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Local knowledge

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With the annual cost of fraud estimated at �1.6bn, David Pickford looks at how local knowledge can help the fight against suspicious public liability claims.

Judicial Review on the Cards for RSLs as London & Quadrant appeal fails

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The last act may have been played out in the case of London & Quadrant Housing Trust v R (on the application of Weaver) & Equality & Human Rights Commission 2009 EWCA Civ 587.

Forbes celebrates National Enterprise Week by offering free business advice

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Forbes Solicitors is celebrating National Enterprise Week by offering a day of free appointments

Anti Social Behaviour back in spotlight as Prime Minister voices views

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

During the Not In My Neighbourhood Week, running from 2-6 November 2009, the Prime Minister Gordon Brown has voiced his views on where there should be more focus in the battle to tackle anti social behaviour.

Landlord fined for failing to protect their tenant

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In the latest of a series of prosecutions conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), a landlord has been punished for breaching the laws concerning gas safety in domestic properties.

Commercial Property expansion for Forbes

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Forbes Solicitors is delighted to announce the expansion of its commercial property team with the addition of Hannah Moody.

Feeling the Heat - Fire Safety Notices continue to be served

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The importance of fire safety in residential accommodation should never be underestimated and must be a high priority at all times.

Failing to follow procedure can still mean valid tenancies says Court of Appeal

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Whenever a new tenancy can be offered for a property, it is always important for local housing authorities and housing associations to be able to show that they have awarded the occupancy in a fair and transparent manner.

Jail for landlord after breaking gas safety laws

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A landlord from Cambridgeshire has recently been sent to prison for 16 months after breaching the laws relating to gas safety.

Social landlords invited to find out how they can tackle anti-social behaviour more effectively

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 BST

According to North-West law firm Forbes Solicitors anti-social behaviour has been a long-standing problem for many social landlords.

Trainees give Forbes top review

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 BST

Lancashire Law firm Forbes Solicitors has received its strongest results to date in the latest LEX 100 review and the Chambers Student guide.

Local businesses to learn from the Royal Mail strikes

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 BST

The planned postal strike by Royal Mail staff once again brings into the spotlight the important issue of employee relations for local businesses.

Further expansion for Forbes Employment Team

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 BST

Forbes Solicitors announces the further expansion of its employment team with the addition of Amy Crabtree. This latest recruitment is a result of an increased workload for the team which is the largest employment law team in Lancashire.

Forbes expands Wills and Probate Team

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 BST

Forbes Solicitors is pleased to announce the further expansion of its Wills, Probate, Tax and Trusts team at its Preston office with the appointment of Greg Poole and Ian Cottam.

Forbes housing client reaches Gas Safety Milestone with our help

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 BST

Preston's biggest landlord, Community Gateway Association (CGA) reaches 100% gas safety milestone

A tip for local businesses

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 BST

Local law firm Forbes Solicitors is warning Lancashire businesses in the hospitality sector not to get caught out with new laws regarding tips and services charges that come into force today.

Judge a man by the company he keeps�

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 BST

The Claimant alleged that he had fallen as a result of a defect in the carriageway causing injury to his right wrist and left ankle.

Feeling the Heat - Fire Safety Notices continue to be served

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

The importance of fire safety in residential accommodation should never be underestimated and must be a high priority at all times.

Retirement Age Warning

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

The High Court last week upheld the law that allows UK employers to force workers to retire without redundancy pay at 65 years old � even if they do not want to retire.

Road Traffic Accident victim received �3,250

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

A 32-year-old man received �3,250 in compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity following a road traffic accident which occurred in August 2006.

Hospital pays over one million pounds in damages

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

A 42-year-old man received �1,600,000 in compensation for the neurological injuries that he sustained as a result of negligent hospital treatment.

Hospital admit liability after woman develops pressure sores

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

A 46-year-old woman received an out-of-court settlement of �7,500.

Broken leg results from misdiagnosis of bone disease

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

A 44-year-old man was awarded �50,000 in damages after the hospital failed to make a correct diagnosis.

High ranking for Forbes in latest Legal 500 results

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

Top North-West law firm Forbes Solicitors has out performed all its local competitors' with its strongest results to date in the UK Guide to the Legal Profession.

Four new trainees join leading law firm

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

Four new trainee solicitors have been welcomed into leading North West law firm Forbes Solicitors.

A past tenant's present behaviour can lead to an ASBI for the future

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

The anti social behaviour of social housing tenants and the ways in which landlords have sought to deal with it has often been the source of a considerable amount of legal action and debate.

Is saving a sensible alternative to Life Assurance?

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

The Credit Crunch has made more and more people think about acting financially responsibly.

Emergency evacuation of tower block raises fresh fears about safety

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

The safety of those residing in tower blocks is currently one of the most important issues affecting the social housing and rented accommodation sectors.

Prosecution Sparks Gas Safety into Spotlight

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

The dangers of having gas work undertaken by illegal gas workers have again been highlighted by a successful joint prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive and Hull Trading Standards.

Girl receives compensation from hospital

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

Having failed to diagnose dysplasia of the hip, an abnormal bone growth, shortly after her birth a 6-year-old girl was awarded damages in the sum of �10,000 by the Trust responsible for the hospital, despite the Trust never admitting liability for fa

Husband receives �250,000 in compensation following loss of wife

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

In 2003 a man's wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. She received chemotherapy treatment at the hospital. However, no antibiotic treatment was provided.

Infant boy cuts hand on bath

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

A 22 month old boy who suffered a laceration to the base of his little finger on his left hand which was caused by a sharp edge on a metal strip in a bath was awarded �1,125 in compensation.

Road Traffic Accident results in compensation

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

In 2005, aged 59 at the time of the accident, a lady was a front seated passenger in a stationary vehicle when it was struck in the rear by a vehicle driven by the Defendant.

Schoolboy knocked over by car in bus lane

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

A 14-year-old schoolboy received �2,500 in compensation for multiple injuries sustained following a road traffic accident which occurred in November 2005.

Secondary school pupil contracts mesothelioma

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

A local authority was found to be negligent after a woman developed mesothelioma after it was proven that it had developed as a result of exposure to asbestos fibres when she had been a pupil at the Defendant's secondary school during the 1970s.

Operation to fix broken leg goes wrong

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

In December 2003 a 29-year-old man underwent an operation following a broken leg

Manage Asbestos & Manage the Risk

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

It is difficult to emphasise the dangers caused by asbestos in properties.

Reduction in Housing Benefit ruled fair by court

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

The support provided to individuals in the greatest need through the granting of housing benefit is an area of law which is often the subject of legal action, particularly when attempts are made to reduce the amount in question.

Last Orders for drink-related Anti Social Behaviour?

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

It is often the case that the cause of anti social behaviour is the perpetrator drinking large amounts of alcohol.

Avoid Getting into Hot Water by checking for Legionella

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 BST

The dangers posed by the Legionella bacteria are well known in large water systems such as in hotels, hospitals and factories but it is also possible for them to live in smaller spaces used in residential accommodation (e.g. baths and taps).

Promotion at Forbes

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 BST

Forbes Solicitors is pleased to announce that David Ryan from its Preston office has recently been promoted to an Associate of the firm.

Forbes Sponsors Lytham Beer Festival

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 BST

Leading North West law firm Forbes Solicitors are pleased to announce they will be sponsoring Lytham Beer Festival for the third year running.

Contracting Out Reviews is Valid for Homelessness Applications

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 BST

The Court of Appeal has recently provided a decision on the validity of handing the review process of homelessness applications to independent third parties.

Co-op not liable for spilt milk

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 BST

Forbes recently represented the Co-operative Group Ltd at trial in a slipping claim where the Claimant's claim was dismissed as District Judge Mainwaring-Taylor found that the Co-operative Group had taken all reasonable care for the safety of vis

Tuition Fees + Study = Graduation - But not if you haven't paid your rent!

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 BST

Graduating from university is traditionally a time for celebrations and beginning a new career after many years of hard work.

Achilles Injury Results in Compensation

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 BST

In August 2005 whilst playing cricket, a man went off injured after hearing a loud popping noise

Woman unable to have children makes claim for compensation

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 BST

In November 2002, 18 weeks into her pregnancy, a lady, then aged 29, attended the hospital for blood tests

Scuba-diving instructor receives payout following Road Traffic Accident

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:00:00 BST

A 27 year old man received �24,872 in compensation after injuring his back

Protect the dream

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 BST

Many of today's young professionals have grown up in an era of easy credit,soaring house prices and a shop-'til-you drop-culture.

Gas Engineer Jailed for Carbon Monoxide Deaths

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 00:00:00 BST

The importance of having work carried out on gas appliances in residential properties by accredited engineers was highlighted by the recent prosecution and jailing of a gas fitter in Wales after the tragic death of two people.

What can VOOs do for you?

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 BST

It is often the case that the most violent offenders will continue to pose a risk of serious harm to the general public, even when they are no longer subject to any restrictions such as imprisonment.

Delay by GP in diagnosing TB

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 BST

A 56 year old man attended his General Practitioner in August 2001 with regards to pain in his mid to lower back.

GP Surgery Negligent

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 00:00:00 BST

A 40 year old woman received compensation in the sum of �13,500 following negligent treatment by her GP surgery.

Three Strikes and They're All Out: Unregistered Gas Engineers face Penalties

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 BST

The issue of regulating the safety of domestic gas appliances is one of the key areas which fall under the remit of the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).

Forbes continue sponsorship of The Old Blacks

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 BST

Forbes Solicitors is pleased to announce a new sponsorship deal with The Old Blackburnians Football Club for another year, further increasing its continued support of local grassroots football.

Wanted � Opinions on Directions to Tenant Services Authority

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 BST

The Department for Communities and Local Government has recently commenced a consultation seeking views on the draft directions to be given by the Secretary of State to the Tenant Services Authority (TSA), the social housing regulator, under the Hous

Clinical Negligence leaves woman wheelchair-bound

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 BST

In August 2001 after giving birth to her third child, a lady found she was unable to pass urine.

Boy on work experience claims compensation

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 BST

A 15 year old boy, whilst on work experience, caught his thumb on a piece of protruding metal whilst loading a hoist.

Woman takes three years to recover following car accident

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 BST

In September 2005 a 35 year old woman was involved in a car accident when a vehicle collided with the back of her vehicle, violently jolting it forward.

Man develops asbestosis and receives �16,500

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 BST

A 72 year old man was awarded �16,500 in compensation after contracting asbestosis.

Fall in hospital results in compensation

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 BST

An 87 year old lady had been staying in a cluttered room in the rehabilitation ward of a hospital.

Employee partly responsible for accident at work but still receives compensation

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 BST

An employee at a meat factory brought a claim for personal injury after he suffered an accident at work. Part of his duties, as well as operating a mixing machine, was to clean out the bowl of the mixing machine.

Chance to Appeal a Premises Closure Order is Open for 21 days only

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 BST

An appeal has recently been heard in the High Court concerning individuals seeking a review into the making of a premises closure order (PCO).

Lost in Translation: undertakings must be worded accurately to avoid confusion

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 BST

It is often the case that in legal proceedings related to anti social or nuisance behaviour, a judge will seek to place the perpetrator on a 'final warning' by requiring them to give an undertaking to the court that they will not behave in su

Buy-to-let Landlords in line for rebate from Letting Agents

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 BST

Thousands of the 1.15 million buy-to-let landlords in Britain are potentially in line to reclaim considerable amounts of money from letting agents after a landmark ruling from the High Court on 10 July 2009.

Querying an Injunction needs more than a Reference to ECHR Article 8

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 BST

Issues relating to the removal of gypsies from land are arguably some of the most problematic areas of housing law that a landlord or local authority may have to deal with.

Infant Claims.Obvious dangers

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 BST

Bourne Leisure Limited (T/A British Holidays) v Marsden (On behalf of the Estate of M Marsden, Deceased)