Emmerdale Star ‘Attack’ Highlights The Importance Of Dangerous Dogs Act Review

The review of legislation regarding dangerous dogs, currently enshrined in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and 1997 as amended, has been long overdue and pressure is mounting to either repeal current legislation with new, or amend it to make it more effective.

It is hoped new law would seek to impose tighter restrictions on those in charge of dogs, regardless of breed, to ensure that if a dog is dangerous or has history steps can be taken to monitor the same and impose sanctions in the event further incidences occur.  The same should also give the police and local authorities more powers to penalise those in breach to encourage responsible ownership. Read more »

PIP Breast Implants Guidance

Our guidance is to return to your breast implant surgeon if you are concerned to find out whether your implants are PIP (Poly Implant Prothese) implants. It is important to have them regularly checked.

We have taken instructions from Patients where the implants have ruptured and they have had no option but to have them removed. Some have been able to have further replacements but many simply cannot afford to pay a second set of fees for the surgery.

The difficulty in pursuing the French company PIP, which exported its products to 66 countries is that they have gone into liquidation which has meant they are not in a position to satisfy judgements obtained against them for supplying defective implants.

Therefore we need to look at other avenues and consider pursuing the clinics or indeed the surgeons where these procedures took place.

If you have any concerns and wish to obtain further advice please contact me today on 0161 615 0699 or email enquiries@ralli.co.uk

Hair dye warning after Mother is left in coma

As a female I have used home hair colour kits in the past and it is usually taken as a given that provided you follow the instructions you will be safe.  Most women in fact have done the same and it is not something one would assume is or can be dangerous.

It is concerning to note however that simply colouring your hair can lead to such severe consequences and I am appalled that the ingredient responsible para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is still used in hair products in the UK.

There is clear evidence, not just in this case but in many others that the ingredient is highly dangerous and can cause severe reactions even in cases where a test has been done and no symptoms became apparent.

The ingredient is banned in some EU countries including France and I am of the opinion it should be banned in the UK immediately as there is scant evidence it is safe.

If you or someone you know has suffered as a result of a hair dye product contact Ralli for immediate advice on 0161 832 6131 or email enquiries@ralli.co.uk

Changes To The Dangerous Dogs Act Are Long Overdue

The Blue Cross charity says the law is not working and it is time to shift the emphasis away from certain types of dog and place responsibility on owners.

The Act came into force in August 1991 after a dog attack in Bradford left a six-year-old child with serious injuries.

Personally, I think the proposed law reform is long overdue.

The Dog Control Bill passed the report stage in the House of Lords in July 2011. Under the new Bill, dog control notices will address problematic behaviour at an early stage, regardless of the breed of dog involved. Such notices will focus on responsibility of the dog owner as opposed to a particular breed. The Bill will reach the final stage in the House of Lords after the summer recess and will then move to the House of Commons for further consideration.

Any dog, as stated, can be dangerous and much depends on the way the dog has been handled and raised by it’s owner.  To single out specific breeds as being dangerous, whilst at the time may have seemed the most appropriate step, ignored the real issue and has served to create a new generation of young dog owners who see breeds such as the pit bull as a status symbol.

In any case the owner or the person in control of the dog at the time of an incident occurring should be held responsible and although owners of dogs not specified in the Dangerous Dogs Act can still be prosecuted a shift in emphasis may aid better understanding of dog behaviour and more responsible ownership.

The proposed legislation will look to monitor the behaviour of any dog from a young age if certain types of behaviour are noted.  Exactly how this will be enforced on a day to day basis remains to be seen but I hope the new bill will address some of the issues, if not all, of dog handling which will hopefully lead to a reduction in the number of dog bite incidents.

Low Velocity Impact Argument Raised After 2mph Crash

Maria Penny (Associate & Personal Injury Solicitor)

It was reported this morning that scaffolders tried to claim thousands in compensation after a council van collided with their lorry – at less than 2mph. The full article can be read here.

Low velocity is an argument raised frequently in road traffic cases.  It essentially means that the speed of the collision was not sufficient to have caused injury to the occupants of the vehicle.

Such arguments are based on ‘studies’ carried out in controlled environments and each case will turn on its own facts.

What would injure you may not injure me and each claim must be considered carefully.  In this case it seems the claimants’ account of the injuries and losses sustained were found to be false and therefore the claims failed.

Costs orders will inevitably follow if a claimant is found to be untruthful therefore in a case involving arguments of low velocity it is imperative that you know your client/your case well.  GP records, a detailed statement from the client, witnesses, friends, and family confirming the injuries sustained, effect on daily living and any damage sustained to the vehicle, however minor, will all assist in establishing whether your client’s/your claim has merit and is likely to succeed.

Firm fined after worker suffers sulphuric acid injury

Maria Penny (Associate & Personal Injury Solicitor)

I read yesterday that a  company has been fined after one of their workers suffered acid burns to his face and neck as he tried to unblock a sink. The full story can be read here.

Every employer is under a duty to ensure that risks are assessed and that adequate training is provided to employees.  Clearly in this case the necessary risk assessment was not conducted to ensure Mr Kelly was carrying out his duties in a reasonably safe manner and furthermore the clothing he was provided with was completely inadequate considering he was working with sulphuric acid.

Whilst we all have a duty to take reasonable steps to ensure we do not unduly expose ourselves to risk it is difficult to see what Mr Kelly could have done in this case, he used the paper overalls provided and presumably carried out the task in the usual way.  What is clear is that his employer did not ensure that he was carrying out the task safely by providing adequate training and failed to protect him, where possible, by providing suitable overalls.

We all know that accidents can and do happen, and whilst I am not advocating a ‘nanny state’ simple steps must be taken to protect us all where possible at work.  Had the company concerned carried out a risk assessment, provided training and suitable clothing the accident may have been prevented or at the very least Mr Kelly’s injuries may have been less severe.  Such steps do not cost very much to carry out and certainly would amount to much less than the fine levied by the HSE and any additional costs which may follow from a civil claim for personal injury.

Admiral comments all at sea?

Maria Penny (Personal Injury Solicitor)

Henry Engelhardt, head of Admiral, recently commented that the insurance group had increased motor premiums by 12pc over the last year to “compensate for claims inflation”. He also predicted that the trend would continue this year.

However, it is also noted that premiums are likely to rise due to comparison websites, which give the consumer access to cheaper prices without the hassle of telephoning different insurers direct.

It should not be forgotten that we have also seen one of the worst winters in many years Read more »

Not just something and nothing

Jenny Stevenson (Personal Injury Solicitor)

According to the Manchester Evening News, compensation claims have cost Greater Manchester taxpayers more than £7.4 million in the last year. Read more »