Personal Injury London
A 27-year old man who was airlifted to hospital in London after his car hit a tree in West Sussex has died from his injuries.
Sussex Police said the man, from Portslade, was taken to the Royal London Hospital after the crash on the A273 Brighton Road, Clayton on Friday.
The accident happened at about 1300 BST just south of Stonepound Crossroads.
Police have also named a motorcyclist who died in on the A264 at Pease Pottage, West Sussex as Lukasz Pielach.
Mr Pielach, 28, of Sequoia Park, Crawley was travelling westbound when he lost control of his bike at 23:00 BST on Thursday.
His Yamaha 600 crashed into signs on the Tolgate Hill roundabout. Paramedics tried to revive him but he died at the scene.
Officers have renewed their appeals for witnesses to both accidents to come forward.
source: bbc.co.uk
Wednesday 31 August 2011
Terror as 22 holiday makers left hanging after Skegness theme park ride gets stuck on its side
Personal Injury Lincolnshire
A woman was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after a fairground ride became stuck, trapping 22 people for more than an hour.
Firefighters used ropes and ladders to rescue passengers who became lodged at a 90-degree angle on the ride at an amusement park at Skegness Pleasure Beach.
Emergency services were called to the Surf Rider swing at Botton’s Theme Park on the Grand Parade at 3.15pm yesterday after reports it had ‘collapsed’.
A woman was taken to the Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Lincolnshire, with life-threatening head injuries but the officials said she was due to leave hospital later today.
The ride at the busy Lincolnshire resort swings 360 degrees around a central point but is designed so that passengers remain upright in a normal seated position.
But yesterday, the carriage became stuck in a vertical position, leaving passengers hanging on while tipped on their side.
Witness Craig Disley said: ‘It looked like the ride had snapped on its axle and people were stuck. They were leaning on their side – it looked pretty uncomfortable.’
Park owner Jimmy Botton Jr said the pleasure beach had been closed while the malfunction was investigated.
He added that most of the injuries appeared to be ‘whiplash’.
The Health and Safety Executive is expected to launch an inquiry.
source: dailymail.co.uk
A woman was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after a fairground ride became stuck, trapping 22 people for more than an hour.
Firefighters used ropes and ladders to rescue passengers who became lodged at a 90-degree angle on the ride at an amusement park at Skegness Pleasure Beach.
Emergency services were called to the Surf Rider swing at Botton’s Theme Park on the Grand Parade at 3.15pm yesterday after reports it had ‘collapsed’.
A woman was taken to the Pilgrim Hospital in Boston, Lincolnshire, with life-threatening head injuries but the officials said she was due to leave hospital later today.
The ride at the busy Lincolnshire resort swings 360 degrees around a central point but is designed so that passengers remain upright in a normal seated position.
But yesterday, the carriage became stuck in a vertical position, leaving passengers hanging on while tipped on their side.
Witness Craig Disley said: ‘It looked like the ride had snapped on its axle and people were stuck. They were leaning on their side – it looked pretty uncomfortable.’
Park owner Jimmy Botton Jr said the pleasure beach had been closed while the malfunction was investigated.
He added that most of the injuries appeared to be ‘whiplash’.
The Health and Safety Executive is expected to launch an inquiry.
source: dailymail.co.uk
Man found dead in mudflats may have 'fallen from boat'
Offshore Claims
A MAN found dead in mudflats at a Hampshire marina hit his head when falling from his boat, it is believed.
Darren Tully, 42, who lived alone on a houseboat at the Wicormarine Boatyard near Fareham, was discovered face down in the mud over the weekend.
The coastguard, who recovered his body, said that he had a head injury and could have either drowned straight away or been overcome by the incoming tide.
A spokeswoman for HM Coastguard said: “All we know is that he did have a head injury.
“There’s a possibility that he fell and struck his head somehow.
“He would have lain in the mud until the tide came in and possibly drowned.
“We noted the head injury but we don’t know how he came to have that.
“We don’t know the circumstances yet as to how he came to fall.
“We don’t know if he had been there for a while and drowned in the tide or if he fell face down into a small pocket of water – because you can drown in a couple of inches of water, especially if you’re unconscious.”
As reported in yesterday’s Daily Echo it is believed that Mr Tully had been working to restore his boat.
The officer in the case, DI Andy Symes confirmed that the death was not being treated as suspicious.
He said: “We believe that it was a tragic accident and I can’t say anything more at this stage.
“We haven’t performed any kind of post-mortem yet.”
An investigation is ongoing into how Mr Tully died and a file has been prepared for the coroner.
A post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out later this week.
source: dailyecho.co.uk
A MAN found dead in mudflats at a Hampshire marina hit his head when falling from his boat, it is believed.
Darren Tully, 42, who lived alone on a houseboat at the Wicormarine Boatyard near Fareham, was discovered face down in the mud over the weekend.
The coastguard, who recovered his body, said that he had a head injury and could have either drowned straight away or been overcome by the incoming tide.
A spokeswoman for HM Coastguard said: “All we know is that he did have a head injury.
“There’s a possibility that he fell and struck his head somehow.
“He would have lain in the mud until the tide came in and possibly drowned.
“We noted the head injury but we don’t know how he came to have that.
“We don’t know the circumstances yet as to how he came to fall.
“We don’t know if he had been there for a while and drowned in the tide or if he fell face down into a small pocket of water – because you can drown in a couple of inches of water, especially if you’re unconscious.”
As reported in yesterday’s Daily Echo it is believed that Mr Tully had been working to restore his boat.
The officer in the case, DI Andy Symes confirmed that the death was not being treated as suspicious.
He said: “We believe that it was a tragic accident and I can’t say anything more at this stage.
“We haven’t performed any kind of post-mortem yet.”
An investigation is ongoing into how Mr Tully died and a file has been prepared for the coroner.
A post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out later this week.
source: dailyecho.co.uk
Extra asbestos find at Northamptonshire college
Asbestos Claims
Personal Injury Northamptonshire
Work to tear down a derelict eyesore plagued by vandals has been delayed after the demolition crew found more asbestos than expected.
The demolition of the old theatre, the last remaining building of the former Tresham College in St Mary’s Road, Kettering, will began in two weeks after the asbestos is removed.
Site manager Andy Seeds said: “The only thing that stands as I speak now is the theatre. Another fortnight it should be down.
“It has gone well considering the amount of asbestos that was in the college which we knew about.
“I would say we are 80 per cent done.”
Mr Seeds, of contractors A R Demolition, said it would only take two to three days for a 36-tonne crane-like machine with a high-reach arm armed with a grabber to pull down the theatre.
As the asbestos is removed workmen are also crushing concrete and brickwork around the site and ripping up slabs of the now-demolished B Block, which is near London Road.
Mr Seeds said: “We hope to be leaving site at the beginning of October.”
Workmen began tearing down the building, which has been derelict since 2007, to make way for 48 private houses and 59 retirement homes, in June. The building, which was built in 1954, has been deteriorating since students moved to a new £20m campus in Windmill Avenue in 2007.
Denise Taylor, of St Mary’s Road, Kettering, said: “It’s better than the eyesore that it was with all the smashed windows."
source: northantset.co.uk
Personal Injury Northamptonshire
Work to tear down a derelict eyesore plagued by vandals has been delayed after the demolition crew found more asbestos than expected.
The demolition of the old theatre, the last remaining building of the former Tresham College in St Mary’s Road, Kettering, will began in two weeks after the asbestos is removed.
Site manager Andy Seeds said: “The only thing that stands as I speak now is the theatre. Another fortnight it should be down.
“It has gone well considering the amount of asbestos that was in the college which we knew about.
“I would say we are 80 per cent done.”
Mr Seeds, of contractors A R Demolition, said it would only take two to three days for a 36-tonne crane-like machine with a high-reach arm armed with a grabber to pull down the theatre.
As the asbestos is removed workmen are also crushing concrete and brickwork around the site and ripping up slabs of the now-demolished B Block, which is near London Road.
Mr Seeds said: “We hope to be leaving site at the beginning of October.”
Workmen began tearing down the building, which has been derelict since 2007, to make way for 48 private houses and 59 retirement homes, in June. The building, which was built in 1954, has been deteriorating since students moved to a new £20m campus in Windmill Avenue in 2007.
Denise Taylor, of St Mary’s Road, Kettering, said: “It’s better than the eyesore that it was with all the smashed windows."
source: northantset.co.uk
Tuesday 30 August 2011
BREAKING NEWS: Northamptonshire man killed and wife fighting for life following crash
Personal Injury Northamptonshire
A MAN has died and his wife is fighting for her life after a road crash.
Roy Beattie, 53, was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, on the A43, near Corby.
His wife Christine, 54, who was airlifted to hospital, is critically ill.
It is understood the couple lived in Home Farm Road in nearby Stanion.
The accident happened on Saturday at 11.10am when the couple’s blue Ford Focus was involved in a collision with a white Peugeot motor home.
The driver of the motor home and his wife, who are from Bedfordshire, suffered minor injuries and were taken to Kettering General Hospital for treatment.
They were allowed home later in the day.
A spokesman for the fire service said 12 firefighters were called to the scene, including a technical rescue team.
The A43 was closed in both directions following the crash and was reopened at about 3.30pm.
A police spokesman said: “Mrs Beattie is in a critical condition in hospital and Mr Beattie was pronounced dead at the scene.
“We are appealing for witnesses to the accident to get in touch as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information about the crash can phone Northants Police on 0800 174615 or text 07765 637201
source: northamptonchron.co.uk
A MAN has died and his wife is fighting for her life after a road crash.
Roy Beattie, 53, was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, on the A43, near Corby.
His wife Christine, 54, who was airlifted to hospital, is critically ill.
It is understood the couple lived in Home Farm Road in nearby Stanion.
The accident happened on Saturday at 11.10am when the couple’s blue Ford Focus was involved in a collision with a white Peugeot motor home.
The driver of the motor home and his wife, who are from Bedfordshire, suffered minor injuries and were taken to Kettering General Hospital for treatment.
They were allowed home later in the day.
A spokesman for the fire service said 12 firefighters were called to the scene, including a technical rescue team.
The A43 was closed in both directions following the crash and was reopened at about 3.30pm.
A police spokesman said: “Mrs Beattie is in a critical condition in hospital and Mr Beattie was pronounced dead at the scene.
“We are appealing for witnesses to the accident to get in touch as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information about the crash can phone Northants Police on 0800 174615 or text 07765 637201
source: northamptonchron.co.uk
Woman and granddaughter injured in log flume accident
Personal Injury Yorkshire
A woman and her granddaughter suffered serious injuries after being thrown from a fairground ride.
The 58-year-old woman and the four-year-old girl were flipped from the Jungle River log flume on the seafront in Bridlington, east Yorkshire.
Medics from the Yorkshire air ambulance airlifted the woman to hospital following the incident, which is thought to have occurred when the log flume jammed. It is the second serious accident at a fairground in less than a week.
Crowds looked on in horror at the accident at 3.28pm on Sunday. Witnesses described seeing the ride jam on its rails then restart, "flipping" the pair from the carriage. An investigation has been launched.
Councillor Cyril Marsburg, the mayor of Bridlington, said: "The lady and her granddaughter were on the log flume water splash. It came down and was there was no water there. It hit the bottom and they were both thrown out."
"I'm quite surprised there were no safety belts on the ride. Had there been, they would not have been thrown out."
A Humberside police spokeswoman said the pair were visiting the resort from South Yorkshire. The woman was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary and later transferred to Castle Hill hospital in Cottingham. The girl, who suffered lacerations to her leg, was taken to Scarborough hospital and later transferred to Hull Royal Infirmary.
Police said neither victim suffered life-threatening injuries. Marsburg said: "It is very rare for these accidents to happen. This is the first one I can recall.
"Safety measures are carried out but when something like this happens it is terrible."
The Humber coastguard said: "We got a call from ambulance control who needed some help with getting two casualties evacuated.
"It was very crowded and more people were being attracted to the scene after the incident, which was making it incredibly difficult for the air ambulance to get anywhere near.
"We did crowd control and helped secure the helicopter landing site."
Humberside police said the inquiry would be led by the Health and Safety Executive with assistance from police.
The accident follows an incident last Tuesday when a 12-year-old schoolboy fell from a ride and was seriously injured at Camelot theme park in Chorley, Lancashire.
source: guardian.co.uk
A woman and her granddaughter suffered serious injuries after being thrown from a fairground ride.
The 58-year-old woman and the four-year-old girl were flipped from the Jungle River log flume on the seafront in Bridlington, east Yorkshire.
Medics from the Yorkshire air ambulance airlifted the woman to hospital following the incident, which is thought to have occurred when the log flume jammed. It is the second serious accident at a fairground in less than a week.
Crowds looked on in horror at the accident at 3.28pm on Sunday. Witnesses described seeing the ride jam on its rails then restart, "flipping" the pair from the carriage. An investigation has been launched.
Councillor Cyril Marsburg, the mayor of Bridlington, said: "The lady and her granddaughter were on the log flume water splash. It came down and was there was no water there. It hit the bottom and they were both thrown out."
"I'm quite surprised there were no safety belts on the ride. Had there been, they would not have been thrown out."
A Humberside police spokeswoman said the pair were visiting the resort from South Yorkshire. The woman was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary and later transferred to Castle Hill hospital in Cottingham. The girl, who suffered lacerations to her leg, was taken to Scarborough hospital and later transferred to Hull Royal Infirmary.
Police said neither victim suffered life-threatening injuries. Marsburg said: "It is very rare for these accidents to happen. This is the first one I can recall.
"Safety measures are carried out but when something like this happens it is terrible."
The Humber coastguard said: "We got a call from ambulance control who needed some help with getting two casualties evacuated.
"It was very crowded and more people were being attracted to the scene after the incident, which was making it incredibly difficult for the air ambulance to get anywhere near.
"We did crowd control and helped secure the helicopter landing site."
Humberside police said the inquiry would be led by the Health and Safety Executive with assistance from police.
The accident follows an incident last Tuesday when a 12-year-old schoolboy fell from a ride and was seriously injured at Camelot theme park in Chorley, Lancashire.
source: guardian.co.uk
Motorway accident victim named as Stephen Bennett
Personal Injury Liverpool
THE St Helens man who died this morning in a motorway accident has been named as 20-year-old Stephen Bennett.
Police said Mr Bennett was driving northbound along the slip road from the M6 to the M55 at just before 1am when he lost control of a black Fiat Punto. No other vehicles were involved.
Two other occupants in the car escaped with minor cuts and bruises.
The car rolled four to five times on the carriageway and the driver suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Inspector Damian Kitchen from the Road Policing Unit said, "I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward and contact the police.
"The man's family have been notified of the news and we have specially trained officers supporting them through what is a very difficult time."
source: liverpoolecho.co.uk
THE St Helens man who died this morning in a motorway accident has been named as 20-year-old Stephen Bennett.
Police said Mr Bennett was driving northbound along the slip road from the M6 to the M55 at just before 1am when he lost control of a black Fiat Punto. No other vehicles were involved.
Two other occupants in the car escaped with minor cuts and bruises.
The car rolled four to five times on the carriageway and the driver suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Inspector Damian Kitchen from the Road Policing Unit said, "I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward and contact the police.
"The man's family have been notified of the news and we have specially trained officers supporting them through what is a very difficult time."
source: liverpoolecho.co.uk
TEENAGE RIDER DIES IN CADWELL CRASH
Bikers Claims
Personal Injury Lincolnshire
A teenage motorcyclist has died after being involved in a crash at Monday's British Superbike Series meeting at Cadwell Park.
Benjamin Gautrey, 18, from Southport, was competing in the National Superstock 600 race in Lincolnshire when he sustained "significant and serious chest injuries" after falling on the first lap and being hit by two other riders.
A statement from race organisers MSVR said: "On the first lap of the National Superstock 600 race at Cadwell Park circuit, Benjamin Gautrey fell on the right hand corner at the bottom of the Mountain section.
"He was unavoidably hit by two riders immediately following him, five riders fell in total. The race was immediately stopped.
"Gautrey, 18 from Southport, sustained significant and serious chest and head injuries, he was treated immediately trackside by the BSB medical team before being transferred to the circuit medical centre where further attempts to resuscitate him were made. All other riders involved in the incident were uninjured.
"Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.
"The full circumstances of the accident will be investigated by the MCRCB [Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board] and the Coroners' office."
British Superbike Series director Stuart Higgs said: "I am so desperately sad that Ben died from the injuries he sustained at Cadwell Park.
"He was a really super young guy on his debut season at national level showing plenty of promise having won the Thundersport GB Moto450 Championship the previous year.
"It was entirely fitting that Ben Wilson was able to dedicate his Supersport win to Ben."
source: sportinglife.com
Personal Injury Lincolnshire
A teenage motorcyclist has died after being involved in a crash at Monday's British Superbike Series meeting at Cadwell Park.
Benjamin Gautrey, 18, from Southport, was competing in the National Superstock 600 race in Lincolnshire when he sustained "significant and serious chest injuries" after falling on the first lap and being hit by two other riders.
A statement from race organisers MSVR said: "On the first lap of the National Superstock 600 race at Cadwell Park circuit, Benjamin Gautrey fell on the right hand corner at the bottom of the Mountain section.
"He was unavoidably hit by two riders immediately following him, five riders fell in total. The race was immediately stopped.
"Gautrey, 18 from Southport, sustained significant and serious chest and head injuries, he was treated immediately trackside by the BSB medical team before being transferred to the circuit medical centre where further attempts to resuscitate him were made. All other riders involved in the incident were uninjured.
"Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.
"The full circumstances of the accident will be investigated by the MCRCB [Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board] and the Coroners' office."
British Superbike Series director Stuart Higgs said: "I am so desperately sad that Ben died from the injuries he sustained at Cadwell Park.
"He was a really super young guy on his debut season at national level showing plenty of promise having won the Thundersport GB Moto450 Championship the previous year.
"It was entirely fitting that Ben Wilson was able to dedicate his Supersport win to Ben."
source: sportinglife.com
Legal Aid cuts will affect thousands in Birmingham, warns Law Society
Medical Negligence Birmingham
THOUSANDS of people in Birmingham will lose their chance to fight for justice due to the Government’s planned cuts to legal aid funding, lawyers have warned.
The Law Society fears Birmingham will be one of the worst hit cities in the UK following the proposals to axe £350 million from the legal aid budget.
The organisation, which represents lawyers across the country, said more than 6,500 cases set to be heard in Birmingham could be at risk of collapse due to the planned cuts and the city’s legal firms will lose more than £1.1 million in business.
They said the biggest losers will be those fighting medical negligence cases, employees battling bad bosses, couples facing divorce and parents seeking custody of their children.
Now the society has launched a Sound Off For Justice campaign, urging the public to sign a petition to put an end to the proposals, which form part of the Justice Bill.
Richard Miller, head of Legal Aid at the Law Society, said: “By cutting legal aid funding, access to the courts, legal advice and representation will be drastically reduced.
“Those needing help in cases of medical negligence, divorce, employment and welfare will no longer have access to justice.
“These people will effectively be silenced, as their cases will go unheard without the support of a legal aid lawyer.
“Justice will become only available to the wealthy, with the poor being the worst hit.
“Many will face a dilemma between plunging themselves into debt to try and fund their battle, going unrepresented in court, or giving up their fight for justice altogether.”
He said cases where children have been left with “catastrophic injuries” at the hands of medics could go unheard, leaving families struggling to raise them without financial settlements made through medical negligence cases.
“The Government seems to think that these cases won’t be affected as people can still pursue them through ‘no win, no fee’ lawyers or insurers.
“But the reality is a lot of these companies will not want to touch these cases as the cost of pursuing clinical negligence can run into thousands of pounds just for expert reports alone and if there’s no guarantee they will win they will be reluctant to outlay such huge costs,” added Mr Miller.
“It will mean hospitals that have done wrong will not be accountable for their actions and will not learn from their mistakes, leaving the risk of more negligence occurring.”
He said that, instead of the cuts, top-flight barristers should be paid less, the NHS should be more willing to accept liability for medical wrong-doings and the Crown Prosecution Service should ensure it only pursues cases that are viable, therefore reducing the demand on legal aid funding so it is only used when really necessary.
source: birminghammail.net
THOUSANDS of people in Birmingham will lose their chance to fight for justice due to the Government’s planned cuts to legal aid funding, lawyers have warned.
The Law Society fears Birmingham will be one of the worst hit cities in the UK following the proposals to axe £350 million from the legal aid budget.
The organisation, which represents lawyers across the country, said more than 6,500 cases set to be heard in Birmingham could be at risk of collapse due to the planned cuts and the city’s legal firms will lose more than £1.1 million in business.
They said the biggest losers will be those fighting medical negligence cases, employees battling bad bosses, couples facing divorce and parents seeking custody of their children.
Now the society has launched a Sound Off For Justice campaign, urging the public to sign a petition to put an end to the proposals, which form part of the Justice Bill.
Richard Miller, head of Legal Aid at the Law Society, said: “By cutting legal aid funding, access to the courts, legal advice and representation will be drastically reduced.
“Those needing help in cases of medical negligence, divorce, employment and welfare will no longer have access to justice.
“These people will effectively be silenced, as their cases will go unheard without the support of a legal aid lawyer.
“Justice will become only available to the wealthy, with the poor being the worst hit.
“Many will face a dilemma between plunging themselves into debt to try and fund their battle, going unrepresented in court, or giving up their fight for justice altogether.”
He said cases where children have been left with “catastrophic injuries” at the hands of medics could go unheard, leaving families struggling to raise them without financial settlements made through medical negligence cases.
“The Government seems to think that these cases won’t be affected as people can still pursue them through ‘no win, no fee’ lawyers or insurers.
“But the reality is a lot of these companies will not want to touch these cases as the cost of pursuing clinical negligence can run into thousands of pounds just for expert reports alone and if there’s no guarantee they will win they will be reluctant to outlay such huge costs,” added Mr Miller.
“It will mean hospitals that have done wrong will not be accountable for their actions and will not learn from their mistakes, leaving the risk of more negligence occurring.”
He said that, instead of the cuts, top-flight barristers should be paid less, the NHS should be more willing to accept liability for medical wrong-doings and the Crown Prosecution Service should ensure it only pursues cases that are viable, therefore reducing the demand on legal aid funding so it is only used when really necessary.
source: birminghammail.net
Saturday 27 August 2011
Four die in three separate Nottinghamshire collisions overnight
Personal Injury Nottinghamshire
Three separate road collisions overnight in Nottinghamshire have led to the deaths of four people.
A man and a woman died following a very serious collision on the A6097 near Woodborough, a male pedestrian died in Worksop and a 21-year-old man died after his car overturned near Saxondale. A motorcyclist is in a serious condition in hospital after another collision in Mansfield.
Road traffic collision 1
Police were called to a collision on the Epperstone bypass (A6097), near Woodborough, at 8.10pm on Friday 26 August.
The male driver of a silver Nissan Qashqai was pronounced dead at the scene. A female passenger and three children – a girl and two boys – were taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre, in Nottingham, for treatment. The woman remains in a critical condition. The children were not seriously injured but were taken to hospital where they remain.
A female passenger in a grey Saab was also pronounced dead at the scene. The male driver was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre where he remains.
The road was closed until 6.40am on Saturday 27 August.
Road traffic collision 2
A male pedestrian died after he was struck by a car in Blyth Road, Worksop, near Bassetlaw and District General Hospital, at 10.20pm on Friday 26 August.
The 50-year-old man was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead some time later.
He suffered internal injuries in the collision with a silver Vauxhall Vectra. The driver of the car was not injured.
The road was re-opened just before 2am on Saturday 27 August.
Road traffic collision 3
A 21-year-old man died after his car overturned on a roundabout near Saxondale.
Police were called to the incident on the newly-built roundabout where the A52 and A46 meet, at 4.40am onSaturday 27 August.
The man was freed from the Vauxhall Corsa he was driving and taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham with serious head and neck injuries. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
At this time, no other vehicles are believed to be involved.
The road was closed for some time and traffic was diverted along the A46. It re-opened at 8.39am on Saturday 27 August.
Road traffic collision 4
A motorcyclist is seriously ill in hospital following a collision in Mansfield on Saturday 27 August.
The 59-year-old was taken to King’s Mill Hospital for treatment to pelvic injuries after he was involved in a collision with a grey Mercedes in Oak Tree Lane at around 7.55am.
The female driver of the Mercedes was not injured.
Witness appeal
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed any of the road traffic collisions on 26 and 27 August and has not yet spoken to officers to contact them immediately.
They should call 0300 300 9999 and ask to speak to the Crash Investigation Unit.
source: nottinghamshire.police.uk
Three separate road collisions overnight in Nottinghamshire have led to the deaths of four people.
A man and a woman died following a very serious collision on the A6097 near Woodborough, a male pedestrian died in Worksop and a 21-year-old man died after his car overturned near Saxondale. A motorcyclist is in a serious condition in hospital after another collision in Mansfield.
Road traffic collision 1
Police were called to a collision on the Epperstone bypass (A6097), near Woodborough, at 8.10pm on Friday 26 August.
The male driver of a silver Nissan Qashqai was pronounced dead at the scene. A female passenger and three children – a girl and two boys – were taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre, in Nottingham, for treatment. The woman remains in a critical condition. The children were not seriously injured but were taken to hospital where they remain.
A female passenger in a grey Saab was also pronounced dead at the scene. The male driver was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre where he remains.
The road was closed until 6.40am on Saturday 27 August.
Road traffic collision 2
A male pedestrian died after he was struck by a car in Blyth Road, Worksop, near Bassetlaw and District General Hospital, at 10.20pm on Friday 26 August.
The 50-year-old man was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead some time later.
He suffered internal injuries in the collision with a silver Vauxhall Vectra. The driver of the car was not injured.
The road was re-opened just before 2am on Saturday 27 August.
Road traffic collision 3
A 21-year-old man died after his car overturned on a roundabout near Saxondale.
Police were called to the incident on the newly-built roundabout where the A52 and A46 meet, at 4.40am onSaturday 27 August.
The man was freed from the Vauxhall Corsa he was driving and taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham with serious head and neck injuries. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
At this time, no other vehicles are believed to be involved.
The road was closed for some time and traffic was diverted along the A46. It re-opened at 8.39am on Saturday 27 August.
Road traffic collision 4
A motorcyclist is seriously ill in hospital following a collision in Mansfield on Saturday 27 August.
The 59-year-old was taken to King’s Mill Hospital for treatment to pelvic injuries after he was involved in a collision with a grey Mercedes in Oak Tree Lane at around 7.55am.
The female driver of the Mercedes was not injured.
Witness appeal
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed any of the road traffic collisions on 26 and 27 August and has not yet spoken to officers to contact them immediately.
They should call 0300 300 9999 and ask to speak to the Crash Investigation Unit.
source: nottinghamshire.police.uk
Thursday 25 August 2011
Motorcyclist killed in collision near Penryn, Cornwall
Personal Injury Cornwall
A motorcyclist has been killed in a collision at Rame Cross just outside Penryn in Cornwall.
Mario Mastello, 49, from the Penzance area, was taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro but died a short while later.
Police said the incident happened at about 20:00 BST on Tuesday outside the Halfway House bungalows.
The motorbike was in collision with a car coming the other way and both vehicles hit an electricity pole.
source: bbc.co.uk
A motorcyclist has been killed in a collision at Rame Cross just outside Penryn in Cornwall.
Mario Mastello, 49, from the Penzance area, was taken to the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro but died a short while later.
Police said the incident happened at about 20:00 BST on Tuesday outside the Halfway House bungalows.
The motorbike was in collision with a car coming the other way and both vehicles hit an electricity pole.
source: bbc.co.uk
Tadcaster lorry driver arrested after fatal crash closes A162 near South Milford
Personal Injury Yorkshire
A MOTORCYCLIST has been killed in the latest crash to claim a life on the roads around Selby.
The accident happened at about 6.15am yesterday, on the southbound carriageway of the A162 near South Milford.
A 46-year-old man from South Yorkshire was riding a blue Yamaha YZF R6 machine towards the A1, when it came off the road after a collision with a black lorry which was travelling in the same direction.
The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene and the road between South Milford and Sherburn was closed by police for more than four hours.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said the driver of the lorry, a 44-year-old Tadcaster man, had been arrested and had since been released on bail.
Traffic Constable Roger Walker, of North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Group, said patchy fog in the area may have been a factor in the collision. TC Walker said: “Although it is too early to say if this was a factor in this collision, I urge people to take extra care on the roads and slow down when visibility and road conditions are poor.
“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the manner of driving of either vehicle prior to the incident, or the road conditions at the time of the collision, to contact the police, as I need to speak to them as a matter of urgency.”
Anyone who saw either vehicle prior to the accident, or has information which may assist police, should contact TC Walker on 0845 6060247, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
Yesterday’s crash was the second fatal accident involving a motorcyclist on Selby’s roads in less than a month.
On July 27, a 37-year-old Goole man, Daniel Scott Nixon, died in a collision with a tractor on the A645.
The tractor driver, Andrejs Rajevskis, 27, is due to appear before Selby magistrates today on a charge of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.
source: yorkpress.co.uk
A MOTORCYCLIST has been killed in the latest crash to claim a life on the roads around Selby.
The accident happened at about 6.15am yesterday, on the southbound carriageway of the A162 near South Milford.
A 46-year-old man from South Yorkshire was riding a blue Yamaha YZF R6 machine towards the A1, when it came off the road after a collision with a black lorry which was travelling in the same direction.
The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene and the road between South Milford and Sherburn was closed by police for more than four hours.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said the driver of the lorry, a 44-year-old Tadcaster man, had been arrested and had since been released on bail.
Traffic Constable Roger Walker, of North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Group, said patchy fog in the area may have been a factor in the collision. TC Walker said: “Although it is too early to say if this was a factor in this collision, I urge people to take extra care on the roads and slow down when visibility and road conditions are poor.
“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the manner of driving of either vehicle prior to the incident, or the road conditions at the time of the collision, to contact the police, as I need to speak to them as a matter of urgency.”
Anyone who saw either vehicle prior to the accident, or has information which may assist police, should contact TC Walker on 0845 6060247, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
Yesterday’s crash was the second fatal accident involving a motorcyclist on Selby’s roads in less than a month.
On July 27, a 37-year-old Goole man, Daniel Scott Nixon, died in a collision with a tractor on the A645.
The tractor driver, Andrejs Rajevskis, 27, is due to appear before Selby magistrates today on a charge of causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.
source: yorkpress.co.uk
Royal Marine's death after Solent fall was 'accident'
Offshore Claims
A Royal Marine who fell from a ship on a military exercise died as a result of an accident, a jury has concluded.
Sgt Andrew Pearson, 37, from Devon, had been taking part in a night exercise in the Solent on 27 January 2010.
He fell as he tried to climb a ladder suspended from RFA Fort Rosalie and began choking on his utility vest, which was attached to a safety cord.
The jury of five women and four men recorded a verdict of accidental death at the inquest in Portsmouth.
Earlier the coroner's court heard that Sgt Pearson became "fatigued" before falling in the sea.
A colleague had attached a safety cord to his vest but, as he fell away, the vest rode up his body and began to choke him as he was suspended in mid air.
The line was cut and Sgt Pearson fell into the water.
He was airlifted to the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth but was pronounced dead at 00:50 GMT.
A subsequent examination of Sgt Pearson's jacket showed he had only attached one of two crotch straps which are designed to stop it from rising up the body.
'Courageous and dedicated'
Dr Basil Purdue, Home Office pathologist, said that a post-mortem examination showed that Sgt Pearson died as a combination of his breathing having been restricted, a fall from a height and drowning.
The officer in charge of safety on the ship said changes had been made following a review of the incident, including supervisors and instructors checking the leg straps on utility vests.
After the verdict, Portsmouth coroner David Horsley said: "I am sure that all the members of the jury will join with me in expressing our sympathy and condolences to all Andrew's family on his sad and unfortunate death.
"Andrew was a courageous and dedicated marine who died in the service of his country and that is a fact all of his family can be very, very proud of."
After the hearing, an MoD spokeswoman said: "Sgt Andy Pearson was an experienced and talented Royal Marine who tragically died in a training exercise doing the job he loved.
"Our thoughts at this very difficult time are with his family and particularly with his young sons."
source: bbc.co.uk
A Royal Marine who fell from a ship on a military exercise died as a result of an accident, a jury has concluded.
Sgt Andrew Pearson, 37, from Devon, had been taking part in a night exercise in the Solent on 27 January 2010.
He fell as he tried to climb a ladder suspended from RFA Fort Rosalie and began choking on his utility vest, which was attached to a safety cord.
The jury of five women and four men recorded a verdict of accidental death at the inquest in Portsmouth.
Earlier the coroner's court heard that Sgt Pearson became "fatigued" before falling in the sea.
A colleague had attached a safety cord to his vest but, as he fell away, the vest rode up his body and began to choke him as he was suspended in mid air.
The line was cut and Sgt Pearson fell into the water.
He was airlifted to the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth but was pronounced dead at 00:50 GMT.
A subsequent examination of Sgt Pearson's jacket showed he had only attached one of two crotch straps which are designed to stop it from rising up the body.
'Courageous and dedicated'
Dr Basil Purdue, Home Office pathologist, said that a post-mortem examination showed that Sgt Pearson died as a combination of his breathing having been restricted, a fall from a height and drowning.
The officer in charge of safety on the ship said changes had been made following a review of the incident, including supervisors and instructors checking the leg straps on utility vests.
After the verdict, Portsmouth coroner David Horsley said: "I am sure that all the members of the jury will join with me in expressing our sympathy and condolences to all Andrew's family on his sad and unfortunate death.
"Andrew was a courageous and dedicated marine who died in the service of his country and that is a fact all of his family can be very, very proud of."
After the hearing, an MoD spokeswoman said: "Sgt Andy Pearson was an experienced and talented Royal Marine who tragically died in a training exercise doing the job he loved.
"Our thoughts at this very difficult time are with his family and particularly with his young sons."
source: bbc.co.uk
Girl, 17, dies after car crash in Warrington a week ago
Personal Injury Liverpool
Personal Injury Merseyside
A TEENAGER has died more than a week after the accident which claimed the life of her 19-year-old friend.
The girl, 17, was the passenger in a black Volkswagen Golf which crashed into a wall on Alder Lane, Burtonwood, Warrington last Wednesday.
She suffered critical injuries and was taken to Walton neurology centre for surgery.
She died yesterday at Warrington Hospital.
The name of the dead girl, from Great Sankey inWarrington, has not been released but an inquest is set to open tomorrow.
The driver of the car, Louis Ward, from Fernhead in Warrington died at the scene.
source: liverpoolecho.co.uk
Personal Injury Merseyside
A TEENAGER has died more than a week after the accident which claimed the life of her 19-year-old friend.
The girl, 17, was the passenger in a black Volkswagen Golf which crashed into a wall on Alder Lane, Burtonwood, Warrington last Wednesday.
She suffered critical injuries and was taken to Walton neurology centre for surgery.
She died yesterday at Warrington Hospital.
The name of the dead girl, from Great Sankey inWarrington, has not been released but an inquest is set to open tomorrow.
The driver of the car, Louis Ward, from Fernhead in Warrington died at the scene.
source: liverpoolecho.co.uk
Two injured in multi-car crash on M27 near junction two
Personal Injury Hampshire
Motorists are facing major delays today after a four vehicle smash on a Hampshire motorway.
A Rover, Ford Focus, Toyota and Mercedes were involved in the crash, which happened at 10.17am.
The woman driving the Toyota was rushed to hospital after suffering neck injuries in the accident, which closed the M27 westbound, just before junction two.
The man driving the Rover had to be freed by fire fighters and was taken to Southampton General Hospital. His injuries are said to be serious but not life threatening.
Two passengers from the Rover were taken to hospital as a precaution.
A family travelling in the Ford Focus were not injured.
Police say they currently have no details about the injuries sustained by those in the Mercedes.
Lanes two and three have now been reopened following the accident, but lane one remains closed while emergency services recover the vehicles involved.
source: dailyecho.co.uk
Motorists are facing major delays today after a four vehicle smash on a Hampshire motorway.
A Rover, Ford Focus, Toyota and Mercedes were involved in the crash, which happened at 10.17am.
The woman driving the Toyota was rushed to hospital after suffering neck injuries in the accident, which closed the M27 westbound, just before junction two.
The man driving the Rover had to be freed by fire fighters and was taken to Southampton General Hospital. His injuries are said to be serious but not life threatening.
Two passengers from the Rover were taken to hospital as a precaution.
A family travelling in the Ford Focus were not injured.
Police say they currently have no details about the injuries sustained by those in the Mercedes.
Lanes two and three have now been reopened following the accident, but lane one remains closed while emergency services recover the vehicles involved.
source: dailyecho.co.uk
Kent crews warn about asbestos after Isle of Grain fire
Asbestos Claims
Firefighters warned the public to stay away from the site of a barn fire in Kent because the roof of the building may have contained asbestos.
About 20 firefighters fought the blaze at the farm in West Lane on the Isle of Grain at 22:20 BST on Wednesday.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the fire had been brought under control but crews remained at the scene.
A spokesman said at the height of the blaze, a large amount of hay was alight, as well as farm vehicles.
Members of the public were advised to stay away and keep their doors and windows closed.
source: bbc.co.uk
Firefighters warned the public to stay away from the site of a barn fire in Kent because the roof of the building may have contained asbestos.
About 20 firefighters fought the blaze at the farm in West Lane on the Isle of Grain at 22:20 BST on Wednesday.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said the fire had been brought under control but crews remained at the scene.
A spokesman said at the height of the blaze, a large amount of hay was alight, as well as farm vehicles.
Members of the public were advised to stay away and keep their doors and windows closed.
source: bbc.co.uk
'I wish I could take my legs off, I hate them': Agony of adorable twin's dream to dance like her sister
Cerebral Palsy Claims
Side-by-side these adorable twins look identical.
One of them, however, is wearing leg splints and can barely walk without a frame.
That's because Isabella Platt suffers from a debilitating form of cerebral palsy.
All she wants is 'new' pair of legs so she can do what she loves most - dance with her sister Gabriella.
But Isabella is having to fight for them - because she can't get the operation she needs on the NHS.
The fun-loving four-year-old was born with the condition and needs a frame to stand upright.
Her parents have been warned she may never walk unaided - yet the help she needs is unavailable.
Gabriella does her best to make life easier for her twin in the meantime.
She wears the clumpiest, biggest black shoes her parents can find so Isabella doesn't feel left out with her corrective boots.
And she holds her hands to keep Isabella upright when she struggles to keep her balance.
The family were offered a spinal procedure last May by a surgeon in Bristol.
However, Isabella's family say she can't get it done on the NHS because of the strict selection criteria and large amount of aftercare required.
Now the family are fighting to raise £50,000 to go to America where a US surgeon's ground-breaking spinal surgery could promise to see Isabella fulfil her dreams.
Isabella had told her parents: 'I wish I could take my legs off I hate them. They're awful.'
Mother Stacey Platt, an air hostess from Preston, Lancashire, said: 'What I want for Izzy is for her to be happy and do what she wants. She wants to dance and run and ride her bike.
'I want to see her without the leg splints, I want her to be able to walk into a shoe store and get anything she wants.
'At an age where little girls want pink, sparkly shoes, she wears these ugly black ones. We get Gabby the clumpiest, blackest shoes we can find so that they're more similar.
'I think she understands why and she never ever complains. I've told them after the operation they can both get Lilly Kelly shoes.
"When the advert for them comes on, they turn to me and say, "Mummy when Izzy gets her legs fixed we'll get these ones".'
'Gabby and Izzy are really close. I'm so glad she's got a twin sister to look after her.
'It gives her that extra support. If Gabby thinks anyone's being rough with her, she'll step in.
'Gabby's a big dancer and Izzy also loves to dance. They watch Grease most nights. They love Michael Jackson. She can dance about ten steps then she falls.
'She doesn't have much balance and her toes are pointed so her leg muscles get sore as well. Gabby will take her hands so she can keep dancing.'
Stacey and husband, hairdresser Jason Platt, 47, discovered their daughter had spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy, at 18 months after seeing numerous specialists.
'Gabby walked when she was one, but Izzy didn't sit up, roll over or move much. When we set her up on her legs against the bed her right ankle didn't look right.
'The GP said, "don't compare them just because they're twins". We went to see another consultant and they thought it was club foot.
'We went to see another one and he said it was flat feet.
'It was a junior doctor who said, when she was 18 months, "Has anyone mentioned cerebral palsy?" He said that after five minutes, after walking with her.'
How Izzy got the condition is a mystery - carried almost to full term at 38 and a half weeks, she weighed 6lb 4oz when she was born first, before Gabby born weighing 4lb 4oz. Both babies were healthy and crying.
'All the consultants and specialists don't know why she got the brain damage.' Stacey and Jason, who also have an eight-year-old son Charlie, filmed her first steps aged two and a half.
The family found out about the procedure in the US, called selective dorsal rhizotomy, when a family from Hyde went on the local news to show how well it had worked on their daughter.
It involves spinal surgery and lengthening of the leg muscles.
Stacey said: 'Since then, I've seen about 180 videos after joining a Facebook group with the families of children from all over the world who have had this surgery.
'He has 100 per cent success rate. There's nothing negative to say about it at all. The difference is amazing. He gets kids out of wheelchairs.'
She added: 'Overall it improves the qualities of life of the children who get it. The NHS could potentially offer it, but it would be after she's seven, but I'm worried that it will start to effect her more as she gets older.
'She's really happy, confident and smiley. But I'm worried that's going to start changing. On our last holiday when there were all the activities where people were standing on their feet she went and hid.
'It's starting to bother her a bit. She's a bit embarrassed about it now. If I'll be speaking to someone and she's with me, she'll hide her legs behind me. She's starting to become more shy about it now. I'm worried school might make it worse for her.'
The family have tentatively booked the trip out to the Center for Cerebral Palsy Spasticity in St Louis, Missouri for January 2012 for the surgery, which will include five weeks of rehabilitation.
So far they have since raised £10,000 of the £50,000 they need since May.
source: dailymail.co.uk
Side-by-side these adorable twins look identical.
One of them, however, is wearing leg splints and can barely walk without a frame.
That's because Isabella Platt suffers from a debilitating form of cerebral palsy.
All she wants is 'new' pair of legs so she can do what she loves most - dance with her sister Gabriella.
But Isabella is having to fight for them - because she can't get the operation she needs on the NHS.
The fun-loving four-year-old was born with the condition and needs a frame to stand upright.
Her parents have been warned she may never walk unaided - yet the help she needs is unavailable.
Gabriella does her best to make life easier for her twin in the meantime.
She wears the clumpiest, biggest black shoes her parents can find so Isabella doesn't feel left out with her corrective boots.
And she holds her hands to keep Isabella upright when she struggles to keep her balance.
The family were offered a spinal procedure last May by a surgeon in Bristol.
However, Isabella's family say she can't get it done on the NHS because of the strict selection criteria and large amount of aftercare required.
Now the family are fighting to raise £50,000 to go to America where a US surgeon's ground-breaking spinal surgery could promise to see Isabella fulfil her dreams.
Isabella had told her parents: 'I wish I could take my legs off I hate them. They're awful.'
Mother Stacey Platt, an air hostess from Preston, Lancashire, said: 'What I want for Izzy is for her to be happy and do what she wants. She wants to dance and run and ride her bike.
'I want to see her without the leg splints, I want her to be able to walk into a shoe store and get anything she wants.
'At an age where little girls want pink, sparkly shoes, she wears these ugly black ones. We get Gabby the clumpiest, blackest shoes we can find so that they're more similar.
'I think she understands why and she never ever complains. I've told them after the operation they can both get Lilly Kelly shoes.
"When the advert for them comes on, they turn to me and say, "Mummy when Izzy gets her legs fixed we'll get these ones".'
'Gabby and Izzy are really close. I'm so glad she's got a twin sister to look after her.
'It gives her that extra support. If Gabby thinks anyone's being rough with her, she'll step in.
'Gabby's a big dancer and Izzy also loves to dance. They watch Grease most nights. They love Michael Jackson. She can dance about ten steps then she falls.
'She doesn't have much balance and her toes are pointed so her leg muscles get sore as well. Gabby will take her hands so she can keep dancing.'
Stacey and husband, hairdresser Jason Platt, 47, discovered their daughter had spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy, at 18 months after seeing numerous specialists.
'Gabby walked when she was one, but Izzy didn't sit up, roll over or move much. When we set her up on her legs against the bed her right ankle didn't look right.
'The GP said, "don't compare them just because they're twins". We went to see another consultant and they thought it was club foot.
'We went to see another one and he said it was flat feet.
'It was a junior doctor who said, when she was 18 months, "Has anyone mentioned cerebral palsy?" He said that after five minutes, after walking with her.'
How Izzy got the condition is a mystery - carried almost to full term at 38 and a half weeks, she weighed 6lb 4oz when she was born first, before Gabby born weighing 4lb 4oz. Both babies were healthy and crying.
'All the consultants and specialists don't know why she got the brain damage.' Stacey and Jason, who also have an eight-year-old son Charlie, filmed her first steps aged two and a half.
The family found out about the procedure in the US, called selective dorsal rhizotomy, when a family from Hyde went on the local news to show how well it had worked on their daughter.
It involves spinal surgery and lengthening of the leg muscles.
Stacey said: 'Since then, I've seen about 180 videos after joining a Facebook group with the families of children from all over the world who have had this surgery.
'He has 100 per cent success rate. There's nothing negative to say about it at all. The difference is amazing. He gets kids out of wheelchairs.'
She added: 'Overall it improves the qualities of life of the children who get it. The NHS could potentially offer it, but it would be after she's seven, but I'm worried that it will start to effect her more as she gets older.
'She's really happy, confident and smiley. But I'm worried that's going to start changing. On our last holiday when there were all the activities where people were standing on their feet she went and hid.
'It's starting to bother her a bit. She's a bit embarrassed about it now. If I'll be speaking to someone and she's with me, she'll hide her legs behind me. She's starting to become more shy about it now. I'm worried school might make it worse for her.'
The family have tentatively booked the trip out to the Center for Cerebral Palsy Spasticity in St Louis, Missouri for January 2012 for the surgery, which will include five weeks of rehabilitation.
So far they have since raised £10,000 of the £50,000 they need since May.
source: dailymail.co.uk
Wednesday 24 August 2011
Motorist involved in weekend M1 crash dies from injuries
Personal Injury Northamptonshire
A DRIVER involved in a crash on the M1 motorway on Saturday has died from his injuries, police have said.
The man, who has not yet been named, was airlifted to Walsgrave Hospital, in Coventry, following the accident at around 7am but sadly died later the same day.
He was travelling north in a blue Suzuki Vitara, one mile prior to junction 15a at Northampton, when it left the carriageway, went up the embankment and collided with a tree.
Anyone with information, can call Northamptonshire Police on 03000 111 222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
source: northamptonchron.co.uk
A DRIVER involved in a crash on the M1 motorway on Saturday has died from his injuries, police have said.
The man, who has not yet been named, was airlifted to Walsgrave Hospital, in Coventry, following the accident at around 7am but sadly died later the same day.
He was travelling north in a blue Suzuki Vitara, one mile prior to junction 15a at Northampton, when it left the carriageway, went up the embankment and collided with a tree.
Anyone with information, can call Northamptonshire Police on 03000 111 222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
source: northamptonchron.co.uk
Woman trapped under wheels in freak car accident in Thurstonland
Personal Injury Yorkshire
A WOMAN was trapped underneath her car’s front wheels for 20 minutes in a terrifying freak accident.
The 23-year-old, from Thurstonland, was caught beneath the car as it rolled towards her after she got out of the vehicle.
She was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which landed in fields close to the scene at around lunchtime yesterday.
She was suffering from cuts and burns from the hot engine after getting crushed under the front wheels of her car, but was not badly hurt.
Huddersfield fire station’s watch commander Darren Bagley, told the Examiner what had happened at Clough Cottage, just off Greenside Road in Thurstonland.
He said: “The lady had pulled down the lane in her Ford Fiesta and had put her handbrake on while she got out to open the gate.
“But the handbrake apparently failed and the car came towards her. She tried to stop it but it ran her over.”
Firefighters used inflatable airbags to lift the car and free the woman.
It is believed she had been trapped there for 15 to 20 minutes.
It was confirmed the woman’s injuries are not thought to be serious.
source: examiner.co.uk
A WOMAN was trapped underneath her car’s front wheels for 20 minutes in a terrifying freak accident.
The 23-year-old, from Thurstonland, was caught beneath the car as it rolled towards her after she got out of the vehicle.
She was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which landed in fields close to the scene at around lunchtime yesterday.
She was suffering from cuts and burns from the hot engine after getting crushed under the front wheels of her car, but was not badly hurt.
Huddersfield fire station’s watch commander Darren Bagley, told the Examiner what had happened at Clough Cottage, just off Greenside Road in Thurstonland.
He said: “The lady had pulled down the lane in her Ford Fiesta and had put her handbrake on while she got out to open the gate.
“But the handbrake apparently failed and the car came towards her. She tried to stop it but it ran her over.”
Firefighters used inflatable airbags to lift the car and free the woman.
It is believed she had been trapped there for 15 to 20 minutes.
It was confirmed the woman’s injuries are not thought to be serious.
source: examiner.co.uk
Coventry hospital 'removed healthy part of brain'
Brain Injury Claims
A Warwickshire hospital trust has admitted liability after a man suffered permanent brain damage when he was subjected to unnecessary surgery.
John Tunney, 63, from Sutton Coldfield should have been given tablets to control a pituitary gland problem.
But instead he was subjected to an unnecessary biopsy by a surgeon who then wrongly removed part of his brain rather than the tumour.
The former paramedic is now partially sighted and needs full-time care.
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust said the surgeon involved was no longer involved in such surgery.
Richard Kennedy, chief medical officer for the trust, said: "I very much regret the tragic outcome for Mr Tunney and his family and on behalf of the trust would like to apologise for this."
Benign condition
He added they had reviewed their "governance process" and he was confident measures had been put in place "to prevent this type of incident recurring".
Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote
The fact that the surgeon managed to remove perfectly healthy tissue rather than a sample of the tumour tissue is, in itself, an appalling error”
Timothy Deeming
Irwin Mitchell Solicitors
Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, for Mr Tunney, said he had undergone a number of tests and procedures, initially at Good Hope Hospital.
But following an MRI scan which detected abnormalities around his pituitary gland, he was referred to Walsgrave Hospital.
Blood tests were taken to determine hormone levels which would have revealed Mr Tunney was suffering from a benign condition known as prolactinoma which could have been controlled with medication.
But the blood tests were not reviewed prior to the biopsy and in April 2008 Mr Tunney underwent a biopsy on the pituitary tumour at Coventry's Walsgrave Hospital.
During the operation, he suffered a brain haemorrhage and serious neurological injuries when the surgeon wrongly removed normal brain tissue.
Timothy Deeming, a medical law expert with Irwin Mitchell in Birmingham, said: "The fact that the surgeon managed to remove perfectly healthy tissue rather than a sample of the tumour tissue is, in itself, an appalling error.
"To then find that the procedure was totally unnecessary because clinicians had failed to review a blood test, really does add insult to injury."
He added that before a settlement could be reached the firm needed to evaluate the cost of the lifelong care and support that Mr Tunney would now require.
Mr Tunney's wife Pamela said: "John's brain injury has had devastating effects on him.
"Prior to the surgery he was a very easy going person who was always active and on the go. To see the change in him and to know that it was all entirely avoidable is extremely upsetting.
"This mistake is not something that the hospital can just take back.
"I pray that they don't make this mistake again and no other family has to experience seeing their husband suffer the pain and loss that John has."
source: bbc.co.uk
A Warwickshire hospital trust has admitted liability after a man suffered permanent brain damage when he was subjected to unnecessary surgery.
John Tunney, 63, from Sutton Coldfield should have been given tablets to control a pituitary gland problem.
But instead he was subjected to an unnecessary biopsy by a surgeon who then wrongly removed part of his brain rather than the tumour.
The former paramedic is now partially sighted and needs full-time care.
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust said the surgeon involved was no longer involved in such surgery.
Richard Kennedy, chief medical officer for the trust, said: "I very much regret the tragic outcome for Mr Tunney and his family and on behalf of the trust would like to apologise for this."
Benign condition
He added they had reviewed their "governance process" and he was confident measures had been put in place "to prevent this type of incident recurring".
Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote
The fact that the surgeon managed to remove perfectly healthy tissue rather than a sample of the tumour tissue is, in itself, an appalling error”
Timothy Deeming
Irwin Mitchell Solicitors
Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, for Mr Tunney, said he had undergone a number of tests and procedures, initially at Good Hope Hospital.
But following an MRI scan which detected abnormalities around his pituitary gland, he was referred to Walsgrave Hospital.
Blood tests were taken to determine hormone levels which would have revealed Mr Tunney was suffering from a benign condition known as prolactinoma which could have been controlled with medication.
But the blood tests were not reviewed prior to the biopsy and in April 2008 Mr Tunney underwent a biopsy on the pituitary tumour at Coventry's Walsgrave Hospital.
During the operation, he suffered a brain haemorrhage and serious neurological injuries when the surgeon wrongly removed normal brain tissue.
Timothy Deeming, a medical law expert with Irwin Mitchell in Birmingham, said: "The fact that the surgeon managed to remove perfectly healthy tissue rather than a sample of the tumour tissue is, in itself, an appalling error.
"To then find that the procedure was totally unnecessary because clinicians had failed to review a blood test, really does add insult to injury."
He added that before a settlement could be reached the firm needed to evaluate the cost of the lifelong care and support that Mr Tunney would now require.
Mr Tunney's wife Pamela said: "John's brain injury has had devastating effects on him.
"Prior to the surgery he was a very easy going person who was always active and on the go. To see the change in him and to know that it was all entirely avoidable is extremely upsetting.
"This mistake is not something that the hospital can just take back.
"I pray that they don't make this mistake again and no other family has to experience seeing their husband suffer the pain and loss that John has."
source: bbc.co.uk
Pensioner dies after minor traffic accident
Personal Injury Liverpool
AN 83-YEAR-OLD man collapsed and later died while exchanging details following a minor car accident.
The pensioner, who was driving a Volkswagen Polo with his 71-year-old wife as a passenger, was involved in a collision with a Ford Transit on Cross Lane, Bebington, shortly after 11am yesterday.
The man is believed to have collapsed shortly after getting out of his car. He was taken to Arrowe Park hospital by ambulance for treatment, but was pronounced dead an hour later.
The driver of the Ford, a 41-year-old man, and the wife of the deceased driver were uninjured.
No one has been arrested and police are waiting on a post-mortem examination to reveal the cause of death.
If you have any details call police on 0151 777 5771
source: liverpoolecho.co.uk
AN 83-YEAR-OLD man collapsed and later died while exchanging details following a minor car accident.
The pensioner, who was driving a Volkswagen Polo with his 71-year-old wife as a passenger, was involved in a collision with a Ford Transit on Cross Lane, Bebington, shortly after 11am yesterday.
The man is believed to have collapsed shortly after getting out of his car. He was taken to Arrowe Park hospital by ambulance for treatment, but was pronounced dead an hour later.
The driver of the Ford, a 41-year-old man, and the wife of the deceased driver were uninjured.
No one has been arrested and police are waiting on a post-mortem examination to reveal the cause of death.
If you have any details call police on 0151 777 5771
source: liverpoolecho.co.uk
Woman, 51, critical after Dewsbury crash
Personal Injury Yorkshire
A woman is critically ill following an accident involving a lorry and a car in West Yorkshire.
Officers were called to the junction of the A638 Halifax Road with Staincliffe Hall Road in Dewsbury on Monday.
The area was being controlled by temporary traffic lights when the lorry and a Ford Mondeo collided.
A 51-year-old driver of the Mondeo was taken to Leeds General Infirmary. The road was closed for more than five hours.
source: bbc.co.uk
A woman is critically ill following an accident involving a lorry and a car in West Yorkshire.
Officers were called to the junction of the A638 Halifax Road with Staincliffe Hall Road in Dewsbury on Monday.
The area was being controlled by temporary traffic lights when the lorry and a Ford Mondeo collided.
A 51-year-old driver of the Mondeo was taken to Leeds General Infirmary. The road was closed for more than five hours.
source: bbc.co.uk
Crew unable to shut down engine during Shannon airport landing
Passenger Claims
An initial report into what caused a flight to get into difficulty while landing at Shannon airport last month has found that the crew were unable to shut down the engines.
The aircraft, operated by Aer Arann, was travelling from Manchester with 21 passengers and four crew when the accident happened on 17 July.
No-one was hurt.
Air crew were forced to pull emergency fire handles to cut off power.
The flight, operated by an ATR 72-212 aircraft, had departed Manchester Airport at 08:50 BST and had been due to arrive in Shannon Airport at 10:15 BST.
As the aircraft landed on its second approach at 10:30 BST, it got into difficulty.
The Irish Air Accident Investigation unit found that after landing, the plane skidded out of control on its nose for more than a kilometre before finally coming to a halt on a grass verge.
"The flight crew had no directional control of the aircraft from the initial runway impact to the final stopping point, as the nose wheel steering was inoperative due to the collapsed nose wheel and the rudder was jammed in the mid position," investigators said.
Smoke or steam was seen billowing from the front of the 17-year-old aircraft, as it skidded over the ground.
Engines failed
The initial report also found that the plane's left propeller crashed through and demolished a sign on the runway, damaging one of the propeller blades, as it careered off the runway.
Investigators discovered that the normal levers that are used by crew to shut down the engines failed to work.
They were forced to pull the emergency fire handles to cut off power instead.
There were turbulent weather conditions at the time of the landing and investigators said this was expected to be a "significant focus" of their continuing inquiries.
Investigators were also told that a different crew on the same aircraft on the previous night had reported "difficult conditions" approaching Shannon Airport on two separate flights.
They found that in both cases, the wind strength, direction, and gusts were similar to those at the time of the accident.
It was also revealed that flight crew had initially decided not to carry out an emergency evacuation but had later decided to after detecting the smell of burning.
source: bbc.co.uk
An initial report into what caused a flight to get into difficulty while landing at Shannon airport last month has found that the crew were unable to shut down the engines.
The aircraft, operated by Aer Arann, was travelling from Manchester with 21 passengers and four crew when the accident happened on 17 July.
No-one was hurt.
Air crew were forced to pull emergency fire handles to cut off power.
The flight, operated by an ATR 72-212 aircraft, had departed Manchester Airport at 08:50 BST and had been due to arrive in Shannon Airport at 10:15 BST.
As the aircraft landed on its second approach at 10:30 BST, it got into difficulty.
The Irish Air Accident Investigation unit found that after landing, the plane skidded out of control on its nose for more than a kilometre before finally coming to a halt on a grass verge.
"The flight crew had no directional control of the aircraft from the initial runway impact to the final stopping point, as the nose wheel steering was inoperative due to the collapsed nose wheel and the rudder was jammed in the mid position," investigators said.
Smoke or steam was seen billowing from the front of the 17-year-old aircraft, as it skidded over the ground.
Engines failed
The initial report also found that the plane's left propeller crashed through and demolished a sign on the runway, damaging one of the propeller blades, as it careered off the runway.
Investigators discovered that the normal levers that are used by crew to shut down the engines failed to work.
They were forced to pull the emergency fire handles to cut off power instead.
There were turbulent weather conditions at the time of the landing and investigators said this was expected to be a "significant focus" of their continuing inquiries.
Investigators were also told that a different crew on the same aircraft on the previous night had reported "difficult conditions" approaching Shannon Airport on two separate flights.
They found that in both cases, the wind strength, direction, and gusts were similar to those at the time of the accident.
It was also revealed that flight crew had initially decided not to carry out an emergency evacuation but had later decided to after detecting the smell of burning.
source: bbc.co.uk
Monday 22 August 2011
Leeds primary teacher died after bicycle accident
Personal Injury Yorkshire
A Leeds primary school teacher died after being knocked off his bicycle by a truck on his way home from work, an inquest heard.
Philip Lecutier, 55, was accidentally run over by one of the skip wagon’s wheels after the fall on November 2 last year.
The Leeds inquest heard the father-of-two was returning to his home on Fieldhead Road in Guiseley following work at Cookridge Primary School.
He had ridden along Otley Old Road to the junction with Harrogate Road in Bramhope before stopping at a red light at about 4.45pm.
A wagon being driven by Keith Armitage pulled up alongside him.
There were conflicting witness reports about whether or not Mr Armitage put his indicator on, but as the lights turned green he turned left and accidentally clipped the bike.
Witness Colin Wilkinson said: “The front nearside wheel of the wagon hit the back wheel of the cycle and then drove over the shoulder of the cyclist.”
An off-duty nurse, policeman and paramedic all attended to Mr Lecutier at the scene before he was taken by ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary. But he died from multiple injuries later that night.
Giving evidence at the inquest, Mr Armitage told members of Mr Lecutier’s family who were in court he was sorry.
“I would like to apologise for my part in the accident,” he said.
Stephen Green, head of West Yorkshire Police’s collision investigation unit, said the driving rain and darkness would have contributed to the incident.
“In the conditions of the night the cyclist would have been almost invisible,” he said.
In a statement Mr Lecutier’s sister Claire Gill said her brother liked “the gentler side of life.”
She added: “His colleagues, friends and neighbours all spoke very highly of him.”
She told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “He was a conscientious person who wouldn’t have taken any risks.
“He was very, very careful and this is a tragic loss for us and his two children.”
Coroner David Hinchliff recorded a verdict of accidental death.
source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk
A Leeds primary school teacher died after being knocked off his bicycle by a truck on his way home from work, an inquest heard.
Philip Lecutier, 55, was accidentally run over by one of the skip wagon’s wheels after the fall on November 2 last year.
The Leeds inquest heard the father-of-two was returning to his home on Fieldhead Road in Guiseley following work at Cookridge Primary School.
He had ridden along Otley Old Road to the junction with Harrogate Road in Bramhope before stopping at a red light at about 4.45pm.
A wagon being driven by Keith Armitage pulled up alongside him.
There were conflicting witness reports about whether or not Mr Armitage put his indicator on, but as the lights turned green he turned left and accidentally clipped the bike.
Witness Colin Wilkinson said: “The front nearside wheel of the wagon hit the back wheel of the cycle and then drove over the shoulder of the cyclist.”
An off-duty nurse, policeman and paramedic all attended to Mr Lecutier at the scene before he was taken by ambulance to Leeds General Infirmary. But he died from multiple injuries later that night.
Giving evidence at the inquest, Mr Armitage told members of Mr Lecutier’s family who were in court he was sorry.
“I would like to apologise for my part in the accident,” he said.
Stephen Green, head of West Yorkshire Police’s collision investigation unit, said the driving rain and darkness would have contributed to the incident.
“In the conditions of the night the cyclist would have been almost invisible,” he said.
In a statement Mr Lecutier’s sister Claire Gill said her brother liked “the gentler side of life.”
She added: “His colleagues, friends and neighbours all spoke very highly of him.”
She told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “He was a conscientious person who wouldn’t have taken any risks.
“He was very, very careful and this is a tragic loss for us and his two children.”
Coroner David Hinchliff recorded a verdict of accidental death.
source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk
Father's plea after cyclist son is killed in London
Personal Injury London
The father of a cyclist killed in a crash with a bus in north London has called for more action to make roads suitable for bikes in the capital.
Sam Harding is thought to have been trying to avoid a parked car's open door before he was hit by the single-decker 153 bus in Upper Holloway.
The 25-year-old, who worked for Angel-based online tourist firm Voyage Privé, was on his way to move in with his girlfriend, Rachael Bonfiglioli, in Blackheath when the accident happened. His father Keith said he did not blame anyone for the death but that there was "an issue about safety for cyclists on the road".
He said: "Something needs to be done for cycling... Some of our roads are not designed for cyclists. I don't blame anyone for what happened. I've been a cyclist and I've been a driver. But I do feel there is an issue about safety for cyclists on the road."
Mr Harding, who lived with his son in Crouch End, paid tribute to Sam as a "wonderful son with a great sense of humour".
The accident happened at 1pm on August 6 outside McDonald's in Holloway Road. A 31-year-old motorist was arrested and has been bailed to return to a police station in December.
source: thisislondon.co.uk
The father of a cyclist killed in a crash with a bus in north London has called for more action to make roads suitable for bikes in the capital.
Sam Harding is thought to have been trying to avoid a parked car's open door before he was hit by the single-decker 153 bus in Upper Holloway.
The 25-year-old, who worked for Angel-based online tourist firm Voyage Privé, was on his way to move in with his girlfriend, Rachael Bonfiglioli, in Blackheath when the accident happened. His father Keith said he did not blame anyone for the death but that there was "an issue about safety for cyclists on the road".
He said: "Something needs to be done for cycling... Some of our roads are not designed for cyclists. I don't blame anyone for what happened. I've been a cyclist and I've been a driver. But I do feel there is an issue about safety for cyclists on the road."
Mr Harding, who lived with his son in Crouch End, paid tribute to Sam as a "wonderful son with a great sense of humour".
The accident happened at 1pm on August 6 outside McDonald's in Holloway Road. A 31-year-old motorist was arrested and has been bailed to return to a police station in December.
source: thisislondon.co.uk
MOTORCYCLIST dies after coach fire near Minehead
Personal Injury Somerset
A MAN in his 40s has died after he was involved in a road accident with a coach while riding his motorbike near Minehead.
The incident occurred on the A39 at Carhampton at about 6.26pm yesterday.
A spokesman for the police said: “A motorcycle travelling away from Minehead on the A39 was reported to have lost control on a left hand bend near to Carhampton and was in collision with a coach travelling in the opposite direction.
“The impact caused the petrol tank of the motorcycle to rupture, resulting in both vehicles being set alight.”
A spokesman for the fire service said there were no casualties from the coach as its passengers were evacuated before the fire started.
The coach was totally destroyed by fire and the road was closed to allow a detailed examination of the scene by collision investigation unit officers from the force's road policing unit.
The road was re-opened this morning.
Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and may have information to help their enquiries.
Anyone able to help is asked to contact the collision investigation unit on 0845-4567000.
source: thisisthewestcountry.co.uk
A MAN in his 40s has died after he was involved in a road accident with a coach while riding his motorbike near Minehead.
The incident occurred on the A39 at Carhampton at about 6.26pm yesterday.
A spokesman for the police said: “A motorcycle travelling away from Minehead on the A39 was reported to have lost control on a left hand bend near to Carhampton and was in collision with a coach travelling in the opposite direction.
“The impact caused the petrol tank of the motorcycle to rupture, resulting in both vehicles being set alight.”
A spokesman for the fire service said there were no casualties from the coach as its passengers were evacuated before the fire started.
The coach was totally destroyed by fire and the road was closed to allow a detailed examination of the scene by collision investigation unit officers from the force's road policing unit.
The road was re-opened this morning.
Police would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident and may have information to help their enquiries.
Anyone able to help is asked to contact the collision investigation unit on 0845-4567000.
source: thisisthewestcountry.co.uk
Better understanding between medics and lawyers is the aim of a new event
Digby Brown Solicitors
CATRIONA Headley was picking her way through a particularly challenging medical report when the idea came to her. As a solicitor with personal injury specialists Digby Brown, she came across medical reports a lot - but there were times when she found it hard to work out just exactly what they were saying.
"I was trying to get my head around this really complicated report and thought, 'I'm struggling here'. The last of my scientific education was Higher biology and I realised a lot of other lawyers out there must be in the same position when it came to complex reports," recalls Headley.
It was a lightbulb moment - and, as the highly motivated president of the Scottish Young Lawyers Association (SYLA), Headley was in a position to do something about it. And she did - by organising a medico-legal conference that looks at those awkward areas where the professions meet.
Headley has been helped in putting together the event by her friend, Glasgow-based surgeon Tom Berry, a member of the British Medical Association's junior doctors committee in Scotland: "I started off with the idea of a doctor coming along to talk to SYLA members about medical reports, but when I talked to Tom, it grew from an evening seminar, to an afternoon event, then we started discussing maybe doing a conference.
"There are so many areas where doctors and lawyers collide that there was a lot of scope for this kind of event. I started speaking to other people and the reactions were very positive; it seemed to capture their imagination, on both the legal and the medical side. All the speakers we contacted were very keen to be involved too."
Berry welcomed the approach from Headley: "I thought it was a very good suggestion. Doctors and lawyers often have to work together and anything like this is very helpful. You start off with the obvious areas - expert witnesses and doctors in court, and you lead on to issues of guardianship and end-of-life care; entrusting doctors with decisions about withholding care and so on.
"In my area, surgery, we need to be aware of all the pitfalls and the issues surrounding the litigation process. The event has a good agenda to appeal to a wide variety of doctors - hospital doctors and GPs have a very different outlook, but the agenda appeals to all doctors and at all levels."
Berry and Headley say people couldn't remember any large-scale medico-legal conference in Scotland in the last decade. "There have been specific smaller-scale events but nothing like this for a while," Headley says.
So the pair used their contacts to attract an impressive list of expert speakers, while Headley secured the Signet Library in Edinburgh as the venue with the help of Robert Pirrie at the WS Society. The conference will be followed by a dinner at the Royal College of Surgeons building.
When putting together the programme, pitching the content at the right level was crucial - and Headley hit on the idea of having general sessions for lawyers and doctors in the morning, then a more focused programme in the afternoon.
Some of the agenda took care of itself - the Scottish Government's No-Fault Compensation Review on medical negligence costs was always going to be a good crossover topic.
Two of the review group who worked on the issue are contributing to the event - Prof Kenneth Norrie of the University of Strathclyde and Dr Robert Hendry (Medical Protection Society) will lead an introduction and debate on the subject.
Headley thinks that this session might be the most contentious: "If there is an area where there is an element of disagreement, this is likely to be it," she says.
Other morning sessions include Gerald Hanretty QC (of co-sponsors Arnot Manderson) on what impact expert evidence can have upon the delivery of justice in the courts - including contentious areas such as shaken baby syndrome, where "expert" evidence has led to miscarriages of justice.
Another morning session will involve Sue Grant, a partner in Digby Brown Solicitors, the other co-sponsor, and David Allan (director of the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit) to advise delegates on medical and legal considerations in cases involving major or catastrophic injury.
Grant praises the quality of the event: "Our firm recognises the close working relationship which has to exist between the legal and medical professions in the fields of personal injury and clinical negligence.
"This conference offers an opportunity to explore the roles of each profession and how they complement each other. Bringing the fields together at such a conference creates an open forum, stimulates debate and is a useful environment for building future contacts."
The specialist afternoon sessions, listed in the panel above right, cover an enormous range of topics, with the underlying aim of improving understanding and working relationships between the two professions.
However, Headley and Berry are both adamant that the current relationship is not a bad one.
"I have never come across any mutual suspicion," Headley insists, while Berry adds: "Generally, the professions work well together. Lawyers in the Medical Defence Union, for example, are always very helpful. There is no real mistrust or suspicion."
However, Headley was given a warning by her mother, a teacher: "She said that when you work with different professions, it can be challenging because they will approach things very differently.
"One thing I thought about in planning this was, 'Two minds that do not think alike'. Lawyers tend to deal in absolutes and doctors don't - and trying to balance that from whatever end you are looking at is the goal. There have been challenges doing that, but the first time putting something like this together is always the hardest."
So what do Headley and Berry hope to achieve from the event? Headley has simple, but ambitious aims: "I want a well-attended event - between 100 and 150 delegates split across the two professions - and for everyone there to enjoy it, for it to be relevant and for it to be seen as a starting point for years to come."
And she has a more prosaic hope, too: "Personally, I hope it will help me better understand medical reports."
source: news.scotsman.com
CATRIONA Headley was picking her way through a particularly challenging medical report when the idea came to her. As a solicitor with personal injury specialists Digby Brown, she came across medical reports a lot - but there were times when she found it hard to work out just exactly what they were saying.
"I was trying to get my head around this really complicated report and thought, 'I'm struggling here'. The last of my scientific education was Higher biology and I realised a lot of other lawyers out there must be in the same position when it came to complex reports," recalls Headley.
It was a lightbulb moment - and, as the highly motivated president of the Scottish Young Lawyers Association (SYLA), Headley was in a position to do something about it. And she did - by organising a medico-legal conference that looks at those awkward areas where the professions meet.
Headley has been helped in putting together the event by her friend, Glasgow-based surgeon Tom Berry, a member of the British Medical Association's junior doctors committee in Scotland: "I started off with the idea of a doctor coming along to talk to SYLA members about medical reports, but when I talked to Tom, it grew from an evening seminar, to an afternoon event, then we started discussing maybe doing a conference.
"There are so many areas where doctors and lawyers collide that there was a lot of scope for this kind of event. I started speaking to other people and the reactions were very positive; it seemed to capture their imagination, on both the legal and the medical side. All the speakers we contacted were very keen to be involved too."
Berry welcomed the approach from Headley: "I thought it was a very good suggestion. Doctors and lawyers often have to work together and anything like this is very helpful. You start off with the obvious areas - expert witnesses and doctors in court, and you lead on to issues of guardianship and end-of-life care; entrusting doctors with decisions about withholding care and so on.
"In my area, surgery, we need to be aware of all the pitfalls and the issues surrounding the litigation process. The event has a good agenda to appeal to a wide variety of doctors - hospital doctors and GPs have a very different outlook, but the agenda appeals to all doctors and at all levels."
Berry and Headley say people couldn't remember any large-scale medico-legal conference in Scotland in the last decade. "There have been specific smaller-scale events but nothing like this for a while," Headley says.
So the pair used their contacts to attract an impressive list of expert speakers, while Headley secured the Signet Library in Edinburgh as the venue with the help of Robert Pirrie at the WS Society. The conference will be followed by a dinner at the Royal College of Surgeons building.
When putting together the programme, pitching the content at the right level was crucial - and Headley hit on the idea of having general sessions for lawyers and doctors in the morning, then a more focused programme in the afternoon.
Some of the agenda took care of itself - the Scottish Government's No-Fault Compensation Review on medical negligence costs was always going to be a good crossover topic.
Two of the review group who worked on the issue are contributing to the event - Prof Kenneth Norrie of the University of Strathclyde and Dr Robert Hendry (Medical Protection Society) will lead an introduction and debate on the subject.
Headley thinks that this session might be the most contentious: "If there is an area where there is an element of disagreement, this is likely to be it," she says.
Other morning sessions include Gerald Hanretty QC (of co-sponsors Arnot Manderson) on what impact expert evidence can have upon the delivery of justice in the courts - including contentious areas such as shaken baby syndrome, where "expert" evidence has led to miscarriages of justice.
Another morning session will involve Sue Grant, a partner in Digby Brown Solicitors, the other co-sponsor, and David Allan (director of the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit) to advise delegates on medical and legal considerations in cases involving major or catastrophic injury.
Grant praises the quality of the event: "Our firm recognises the close working relationship which has to exist between the legal and medical professions in the fields of personal injury and clinical negligence.
"This conference offers an opportunity to explore the roles of each profession and how they complement each other. Bringing the fields together at such a conference creates an open forum, stimulates debate and is a useful environment for building future contacts."
The specialist afternoon sessions, listed in the panel above right, cover an enormous range of topics, with the underlying aim of improving understanding and working relationships between the two professions.
However, Headley and Berry are both adamant that the current relationship is not a bad one.
"I have never come across any mutual suspicion," Headley insists, while Berry adds: "Generally, the professions work well together. Lawyers in the Medical Defence Union, for example, are always very helpful. There is no real mistrust or suspicion."
However, Headley was given a warning by her mother, a teacher: "She said that when you work with different professions, it can be challenging because they will approach things very differently.
"One thing I thought about in planning this was, 'Two minds that do not think alike'. Lawyers tend to deal in absolutes and doctors don't - and trying to balance that from whatever end you are looking at is the goal. There have been challenges doing that, but the first time putting something like this together is always the hardest."
So what do Headley and Berry hope to achieve from the event? Headley has simple, but ambitious aims: "I want a well-attended event - between 100 and 150 delegates split across the two professions - and for everyone there to enjoy it, for it to be relevant and for it to be seen as a starting point for years to come."
And she has a more prosaic hope, too: "Personally, I hope it will help me better understand medical reports."
source: news.scotsman.com
'Employers negligent' alleges asbestos victim
Asbestos Claims
A FORMER labourer who is suffering from an asbestos related illness has launched a legal battle for compensation of up to £100,000, after branding his employers as negligent.
Bruce Cooper (68) suffers from pleural thickening and folded lung and fears that he might develop cancer.
Now Mr Cooper, of Morley Street, is claiming damages from his former employers Hanson Support Services, formerly Edward Hanson Ltd.
He worked for the company as a labourer in the 1960s and 1970s on wrecking and salvage work at Scunthorpe Steelworks, according to a High Court writ.
He was exposed to pipework lagged with asbestos, as well as to asbestos when furnaces were wrecked, he says.
Sometimes he worked close to laggers mixing up dry asbestos fibres with water and was also exposed to asbestos from vibration which disturbed brittle insulation on pipework, it is alleged.
He sometimes used a compressed airline to blow asbestos dust out of electric turbines and asbestos debris and dust littered the workplace, the writ claims. His condition is rapidly declining and his prognosis is for increased breathlessness and possible dependence on others for help with day to day activities. He is also at risk of developing asbestosis or cancer, he says.
Mr Cooper says the company exposed him to asbestos knowing it was potentially harmful; failed to provide him with protective equipment; allowed asbestos dust to be swept up without damping; and failed to provide him with a safe workplace.
source: goolecourier.co.uk
A FORMER labourer who is suffering from an asbestos related illness has launched a legal battle for compensation of up to £100,000, after branding his employers as negligent.
Bruce Cooper (68) suffers from pleural thickening and folded lung and fears that he might develop cancer.
Now Mr Cooper, of Morley Street, is claiming damages from his former employers Hanson Support Services, formerly Edward Hanson Ltd.
He worked for the company as a labourer in the 1960s and 1970s on wrecking and salvage work at Scunthorpe Steelworks, according to a High Court writ.
He was exposed to pipework lagged with asbestos, as well as to asbestos when furnaces were wrecked, he says.
Sometimes he worked close to laggers mixing up dry asbestos fibres with water and was also exposed to asbestos from vibration which disturbed brittle insulation on pipework, it is alleged.
He sometimes used a compressed airline to blow asbestos dust out of electric turbines and asbestos debris and dust littered the workplace, the writ claims. His condition is rapidly declining and his prognosis is for increased breathlessness and possible dependence on others for help with day to day activities. He is also at risk of developing asbestosis or cancer, he says.
Mr Cooper says the company exposed him to asbestos knowing it was potentially harmful; failed to provide him with protective equipment; allowed asbestos dust to be swept up without damping; and failed to provide him with a safe workplace.
source: goolecourier.co.uk
Cardiff woman plans move to England to fund cancer drug
Medical Negligence Wales
A Cardiff woman terminally ill with bowel cancer says she may move to England to receive potentially life-prolonging drugs on the NHS.
Lorraine Redmond has been refused the drug Avastin by her local health board and has been paying for it herself.
Cancer support groups say it is unfair some drugs are freely available in England but not Wales.
The health board said it carefully considered if there were "exceptional circumstances" before making decisions.
The Welsh Government said it spends more per head on treating patients with cancer than the NHS in England.
Ms Redmond said self-funding the drug will cost her £20,000 a year and part of the proceeds from selling her house for a smaller one will be to raise funds.
'Move on my own'
Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote
I don't want to move to England because my family are here and I can't uproot my family because my children are in college”
Lorraine Redmond
Cancer patient
She said there is a chance she could get the treatment on the NHS in England, but still hopes a fund for the drug can be established in Wales.
"I don't want to move to England because my family are here and I can't uproot my family because my children are in college," she told BBC Wales.
"I'll just have to move on my own."
The UK government has launched a Cancer Drugs Fund, which allows patients in England to access certain drugs from the £200m available a year.
According to recent research, there are now 22 drugs available to patients in England that cannot be accessed by those in Wales.
Double standards
Andrew Wilson of the Rarer Cancers Foundation said. "We know of at least two other cases where patients have moved from south Wales to Bristol in order to get the drugs they need on the NHS."
Nick Phillips from Bowel Cancer Wales said it is unfair that patients in Wales cannot access drugs on the NHS while those in England can.
"There's a case of double standards whereby everyone can get free prescriptions, but not drugs that might make the end of their lives better," he said.
The Conservatives included a commitment to a Welsh Cancer Drugs Fund in their manifesto for this year's assembly elections.
Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote
We do not see a need for a separate cancer drug fund in Wales”
Spokesman
Welsh Government
Leader Andrew RT Davies said it would have cost £12m a year and could have been funded by making the more wealthy pay for their prescriptions.
He said: "What is social justice? A millionaire getting paracetamol (for free)? Or a terminal cancer patient getting a cancer drug that could prolong her life? I think the answer is very obvious, it's the cancer drugs fund we need in Wales."
Dr Sharon Hopkins, executive director of public health at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said they could not comment on individual patient cases.
But she said they understood how distressing it could be for those trying to access treatments not approved by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE).
"The panel always takes into account recommendations from NICE and the All Wales Medical Strategy Group and carefully considers if there are any exceptional clinical circumstances before taking such difficult decisions," said Dr Hopkins.
"Cardiff and Vale UHB, and all health boards across Wales, have a duty to take such decisions and make sure that our limited resources deliver the best possible patient care."
Extend life
A Welsh Government spokesman said: "We do not see a need for a separate cancer drug fund in Wales.
"We already spend approximately £5 more per head of population than England on cancer treatment. Even with the additional £200m available in England, it is still less than what we spend per head in Wales.
"All new drugs that are deemed clinically and cost effective by NICE or the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group are provided on the NHS.
"Where these drugs are not approved, or are waiting approval, mechanisms are in place to ensure consistent access for patients in exceptional circumstances.
"All patients continue to receive a comprehensive package of NHS treatment and care at all times to meet their clinical needs, even where a new drug is not prescribed.
"It is important to note that these drugs do not save lives, but can, where deemed effective, extend life for a short time."
source: bbc.co.uk
A Cardiff woman terminally ill with bowel cancer says she may move to England to receive potentially life-prolonging drugs on the NHS.
Lorraine Redmond has been refused the drug Avastin by her local health board and has been paying for it herself.
Cancer support groups say it is unfair some drugs are freely available in England but not Wales.
The health board said it carefully considered if there were "exceptional circumstances" before making decisions.
The Welsh Government said it spends more per head on treating patients with cancer than the NHS in England.
Ms Redmond said self-funding the drug will cost her £20,000 a year and part of the proceeds from selling her house for a smaller one will be to raise funds.
'Move on my own'
Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote
I don't want to move to England because my family are here and I can't uproot my family because my children are in college”
Lorraine Redmond
Cancer patient
She said there is a chance she could get the treatment on the NHS in England, but still hopes a fund for the drug can be established in Wales.
"I don't want to move to England because my family are here and I can't uproot my family because my children are in college," she told BBC Wales.
"I'll just have to move on my own."
The UK government has launched a Cancer Drugs Fund, which allows patients in England to access certain drugs from the £200m available a year.
According to recent research, there are now 22 drugs available to patients in England that cannot be accessed by those in Wales.
Double standards
Andrew Wilson of the Rarer Cancers Foundation said. "We know of at least two other cases where patients have moved from south Wales to Bristol in order to get the drugs they need on the NHS."
Nick Phillips from Bowel Cancer Wales said it is unfair that patients in Wales cannot access drugs on the NHS while those in England can.
"There's a case of double standards whereby everyone can get free prescriptions, but not drugs that might make the end of their lives better," he said.
The Conservatives included a commitment to a Welsh Cancer Drugs Fund in their manifesto for this year's assembly elections.
Continue reading the main story
“
Start Quote
We do not see a need for a separate cancer drug fund in Wales”
Spokesman
Welsh Government
Leader Andrew RT Davies said it would have cost £12m a year and could have been funded by making the more wealthy pay for their prescriptions.
He said: "What is social justice? A millionaire getting paracetamol (for free)? Or a terminal cancer patient getting a cancer drug that could prolong her life? I think the answer is very obvious, it's the cancer drugs fund we need in Wales."
Dr Sharon Hopkins, executive director of public health at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said they could not comment on individual patient cases.
But she said they understood how distressing it could be for those trying to access treatments not approved by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE).
"The panel always takes into account recommendations from NICE and the All Wales Medical Strategy Group and carefully considers if there are any exceptional clinical circumstances before taking such difficult decisions," said Dr Hopkins.
"Cardiff and Vale UHB, and all health boards across Wales, have a duty to take such decisions and make sure that our limited resources deliver the best possible patient care."
Extend life
A Welsh Government spokesman said: "We do not see a need for a separate cancer drug fund in Wales.
"We already spend approximately £5 more per head of population than England on cancer treatment. Even with the additional £200m available in England, it is still less than what we spend per head in Wales.
"All new drugs that are deemed clinically and cost effective by NICE or the All Wales Medicines Strategy Group are provided on the NHS.
"Where these drugs are not approved, or are waiting approval, mechanisms are in place to ensure consistent access for patients in exceptional circumstances.
"All patients continue to receive a comprehensive package of NHS treatment and care at all times to meet their clinical needs, even where a new drug is not prescribed.
"It is important to note that these drugs do not save lives, but can, where deemed effective, extend life for a short time."
source: bbc.co.uk
Tuesday 16 August 2011
Motorbike passenger dies in Mansfield Woodhouse crash
Passenger Claims
A 48-year-old woman has died after a motorcycle collided with two cars in Nottinghamshire.
The woman was travelling as a pillion passenger on a motorcycle driven by a 51-year-old man who was seriously injured.
The accident happened at Peafield Lane between Mansfield Woodhouse and Warsop Windmill at around 18:45 BST on Monday.
They were both taken to King's Mill Hospital in Mansfield but the woman later died from her injuries.
The motorcycle driver remains in a critical condition in intensive care.
No-one else was injured in the incident. Police are appealing for any witnesses to contact them.
The road was closed for several hours but re-opened just before midnight, Nottinghamshire police said.
source: bbc.co.uk
A 48-year-old woman has died after a motorcycle collided with two cars in Nottinghamshire.
The woman was travelling as a pillion passenger on a motorcycle driven by a 51-year-old man who was seriously injured.
The accident happened at Peafield Lane between Mansfield Woodhouse and Warsop Windmill at around 18:45 BST on Monday.
They were both taken to King's Mill Hospital in Mansfield but the woman later died from her injuries.
The motorcycle driver remains in a critical condition in intensive care.
No-one else was injured in the incident. Police are appealing for any witnesses to contact them.
The road was closed for several hours but re-opened just before midnight, Nottinghamshire police said.
source: bbc.co.uk
More than 50 asbestos bags dumped on Gelligaer common
Asbestos Claims
More than 50 bags of asbestos have been dumped near a fishpond on Gelligaer Common in Caerphilly county.
Environment Agency Wales launched an investigation after a member of the public reported the find to Caerphilly council.
It said the material did not present a danger to human health, wildlife or pollution to the pond, and some was even bagged correctly.
The clean-up is likely to cost thousands of pounds, it added.
An agency spokesperson said: "It seems as if the people who did this knew what they were doing in terms of bagging the material. To then simply dump it like this is completely irresponsible.
"Material like this must be disposed of properly because it has the potential to harm the environment and human health.
"However, it does cost money to dispose of properly, which is probably the reason behind this crime."
Anyone with an information about this incident is asked to call the environment agency's hotline on 0800 807060.
source: bbc.co.uk
More than 50 bags of asbestos have been dumped near a fishpond on Gelligaer Common in Caerphilly county.
Environment Agency Wales launched an investigation after a member of the public reported the find to Caerphilly council.
It said the material did not present a danger to human health, wildlife or pollution to the pond, and some was even bagged correctly.
The clean-up is likely to cost thousands of pounds, it added.
An agency spokesperson said: "It seems as if the people who did this knew what they were doing in terms of bagging the material. To then simply dump it like this is completely irresponsible.
"Material like this must be disposed of properly because it has the potential to harm the environment and human health.
"However, it does cost money to dispose of properly, which is probably the reason behind this crime."
Anyone with an information about this incident is asked to call the environment agency's hotline on 0800 807060.
source: bbc.co.uk
Police reveal Swindon's blackspots
Personal Injury Wiltshire
THE full grim toll of casualties on Swindon roads can be revealed – along with some of the worst accident blackspots.
Wiltshire police have released a complex tapestry of data, listing all traffic incidents in the town between summer 2008 and summer 2011.
In total, the police figures show that there were 1,586 casualties on the town’s roads over the three year period.
Of these, 173 were pedestrians, and 177 cyclists.
A total of 2,322 cars were involved in the accidents which resulted in ten fatalities and 186 serious injuries.
Among the roads cropping up most regularly as scenes of serious accidents are Marlborough Road, Drove Road, and the Cirencester Way roundabout.
A map of the incidents also shows clusters of serious collisions in places including the Bath Road-Devizes Road part of Old Town, Penhill’s Cricklade Road and a string along the A419 in the very north of town.
And the town’s most famous traffic landmark, the Magic Roundabout, was the scene of at least four serious accidents and 14 slight accidents over the last three years.
Andy Lucas, 41, of Stratton, has been a Hackney carriage driver for the last four years, and a lorry driver for ten before that.
The committee member of Swindon Taxi Association said: “I don’t think Swindon is any more dangerous than any other place, to be honest.
“Before I was a taxi driver I was an HGV driver, and that took me further afield. I don’t think Swindon has any particular problems with accidents, any more than any other large town from my own experience.
“People do appear to be driving more aggressively these days. You do find that I think generally. I’ve got to be honest tough, there’s a lot worse places to drive than Swindon.”
But he repeated the warning, voiced by other drivers, that the council’s switch-off of streetlights at night along a number of main roads, saving £20,000, only added to the problem.
He said: “I feel it could increase it. If you’ve got someone a bit the worse for wear making their way home walking up the kerbside late Friday or Saturday, in low visibility, the onus is on the driver to see him there.
“What price do you put value someone’s safety against a £20,000 saving?”
Inspector Ian Stevenson, of the Serious Collision Investigation Team at Wiltshire Police said the numbers show a reduction from previous years.
He said: "It is tragic when anyone dies or is injured on our roads, however our figures show that there has been a consistent reduction in road casualties in Swindon over the past six years.
“In 2010 there were 214 fewer road casualties compared to 2005 which represents a decrease of 31.2 per cent.
“Pedestrian casualties for the same period have also reduced by 32.2 per cent, meaning 27 fewer casualties.
“When put into the context of a significant increase in population and road usage in the town, this reduction is encouraging.
“Road safety is a serious issue for Wiltshire Police and our partner agencies. Together we invest a great deal of time and effort in improving safety through a combination of education, engineering and enforcement.
“Every road user can contribute to greater safety on our roads by taking measures such as improving their vigilance, watching their speed, teaching their children how to cross the road safely and not drinking and driving.”
HGV driver and councillor Andy Harrison (Lib Dem, Penhill), was among those backing the call last month for all non-main roads in Swindon to be made into 20mph zones.
He said: “We wanted to reduce every single residential area to 20mph. We know people are still going to break it, but the majority will obey it.
“I’d certainly say I don’t think Swindon is any worse than any other area.
“But just the driving standard in this country is quite appalling.
“Near misses and accidents where there isn’t a personal injury - how many more are going unreported? I think there’s about 10 for every one reported.
“What we want is a 20mph speed limit to make side streets safer so there’s less chance of getting run over.
“Let’s face it, the slower you go, the less chance of accidents.”
source: swindonadvertiser.co.uk
THE full grim toll of casualties on Swindon roads can be revealed – along with some of the worst accident blackspots.
Wiltshire police have released a complex tapestry of data, listing all traffic incidents in the town between summer 2008 and summer 2011.
In total, the police figures show that there were 1,586 casualties on the town’s roads over the three year period.
Of these, 173 were pedestrians, and 177 cyclists.
A total of 2,322 cars were involved in the accidents which resulted in ten fatalities and 186 serious injuries.
Among the roads cropping up most regularly as scenes of serious accidents are Marlborough Road, Drove Road, and the Cirencester Way roundabout.
A map of the incidents also shows clusters of serious collisions in places including the Bath Road-Devizes Road part of Old Town, Penhill’s Cricklade Road and a string along the A419 in the very north of town.
And the town’s most famous traffic landmark, the Magic Roundabout, was the scene of at least four serious accidents and 14 slight accidents over the last three years.
Andy Lucas, 41, of Stratton, has been a Hackney carriage driver for the last four years, and a lorry driver for ten before that.
The committee member of Swindon Taxi Association said: “I don’t think Swindon is any more dangerous than any other place, to be honest.
“Before I was a taxi driver I was an HGV driver, and that took me further afield. I don’t think Swindon has any particular problems with accidents, any more than any other large town from my own experience.
“People do appear to be driving more aggressively these days. You do find that I think generally. I’ve got to be honest tough, there’s a lot worse places to drive than Swindon.”
But he repeated the warning, voiced by other drivers, that the council’s switch-off of streetlights at night along a number of main roads, saving £20,000, only added to the problem.
He said: “I feel it could increase it. If you’ve got someone a bit the worse for wear making their way home walking up the kerbside late Friday or Saturday, in low visibility, the onus is on the driver to see him there.
“What price do you put value someone’s safety against a £20,000 saving?”
Inspector Ian Stevenson, of the Serious Collision Investigation Team at Wiltshire Police said the numbers show a reduction from previous years.
He said: "It is tragic when anyone dies or is injured on our roads, however our figures show that there has been a consistent reduction in road casualties in Swindon over the past six years.
“In 2010 there were 214 fewer road casualties compared to 2005 which represents a decrease of 31.2 per cent.
“Pedestrian casualties for the same period have also reduced by 32.2 per cent, meaning 27 fewer casualties.
“When put into the context of a significant increase in population and road usage in the town, this reduction is encouraging.
“Road safety is a serious issue for Wiltshire Police and our partner agencies. Together we invest a great deal of time and effort in improving safety through a combination of education, engineering and enforcement.
“Every road user can contribute to greater safety on our roads by taking measures such as improving their vigilance, watching their speed, teaching their children how to cross the road safely and not drinking and driving.”
HGV driver and councillor Andy Harrison (Lib Dem, Penhill), was among those backing the call last month for all non-main roads in Swindon to be made into 20mph zones.
He said: “We wanted to reduce every single residential area to 20mph. We know people are still going to break it, but the majority will obey it.
“I’d certainly say I don’t think Swindon is any worse than any other area.
“But just the driving standard in this country is quite appalling.
“Near misses and accidents where there isn’t a personal injury - how many more are going unreported? I think there’s about 10 for every one reported.
“What we want is a 20mph speed limit to make side streets safer so there’s less chance of getting run over.
“Let’s face it, the slower you go, the less chance of accidents.”
source: swindonadvertiser.co.uk
Monday 15 August 2011
Minor injury unit back to normal
Medical Negligence Derbyshire
Buxton Hospital’s Minor Injuries Unit is to resume its normal opening hours from later this month.
Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust has announced that, from Monday August 22, the unit will be open daily from 8am-10pm.
It had been closing two hours earlier than usual because of unplanned staff absence.
Anna Baker, General Manager for Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, said: “We are delighted that the unit will resume its regular opening hours from August 22.
“Our nurse-led Minor Injuries Unit provides specialist treatment and consultations with experienced NHS nurses.
“Treatments include minor infections and rashes, minor injuries and illnesses, strains and sprains, superficial cuts and bruises, abrasions, bites and stings, dressings and minor burns.”
source: buxtonadvertiser.co.uk
Buxton Hospital’s Minor Injuries Unit is to resume its normal opening hours from later this month.
Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust has announced that, from Monday August 22, the unit will be open daily from 8am-10pm.
It had been closing two hours earlier than usual because of unplanned staff absence.
Anna Baker, General Manager for Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, said: “We are delighted that the unit will resume its regular opening hours from August 22.
“Our nurse-led Minor Injuries Unit provides specialist treatment and consultations with experienced NHS nurses.
“Treatments include minor infections and rashes, minor injuries and illnesses, strains and sprains, superficial cuts and bruises, abrasions, bites and stings, dressings and minor burns.”
source: buxtonadvertiser.co.uk
Car crashes into King's Wok chinese takeaway in Totton
Personal Injury Hampshire
STRUCTURAL engineers are assessing the safety of a Hampshire Chinese takeaway after a car ploughed into the side of the building.
Police have closed the busy Junction Road in Totton and cordoned off part of the street around Kings Wok, which it is feared could collapse at any moment.
The Vauxhall smashed into the takeaway, close to the junction with High Street, before 9am.
It is believed the vehicle was driven by an elderly woman, who was not hurt in the crash.
A pile of bricks, rubble and the front bumper of the car has been left on the pavement after the incident.
Fire crews and assessors from New Forest District Council have been at the scene working on the best way to make the building safe.
It is expected the road will remain closed until at least the mid-afternoon.
source: dailyecho.co.uk
STRUCTURAL engineers are assessing the safety of a Hampshire Chinese takeaway after a car ploughed into the side of the building.
Police have closed the busy Junction Road in Totton and cordoned off part of the street around Kings Wok, which it is feared could collapse at any moment.
The Vauxhall smashed into the takeaway, close to the junction with High Street, before 9am.
It is believed the vehicle was driven by an elderly woman, who was not hurt in the crash.
A pile of bricks, rubble and the front bumper of the car has been left on the pavement after the incident.
Fire crews and assessors from New Forest District Council have been at the scene working on the best way to make the building safe.
It is expected the road will remain closed until at least the mid-afternoon.
source: dailyecho.co.uk
Government scraps asbestos compensation scheme
Asbestos Claims
VICTIMS of asbestos poisoning have been "betrayed" after the government quietly dumped plans for a compensation fund, it was claimed last night.
A proposal for a "fund of last resort" of up to £400m - to help former workers unable to trace the employers who exposed them to asbestos dust has been dropped, a trade union said.
And a separate plan for a national research centre for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases has also been abandoned, The Northern Echo can reveal.
Both proposals were put forward in a consultation that concluded 15 months ago, but ministers have said nothing since - an extraordinary delay for government proposals.
Jim Kennedy, the political officer of the UCATT union of construction workers, said: "The government is betraying people with mesothelioma - there is a deafening silence about this.
"Ministers won't formally say that this scheme has bitten the dust, but we are confident it has.
"The insurance lobby is extremely powerful - it was difficult enough to make progress under the Labour government and this Coalition government is less sympathetic to what is a class issue."
More than 2,000 people - mostly men - died from mesothelioma across the North-East over the 25 years to 2005, because of its history of heavy industry.
Among the many uses of asbestos was as insulation in ships - exposing workers during fitting out and ship breaking - with carpenters, joiners, plumbers and heating engineers also at particular risk.
Among the blackspots, taking into account size of population, were South Tyneside (240 deaths), Hartlepool (97), Sunderland (288). Stockton-on-Tees (154) and Redcar and Cleveland (108).
But the death toll is expected to rise sharply, with 61,000 men expected to die nationwide over the next four decades - peaking at around 2,040 fatalities in 2016.
In January 2010, Labour promised the ringfenced fund - the Employers Liability Insurance Bureau, largely funded by the insurance industry - as part of a £70m package.
It came amid a fierce backlash when ministers said future sufferers from 'pleural plaques' - a condition that can trigger mesothelioma and lung cancer - could not win compensation.
The proposal for a research centre has definitely been dumped. A department for health (DoH) spokesman said: "The idea was raised with the previous administration, but no agreement was reached."
However, a department for work and pensions (DWP) spokeswoman denied the "fund of last resort" had been abandoned.
She said: "We are still considering how to make progress and will bring forward proposals in due course."
source: thenorthernecho.co.uk
VICTIMS of asbestos poisoning have been "betrayed" after the government quietly dumped plans for a compensation fund, it was claimed last night.
A proposal for a "fund of last resort" of up to £400m - to help former workers unable to trace the employers who exposed them to asbestos dust has been dropped, a trade union said.
And a separate plan for a national research centre for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases has also been abandoned, The Northern Echo can reveal.
Both proposals were put forward in a consultation that concluded 15 months ago, but ministers have said nothing since - an extraordinary delay for government proposals.
Jim Kennedy, the political officer of the UCATT union of construction workers, said: "The government is betraying people with mesothelioma - there is a deafening silence about this.
"Ministers won't formally say that this scheme has bitten the dust, but we are confident it has.
"The insurance lobby is extremely powerful - it was difficult enough to make progress under the Labour government and this Coalition government is less sympathetic to what is a class issue."
More than 2,000 people - mostly men - died from mesothelioma across the North-East over the 25 years to 2005, because of its history of heavy industry.
Among the many uses of asbestos was as insulation in ships - exposing workers during fitting out and ship breaking - with carpenters, joiners, plumbers and heating engineers also at particular risk.
Among the blackspots, taking into account size of population, were South Tyneside (240 deaths), Hartlepool (97), Sunderland (288). Stockton-on-Tees (154) and Redcar and Cleveland (108).
But the death toll is expected to rise sharply, with 61,000 men expected to die nationwide over the next four decades - peaking at around 2,040 fatalities in 2016.
In January 2010, Labour promised the ringfenced fund - the Employers Liability Insurance Bureau, largely funded by the insurance industry - as part of a £70m package.
It came amid a fierce backlash when ministers said future sufferers from 'pleural plaques' - a condition that can trigger mesothelioma and lung cancer - could not win compensation.
The proposal for a research centre has definitely been dumped. A department for health (DoH) spokesman said: "The idea was raised with the previous administration, but no agreement was reached."
However, a department for work and pensions (DWP) spokeswoman denied the "fund of last resort" had been abandoned.
She said: "We are still considering how to make progress and will bring forward proposals in due course."
source: thenorthernecho.co.uk
Wheelchair user agrees out of court settlement with Value Cabs
Passenger Claims
A Belfast wheelchair user has agreed an out of court settlement after taking a disability discrimination case against Value Cabs.
Nicola Nesbit alleged she was charged more than a non-disabled person for using an accessible taxi. She said the firm charged her an £8 call-out fee in addition to a fare and a half.
Value Cabs paid Mrs Nesbit £2,000 without admission of liability.
Mrs Nesbit, who has cerebral palsy, said she was delighted by the outcome.
"I was outraged, as I felt that I was being treated differently because I am disabled," she said.
"I think it is important that all disabled people are aware that it is not fair to charge a disabled person more than an able bodied person for the same journey in the same vehicle, and that is why I decided to take this to court."
Mrs Nesbit, who usually travels by bus, needed to use taxis to travel to hospital appointments during her pregnancy.
She alleged that, because it was a wheelchair accessible vehicle, she was charged an £8 call-out charge on top of the fare and a half, bringing her fare to around £14 for the short, one-way trip.
'Reasonable adjustments'
Her case was supported by the Equality Commission.
Director of legal services at the Equality Commission, Anne McKernan said: "The Disability Transport Regulations require transport providers to make reasonable adjustments so that disabled people can have access to a service as close as it is reasonably possible to get to the standard normally offered to the general public.
"The law does not allow a transport provider to charge its disabled customers a higher price for the same journey in the same vehicle," she said.
"The fare for the larger vehicle should be the same for everyone.
"The costs of making reasonable adjustments are part of a transport provider's general expenses, just the same as complying with any other legislation.
"It is essential for all transport providers to make sure their staff are fully informed and operating their policies."
Value Cabs have agreed to liaise with the Equality Commission to review their policies and procedures, which they believe to be compliant with the law, and to implement any reasonable recommendations made by the commission.
The company has also agreed to communicate its policies and procedures to its staff at all grades through a training programme recommended by the commission.
source: bbc.co.uk
A Belfast wheelchair user has agreed an out of court settlement after taking a disability discrimination case against Value Cabs.
Nicola Nesbit alleged she was charged more than a non-disabled person for using an accessible taxi. She said the firm charged her an £8 call-out fee in addition to a fare and a half.
Value Cabs paid Mrs Nesbit £2,000 without admission of liability.
Mrs Nesbit, who has cerebral palsy, said she was delighted by the outcome.
"I was outraged, as I felt that I was being treated differently because I am disabled," she said.
"I think it is important that all disabled people are aware that it is not fair to charge a disabled person more than an able bodied person for the same journey in the same vehicle, and that is why I decided to take this to court."
Mrs Nesbit, who usually travels by bus, needed to use taxis to travel to hospital appointments during her pregnancy.
She alleged that, because it was a wheelchair accessible vehicle, she was charged an £8 call-out charge on top of the fare and a half, bringing her fare to around £14 for the short, one-way trip.
'Reasonable adjustments'
Her case was supported by the Equality Commission.
Director of legal services at the Equality Commission, Anne McKernan said: "The Disability Transport Regulations require transport providers to make reasonable adjustments so that disabled people can have access to a service as close as it is reasonably possible to get to the standard normally offered to the general public.
"The law does not allow a transport provider to charge its disabled customers a higher price for the same journey in the same vehicle," she said.
"The fare for the larger vehicle should be the same for everyone.
"The costs of making reasonable adjustments are part of a transport provider's general expenses, just the same as complying with any other legislation.
"It is essential for all transport providers to make sure their staff are fully informed and operating their policies."
Value Cabs have agreed to liaise with the Equality Commission to review their policies and procedures, which they believe to be compliant with the law, and to implement any reasonable recommendations made by the commission.
The company has also agreed to communicate its policies and procedures to its staff at all grades through a training programme recommended by the commission.
source: bbc.co.uk
BREAKING: Accident closes M62 in West Yorkshire
Personal Injury Yorkshire
The eastbound carriageway of the M62 was completely closed today after an accident involving a truck and two cars near to junction 30 at Lofthouse and junction 31 at Normanton.
Traffic on the carriageway ground to a halt as police and fire crews hurried to the scene of the accident which occurred at 1.15pm.
The west bound carriageway of the motorway was closed to allow the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to land to pick-up the injured.
source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk
The eastbound carriageway of the M62 was completely closed today after an accident involving a truck and two cars near to junction 30 at Lofthouse and junction 31 at Normanton.
Traffic on the carriageway ground to a halt as police and fire crews hurried to the scene of the accident which occurred at 1.15pm.
The west bound carriageway of the motorway was closed to allow the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to land to pick-up the injured.
source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk
Farmer warned he would never walk again completes 26 miles
Personal Injury Yorkshire
TWENTY five years ago farmer Tony Cook broke his neck and says he was told that he would never walk again.
But yesterday the 72-year-old, of Burton Pidsea, near Hull, who was injured in a rugby accident, took part in the inaugural Yorkshire Dales Walking Festival.
Mr Cook, who did the 26-mile route, said that following his accident he had vowed he would seize every opportunity, if he was ever fit enough, to get mobile again.
“My reason for doing this is because of what Jane stands for – her sheer doggedness and determination in the face of suffering.
“I have got no worries about the young ones on the walk, I have got what they haven’t got – endurance.
“I’m always looking for challenges myself.
“I broke my neck in a rugby accident 25 years ago and they told me I would never walk again. I thought if I ever get right I will not stop.”
Has also climbed Kilimanjaro, Everest base camp, and trekked in Ecuador.
Also taking part in yesterday’s event was Adam Douglas, 44, from Leeds, who was left with massive spinal injuries, while serving in Iraq in 2003.
He was crouching behind a wall with bullets flying over head in a fierce battle when he was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.
He has spent the years since gradually improving his mobility despite constant pain and little bowel and bladder control.
Recently he became one of the first people in the country to be fitted with a £20,000 bionic implant to his spine, which has helped reduce the pain and has restored his dignity.
Mr Douglas, who was called up as a reservist in an infantry regiment, has set up a charity, The Forgotten Heroes, which is dedicated to assisting injured servicemen and women together with their families and carers. “It is dedicated to supporting the carers, like my wife,” he said.
Yesterday, in his wheelchair, he took part in the 4.5 mile event to raise money for his charity.
source: yorkshirepost.co.uk
TWENTY five years ago farmer Tony Cook broke his neck and says he was told that he would never walk again.
But yesterday the 72-year-old, of Burton Pidsea, near Hull, who was injured in a rugby accident, took part in the inaugural Yorkshire Dales Walking Festival.
Mr Cook, who did the 26-mile route, said that following his accident he had vowed he would seize every opportunity, if he was ever fit enough, to get mobile again.
“My reason for doing this is because of what Jane stands for – her sheer doggedness and determination in the face of suffering.
“I have got no worries about the young ones on the walk, I have got what they haven’t got – endurance.
“I’m always looking for challenges myself.
“I broke my neck in a rugby accident 25 years ago and they told me I would never walk again. I thought if I ever get right I will not stop.”
Has also climbed Kilimanjaro, Everest base camp, and trekked in Ecuador.
Also taking part in yesterday’s event was Adam Douglas, 44, from Leeds, who was left with massive spinal injuries, while serving in Iraq in 2003.
He was crouching behind a wall with bullets flying over head in a fierce battle when he was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.
He has spent the years since gradually improving his mobility despite constant pain and little bowel and bladder control.
Recently he became one of the first people in the country to be fitted with a £20,000 bionic implant to his spine, which has helped reduce the pain and has restored his dignity.
Mr Douglas, who was called up as a reservist in an infantry regiment, has set up a charity, The Forgotten Heroes, which is dedicated to assisting injured servicemen and women together with their families and carers. “It is dedicated to supporting the carers, like my wife,” he said.
Yesterday, in his wheelchair, he took part in the 4.5 mile event to raise money for his charity.
source: yorkshirepost.co.uk
Friday 12 August 2011
Probe into ambulance driver's ditch crash near Lincoln
Lincolnshire Personal Injury
AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after an ambulance crashed into a ditch on its way to Lincoln County Hospital.
The East Midlands Ambulance Service (Emas) vehicle was spotted almost on its side just off the A57 after the driver lost control.
Emas said the crew were not responding to a 999 call or transporting a patient, and it is not yet clear why the ambulance was involved in the accident.
The crew had been returning from a hospital in Sheffield and was travelling without sirens or blue lights on, Emas said.
Mel Wright, communications manager at Emas, said: "The ambulance was not responding to a 999 call or transporting a patient. It was making a return journey from hospital and so was travelling without sirens or blue lights on.
"What caused the ambulance to go off the road is under investigation. There were no other vehicles involved.
"It has caused damage to the side of the vehicle and at this stage we cannot confirm how much it will cost to repair."
The accident happened at about 9.30am on Sunday just over the Dunham bridge near the East Markham turn-off.
People in blue uniforms, thought to be the crew, could be seen standing next to the vehicle, which had the passenger side door open.
Professional photographer Sarah Washbourn, 36, was driving to work when she spotted the ambulance. She said: "I was driving on the A57 towards the A1. In the distance I could see an ambulance and it was not straight.
"It looked like it was wonky, and I thought that was strange. I have no idea what caused it to go off the road like that, although the road round there is very winding.
"I pulled into a lay-by and saw people from two cars, which I don't think had been involved in the accident but had just stopped to help, standing nearby.
"When I drove off I, could see the paramedics standing around talking, so there didn't seem to be anyone seriously hurt. There was nothing there when I drove back from work at about 4.30pm that same day."
source: thisislincolnshire.co.uk
AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after an ambulance crashed into a ditch on its way to Lincoln County Hospital.
The East Midlands Ambulance Service (Emas) vehicle was spotted almost on its side just off the A57 after the driver lost control.
Emas said the crew were not responding to a 999 call or transporting a patient, and it is not yet clear why the ambulance was involved in the accident.
The crew had been returning from a hospital in Sheffield and was travelling without sirens or blue lights on, Emas said.
Mel Wright, communications manager at Emas, said: "The ambulance was not responding to a 999 call or transporting a patient. It was making a return journey from hospital and so was travelling without sirens or blue lights on.
"What caused the ambulance to go off the road is under investigation. There were no other vehicles involved.
"It has caused damage to the side of the vehicle and at this stage we cannot confirm how much it will cost to repair."
The accident happened at about 9.30am on Sunday just over the Dunham bridge near the East Markham turn-off.
People in blue uniforms, thought to be the crew, could be seen standing next to the vehicle, which had the passenger side door open.
Professional photographer Sarah Washbourn, 36, was driving to work when she spotted the ambulance. She said: "I was driving on the A57 towards the A1. In the distance I could see an ambulance and it was not straight.
"It looked like it was wonky, and I thought that was strange. I have no idea what caused it to go off the road like that, although the road round there is very winding.
"I pulled into a lay-by and saw people from two cars, which I don't think had been involved in the accident but had just stopped to help, standing nearby.
"When I drove off I, could see the paramedics standing around talking, so there didn't seem to be anyone seriously hurt. There was nothing there when I drove back from work at about 4.30pm that same day."
source: thisislincolnshire.co.uk
Hundreds to set off from Liverpool on charity motorbike ride for brain injury victims
Brain Injury Claims
Personal Injury Liverpool
A CONVOY of more than 300 motorbikes will set off from the city on September 3 to raise cash for victims of spinal and brain injuries.
The ride is in aid of Neurosupport, one of few charities specialising in the field in the world.
The bikers will leave from St George’s plateau and head to the Horse Shoe pass in North Wales to raise money for the appeal, which will become an annual event.
Riverside MP Louise Ellman and city Lord Mayor Cllr Frank Prendergast are supporting the bid.
Alec Hughes, from Neurosupport, said: “We are the only charity of our type in the country and one of very few in the world.
“We’ve been going 20 years now, and from our point of view, being bikers, we thought the best way to raise our profile was with a bike ride.
“We support people who have neurological conditions, like brain and spinal injuries, which are pretty common in the biking world.
“We also support their carers and families.
“It’s impossible to say exactly how many people will come on the ride but we’re expecting around 300.
“We’ve been limited to 1,000 on St George’s plateau for health and safety reasons. It should be an impressive spectacle to see them all set off.”
Lord Mayor Cllr Prendergast added: “I’m delighted to help support such an important charity as this.
“I hope a many people as possible take part and raise huge amounts of money.”
source: liverpoolecho.co.uk
Personal Injury Liverpool
A CONVOY of more than 300 motorbikes will set off from the city on September 3 to raise cash for victims of spinal and brain injuries.
The ride is in aid of Neurosupport, one of few charities specialising in the field in the world.
The bikers will leave from St George’s plateau and head to the Horse Shoe pass in North Wales to raise money for the appeal, which will become an annual event.
Riverside MP Louise Ellman and city Lord Mayor Cllr Frank Prendergast are supporting the bid.
Alec Hughes, from Neurosupport, said: “We are the only charity of our type in the country and one of very few in the world.
“We’ve been going 20 years now, and from our point of view, being bikers, we thought the best way to raise our profile was with a bike ride.
“We support people who have neurological conditions, like brain and spinal injuries, which are pretty common in the biking world.
“We also support their carers and families.
“It’s impossible to say exactly how many people will come on the ride but we’re expecting around 300.
“We’ve been limited to 1,000 on St George’s plateau for health and safety reasons. It should be an impressive spectacle to see them all set off.”
Lord Mayor Cllr Prendergast added: “I’m delighted to help support such an important charity as this.
“I hope a many people as possible take part and raise huge amounts of money.”
source: liverpoolecho.co.uk
St Mary's School Bus Crash Driver Faces Chesterfield Court Sentence
Personal Injury Derbyshire
The driver of the TM Travel bus that crashed into a low bridge near Chesterfield on 15th March has today been sentenced at Chesterfield Magistrates Court.
Wayne Oliver, 34, of Dinnington was driving the double decker bus, carrying children from St Mary's Catholic High School when it tried to pass under the low level bridge at Whittington Road (pictured above) at around 8.15 am.
14 children were taken to hospital, with 2 seriously injured after the accident. Mr Oliver's employment was terminated immediately after the crash by TM Travel.
Mr Oliver had pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention at a previous hearing.
Bill Taylor for the CPS said today that Mr Oliver had been driving since 1997; both single Decker and double Decker buses, without incident but had only driven this route once before and on a single Decker.
Mr Oliver, he said, had maintained that he had spoken with others at the depot before setting off to clarify whether the bus would go under the bridge though the company itself disputes this.
On the day of the accident, the bus was running around 20 mins late due to safety checks pre journey revealing a small fault that was attended to before leaving the garage. However, CCTV on the bus, and analysis by VOSA after the accident, had revealed that there were no defects to the bus that would have contributed to the accident.
Mr Taylor also pointed out in his prosecuting statement that large notices were clearly displayed on the bus and the road citing the height of both and, in the case of the bus, also stated that the bus should not be operated between Barrow Hill and New Whittington.
Although, said Mr Taylor, there were various rumours circulating at the time about the speed of the bus they had no substance and, that, "Mr Oliver was driving in a safe and proper manner at a proper speed". However the roof of the bus was torn off as a consequence of the incident.
Mr Taylor also confirmed to the court that the most seriously injured passenger who is 15 was still receiving treatment for facial injuries and has already undergone plastic surgery. More treatment will be required for years to come. Another young passenger that day, aged 17, underwent facial surgery and has a permanent scar. "The effects of the crash," said Mr Taylor "would possibly also affect students psychologically."
He completed his submission by stating that the accident was not caused by the condition of the bus but simply by Mr Oliver's failure to notice the signs that told him the route should not be passed with a Double Decker bus.
Mr Oliver represented himself in court and apologised to the court and parents for the incident. He had already submitted a letter of apology in writing at his previous hearing where he had pleaded guilty.
He called it "A genuine accident which he very much regrets", and that, "having driven for 14 years without accident, it's all he's ever done and it has ruined him".
He is still without employment now.
Fining Mr Oliver £80, with £35 costs and £15 victim surcharge and disqualifying him for a year, Deputy District recorder Goodman said, "He had to think about the degree of carelessness not consequence - if I was sentencing on consequence, you would probably go to prison."
Outside the court Mr Oliver had no statement to make other than to apologise, "All I can do is say sorry".
source: chesterfieldpost.co.uk
The driver of the TM Travel bus that crashed into a low bridge near Chesterfield on 15th March has today been sentenced at Chesterfield Magistrates Court.
Wayne Oliver, 34, of Dinnington was driving the double decker bus, carrying children from St Mary's Catholic High School when it tried to pass under the low level bridge at Whittington Road (pictured above) at around 8.15 am.
14 children were taken to hospital, with 2 seriously injured after the accident. Mr Oliver's employment was terminated immediately after the crash by TM Travel.
Mr Oliver had pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention at a previous hearing.
Bill Taylor for the CPS said today that Mr Oliver had been driving since 1997; both single Decker and double Decker buses, without incident but had only driven this route once before and on a single Decker.
Mr Oliver, he said, had maintained that he had spoken with others at the depot before setting off to clarify whether the bus would go under the bridge though the company itself disputes this.
On the day of the accident, the bus was running around 20 mins late due to safety checks pre journey revealing a small fault that was attended to before leaving the garage. However, CCTV on the bus, and analysis by VOSA after the accident, had revealed that there were no defects to the bus that would have contributed to the accident.
Mr Taylor also pointed out in his prosecuting statement that large notices were clearly displayed on the bus and the road citing the height of both and, in the case of the bus, also stated that the bus should not be operated between Barrow Hill and New Whittington.
Although, said Mr Taylor, there were various rumours circulating at the time about the speed of the bus they had no substance and, that, "Mr Oliver was driving in a safe and proper manner at a proper speed". However the roof of the bus was torn off as a consequence of the incident.
Mr Taylor also confirmed to the court that the most seriously injured passenger who is 15 was still receiving treatment for facial injuries and has already undergone plastic surgery. More treatment will be required for years to come. Another young passenger that day, aged 17, underwent facial surgery and has a permanent scar. "The effects of the crash," said Mr Taylor "would possibly also affect students psychologically."
He completed his submission by stating that the accident was not caused by the condition of the bus but simply by Mr Oliver's failure to notice the signs that told him the route should not be passed with a Double Decker bus.
Mr Oliver represented himself in court and apologised to the court and parents for the incident. He had already submitted a letter of apology in writing at his previous hearing where he had pleaded guilty.
He called it "A genuine accident which he very much regrets", and that, "having driven for 14 years without accident, it's all he's ever done and it has ruined him".
He is still without employment now.
Fining Mr Oliver £80, with £35 costs and £15 victim surcharge and disqualifying him for a year, Deputy District recorder Goodman said, "He had to think about the degree of carelessness not consequence - if I was sentencing on consequence, you would probably go to prison."
Outside the court Mr Oliver had no statement to make other than to apologise, "All I can do is say sorry".
source: chesterfieldpost.co.uk
Motorbiker in accident
Personal Injury Bristol
A MOTORBIKER was airlifted to Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, after a crash on the A360 south of Potterne on Saturday.
The 33-year-old man was driving towards Salisbury just north of the Black Dog crossroads near Black Dog Farm when his Yamaha motorbike left the road and hit a road sign at 11am.
The man, who lives in the Salisbury area, was thrown from his machine and suffered chest and spinal injuries.
He was conscious when paramedics treated him and was transported by Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
No other vehicles were involved and the A360 was closed for two and a half hours for traffic officers to investigate the scene.
source: gazetteandherald.co.uk
A MOTORBIKER was airlifted to Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, after a crash on the A360 south of Potterne on Saturday.
The 33-year-old man was driving towards Salisbury just north of the Black Dog crossroads near Black Dog Farm when his Yamaha motorbike left the road and hit a road sign at 11am.
The man, who lives in the Salisbury area, was thrown from his machine and suffered chest and spinal injuries.
He was conscious when paramedics treated him and was transported by Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
No other vehicles were involved and the A360 was closed for two and a half hours for traffic officers to investigate the scene.
source: gazetteandherald.co.uk
Tuesday 9 August 2011
Friday 5 August 2011
Air ambulance called to crash
Lincolnshire Personal Injury
A HEAVILY pregnant woman has paid tribute to Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance following a lucky escape.
The Grantham mum-to-be, 25, who has asked not to be named, was driving along Londonthorpe Lane in a Peugeot 307 on Friday evening at around 5pm when she was hit head-on by a Fiat Punto.
Being almost eight months pregnant, the air ambulance was called and she was air-lifted to Lincoln Hospital in less than ten minutes.
The woman suffered bruising in the accident but no serious injuries. Fortunately, her unborn child was not harmed.
The road was closed for two hours following the crash before being re-opened at 7.30pm
source: granthamjournal.co.uk
A HEAVILY pregnant woman has paid tribute to Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance following a lucky escape.
The Grantham mum-to-be, 25, who has asked not to be named, was driving along Londonthorpe Lane in a Peugeot 307 on Friday evening at around 5pm when she was hit head-on by a Fiat Punto.
Being almost eight months pregnant, the air ambulance was called and she was air-lifted to Lincoln Hospital in less than ten minutes.
The woman suffered bruising in the accident but no serious injuries. Fortunately, her unborn child was not harmed.
The road was closed for two hours following the crash before being re-opened at 7.30pm
source: granthamjournal.co.uk
School caretaker 'made scapegoat for asbestos’
Asbestos Claims
A school caretaker who was suspended over an asbestos scare says Medway Council made him a scapegoat.
Tony Riddington, 52, former caretaker at Woodlands Primary School, Gillingham, accused officers of ignoring asbestos problems since a 2002 fire, and trying to pin the full blame for a 2009 scare on him.
He was suspended over the incident, which he claimed left him no choice but to resign.
Mr Riddington, pictured left, said: "I don't think the council ever considered whether they were treating me fairly. It always seemed to be about saving their jobs and they didn't care who had to go on the way."
Mr Riddington, of Barnsole Road, brought a constructive dismissal claim against his former bosses and appeared at an employment tribunal this week.
The trouble began when Woodlands head Nic Fiddaman offered the caretaker's private firm £750,000 to build a school extension, breaching competition laws.
Estimates later rose to £2.7 million, and when the council investigated it emerged seven workers, including Mr Riddington, had been exposed to asbestos.
His firm was stripped of the work and he was suspended while a probe was carried out.
He returned as caretaker within two weeks, but said from then on: "There was always a person from the council picking holes in what I was doing. There was gossip and rumour."
At the end of the year he resigned, saying the job had become "intolerable".
He told the tribunal: "I believe they made a point of asbestos in order that the paperwork trail stopped with me.
"When all of us have retired the new people at Medway Council will see it as my fault. I believe they are trying to prevent potential future litigation regarding asbestos."
The council's principal auditor Graham Matthews admitted the fiasco had caused "considerable embarrassment" and the council's handing had been "inadequate".
The tribunal heard the council had pressurised governing body chair Elena Mutter-Child into suspending the caretaker, while Mr Fiddaman, who was not given a say, called the decision "outrageous".
Medway Council HR head Ralph Edwards said: "It was felt he should be suspended, not because he had done something personally. It just wasn't known at the time."
Mr Edwards was criticised for visiting the caretaker's home to suspend him, when rules said the head teacher or governing body should have been present.
After the hearing, Mr Riddington said: "As a caretaker I didn't wake up one morning and decide I was going to spend £2.5million of the council's money. They decided to turn the school into a two-form entry and they asked me to do it. It's as simple as that. I did as I was told."
The tribunal reserved judgement until a later date.
source: kentonline.co.uk
A school caretaker who was suspended over an asbestos scare says Medway Council made him a scapegoat.
Tony Riddington, 52, former caretaker at Woodlands Primary School, Gillingham, accused officers of ignoring asbestos problems since a 2002 fire, and trying to pin the full blame for a 2009 scare on him.
He was suspended over the incident, which he claimed left him no choice but to resign.
Mr Riddington, pictured left, said: "I don't think the council ever considered whether they were treating me fairly. It always seemed to be about saving their jobs and they didn't care who had to go on the way."
Mr Riddington, of Barnsole Road, brought a constructive dismissal claim against his former bosses and appeared at an employment tribunal this week.
The trouble began when Woodlands head Nic Fiddaman offered the caretaker's private firm £750,000 to build a school extension, breaching competition laws.
Estimates later rose to £2.7 million, and when the council investigated it emerged seven workers, including Mr Riddington, had been exposed to asbestos.
His firm was stripped of the work and he was suspended while a probe was carried out.
He returned as caretaker within two weeks, but said from then on: "There was always a person from the council picking holes in what I was doing. There was gossip and rumour."
At the end of the year he resigned, saying the job had become "intolerable".
He told the tribunal: "I believe they made a point of asbestos in order that the paperwork trail stopped with me.
"When all of us have retired the new people at Medway Council will see it as my fault. I believe they are trying to prevent potential future litigation regarding asbestos."
The council's principal auditor Graham Matthews admitted the fiasco had caused "considerable embarrassment" and the council's handing had been "inadequate".
The tribunal heard the council had pressurised governing body chair Elena Mutter-Child into suspending the caretaker, while Mr Fiddaman, who was not given a say, called the decision "outrageous".
Medway Council HR head Ralph Edwards said: "It was felt he should be suspended, not because he had done something personally. It just wasn't known at the time."
Mr Edwards was criticised for visiting the caretaker's home to suspend him, when rules said the head teacher or governing body should have been present.
After the hearing, Mr Riddington said: "As a caretaker I didn't wake up one morning and decide I was going to spend £2.5million of the council's money. They decided to turn the school into a two-form entry and they asked me to do it. It's as simple as that. I did as I was told."
The tribunal reserved judgement until a later date.
source: kentonline.co.uk
Nuneaton firm fined £32,000 over forgotten asbestos
Asbestos Claims
A NUNEATON firm has been fined £32,000, plus £2,174 costs, for failing to dispose of asbestos properly.
Crown Waste Management, based on the Pool Road Industrial Estate, pleaded guilty at Coventry Magistrates’ Court to three charges brought by the Environment Agency under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005.
Kiran Cassini, prosecuting, told the court that in September 2009 Crown Waste Management were contracted to remove asbestos lagging from Gamecock Barracks in Bramcote.
Two skips were delivered to the site by Crown Waste Management and later collected for disposal.
The skips were deposited on land at Pool Road, Nuneaton, where no environmental permit was in force.
Mr Cassini explained that on both occasions, when the skips were collected, the relevant consignment notes were not provided as required by the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005.
It was not until November 17, 2009 that a consignment note was provided stating that the asbestos had been taken to Sita Limited, in Packington Lane, near Coventry, that was authorised to accept asbestos when, in fact, the waste remained on land at Pool Road until the Environment Agency began to investigate matters.
Following intervention by the Environment Agency, the asbestos was finally disposed of correctly in July 2010.
In mitigation, the court was told that the incident arose as a result of a member of staff ‘forgetting’ that the waste had been deposited opposite the permitted facility.
The employee had since been dismissed, the court heard.
The company said the incident did not result in any pollution or harm to human health.
source: coventrytelegraph.net
A NUNEATON firm has been fined £32,000, plus £2,174 costs, for failing to dispose of asbestos properly.
Crown Waste Management, based on the Pool Road Industrial Estate, pleaded guilty at Coventry Magistrates’ Court to three charges brought by the Environment Agency under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005.
Kiran Cassini, prosecuting, told the court that in September 2009 Crown Waste Management were contracted to remove asbestos lagging from Gamecock Barracks in Bramcote.
Two skips were delivered to the site by Crown Waste Management and later collected for disposal.
The skips were deposited on land at Pool Road, Nuneaton, where no environmental permit was in force.
Mr Cassini explained that on both occasions, when the skips were collected, the relevant consignment notes were not provided as required by the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005.
It was not until November 17, 2009 that a consignment note was provided stating that the asbestos had been taken to Sita Limited, in Packington Lane, near Coventry, that was authorised to accept asbestos when, in fact, the waste remained on land at Pool Road until the Environment Agency began to investigate matters.
Following intervention by the Environment Agency, the asbestos was finally disposed of correctly in July 2010.
In mitigation, the court was told that the incident arose as a result of a member of staff ‘forgetting’ that the waste had been deposited opposite the permitted facility.
The employee had since been dismissed, the court heard.
The company said the incident did not result in any pollution or harm to human health.
source: coventrytelegraph.net
Great grandfather Norman Lancefield, 91, is UK’s oldest scuba diver
Diving Claims
Despite taking up the hobby relatively late – aged 58 in 1978 – Norman has racked up hundreds of dives and completed his latest one at Babbacombe Beach in Torquay, Devon.
Norman is an active member of the Barry branch of the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC).
He said: “It’s another world down there and I feel privileged to be able to see it.
“I don’t go much on wrecks and things but I do love to see the seaweed and when I did my most recent dive there was such a variety of seaweed, some small, some big and it is a beautiful part of nature.”
Norman also watches for other sea life too and recalled a special moment during a dive off the Gower coast.
He said: “I was following my buddy closely and I was just behind him and I saw what I thought was a stone and I thought, no that’s not a stone and, would you believe it, it was an octopus.
“Well I grabbed my buddy by the ankle and showed him and we thought, can you believe it, seeing an octopus in Wales.
“That has always stuck in my mind.”
The former beekeeper first took up the sport when he tried some snorkelling on holiday in Spain and on his return decided he would like to improve his new skill.
He has been a member of the same dive club for more than 30 years and he still attends training sessions at the same school every week.
Russ Phillips, training officer at Barry Sub-Aqua Club, said Norman was a remarkable diver and continued to pass his medicals with ease, doing better in the tests even than some of the younger members.
And Mary Tetley, BSAC chief executive, said: “As far as BSAC is aware, Norman is our oldest active diving member and we’re delighted that he is still getting in the water.
“Scuba diving is accessible to all ages and Norman is proof that age is no barrier when you’re doing something you enjoy.”
To find out more about Barry BSAC, go to www.barrysubaqua.org and to contact BSAC to find out about diving in your area, go to www.bsac.com or call free on 0500 947 202.
source: walesonline.co.uk
Despite taking up the hobby relatively late – aged 58 in 1978 – Norman has racked up hundreds of dives and completed his latest one at Babbacombe Beach in Torquay, Devon.
Norman is an active member of the Barry branch of the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC).
He said: “It’s another world down there and I feel privileged to be able to see it.
“I don’t go much on wrecks and things but I do love to see the seaweed and when I did my most recent dive there was such a variety of seaweed, some small, some big and it is a beautiful part of nature.”
Norman also watches for other sea life too and recalled a special moment during a dive off the Gower coast.
He said: “I was following my buddy closely and I was just behind him and I saw what I thought was a stone and I thought, no that’s not a stone and, would you believe it, it was an octopus.
“Well I grabbed my buddy by the ankle and showed him and we thought, can you believe it, seeing an octopus in Wales.
“That has always stuck in my mind.”
The former beekeeper first took up the sport when he tried some snorkelling on holiday in Spain and on his return decided he would like to improve his new skill.
He has been a member of the same dive club for more than 30 years and he still attends training sessions at the same school every week.
Russ Phillips, training officer at Barry Sub-Aqua Club, said Norman was a remarkable diver and continued to pass his medicals with ease, doing better in the tests even than some of the younger members.
And Mary Tetley, BSAC chief executive, said: “As far as BSAC is aware, Norman is our oldest active diving member and we’re delighted that he is still getting in the water.
“Scuba diving is accessible to all ages and Norman is proof that age is no barrier when you’re doing something you enjoy.”
To find out more about Barry BSAC, go to www.barrysubaqua.org and to contact BSAC to find out about diving in your area, go to www.bsac.com or call free on 0500 947 202.
source: walesonline.co.uk
30% rise in negligence claims against NHS
Medical Negligence
Clinical negligence claims against the National Health Service have increased by almost a third over the past year, with an extra £100million paid out to victims of medical blunders.
Nearly 9,000 patients claimed for damages after allegedly suffering at the hands of doctors or nurses, figures from the NHS Litigation Authority show.
It paid out £863m to victims of accidents in hospitals and clinics, up from £787m the year before, after settling 5,398 cases.
But a quarter of this was spent on legal costs, with £200m going to claimants’ lawyers under the system whereby so-called “ambulance chasers” can charge up to £900 an hour to pursue claims.
The litigation authority’s annual report is scathing about the current regime, which it claims is driving the “rapid growth in claims numbers” rather than any increase in mistakes by NHS staff.
Under the “no-win, no-fee” system set up by Labour so poorer people could have access to justice, known as Conditional Fee Arrangements, claimants do not have to pay for lawyers upfront. But if they win cases, the lawyers can claim big “success fees” from the defendant.
Steve Walker, chief executive of the NHS Litigation Authority , said: “We believe very strongly that a regime which allows success fees and the recoverability of After the Event (ATE) insurance premiums makes litigation so profitable that solicitors and so-called ‘claims farmers’ are drawn into the market thereby fuelling the rise in claims volumes we have experienced.”
However he added that the body is “delighted” that the Ministry of Justice is acting on the Jackson review of civil litigation costs, which recommended that success fees and ATE premiums should not be recoverable in no-win, no-fee cases.
At the same time the Government hopes to save millions every year by scrapping Legal Aid in cases of alleged malpractice.
The litigation authority’s report shows that in total it recorded 12,142 claims against NHS trusts in 2010-11 but expects only 4 per cent to go to court, as most will either be settled beforehand or dropped.
Of these, 8,655 were clinical claims, up from 6,652 the previous year, and 4,346 were non-clinical, up from 4,074.
A further 22,364 claims were still open at the end of the financial year.
The authority – funded partly by trusts and partly by the Department of Health directly – paid out £729m under its main clinical scheme and a further £134m under claims relating to incidents that took place before 1995.
This was an increase on £651m under the current scheme and £136m under the old schemes recorded in 2009-10.
A further £47.9m was paid out in non-clinical cases.
However these figures do not only include compensation paid to patients, staff and members of the public but legal costs as well.
“The costs claimed by claimant lawyers continue to be significantly higher than those incurred on our behalf by our panel defence solicitors. This continues to be a major concern.
“The availability of Conditional Fee Agreements (CFAs) and the continued increase in their use by claimants in clinical negligence claims has also meant that claimants’ costs are almost invariably disproportionate, often significantly, to the amount of damages paid, particularly in low-value claims.
“In the 5,398 clinical negligence claims closed by us with a damages payment in 2010/11, we paid over £257m in total legal costs, of which almost £200m (76 per cent of the total costs expenditure) was paid to claimant lawyers.”
source: telegraph.co.uk
Clinical negligence claims against the National Health Service have increased by almost a third over the past year, with an extra £100million paid out to victims of medical blunders.
Nearly 9,000 patients claimed for damages after allegedly suffering at the hands of doctors or nurses, figures from the NHS Litigation Authority show.
It paid out £863m to victims of accidents in hospitals and clinics, up from £787m the year before, after settling 5,398 cases.
But a quarter of this was spent on legal costs, with £200m going to claimants’ lawyers under the system whereby so-called “ambulance chasers” can charge up to £900 an hour to pursue claims.
The litigation authority’s annual report is scathing about the current regime, which it claims is driving the “rapid growth in claims numbers” rather than any increase in mistakes by NHS staff.
Under the “no-win, no-fee” system set up by Labour so poorer people could have access to justice, known as Conditional Fee Arrangements, claimants do not have to pay for lawyers upfront. But if they win cases, the lawyers can claim big “success fees” from the defendant.
Steve Walker, chief executive of the NHS Litigation Authority , said: “We believe very strongly that a regime which allows success fees and the recoverability of After the Event (ATE) insurance premiums makes litigation so profitable that solicitors and so-called ‘claims farmers’ are drawn into the market thereby fuelling the rise in claims volumes we have experienced.”
However he added that the body is “delighted” that the Ministry of Justice is acting on the Jackson review of civil litigation costs, which recommended that success fees and ATE premiums should not be recoverable in no-win, no-fee cases.
At the same time the Government hopes to save millions every year by scrapping Legal Aid in cases of alleged malpractice.
The litigation authority’s report shows that in total it recorded 12,142 claims against NHS trusts in 2010-11 but expects only 4 per cent to go to court, as most will either be settled beforehand or dropped.
Of these, 8,655 were clinical claims, up from 6,652 the previous year, and 4,346 were non-clinical, up from 4,074.
A further 22,364 claims were still open at the end of the financial year.
The authority – funded partly by trusts and partly by the Department of Health directly – paid out £729m under its main clinical scheme and a further £134m under claims relating to incidents that took place before 1995.
This was an increase on £651m under the current scheme and £136m under the old schemes recorded in 2009-10.
A further £47.9m was paid out in non-clinical cases.
However these figures do not only include compensation paid to patients, staff and members of the public but legal costs as well.
“The costs claimed by claimant lawyers continue to be significantly higher than those incurred on our behalf by our panel defence solicitors. This continues to be a major concern.
“The availability of Conditional Fee Agreements (CFAs) and the continued increase in their use by claimants in clinical negligence claims has also meant that claimants’ costs are almost invariably disproportionate, often significantly, to the amount of damages paid, particularly in low-value claims.
“In the 5,398 clinical negligence claims closed by us with a damages payment in 2010/11, we paid over £257m in total legal costs, of which almost £200m (76 per cent of the total costs expenditure) was paid to claimant lawyers.”
source: telegraph.co.uk
Tributes to Barnard Castle woman who died in accident on A167 between Northallerton and Thirsk
Yorkshire Personal Injury
THE family of a young car enthusiast who died in an accident on Monday night say they are devastated.
Sian Morgan died when her silver Vauxhall Corsa hit a tree after it came off the A167, between Northallerton and Thirsk, North Yorkshire, at about 10pm.
Miss Morgan, 20, from Barnard Castle, County Durham, died at the scene. Her male passenger, who is also 20 and from Stockton, suffered serious injuries and is recovering in hospital.
It is thought Miss Morgan was in a convoy with two other cars that had travelled from Thirsk to Northallerton earlier in the evening, and at the time of the collision were returning to Thirsk.
Last night, her family said in a statement: “Philip, Donna and Flo are deeply shocked and devastated by the sudden loss of their cherished and much-loved daughter and sister.
“Sian will be deeply missed.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and kind thoughts at this difficult time.”
Miss Morgan went to Teesdale School, in Barnard Castle, before going on to study IT at Darlington College.
Kath MacColl, from the college, said: “Sian will be remembered by staff as an outgoing student who was friendly and popular amongst her peers.
“She mixed well and was an enthusiastic student.”
Miss Morgan had been modifying her Vauxhall Corsa for several months and was a member of the Corsa-C UK enthusiasts group.
Since her death, several members have paid tribute to her on the group website.
One member wrote: “Such a waste. She was such an energetic lass, always made you laugh.”
Earlier this week, several members of the group went on a drive around Teesside and North Yorkshire in memory of Miss Morgan.
Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call police on 0845-60-60-24-7.
source: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk
THE family of a young car enthusiast who died in an accident on Monday night say they are devastated.
Sian Morgan died when her silver Vauxhall Corsa hit a tree after it came off the A167, between Northallerton and Thirsk, North Yorkshire, at about 10pm.
Miss Morgan, 20, from Barnard Castle, County Durham, died at the scene. Her male passenger, who is also 20 and from Stockton, suffered serious injuries and is recovering in hospital.
It is thought Miss Morgan was in a convoy with two other cars that had travelled from Thirsk to Northallerton earlier in the evening, and at the time of the collision were returning to Thirsk.
Last night, her family said in a statement: “Philip, Donna and Flo are deeply shocked and devastated by the sudden loss of their cherished and much-loved daughter and sister.
“Sian will be deeply missed.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and kind thoughts at this difficult time.”
Miss Morgan went to Teesdale School, in Barnard Castle, before going on to study IT at Darlington College.
Kath MacColl, from the college, said: “Sian will be remembered by staff as an outgoing student who was friendly and popular amongst her peers.
“She mixed well and was an enthusiastic student.”
Miss Morgan had been modifying her Vauxhall Corsa for several months and was a member of the Corsa-C UK enthusiasts group.
Since her death, several members have paid tribute to her on the group website.
One member wrote: “Such a waste. She was such an energetic lass, always made you laugh.”
Earlier this week, several members of the group went on a drive around Teesside and North Yorkshire in memory of Miss Morgan.
Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call police on 0845-60-60-24-7.
source: darlingtonandstocktontimes.co.uk
Disabled teenager had smoked cannabis and drunk before 120mph crash killed him and friend
Manchester Personal Injury
A disabled teenage driver was twice the drink-drive limit and had been smoking cannabis when he crashed after speeding at up to 120mph, killing himself and his friend.
Will Paton and passenger William Sheppard, both 18, died instantly in the crash on Boxing Day last year.
Moments before, Paton lost control of his high-powered black Golf TSi he was driving one-handed with his mobile phone in his other hand.
Two other friends, who were also in the car, survived with minor injuries.
An inquest in Macclesfield heard how all four teenagers had downed pints of beer and shots of spirits at Parrs Wood entertainment complex in East Didsbury, Greater Manchester, hours before the crash at 11.50pm.
Paton and Sheppard - who worked at the Malmaison hotel in Manchester - and friend Louis Drinkwater, who survived, had also smoked cannabis.
The friends decided to drive to Tesco at Handforth Dean. But Paton, who was registered disabled and bought the car on a Mobility scheme, lost control of the vehicle as he left the A555 slip-road on to the A34 at Handforth Dean.
The car careered into a roundabout and was flung down an embankment into a field.
A police investigation into the crash found the car had been travelling at up to 78mph when it hit the roundabout, but witnesses said it had reached 120mph along the A555.
Sergeant Andrew Dennison said: 'This accident was caused by the vehicle coming off the A555 at a speed I consider to be wholly inappropriate.
'This young man has crashed killing himself and his friend.'
Drinkwater, the best friend of trainee chef Sheppard, said: 'We approached the roundabout and were going way too fast so I braced myself.
'I heard the scrape of a wheel and the car lost control. The next thing I knew it was in orbit.
'I was absolutely terrified and remember looking out the front windscreen and seeing the sky and a fence.
We must have been flipping multiple times. I shouted to the lads but there was no response.
'The car stopped and steam started coming in. I thought petrol was pouring onto me.
'I managed to kick through the window and sprinted away thinking the car was going to explode.
'Then I realised it wasn't petrol on me, it was blood. I knew it wasn't mine.
'The ambulance man told me both my friends had passed away. I couldn't describe the feeling, I was just in total shock. William Sheppard was my best mate.'
Guy Hopkinson, the fourth passenger who survived with a sprained back, said his best friend, Paton, was usually a good driver but he added he had sometimes driven quite 'idiotically' or dangerously in his car, which was described as his pride and joy.
Coroner Jean Harkin recorded a verdict of misadventure for Paton and one of accidental death for Sheppard.
The families of the former Bramhall High pupils, both from Stockport, paid tribute to their sons.
Paton, who was registered disabled due to a condition affecting his feet and knees, had been due to turn 19 the day after the crash.
His family said he was not a regular drinker or a 'boy racer type'.
His mother Rachel Paton, of Thornway, Stockport, said: 'Will was a very well-known character at Bramhall High and it was a shock to us that he had been drink-driving.
'He was not a regular drinker and we feel that this night was a one-off disastrous accident.
'We weren't aware of him being what might be called a boy racer. His disability had made him an extremely strong and brave character.' Sheppard's father, Geoffrey, of Cheadle, said: 'William was a gentle, kind and compassionate young man.
'We find it hard to believe that he would have got in the car knowing that the driver had been drinking.
'It's something that really haunts myself and my family and unfortunately he is not here to ask the question of.'
source: dailymail.co.uk
A disabled teenage driver was twice the drink-drive limit and had been smoking cannabis when he crashed after speeding at up to 120mph, killing himself and his friend.
Will Paton and passenger William Sheppard, both 18, died instantly in the crash on Boxing Day last year.
Moments before, Paton lost control of his high-powered black Golf TSi he was driving one-handed with his mobile phone in his other hand.
Two other friends, who were also in the car, survived with minor injuries.
An inquest in Macclesfield heard how all four teenagers had downed pints of beer and shots of spirits at Parrs Wood entertainment complex in East Didsbury, Greater Manchester, hours before the crash at 11.50pm.
Paton and Sheppard - who worked at the Malmaison hotel in Manchester - and friend Louis Drinkwater, who survived, had also smoked cannabis.
The friends decided to drive to Tesco at Handforth Dean. But Paton, who was registered disabled and bought the car on a Mobility scheme, lost control of the vehicle as he left the A555 slip-road on to the A34 at Handforth Dean.
The car careered into a roundabout and was flung down an embankment into a field.
A police investigation into the crash found the car had been travelling at up to 78mph when it hit the roundabout, but witnesses said it had reached 120mph along the A555.
Sergeant Andrew Dennison said: 'This accident was caused by the vehicle coming off the A555 at a speed I consider to be wholly inappropriate.
'This young man has crashed killing himself and his friend.'
Drinkwater, the best friend of trainee chef Sheppard, said: 'We approached the roundabout and were going way too fast so I braced myself.
'I heard the scrape of a wheel and the car lost control. The next thing I knew it was in orbit.
'I was absolutely terrified and remember looking out the front windscreen and seeing the sky and a fence.
We must have been flipping multiple times. I shouted to the lads but there was no response.
'The car stopped and steam started coming in. I thought petrol was pouring onto me.
'I managed to kick through the window and sprinted away thinking the car was going to explode.
'Then I realised it wasn't petrol on me, it was blood. I knew it wasn't mine.
'The ambulance man told me both my friends had passed away. I couldn't describe the feeling, I was just in total shock. William Sheppard was my best mate.'
Guy Hopkinson, the fourth passenger who survived with a sprained back, said his best friend, Paton, was usually a good driver but he added he had sometimes driven quite 'idiotically' or dangerously in his car, which was described as his pride and joy.
Coroner Jean Harkin recorded a verdict of misadventure for Paton and one of accidental death for Sheppard.
The families of the former Bramhall High pupils, both from Stockport, paid tribute to their sons.
Paton, who was registered disabled due to a condition affecting his feet and knees, had been due to turn 19 the day after the crash.
His family said he was not a regular drinker or a 'boy racer type'.
His mother Rachel Paton, of Thornway, Stockport, said: 'Will was a very well-known character at Bramhall High and it was a shock to us that he had been drink-driving.
'He was not a regular drinker and we feel that this night was a one-off disastrous accident.
'We weren't aware of him being what might be called a boy racer. His disability had made him an extremely strong and brave character.' Sheppard's father, Geoffrey, of Cheadle, said: 'William was a gentle, kind and compassionate young man.
'We find it hard to believe that he would have got in the car knowing that the driver had been drinking.
'It's something that really haunts myself and my family and unfortunately he is not here to ask the question of.'
source: dailymail.co.uk
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