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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.

Accidents in the Workplace: All You Need to Know

May 18, 2021/in /by
What are the most common causes of workplace accidents and injuries

What are the most common causes of workplace accidents and injuries

Whether you work in the construction industry or in a 9am to 5pm office job, accidents are unpredictable and can happen anywhere, at any time.

If you’ve been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault, we understand you might feel hesitant to make a claim for compensation due to concerns over your job security. However, your employer has a duty of care to ensure that your working environment is as safe as it possibly can be, so to prevent any accidents as a result of negligence, that could be entirely avoided otherwise.

Whilst nobody can ever predict when an accident will happen, accidents at work remain one of the most common reasons for compensation claims every year; the Labour Force Survey reported that 693,000 workers in the UK sustained a non-fatal injury at work in 2019/20.

In this blog, we explore all you need to know about making a claim for compensation, following an accident at work.

What are the most common causes of workplace accidents and injuries?

  • Slips, trips or falls
  • Faulty lifting and manual handling practices brought on by lack of training
  • Being struck by a falling object
  • Falling from a height
  • Workplace violence
  • Contact with moving machinery
  • Dangerous working practices
  • Poor or non-existent personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Weak risk assessments or poorly enforced safety procedures
  • Preventable spillages
  • Poorly maintained equipment

Can I claim for my accident at work?

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. In some instances, you may be able to claim even if you caused the accident, for example if your injuries were made worse due to a faulty piece of equipment or if a workplace accident made an existing injury or condition worse.

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 limits.

 

If I make a claim against my employer, will I lose my job?

Employers by law, are required to have employers liability insurance that covers employees who make a claim following an accident at work. This mean that it will be an insurance company you would be dealing with and who would award you the compensation if your claim were to be successful. Additionally, it is illegal for your employer to fire you purely on the basis that you made a claim for an injury at work. If this were to happen, you may then have a further case against your employer for unfair dismissal and could pursue legal action against them.

 

How do I make a claim for a workplace accident?

If you are injured in a workplace accident that wasn’t your fault, any supporting evidence you can gather at that time can go a long way in strengthening your claim for compensation. If you are able to gather any photographic evidence or any witness statements of the accident, these can help to prove your employers’ negligence which is key to a workplace accident claim. Keeping a record of your injuries, any hospital treatment and any financial loss can further assist your case.

 

Here at Bonnar Accident Law, we understand the concerns you’ll have following a workplace accident. 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. We will also deal directly with your employers’ insurance company so you don’t have to worry and can focus on your recovery.

Our lawyers specialise in an accident at work claims and will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve to get back on your feet or pay for long-term care and rehabilitation.

 

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.

Can I Make a Claim for Asbestos Exposure

Can I Make a Claim for Asbestos Exposure

April 29, 2021/in /by

Can I Make a Claim for Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was used extensively throughout the 20th century across the UK. Its strength, resilience and natural occurrence made it a popular manufacturing material for many years, and it was most commonly utilised in the shipbuilding, manufacturing, and construction industries.

It wasn’t until the early 1900’s that a link between asbestos use and lung problems was identified and it took until 1999 before it was completely banned in the UK.

Scarily enough, the number of people diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases continues to rise year on year. This is due to the fact that the symptoms of asbestos-related diseases often take many years and in some cases decades, to develop.

In this blog, we will explore who’s the most at risk, the key diseases that asbestos exposure can cause, and all of the details you need to know about making a claim for compensation.

Who’re the Most at Risk?

Exposure to asbestos occurs when a product containing asbestos is disturbed and asbestos fibres are released into the air. If this is breathed in, it can cause a number of lung-related health issues. As such, the greater the exposure to asbestos the higher chance you have of developing an asbestos-related disease later in life.

Those who previously worked in industries where asbestos was commonly used such as shipbuilding construction and maintenance are identified as the most at risk. Even though asbestos became illegal in 1999, those who work in those industries today are still considered high risk for exposure as the material can still be found in many older buildings.

As well as those that worked or work directly with asbestos, it is possible for people to become unwell through ‘secondary exposure’. This occurs when people inhale fibres from the work clothes of a family member, or inhalation from living near a site where asbestos was regularly used.

What Diseases Can Asbestos Exposure Cause?

Most asbestos-related diseases are very slow to develop, and it can take years for symptoms to start showing. There are four main diseases associated with the inhalation of asbestos fibres:

  1. Asbestosis

A long term uncurable condition, caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos which causes scarring of the lungs.

  1. Mesothelioma

A rare and fatal cancer that frequently starts in the lining of the lungs. Most cases aren’t diagnosed until the cancer is at an advanced stage as symptoms often don’t appear until later in the development of the disease.

  1. Asbestos-related lung cancer

A form of cancer that originates in the lung tissue. It can be difficult to tell the origin of lung cancer, whether it was caused by asbestos or by other factors such as smoking but it is estimated to have a higher survival rate than mesothelioma.

  1. Non-malignant pleural disease

Diffuse pleural thickening is a non-cancerous lung disease that affects the outer lining of the lung. It causes extensive scarring and thickens the lining of the lungs, reducing lung capacity in the process. Pleural plaques on the other hand are smaller areas of thickened lung tissue, which are commonly benign and don’t cause any symptoms but are still evidence of exposure to asbestos.

 

How to Claim

Compensation for exposure to asbestos is only available to those who have gone on to develop and be formally diagnosed with one of the 4 asbestos-related diseases listed above.

Often people will contact us after finding out that they may have been exposed to asbestos in a previous job, or if their doctor has identified ‘traces of asbestos’ on their lungs. Unfortunately, without a firm diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease, you are unable to make a claim.

If you have been told that you may have an asbestos-related condition or if you are unsure of your diagnosis, get in touch with our of our No Win No Fee solicitors today. If you’ve made a claim previously that was unsuccessful, but your condition has since worsened, we may also be able to help

In Scotland, you have three years to file for compensation for asbestos-related diseases. This three-year period can start either from the date of your medical diagnosis, or from when you were made aware, or should have been made aware, that your asbestos disease-related symptoms were related to previous employment. As such, if you are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, it’s important that you seek advice as soon as possible.

If you’re claiming on behalf of a deceased family member, the claim must also be filed within three years of the date of death, or the date of diagnosis if this was discovered sooner.

 

How We Can Help

We understand that making a compensation claim for an asbestos-related disease can be a distressing process, given the serious implications of the medical diagnosis which forms the basis of the claim. We will investigate your claim on a No Win No Fee basis and will ensure that your case is dealt with promptly and sympathetically.

Once you have provided proof of your diagnosed asbestos-related disease, any information you have that could help us link your asbestos exposure to a specific workplace as well as any evidence you may have that proves your employer was aware of the risks and failed to take reasonable steps to protect the workforce from exposure can help your claim tremendously.

However, we understand that asbestos-related diseases can take decades to develop and it’s very common in these situations that your former employer may have ceased trading, or that you can’t quite remember when you were exposed. Not to worry, we can still help. We have extensive experience investigating these types of claims and will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the best financial settlement possible.

If you or a loved one need advice on filing a compensation claim for an industrial disease caused by exposure to asbestos, please get in touch with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors today.