claim. You can provide instruction to the solicitor to correspond with you whilst still being involved if they’re unable to instruct a solicitor themselves. In situations where an individual cannot manage their own legal matters due to age-related cognitive issues, illness, or other impairments, family members can act on their behalf. Here’s a step-by-step guide to helping your parent bring a claim: 1. Assess Mental Capacity The first step is to determine whether your parent has the mental capacity to instruct a solicitor. Under UK law, mental capacity means that a person can understand, retain, and weigh information about their decisions. If they lack this capacity, you’ll need to act as a litigation friend or arrange a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). Litigation Friend: You can apply to act as a litigation friend if your parent lacks mental capacity specifically for legal matters. This involves filling out a Certificate of Suitability and applying through the court, allowing you to make decisions in their best interests. Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA): If your parent has appointed you as their attorney under a Health and Welfare or Property and Financial Affairs LPA, you can act on their behalf in various matters, including legal claims. If they haven’t done so, you could apply to the Court of Protection for deputyship, which gives similar authority but may take longer to process. 2. Choose a Solicitor and Gather Information Once authorised to act on your parent’s behalf, the next step is to find a solicitor experienced in the type of claim you’re pursuing (e.g., personal injury claim, medical negligence claim, etc.). With the solicitor, you’ll gather evidence and documentation, which may include: Medical Records: Any medical evidence supporting the injury or harm sustained. Accident Details: Reports, photos, witness statements, and any other documentation related to the incident. Financial Documents: Receipts or bills for any expenses incurred due to the injury, such as medical costs, travel expenses, or adaptations required for care. 3. File the Claim on Their Behalf You’ll work closely with the solicitor to prepare the claim. The solicitor will handle most of the legal aspects, including drafting legal documents and communicating with the other party or their insurers. Your role as a litigation friend or attorney will be to ensure that decisions align with your parent’s best interests, and you’ll need to attend meetings or court hearings if required. 4. Understand the Potential Outcomes Your solicitor will outline the possible outcomes and compensation that may be available to your parent. Compensation may cover: Medical Expenses Care Costs (current and future) Pain and Suffering Loss of Earnings (if relevant) 5. Ensure Your Parent’s Interests Are Represented Throughout the claim, it’s essential to keep your parent’s well-being at the forefront. Your solicitor will help ensure that all steps taken reflect your parent’s best interests, especially if a settlement is proposed. Our Legal Experts Can Help If you’d like a consultation to discuss next steps, our team can offer expert guidance on the process of acting as a litigation friend or attorney. Contact us today for a free consultation to explore your options and receive support every step of the way.
How Horse Riders Can Claim Compensation for Accidents Involving Vehicles Horse riders face unique challenges on the road, and when drivers fail to approach carefully, the consequences can be serious for both horse and rider. Every year, hundreds of accidents occur due to drivers passing too close or driving irresponsibly around horses. According to recent data from the British Horse Society (BHS), the number of reported incidents involving horses and vehicles in the UK remains high, with over 3,500 incidents reported in the last five years. Highway Code Guidelines for Drivers and Horse Riders The Highway Code includes specific guidance on how drivers should approach horses on the road. Rule 215 explicitly instructs drivers to “pass wide and slow” when overtaking horses, ideally at a speed under 10 mph, and to give at least a two-metre distance. Additionally, drivers should avoid making loud noises or sudden movements that could startle a horse. For horse riders, the Highway Code advises wearing high-visibility clothing and signalling clearly. Riders are also encouraged to use hand signals to direct drivers to slow down if necessary, and to ensure that horses are properly trained and under control in public spaces. When a driver fails to follow these guidelines, they may be liable for any resulting accident and injuries. Incidents where drivers pass too closely or approach too quickly, causing the horse to panic or even collide with the vehicle, may allow the rider to pursue compensation. The “Pass Wide and Slow” Campaign The BHS’s “Pass Wide and Slow” campaign advocates for safer practices on the road, urging drivers to pass horses at a safe distance and speed. The campaign also encourages riders to report any incidents involving dangerous driving to help raise awareness and contribute to the statistics used in improving road safety measures. The BHS’s data highlights the prevalence of these incidents: Over 3,500 incidents involving horses and vehicles have been reported in the last five years. Of these incidents, more than 80% were caused by cars passing too close or driving too fast around horses. Sadly, over 130 horses and 40 riders have lost their lives in road incidents over the past decade. What Horse Riders Can Do After an Accident If a driver startles or collides with a horse, causing injury or distress to the rider, there are steps that can be taken to pursue compensation for damages. Here’s what to do if you’re involved in an accident as a horse rider: Seek Medical Attention and Veterinary Care: Prioritise the well-being of both the rider and horse. Document any injuries, as medical and veterinary reports can support your claim. Report the Incident to the Police and BHS: It’s important to report the accident to the police and record it with the British Horse Society if it involves dangerous driving. Police documentation can serve as essential evidence in your claim. Gather Evidence from the Scene: If safe to do so, take photos or videos of the scene, any damage to equipment, and any visible injuries. Note the driver’s details, vehicle registration, and witness contact information. Check for Nearby CCTV or Dash Cam Footage: Footage from nearby businesses or dash cameras can provide crucial evidence of a driver’s negligence. This may show the speed and proximity at which the driver approached. Speak to Witnesses: Witness statements can strengthen your case, especially if they can verify that the driver was too close or driving carelessly. Pursuing Compensation from the Driver’s Insurance If the driver’s negligence caused the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for injuries, damages, and associated costs. Compensation can cover: Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation: Any costs associated with treatment for injuries to the rider. Veterinary Bills: Expenses for treating the horse’s injuries, as well as costs for any specialised equipment that was damaged. Compensation for Pain and Suffering: The trauma of an accident involving a large animal like a horse can be significant, and compensation can account for both physical and emotional distress. Loss of Earnings: If the accident has caused you to miss work, you may be able to claim for lost income. Typically, you will work with a solicitor experienced in road accident claims, who will communicate with the driver’s insurance company on your behalf. Your solicitor will gather evidence to show the driver’s failure to follow the Highway Code’s guidelines on passing wide and slow, which can help prove liability. Why Reporting Matters: Raising Awareness for Rider Safety Every report of dangerous driving helps organisations like the BHS improve road safety advocacy. By reporting incidents, riders contribute to a larger effort that can lead to stricter policies, better road signage, and awareness campaigns to educate drivers about safe practices around horses. When accidents happen, the impact on horse riders can be profound and lasting. For a powerful real-life perspective, take a look at our detailed case study on a tragic incident involving a horse rider on a country lane. This story highlights the critical importance of driver awareness and safe practices on rural roads. If you’re seeking insight into what steps to take after an accident and how to pursue compensation, this case study sheds light on the process and underscores the need for ongoing road safety advocacy. Contact Us for No Win, No Fee Advice If you or your horse have been involved in an accident due to a driver’s negligence, we can provide expert legal guidance on your options for claiming compensation. We operate on a no win, no fee basis, so you can focus on recovery while we handle the legal process. Contact us today to arrange a free consultation and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve