Johnson Law - Newshttp://www.johnsonaccidentclaims.co.uk30<![CDATA[The changing world of personal injury claims]]>

The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) Road Accident Claims System (RTA Portal) has radically changed the processing of low value personal injury claims. The RTA Portal was introduced two years ago and sees no-contested motor-related personal injury claims with a value of between £1,000-£10,000 enter a pre stage electronic transfer process with fixed fees at each stage.

The insurance companies hail the scheme as a success and are pressing with Government support to expand its cover road accident injury claims worth up to £25,000 with implementation by April 2013. There is now a drive from the insurers for the scheme to include accidents at work, highway tripping claims and possibly also industrial disease claims. However, given recent amendments to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Capital Punishment of Offenders Bill it now appears unlikely that there will be abolition of after the event insurance and success fees of personal injury claims for industrial disease type personal injury claims and therefore it is unlikely that the fixed fee scheme will be rolled out into these very complex and difficult cases.

One must sound caution at this point and bear in mind that some employer’s liability(EL) / workplace accident claims can be very complex and require detailed scrutiny of personal injury case law and sound knowledge of the six pack regulations. My concern is that if the Solicitors fees are squeezed significantly it may force a number of law practices that specialise into other more financially lucrative areas of legal practice and ultimately this will mean that the public will lose the opportunity of the very best lawyers running their cases when their claims are being pursued in the courts. The proposed cost shifting as set out in The Jackson Report and which is enshrined in the Legal Aid Sentencing and Capital Punishment of Offenders Bill presents an interesting conundrum for defendant insurers. On the one hand they may see fixed costs being introduced and therefore achieve significant savings in relation to legal fees but on the other hand it is conceivable that they will also see an increase in the number of claims brought against their insureds as Claimant solicitors may pursue borderline claims as there will be an opportunity of recovery against an employer as the claimant will not face any costs penalties for bringing failed cases before the court.

As Head of Johnson Law Legal Practice and having worked as a personal injury Solicitor for over 25 years I do feel that notwithstanding the imminent changes to the personal injury sector there will inevitably be opportunities for innovative, cost efficient and experienced lawyers such as Johnson Law but it is fair to say that these are indeed times of change in our sector of the legal market.

]]>April 2012Tue, 24 Apr 2012 22:00:00 GMT<![CDATA[Accident Claims are Tough]]>Financially, times are tough. Things get even harder if you suffer personal injury and are unable to work. We, at Johnson Law, are here to help. If you have suffered personal injury at work for example, or want to make a road accident claim, then as well as making a claim for your injury itself, you are also entitled to make a claim for any out-of-pocket expenses/losses that you have incurred.

These can be such things like your loss of earnings, prescription charges or travelling expenses for medical appointments. If you have to claim for things like this, then you must keep any receipts as they will prove what extra things you have had to pay for as a result of your injury.

Although it may be some time before you receive your personal injury compensation, we can ask the other party to make an interim payment while the claim is ongoing. This can hopefully, go some way to helping you if you are having financial difficulties as a result of your injury.]]>July 2011Wed, 27 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT<![CDATA[Occupational Disease conference]]>Johnson Law Ltd, The People's Injury Lawyers, were pleased to attend the 2nd Annual Occupational Disease Conference which took place at Liverpool Law Society last week. We found all of the speakers to be extremely knowledgeable in their areas of expertise concerning personal injury at work. Many of the speakers injected an element of humour into their presentations which was much appreciated throughout the day. Rarely has the often serious nature of an accident claim brought such light relief!]]>July 2011Wed, 20 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT<![CDATA[New Solicitor appointment]]>Johnson Law Ltd have expanded their Credit Hire team and appointed a new Solicitor, Jaffer Baker. Jaffer is a Solicitor from Bolton who qualified in 2008. He has extensive experience in dealing with road traffic accident claims and personal injury claims having worked in the motor claims industry since 2002. He also has extensive knowledge of credit hire claims.

Jaffer has worked for some of the largest insurance-defendant and claimant firms in the country as well as insurance companies amassing a wealth of experience throughout his career. Jaffer's appointment will add to the considerable depth and experience we already have in the field of personal injury and motor claims. In his spare time, Jaffer enjoys watching most sports especially football and mixed martial arts, spending time with his family and likes to go hiking and camping.]]>July 2011Wed, 06 Jul 2011 22:00:00 GMT<![CDATA[Ashton Accident Claims in Community Action!]]>Ashton Accident Claims (a trading name of Johnson Law Ltd) attended the Garswood Amateur Football Club Show on Saturday 25th June and were pleased to help in sponsoring this community event. Other worthy causes took part including the Samaritans and local charities.

Head of Injury Claims, Mark Johnson, said "this was a worthy local event that has brought the local community together to raise funds and at the same time watch some silky football skills from local kids who took part. This legal practice, who specialise in helping victims of road traffic accidents, workplace accidents and other personal injuries to obtain the compensation they deserve on a No Win-No Fee basis, believe in actions not just words when getting involved and we were happy to play our part in a very enjoyable day."]]>June 2011Tue, 28 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT<![CDATA[Accident Claims]]>Johnson Law are appalled by one insurer's attempts to circumvent the MOJ scheme.

Following submission of the CNF, liability is quickly admitted and an e-mail sent to the Claimant's solicitors. This e-mail makes an offer for general damages (without medical evidence) and confirms that upon acceptance, stage 1 and stage 2 costs will be paid. The offer will be withdrawn after 14 days if not accepted. It appears that the insurer in question indeed wishes to keep costs proportionate and achieve a timely settlement for the Claimant. However, the insurer goes on. They proceed to put conditions on any acceptance by the Claimant.

A copy of the signed CNF must be submitted or alternatively, a signed statement of truth confirming that the solicitor is instructed and was instructed prior to the offer. Photo identification of the Claimant is also required and the insurer kindly suggests a copy of the Claimant's passport or driving licence would be sufficient (but only if both paper and photo sections are included).

Their "requirement" is purportedly due to the conduct of some claimant firms.

The Insurers cannot be allowed to simply take a unilateral decision to introduce a blanket requirement for every claimant. Insurers had ample opportunity to put forward their views on what should be provided by claimants before the scheme went live. Yet again the insurers are making additional demands of claimants that will eventually lead to spiralling increases in costs which will no doubt be blamed on claimant solicitors.]]>June 2011Tue, 21 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT<![CDATA[Car Accident Claims]]>Insurers continue to peddle the myth that legal costs have put up the costs of motor insurance in car accident claims says Mark Johnson, head of Injury Claims at Johnson Law. “We all know that the RTA portal has streamlined the RTA system and this has drastically reduced costs across the board. If insurers wish to spin any more they may end up dizzy with help from their friends in the right wing Tory press”. ]]>June 2011Wed, 08 Jun 2011 22:00:00 GMT<![CDATA[Accident claims lawyers call for “Community Action” in Ashton]]>Accident claims lawyers, Johnson Law Ltd, met with local community businesses on Tuesday 24th May at their branch office in Ashton-In-Makerfield, in order to begin a campaign to rejuvenate the local economy in these difficult times.

Several local initiatives were discussed with local businesses, for example the setting up of a continental Christmas market.

Head of Injury claims, Mark Johnson, commented “this community business action group has been created to enable our successful Personal Injury practice to put something back into the community. In my opinion not enough lawyers are interested in genuinely helping their fellow businesses in hard times. I hope our initiative goes some way to redress the balance”.]]>May 2011Tue, 24 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT<![CDATA[Black hat Credit hire companies v White hat Insurance companies?]]>Credit hire companies are seen by many as “the bad guys” who cost insurance companies millions of pounds per year which then increases our insurance premiums. But is this actually the case? Are these poor insurance companies being preyed upon?

Historically, before the seminal case of Dimond v Lovell, if a driver had an road traffic accident that was not his fault, he would have to either rely upon his chosen repairing garage to provide him a free courtesy car or pay up front for his own hire charges. If he did pay up front for his hire charges, generally, he would have to chase the at fault driver’s insurance company for a reimbursement of these charges that may or may not have been forthcoming. If he did not receive payment, he would have had to issue legal proceedings by himself, incurring further costs, to get this money back.

The hire companies stepped into this void. They provide the innocent motorist with a good service. They provide a like for like replacement car, liaise with the garage to organise repairs and chase the at fault driver’s insurance company for admissions of liability and payment for the repairs. If liability is in dispute, they also assist the hirer in dealing with their claim. For many drivers it could be a first road traffic accident. If he chooses to utilise his own insurance, he will no doubt have to pay an expensive policy excess of hundreds of pounds which he might not get back. His own insurance company will not generally expend too much effort in recovering this money for him. He would have to chase this money himself. A win for the at fault driver’s insurance company.

The hire company fight the innocent driver’s corner. They spend hours on the telephone on hold to insurance companies on behalf of the innocent driver- half the time, the insurers refuse to take their calls and demand that everything is done by way of letters which may or may not be received. Eventually, the hire companies can do no more and pass the files to Solicitors with a request that we then “join the fight” on behalf of the innocent road traffic motorist.

As credit hire and personal injury specialists, we have seen it all. We have seen a client who was disabled and a single parent being told by the at fault driver’s insurance company that he would have to pay approximately £300.00 up front before they would provide him with a car. Or the elderly lady who relied upon her pension and could not have afforded to pay for a hire car, without the credit hire company’s assistance, she would literally have been housebound for over 6 months as she lived in a small village with virtually no access to public transport.

Credit hire may not be the answer to all of the problems seen in the at fault driver’s insurance company versus innocent motorist fight – but at last there is somebody sticking up for the little guy for once….]]>May 2011Tue, 17 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT<![CDATA[New Solicitor appointment]]>Johnson Law Ltd have expanded their Personal Injury Team and appointed a new Solicitor; Sarah Heath qualified in 2002 from St Helens, she will work out of the Ashton-in-Makerfield office. Sarah’s appointment will add to the considerable depth and experience we already have in the field of personal injury and motor claims.]]>May 2011Tue, 10 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT<![CDATA[New appointment]]>Johnson Law Ltd are pleased to confirm that Adam McCrum is joining them as Business Development Manager on Monday 16th May 2011. He will work closely with David Johnson to promote Johnson Law to the credit hire and personal injury sector. ]]>May 2011Tue, 10 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT<![CDATA[The People's Injury Lawyers]]>Following the establishment of new Headquarters in Bolton, Johnson Law Limited, also known as Ashton Accident Claims, are continuing their expansion through further investment in their Ashton-in-Makerfield branch.

The branch opened its doors to customers in September 2010 and has since developed into a thriving legal practice serving the Wigan area. This is being enhanced further by the recruitment of another experienced lawyer to work with Owner and Lawyer David Johnson and his brother Mark Johnson who is Head of Personal Injury at the firm. Together they have over 60 years of personal injury experience dealing with accidents at work, road traffic accidents and industrial disease claims.

The practice has been welcomed into the local community and continues to develop strong relationships with local people, thus strengthening the bond between the high street law firm and the general public. The firm is friendly and approachable and most of all provides a quick, stress-free accident claims service in the Wigan area.

The legal staff in Ashton understand that any kind of injury can be a life-changing experience and every case is handled sensitively and with the highest level of personal service and confidentiality. Anyone who has suffered an accident or injury is welcome to pop in for a friendly, no obligation chat and out of hours appointments can be made if necessary.

Johnson Law offers a no-nonsense, free advice service and a thoroughly professional approach through personal advisors and dedicated lawyers who guarantee that all clients will receive 100% compensation with no gimmicks or confusing small print.

To celebrate their expansion and to strengthen even further their commitment to the Wigan area the firm has refurbished their premises with the Johnson Law branding and welcomed the public to join them for a chat and refreshments on 3 May 2011.

To celebrate their continuing development in the area Johnson Law were happy to welcome Andy Gregory, the former Wigan and England Rugby Legend, who has been very supportive of their efforts to become a solid part of the community.

Johnson Law, also known as Ashton Accident Claims, can be contacted on 01942 272022 or by calling into the office at 59 Gerard Street, Ashton-in-Makerfield, WN4 9AG or visit the website on www.ashtonaccidentclaims.co.uk]]>May 2011Wed, 04 May 2011 22:00:00 GMT<![CDATA[A Brave New World ]]>As we all know, running a business is hard at the best of times, more so now with the austerity measures beginning to affect every part of our business and private finances.

The public will be surprised to learn that amongst all of the professions we lawyers have had to re-adjust more than most sectors which have been hit very hard by the recession which led to the changes in the banking industry.

Personal injury lawyers are set to be hit even harder over the medium to long term with the introduction of significant changes by the Government which will potentially reduce the level of income which we derive from injury claims and are pursued on behalf of our clients on a “no win no fee” basis.

The removal of success fees will potentially hit personal injury law firms hard although, as with most changes, we at Johnson Law will look to adapt and adjust our business model to ensure that we can continue to offer the same high level of services to our customers.

One of the main proposals is not to allow a success fee to be claimed from the Defendants insurers upon successful conclusion of an injury claim. In my view this will not deter injury lawyers from accepting border line cases as intended by the government .I think you will find that the better quality injury lawyers will continue to risk assess the claims as they do now and their acceptance rate of cases will not change.

We at Johnson law intend to continue to fight for compensation for our clients who, let us not forget, are the innocent victims here, and who are entitled to pursue their personal injury claims.

Where possible we want to avoid situations where there is an in-balance between both parties in personal injury litigation with a Claimant being unrepresented against large Defendant insurers and/or their solicitors. The government seems now to be paying lip service to the public’s right to access justice and the proposals are a clear attempt to reduce the number of genuine injury claims against insurers.

This will only lead to claimants being under compensated. We must be there for all accident victims and offer support to the communities that we serve and we must face the changes head-on.

I believe that Johnson Law will continue to be innovative and dynamic in the way in it addresses the obstacles which are about to be presented and these will be overcome and our clients will not suffer a drop in service standards .Although we have a wealth of experience in the personal injury arena the firm itself is also relatively young, innovative and dynamic. Over the years and through the recent recession we have proven ourselves to also be very resourceful and extremely competitive.

In my view it is important that law firms are able to offer their customers a range of services. The firm, as well as specialising in road accidents, workplace accidents and all other injury claims also has an excellent reputation in the credit hire sector and we continue to look for new markets and opportunities to help develop the excellent reputation of this practice.

The introduction of alternative business structures and changes to our Code of Conduct in October will represent fresh challenges which will embrace. It is indeed a brave new world out there.]]>April 2011Mon, 25 Apr 2011 22:00:00 GMT<![CDATA[Johnson Law – New Bolton Office]]>Johnson Law Ltd, personal injury lawyers, moved into their new premises on Knowsley Street, Bolton during March. The relocation to Bolton from their Central Manchester offices is part of a broader initiative by the Directors of the practice to provide the local community with a local law firm that operates almost a complete ‘Open Door’ policy.

The practice specialises in car accident claims, workplace accidents and all other personal injury claims. The practice brings with them over 50 years experience in handling what can be such delicate cases. The legal team at Johnson Law understand that suffering from an injury and then making an injury claim can be traumatic and in some cases can result in a completely life changing experience, that’s why all our clients are given the highest level of personal service that they deserve.

Our approach we believe is already proving successful, our second office in Ashton in Makerfield opened its doors back in September 2010 and we are delighted to say that the early response from the local community has been more than encouraging. The Wigan office adopts a completely friendly and informal approach to all its clients and the same approach will be adopted in the new Bolton offices. Clients who pursue their personal injury claim through Johnson Law Ltd will be treated with the same respect, dignity and professionalism that they duly deserve.]]>April 2011Tue, 19 Apr 2011 22:00:00 GMT<![CDATA[Johnson Law Solicitor Wins Award]]>Johnson Law Solicitor Mark Johnson has been recognised by a nationally acclaimed organisation that provides an independent guide to the public on the performance of personal injury solicitors.

The Good Lawyer Guide has recognised Mark for his “outstanding” legal practice. Mark specialises in accidents at work and industrial disease claims together with road traffic claims and is predominantly based at our Ashton in Makerfield office.

Mark commented: “I am pleased that I have been able to provide a decent level of service to victims of accidents and industrial disease throughout the country. My philosophy is and always will be to treat every client as an individual and with the dignity and respect they deserve following an injury. I have now been representing accident at work and disease victims for nearly 30 years and consider it a privilege to be able to provide assistance to people within my specialist field, personal injury law.”

Johnson Law Director, David Johnson, commented: “This award duly recognises the fact that Mark brings a high level of competence He is the head of my PI Department and deserves great credit for his achievements on behalf of accident victims at work and through disease claims. The award is indicative of the message that if you choose to use this firm to pursue your personal injury claim the best possible service will be delivered”]]>April 2011Tue, 12 Apr 2011 22:00:00 GMT<![CDATA[Merseyside's construction sites fail safety inspections]]>

According to www.HSE.gov.uk, approximately one in four of Merseyside's work construction sites have recently failed safety inspections.

Inspectors at Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have completed safety checks at over 80 North West construction sites in February 2011. The results, a total of 21 sites were found not to meet legally-required health and safety standards. It has been reported that some sites were found to be so unsafe that they received more than one enforcement notice either stopping work activities immediately or requiring significant safety improvements to be made.

The inspections are taking place across all sites in the North West as a result of eight construction workers losing their lives and more than 1,000 workers suffered from an accident at work in the region between 2009 and 2010. Inspectors are making unannounced visits to sites to ensure that work at height is being managed safely, sites are in good order, and the risk of exposure to asbestos is being properly managed.

Wayne Crumpton, Principal Inspector for Construction, said: "Falls from height are one of the main causes of workplace deaths in the UK so it's both disappointing and worrying that more than half of the enforcement notices we issued were because companies were found not to be taking this risk seriously enough"

More information on construction safety is available at www.hse.gov.uk/construction.

]]>February 2011Wed, 23 Feb 2011 22:00:00 GMT<![CDATA[Skating On Thin Ice]]>Most people think that if they injure themself at an outdoor or indoor ice skating rink you cannot  make a claim for  personal injury against the owners of the rink or the organisers of the event  as this activity is dangerous by its very nature and injuries are bound to happen. However, this is not strictly true.
 
At Johnson Law we have a specialist team that deal with accident claims  of this nature. We use experts who are familar in presenting evidence for  these type of public liability claims and will ultimately help us to win your case. If the cause of the fall which led to the injury was in fact due to the presence of standing water on the ice then it is often the case that you can successfully make a personal injury claim .
 
You should not be put off ice skating but you should be aware and watch out for puddles otherwise you may be spending time in hospital nursing your broken bones and be unaware that you can sue for compensation due to the negligence of another party.
 
If you wish to know more please contact our senior solicitor and director,  David Johnson or his colleague, Michael Georgiou who is a solicitor and member of the Public Liability Injury Unit at Johnson Law."
 

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