Congratulations to Michael Ward, Guy Platt-Higgins of Law Costing and the rest of the team for coming second in this years Wirral Headway Dragon Boat Race!

About Headway Dragon Boat Festival

Headway Wirral is a local charity that works to improve life after brain injury.

Through a range of frontline services it provides support, services and information to brain injury survivors, their relatives and carers. They work closely with health and legal professionals and provide guidance on such matters as social services and financial support.

The Government’s impact assessment in respect of their benefits cuts has revealed that the benefits cuts will affect around 330,000 children and will result in affected families being worse off by an estimated £63 per week. A leaked DWP memo suggests that 40,000 more children will plunge below the poverty line as a result of the cuts.

So what does this mean for affected families? Single mothers are going to be the hardest hit group. It is estimated that 100,000 households will be threatened with homelessness and poverty as a result of the cuts. There is a danger when putting parents in such situations that they will take drastic measures to provide for their children and their families. There may be an increase in parental crime in order to make money to support the family. Alternatively there may be an increase in homeless children and families which will place a greater burden on already stretched Local Authority housing departments. Surely the Government is being somewhat short sighted in making these cuts, knowing that families will be faced with homelessness but failing to take account of the knock on effect on other services?

As representatives of parents in care proceedings we often come across parents who have engaged in criminal behaviour for a variety of reasons. Parents may find themselves in care proceedings and risk losing their children if they are incarcerated due to criminal behaviour resulting from the desperation of their situation.

The Government appears to have lost sight of children and their best interests in their desire to save money. The Government is also considering repealing child poverty laws that set binding targets on the Government to reduce child poverty. Is this just another example of how far down the agenda children are slipping for this Government?

We understand that if you are affected by the benefits cuts you won’t be in a position to pay for legal representation. At Burd Ward we are able to offer legal aid so if you will be threatened with homelessness as a result of the benefit cuts or are involved in care proceedings regarding your children please contact us 0151 639 8273 for specialist advice.

Phillip Coburn, a Solicitor with Burd Ward recently acted for a young man who was awarded damages of £5.85million, following a catastrophic brain injury when he was thrown across a room by his birth mother as a baby.

At a hearing under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, the Tribunal was told that the child fractured his skull when his head struck the wooden arm of a settee, but his mother failed to seek medical attention for a further 4 days. By the time he was admitted to Hospital, he was suffering from the effects of an extensive brain injury, which had left him profoundly disabled, with significant physical and learning difficulties, together with severe behavioural problems. He was incapable of independent living and would require lifelong 24-hour care and support.

Having been taken into local authority care, the child was later adopted by a selfless and loving family. Aged 20 at the date of the hearing, the Applicant attended a college course and centre for adults with learning difficulties, in order to develop his independence and social skills.

Injuries

As a result of the head injury the child sustained profoundly severe diffuse brain damage which affects all aspects of his physical, intellectual, communication and behavioural abilities, as well as producing overall and major handicap. The difficulties can be summarised as follows:

• Profound intellectual and emotional impairment, with very severe learning difficulties, such that he functions at the approximate mental level of a 5 year-old child
• A very short attention span
• Relatively mild right-sided hemiplegia, such that his dexterity is poor, he is unable to oppose his fingers to his thumbs on either hand, he has difficulty with any bilateral hand function, and has developed a preference for using his left hand
• He walks on tiptoes with an unstable gait, and tends to trip and bump into obstacles, his mobility difficulties being exacerbated by his visual deficits
• Severe visual problems consequent upon the brain damage, with a convergent squint, loss of binocular vision and depth perception and extensive loss of his visual fields, such that he is registered as partially-sighted, and causing significant difficulties with many daily tasks and with mobility, leading him to bump into obstacles and to be at risk of falls on stairs and uneven surfaces
• His speech is unmodulated, repetitive and inappropriate, and becomes difficult to understand when he is excited
• He has epilepsy, although this is no longer a significant problem, as it was previously controlled with medication.
• He exhibits severe behavioural problems, with outbursts of frustration, aggression and self-harm, together with obsessive traits, attention-seeking and low self-esteem, resulting in his causing damage to the family home and injuries to himself and others, particularly if he undergoes any change in his normal routine
• He has poor bladder and bowel control, with associated urinary infections
• He sleeps poorly, and frequently demands attention during the night
• He has no sense of danger, and is unable to go out unaccompanied.

The injuries are permanent. He is incapable of independent living and requires lifelong 24-hour care and assistance with activities of daily living. Although he is able to feed himself with a fork or spoon, he is dependent on others for most activities of daily living, including support when walking, bathing and dressing. He relies on a clear daily structure and routines, finding deviation from them very stressful. He requires suitably-adapted accommodation, and a range of aids and equipment, including transport, appropriate to his needs. He lacks capacity to manage his own affairs and will never be capable of employment. He will have limited insight into the nature and extent of his difficulties but will be aware that he is different from others. His life expectancy is probably reduced by around 7 years, due to the risks associated with impaired bladder function and behavioural problems.

Damages

Comments

From a legal point of view this was an extremely interesting and complex case, and it is thought to be the highest award from the CICA for this type of case. From a personal point of view it was heart wrenching to see the damage caused to the child, yet heart warming to see the love and care show to him by his adoptive family. The substantial compensation awarded will help look after the Applicant for the rest of his life which is very comforting to know.

We are delighted to announce that we have been reaccredited by the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme.

What is Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS)?

The Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) provides a recognised quality standard for residential conveyancing practices. Membership establishes a level of credibility for firms with stakeholders such as regulators, lenders and insurers as well as residential homebuyers and sellers.

How does it benefit you?

Being accredited by the Law Society means we can act for ANY of the major mortgage lenders including Nationwide, Halifax, NatWest, HSBC etc. in your residential conveyancing purchase or remortgage and shows that we follow best practices, meet the highest standards of technical expertise and client service and are able to satisfy regulators, lenders and insurers.

Why use Burd Ward?

Our team of qualified Solicitors and expert conveyancers are supported by highly trained legal staff who focus exclusively on the documentation relating to your residential conveyancing move. This means that your personal conveyancer has the time to work with you in making informed decisions when managing your case. We also have direct access to the Land Registry, and other databases, enabling us to be at the forefront of residential property conveyancing and execute quick and effective searches to ensure your transaction progresses quickly.

For more information on our Residential Conveyancing Services call 0151 639 8273 or email info@burdward.co.uk

The media were in frenzy recently over the case of Rebecca Minnock and her son Ethan. Rebecca went on the run with Ethan for several weeks in the midst of a court case regarding where Ethan should live.

Ethan’s parents were engaged in Court proceedings for over two years, despite Ethan only being three years old. Contact was ordered to take place however Miss Minnock made various allegations against Ethan’s dad throughout the proceedings. The Court found that these allegations were made up by Ethan’s mum in order to frustrate contact between him and his dad. Ethan was then assessed by a psychiatrist who said that it was clear that Ethan had been questioned extensively by his mother about his father. The psychiatrist recommended that Ethan should live with his dad and have supervised contact with his mum. This was supported by the social worker involved in the case. Miss Minnock fled with Ethan ahead of the further Court hearing at which she knew the Court would order that Ethan goes to live with his dad.

Her family were dragged into matters as they were said to have assisted her in going into hiding and knew where she was. They were ordered to disclose Ethan’s whereabouts and were threatened with proceedings for contempt of Court if they failed to do so.

After extensive media coverage Miss Minnock handed herself in after 17 days on the run with Ethan. She then faced proceedings brought by Ethan’s dad for her committal to prison in light of her flagrant disregard for the Court order. Miss Minnock was branded “utterly irresponsible” by the Court for her actions and it is clear that her conduct will impact upon the future of the proceedings. Miss Minnock was spared prison by Ethan’s dad who said that he was not pursuing an application for Miss Minnock’s committal as he didn’t feel it was in Ethan’s best interests. The Court has praised the father’s child focussed approach and made it clear that breaches of Court orders will not be tolerated. The Judge in this case said that it was possible she would’ve faced up to 28 days in prison had the application been pursued. It is a stark warning to any parent considering ignoring an order of the Court.

At Burd Ward we have extensive experience assisting parents and family members to obtain orders from the Court regulating when they spend time with a child. We are also able to deal with enforcement applications should a parent fail to comply with the Court order. If you are looking to get a Court order or are concerned that someone is breaching an order please contact Laura Prysor-Jones on 0151 639 8273.

Summer is a time for people to relax and enjoy themselves, but sometimes things can get out of hand.

You may not realise it, but if you come into contact with the police, it may not just be them that you have to deal with.

The local authority may become involved, if for example there are concerns about a parent or parents being involved in domestic violence or abusing alcohol or illicit substances.

Police call-outs to properties may also lead to the involvement of social services if there are concerns regarding the safety of children. Social services are concerned by incidents such as these and are more frequently choosing to issue care proceedings and seek to remove children from their families.

If social services are involved with your family, it is important that you get specialist advice at an early stage.

There is increasing pressure on the court system for cases to be concluded quicker, and this means that there are fewer chances given to parents wanting to demonstrate that they can look after their children – it is vital that you receive expert advice as soon as possible to help you show that your kids should remain with you.

So, how can we help? At Burd Ward we offer specialist advice for parents or guardians of children at all stages of local authority involvement. We are able to offer practical advice to help avoid the local
authority taking care proceedings.

If proceedings are issued we are able to represent parents / guardians or those wishing to put themselves forward as potential carers for the child in question.

Both Laura Prysor-Jones and John Burd are members of the Law Society’s Children Panel and are experienced in representing parents and families involved in court proceedings. If social services are involved with your family, it is important that you take specialist advice as soon as possible. If you wish to discuss your situation, contact the office on 0151 639 8273 and ask for an appointment.

Pretty impressive stand I'd say!! Come get your free road safety pack!:-) #roadsafety #bikesafe #shinysideup pic.twitter.com/m9QWK4xJeS

— Dan Thomas (@dt1309) May 23, 2015

Over 1000 people attend shippons bike event in Irby Wirral pic.twitter.com/BIUR9ytdhj

— Michael ward (@Mikewardbw) May 23, 2015

Great bike from today's bike meeting at shippons Irby Wirral pic.twitter.com/pRVeOqQtaE

— Michael ward (@Mikewardbw) May 23, 2015

My excellent partner at today's bike event at shippons Irby Wirral pic.twitter.com/klU9o20ujB

— Michael ward (@Mikewardbw) May 23, 2015

Jenny Watterson of Moreton won our Free bottle of Prosecco ! Well Done and thanks to everyone that entered! pic.twitter.com/mSWHrzfA8g

— Burd Ward PI (@InjuryLawyerBW) May 23, 2015

Best bike in my opinion from today's shippons meeting pic.twitter.com/CRIxreGZAv

— Michael ward (@Mikewardbw) May 23, 2015

We’re raising £500 to help take amputees out for a day because to help with motivation after amputation.

Who are AIM?

AIM is a Community Interest Company (non-profit organisation), whose aims and objectives are to reinvest surplus funds to create opportunities for amputees, providing assistance towards further education, employment, sports and hobbies.

They use first hand experience of Amputation, Inspiration, Motivation and Determination to help enhance and develop our community, encouraging and supporting amputees to develop skills and confidence, providing team building workshops and inspirational talks to schools, colleges and hospitals.

Why are we doing this?

AIM help Amputees who often feel isolated from their local Communities after Amputation, due to their physical disability. AIM help a variety of people from very young children to older people. We want to help get Amputees and their carers together so that they can all be empowered to build and maintain an active and social lifestyle.

How will the money be spent?

The money will be spent on a day out which will help build a support network between old and new Amputees and their carers and families, which will result in them supporting each other through the difficult times. These days out are vital to AIM’s users who share their experiences in AIM’s Bi-monthly newsletters so that others can read of them and hopefully join in on the next one. In the past we have spent a day at Challenge for Change were Amputees work together around an assault course.

Visit AIM’s website for more information on the great work they are doing!

Michaela is one of Burd Ward’s fee earners in the Conveyancing department, having been with us for over 15 years.

During this time Michaela has built a vast knowledge of the Conveyancing procedure, dealing with all aspects of domestic Conveyancing such as sales, purchases and much more complex transfers. Michaela provides solid, dependable advice to help ease the stress of her client’s Conveyance.

Michaela’s high level of experience combined with her swift and friendly approach brings clients back to Burd Ward time and time again.

Contact Michaela on 0151 639 8273 or email info@burdward.co.uk for a competitive quote for conveyancing. Quote promotional code ‘FTB‘ when contacting Michaela to receive a 10% discount on our fees.

I spent Sunday getting my Bike out of the garage and giving it the once over before I start cycling again for the 1st time this year. With the weather becoming warmer and dryer and the evenings becoming lighter, more and more of us so called “fair weather” riders are getting back on our bikes and back on the roads. Many will start riding to and from work as well as taking the family out on the roads for a day out.

But recent events have highlighted the risks to cyclists on our roads. Yes we have cycle lanes but not everyone sticks to “their” lanes, cyclists and drivers alike.

I am an advocate for dashcams and I see many cyclists now with headcams. They are a great weapon in the war against dangerous drivers and if you are on your bike, and are hit by a vehicle, a headcam can make all the difference between being able to make a claim for injury, or not. For as little as £40 you can monitor your journey to and from work, and monitor those around you.

At the beginning of the year there were 13 cyclists deaths on UK roads, with 4 being in London City Centre alone. In 2013 (the latest information available) 109 cyclists were killed, including 6 children. 3,143 cyclists were seriously injured and 16,186 slight injuries, making a total of 19,438 casualties, including 1,958 children.

Cycling itself has increased with approximately 10% more people taking to the roads on their bikes.

I have dealt with hundreds of claims for cyclists over the years and whilst they are getting easier to do, with more recognition of the cyclists rights on the road, the injuries suffered are not getting any less severe.

I have dealt with brain injuries, spinal injuries, loss of limbs, crushing injuries, leg braces, pins in limbs and loss of senses. All presenting their own difficulties to my clients. As a fellow cyclist each case makes me that little bit more mindful of cycling on the roads, particularly in rush hour traffic.

What many of the cyclists I deal with don’t know is what exactly they can claim for following an accident. The list is vast but as an example I had a client who cycled every day to and from work, as well as for pleasure at the weekends. Following his accident he suffered a severe back injury and could no longer cycle because of the angle you sit at. As a result he couldn’t get to work. Public Transport wasn’t viable in his area, and with his injuries, and so I claimed for driving lessons and a car (albeit a very modest car). But this meant that he could still get out and about. His bike had cost him in excess of £10,000 and I successfully recovered the full cost of the bike, having got a specialist report. My clients injuries were not life changing but they would have an impact on him for several years to come.

Assessing a client’s injuries from the outset of a claim is vital. It can be the difference between a claim that is worth £5,000 and a claim worth £25,000. Not all Solicitors remember, or even know, all the losses to claim after an accident. From claiming for Loss of earnings, pension loss, loss of enjoyment of a hobby, to claiming for a specialist piece of equipment. Getting the right Solicitor is the most important decision you will make, after making the decision to claim.

So if you have an accident you need to call Alisha Butler-Ward on 0151 639 8273 and quote “bike” for free initial advice on making a claim.