How to Avoid Slips, Trips and Falls in the Workplace

July 28, 2021/in /by
How to Avoid Slips, Trips and Falls in the Workplace

How to Avoid Slips, Trips and Falls in the Workplace

As many of us throughout the UK make our way back into the office for the first time in over a year, there’s a sense of excitement to be reunited with our colleagues, to have meetings face-to-face and to enjoy some gossip over a morning coffee.

Working from somewhere other than our living rooms for the first time in a long time can be a shock to the system, so we need to allow ourselves time to readjust to our workplace surroundings and familiarise ourselves to any potential workplace hazards.

It’s unavoidable, even in adult life, that we’ll often slip, trip or fall. Most of the time, we can just get right back up and brush ourselves off. However, in the workplace, slips and trips can be much more serious. Even relatively modest accidents can result in injury, loss of earnings and other damages. That’s why any accident in a workplace environment should be dealt with immediately.

Here at Bonnar Accident Law, we understand the concerns you’ll have following a workplace accident. We have significant experience handling these types of claims so if you are injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault, get in touch today, or keep reading to find out more.

 

The Dangers Of Slips, Trips, and Falls

Whilst they may not seem like the most critical of accidents, slips, trips and falls are the single most common cause of injures at work, accounting for a third of all reported major injuries. The Health and Safety Executive estimates that these types of incidents cost employers more than £512 million a year from lost production and other costs.

They can happen anytime anywhere, from offices to industrial settings, and can result in anything from a skinned knee to a broken bone to a long-lasting disability that could prevent you from working for an extended period of time.

It’s important to remember that slips, trips, and falls rarely happen on their own – there is usually a way to avoid them and ensure that you can go about your day-to-day working as safely as possible.

 

Our Top Tips to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls

  1. Prevention, Not Cure

It’s far better to identify the potential causes of falls, slips and trips in the workplace and rectify these prior to any accidents taking place. Inspect your premises for uneven floor surfaces, trailing cables, wet floors and poor lighting and take the necessary action to remove these risks.

 

  1. See It, Sort It

If you identify any risks whether it be a spillage, an obstruction in a hallway or stairwell, or an ineffective or broken light, take action right away. Whether you’re the employer or employee, make sure the appropriate member of management has been notified and swift action is taken to reduce the risk of an accident.

 

  1. Be Organised

By ensuring your workplace has an effective strategy to maintaining a safe work environment, can help to avoid numerous injuries and accidents. Make sure firstly to plan ahead, by identifying any potential risks, assign responsibilities so there are key members of staff committed to the upkeep of safety in the workplace and regularly review your workplace safety standards to ensure you’re adhering to regulations.

 

Can I Make a Claim If I’m Injured from a Slip, Trip or Fall in my Workplace?

If your employer fails to provide a safe working environment and you are injured as a result, you can and should make a claim for compensation both for the injury as well as any loss of work or earnings. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), all employees have a right to be kept safe from any harm in the workplace

Whether the accident happened in your workplace or if you were carrying out work for your employer in a different location, whether you’re employed full or part-time, and no matter the size of the business, none of these factors affect your eligibility to make a claim. Even if your accident was caused by a visiting member of the public or the actions of a colleague, your employer is ultimately responsible for keeping you from harm in your workplace.

Typically, in the UK you have three years from the date of your accident to make a claim. There are exceptions to this rule however, we recommend if you have been injured in an accident at work, that you get in touch with us as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed well within the time limit.

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.

 

Rear-End Shunts: Who’s Fault Was It?

July 20, 2021/in , /by

Hundreds of thousands of road traffic accidents occur on UK roads every single year and research from various insurance bodies has estimated that rear-end shunts account for 1 in 4 of all road traffic accidents. When it comes to rear-end collisions, there is a strong assumption that the rear vehicle is at fault, regardless of whether or not the driver of the front vehicle drove in a manner which may have contributed to the accident.

This is because motorists are expected to allow sufficient distance between themselves and the vehicle in front of them, so to avoid a collision if the vehicle in front were to suddenly stop. Rule 126 of the Highway Code states: “Leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front so that you can pull up safely if it suddenly stops. The safe rule is never to get closer than the overall stopping distance.”

However, we understand that no two accidents are ever the same and it always depends on the individual circumstances. As with all personal injury claims, you need to show negligence on the part of the other driver or drivers, involved in the accident.

Here at Bonnar Accident Law, we have significant experience handling these types of claims so if you are injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, get in touch today or keep reading to find out exactly what a rear-end shunt is, how to determine who is at fault and the steps you should take if you are injured.

What is a Rear-End Shunt?

A rear-end shunt is when one vehicle collides into the back of a vehicle in front. This might be when the car in front is stationary, for example at a junction, roundabout or traffic lights, or when congested traffic is moving slowly. Accidents such as these are common when the driver of the rear vehicle has a momentary loss of concentration or when they’re perhaps travelling too close to the vehicle in front. Multiple rear-end shunts can also be common in lines of queuing traffic and can create a ‘domino effect’, where the impact of a car hitting the end of a queue can push other cars forward into the back of the cars in front of them.

 

Who is at Fault?

The reason most rear-end shunts are the fault of the rear driver is because they can see what is ahead and take the necessary measures to prevent the crash. Whether it’s by paying attention to the weather conditions, the road conditions, or the traffic ahead, it’s our responsibility as motorists to stay alert and keep a safe distance between ourselves and the vehicle in front of us, so we can stop in time in the event of an accident. The driver of the vehicle in front should be taking these same steps, and therefore, may be unaware of the accident that might be about to occur behind them or have no way of preventing the rear driver from hitting their car. This is especially true when the front driver is stationary at traffic lights or a junction.

With that said, there are occasions when the actions of the front driver may make it impossible for a rear driver to stop in time and in those circumstances, the front driver may be at fault for the accident. For example, if the driver in front comes to a sudden and abrupt stop, at a time and in a location that couldn’t be foreseeable or if the front driver’s tail lights aren’t working.

 

What do I do if I am Involved in a Rear-End Shunt?

We completely understand that at the time of the accident you may be too shaken to clearly identify who was at fault. If you aren’t sure, then do not admit liability or responsibility for the accident. Rather just stay calm and try to remember as many of the details as you can as these can help to support your claim if you weren’t at fault. Especially in the case of rear-end shunts, evidence retrieved from dashcam footage or witness accounts can hugely back up your claim. Other details you should obtain at the time include:

  • The other driver’s name, address, contact details and insurance details
  • Videos or photographs of the scene and of any damage to your car if possible
  • The contact details of any witnesses
  • The registration, make and model of the vehicle
  • The date, time and location of the accident

If required, make sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible and report to your GP following any admission to the hospital. And as ever, always report the accident to the police.

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.

Our Guide to Making a Claim if You’ve Been Injured During Your Scottish Staycation

June 30, 2021/in /by

As we are slowly making our way out of lockdown in Scotland and with the vaccines providing us with the hope that we’re on our path back to some semblance of normality, the tourism industry has been reopening its doors for the first time this year.

However, with the continued uncertainty of the traffic light system and the various rules when it comes to travelling abroad, it’s understandable that many people in Scotland will be choosing to enjoy a holiday closer to home in the form of a ‘staycation’. This was echoed in a recent study by Travelodge, which suggested that 4 in 5 people across the UK are planning a ‘staycation’ holiday this summer rather than leaving the country in search of warmer climates.

With the beauty of the Scottish Highlands, the white beaches of the Outer Hebrides, and the rich history of the Capital city, travelling around Scotland is the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and take a break from the stresses of daily life. Unfortunately, no matter what safety precautions you may take, accidents, injuries and illnesses can and do happen while you are on holiday.

Unfortunately getting injured or falling ill may mean you have to cut your holiday short and return home. However, if this wasn’t your fault you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim for compensation. In this blog we’ll explore the circumstances under which you could make a claim, and the steps you can take to support your case.

 

What Can I Claim For?

There are many different accidents and injuries you may be able to claim compensation for, if you were to fall ill or be injured whilst on your staycation. Here’s just a few examples:

  • An injury sustained in the hotel premises such as a slip, trip or fall caused by defective flooring or poorly maintained grounds
  • You slip and injure yourself on any type of spillage or leak within the hotel grounds
  • You contract food poisoning after eating or drinking in the hotel restaurant, particularly if other guests also suffer from the same food poisoning
  • You injure yourself during any recreational or sports activities, organised by the hotel or tour operator
  • You sustain an injury in a road traffic accident, whilst on a day trip organised by the hotel or tour operator

What Can I Do To Support My Claim?

In order to support any claim, the most important factor is to be able to prove the illness or injury was in no way your own fault and was caused by the negligence of a third party (such as your accommodation provider, tour operator or the hotel staff). There are some other steps we’d highly recommend you take, to ensure your claim for compensation has the best chance of success:

  • Report the illness or injury to the hotel staff, tour operator or your travel company straight away at the time of the incident itself.
  • Make sure this is noted within the hotel’s accident book, this will ensure there is a date/time record of the incident occurring. It should also detail whom you reported the incident to, the circumstances surrounding it and the deals of any witnesses. Make sure you check this has been accurately recorded.
  • Keep receipts of any and all expenses you may have an incurred, as a direct result of your accident or illness.
  • If you’ve had to seek medical advice or visit the hospital, be sure to maintain all medical records. Once you’ve returned from your staycation, report to your GP as soon as possible.

All of these points will go a long way to strengthen your claim, to make sure you’re awarded a fair compensation sum to cover all of your medical and travel expenses that may have left you out of pocket, as well as for the hardship caused.

 

How Can We Help?

We understand how distressing it can be when you’ve had an accident or sustained an injury of any type whilst on holiday. It can be difficult to know where to turn to next, as even if you’re holidaying at home in Scotland, you are still likely to be far from your own home and removed from your familiar surroundings.

Here at Bonnar Accident Law, we have significant experience handling these types of claims, so if you feel your hotel or holiday company compromised yours and your family’s safety and caused an injury or illness, then don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’ll take your case on a No Win No Fee basis, covering all the upfront costs to ensure that your claim the best chance of success.

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.

How to Stay Safe on the Roads This Summer

How to Stay Safe on the Roads This Summer

June 4, 2021/in /by

As UK lockdown measures are beginning to ease and the weather is slowly heating up as we head into the summer months, it’s predicted that ‘staycations’ will be the most holiday of choice for many across the UK, whilst travel abroad remains relatively restricted.

Combined with more people heading back into work and an increase in people travelling for social reasons, there will be a significant rise in cars returning to the roads. Unfortunately, the more cars there are on the roads the higher the risk of road traffic accidents. Especially as many drivers have had some time off driving during the lockdown, it’s understandable people might be feeling a little rusty behind the wheel, especially if they are setting off on a midsummer road trip.

Here at Bonnar Accident Law, we have significant experience handling these types of claims so if you are injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, get in touch today or keep reading to find out our top tips to staying safe as we all get back behind the wheel.

 

Safety Checklist

Taking some sensible precautions before getting back behind the wheel for the first time in a while, could help you and others to stay safe, as well as helping you to avoid committing any motoring offences. If your car has been sat stagnant in your driveway or garage through lockdown, make sure to check your tyres, engine oil and breaks are all to standard before you set off. Also, it’s worth double-checking that your vehicle tax or insurance hasn’t expired in the time you haven’t been driving.

 

Summer Considerations

If we’re lucky enough to get a hot summer in the UK, make sure you take this into account before you set off on any longer road trips. The heat can cause a host of problems from dehydration to tiredness behind the wheel so try to keep your car as cool as possible, make sure to keep yourself hydrated and always remember your sunglasses. If you’re using a sat nav to guide your trip, make sure it’s positioned safely before you set off somewhere where it’ll be safe from any screen glare.

Drive on the Left

Did you know that approximately two-thirds of the global population drive on the right-hand side of the road? The UK, alongside just 75 other countries, compromise the other third who choose to drive on the left-hand side of the road. As such, although we can likely expect less tourists on UK roads this year as travel restrictions remain commonplace, it’s worth keeping in mind especially in tourist spots that there may be drivers around you who aren’t as familiar with our rules of the road. The best course of action? Stay calm, be extra careful when driving on roads that are less familiar and keep on the lookout for other drivers who may make sudden turns or stops.

 

Be Alert

Whether a tourist or not, many drivers may be lacking confidence if they haven’t driven for some time. Misjudging another driver’s speed or path is one of the most common causes of road traffic accidents in the UK. Examples include misjudging a gap when pulling out of a junction or when attempting to negotiate a busy roundabout. Another is to wrongly assume that another vehicle will make the manoeuvre that you expect them to make. Whilst anticipating the actions of another driver is an essential driving skill, never assume that the action you’d take would be the exact same for another driver.

 

Know Your Surroundings

If you are driving on one of the many single-track roads in the UK, whilst you may feel more confident knowing the rules of the road more than a tourist would, before driving we’d recommend a quick refresh of the rules of single-track road driving. Do stop in designated passing places to let approaching traffic pass and for other motorists to overtake, however do not park or block a passing place. Keep a close eye out for cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, as well as sheep and wild animals. Make sure you have a full tank of fuel before you set off and take it slow, it’ll make the road safer for everyone.

 

What do I do if I am Involved in a Road Traffic Accident?

If you are involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to claim compensation. It’s very important that you gather as much information and evidence as possible at the time. This includes:

  • The registration, make and model of the vehicle
  • The date, time and location of the accident
  • The other drivers name, address, contact details and insure details
  • Videos or photographs of the scene, if possible, to back up your claim
  • The contact details of any witnesses
  • If required, seek medical attention as soon as possible and report to your GP following any admissions to the hospital
  • Always report the accident to the police

 

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.

 

 

 

Personal injury Claims

Big Law Expertise at a Local Level

May 27, 2021/in /by

Bonnar Accident Law, formerly Bonnar & Company Solicitors, was founded in Airdrie in 1977 with our head office remaining in Lanarkshire to this day. Since then, we have grown from strength to strength and are now recognised as one of Scotland’s leading ‘No Win No Fee’ personal injury compensation solicitors.

Our goal is and always has been, to help those hurt and injured in Scotland, through no fault of their own, claim the compensation they deserve. Something that continues to set us apart from our competitors is the personal care and attention we give to every client.

The personal approach we take comes from our desire to offer ‘big law’ expertise at a small town, local level. As we have as a business grown, we are now able to represent clients from all over Scotland from our offices in Airdrie, Dunfermline and Edinburgh. We have the ability to meet with clients both person in our offices throughout Scotland, whilst we can also offer digital consultations via Zoom and Microsoft Teams platforms, and telephone appointments.

Whether you’re from Lanarkshire or Fife, West Lothian or Falkirk, everyone has the right to make a claim for compensation if they’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t their fault and we’re proud to serve clients all over Scotland. Our local offices would be more than happy to hear from you and provide you with the same day no-obligation consultation. Below are just some of the locations our local offices have serviced:

Lanarkshire and the West of Scotland

Fife, East and Central Scotland

Airdrie

Kirkintilloch

Dunfermline

Cupar

East Kilbride

Dumbarton

Edinburgh

Cowdenbeath

Hamilton

Motherwell

Glenrothes

Falkirk

Greenock

Carluke

Kirkcaldy

Livingston

Kilmarnock

Biggar

St Andrews

Linlithgow

Milngavie

Wishaw

Dundee

Stirling

Paisley

Shotts

Perth

Alloa

 

Bonnar Accident Law has been at the forefront of No Win No Fee compensation claims in Scotland for years and our No Win No Fee agreement means that we pay upfront for all the costs of managing your claim, even complex serious injury claims.

We have helped thousands of injured people win millions of pounds in compensation over many years, in cases ranging from relatively minor slips and trips to very serious, life-threatening injuries resulting from road traffic accidents and accidents at work.

We use our experience and expertise to win our clients the maximum possible amount of compensation and our track record speaks for itself; we have a 99% success rate in personal injury claims so you can be safe assured you’re in the right hands.

If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like more information, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.