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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the UK 2020

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the UK 2020

About a third of all adults in England report having experienced at least one traumatic event. Traumatic events were defined as experiences that either put a person, or someone close to them, at risk of serious harm or death, like a major natural disaster, a serious car accident, being raped, or a loved one dying by murder or suicide.

Individuals who experience such trauma may go on to develop PTSD. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a severe and disabling condition, characterised by flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, numbing and hyper-vigilance. While effective treatment exist, many with the condition delay seeking help or are not identified by health services.

How many are affected in the UK?

A survey completed by the office of national statistics in 2014 had participants complete a 17 item PTSD checklist. Those with a score of 50 ore more were identified as screening positive for PTSD. A positive screen did not mean that a disorder was present, only that there was sufficient symptoms to warrant a further investigation.

Overall, about one in twenty (4.4%) screened positive, with similar rates for bot men and women. Among women, the likelihood of screening positive for PTSD was particularly high among 16-24 year olds with 12.6% positive. This then declined sharply with age, while in men the rate remained stable between the ages of 16 and 64, declining in much later life.

People screening positive for PTSD were about six times more likely to have recently used health care for a mental or emotional problem, than those who screened negative (60.5% compared with 10.4%). However, by no means all had done so: four in ten adults who screened positive had not spoken with a GP about mental or emotional health in the last year (39.8%).

Around half of those screened positive for PTSD (50.9%) were currently receiving treatment for a mental or emotional problem. The most common form of treatment was psychotropic (mental health) medication, either on its own (26.9% of those who screened positive), or in a combination with psychological therapy (16.7%). Psychological therapy without medication was the least common form of treatment (7.3%).

Is the problem growing?

Although this survey was taken in 2014 the evidence very much reflects the growing problem within society. The next survey is due to take place in 2021 and will provide us with comparable results. We know how crippling post traumatic stress disorder can be for victims and that’s why we offer our services on a no win no fee basis to help victims get the support and compensation they deserve.

We believe that all those suffering should have access to the support from medical professionals, we have seen first hand how Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can change peoples lives. We have also seen how with the right care and support people can move on from the traumatic event still causing them pain.

Source: https://files.digital.nhs.uk/pdf/q/3/mental_health_and_wellbeing_in_england_full_report.pdf

Dangerous Machinery accidents in the UK

Dangerous Machinery accidents in the UK

Employers have a duty of care to protect their employees, especially in environments where heavy operating machinery is involved. This is done through adequate training and ensuring equipment is in good working order through regular maintenance and safety checks. Workers should also be provided with adequate clothing and protective gear. According to RIDDOR Statistics 8% of all reported Fatal injuries between 2014/2015 – 2018/2019 happened through contact with moving machinery.

Was my accident just an accident?

Despite the above accidents can happen. Accidents do not happen for no reason, when one does occur there is always a lapse of safety precautions in effect. If you have suffered an accident at work due to dangerous machinery, lack of training when operating such machinery or not been given proper protective hear and tools, then you are entitled to compensation. This also includes any loss of earnings due to the time spent out of work and any future losses you might suffer as a direct result of your injuries sustained in the accident.

What do I do if I have had an accident at work due to unsafe machinery?

If you have suffered an accident at work due to dangerous machinery, you should immediately bring this to the attention of your manager and seek medical help. Employers have an obligation to keep a record of all incidents of such nature in an accident book. Ensure this is done. You should also make a note of:

How the accident happened.

Take pictures where possible.

Get witness details where possible, such as work colleagues who were present at the time.

Could the incident have been avoided through training, maintenance or additional safety equipment?

Will I lose my job if I make a claim against my employer?

Your employer has a duty of care to protect you from injuries and accidents whilst at work. Should such incidents occur all businesses are required to have adequate insurance to protect themselves and their employees.

Should I be worried about costs and being able to afford my claim?

If we find your employer is indeed responsible for your accident and this could have been avoided, we shall, with your consent, make the claim on your behalf. We take a majority of claims on a “No Win No fee” “Conditional Fee” basis, which means we do not charge you any monies up-front and get paid at the end of the claim only when and if we are successful with your claim. Usually this comes from the other side through a small percentage of the settlement.

Your Injury Claim will be made against the insurance policy your employers have in place for situations exactly such as this. Furthermore, they cannot simply get rid of you for making a claim for injuries at work. In fact, your employer cannot harass or give you trouble at work for making an Injury Claim. Should this happen or you are fired, your employer will open themselves to an unfair dismissal claim which can be extremely costly for them. It is illegal to fire employees for having injuries at work.

Source: www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causinj/kinds-of-accident.pdf

Slip and Trip Accidents in the UK 2020

Slip and Trip Accidents in the UK

Slip and trip accidents are incidents that occur where people have slipped or fallen over due to an obstruction or hazard caused by careless or lack of maintenance by responsible bodies or authorities. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE); in 2018/19 roughly 214,000 injuries were reported linked to slip and trip accidents. 37% of all injuries reported in the workplace were caused by slips and trips and 28% of all fatalities at work were caused by or linked to falls and trips. However, such incidents are not just limited to work environments.

Where do slips and trip accident usually happen?

Slips, trips and falls can happen anywhere yet not all of these are pure chance can be avoided if there is no contributing hazard. Slips and trips accidents occur in council owned properties, car parks and shopping centres and these can be prevented by carrying out proper maintenance. Councils and owners of public places owe a duty of care to visitors in ensuring chances of accidents are minimised but accidents can still happen due to lack of safety and maintenance. If you have suffered a slip and trip injury on a council or public property you might be entitled to compensation.

What causes slip and trip accidents?

Slips and trip injuries are usually caused by wet floors due to spills or liquid from mopping where warnings have been left, raised carpets and matts, leaks from malfunctioning equipment, overflowing toilets or liquids and slippery substances dropped on the floor in cafés, restaurants or night clubs. Accidents from falls can also happen outside on council owned properties and some examples include tripping on a raised, uneven, cracked or damaged paving stones, overgrowth of plants, moss, ice that has not been sorted or bad lighting in car parks.

What should I do if I have suffered a slip and trip injury?

If you have suffered a slip and trip injury at your work or public place and you wish to make an injury claim from slips and trips, information gathering and reporting are very important. You should:

Report: Although immediately after the incident your main concern is to tend to your injuries, you should report the cause or fault to the concerned authority. All shopping centres and public places have staff and management, who should be informed of this. They are required by law to keep a record of all incidents and causes. This will help ensure your injury is recorded and tended to should first aid be required and the proper medical personnel called.

Evidence (Photos, Witnesses): Whether it is a spill on the floor, leaking equipment, a cracked or raised paving stone, photos can and will assist in you providing evidence supporting your claim. If there are witnesses near who saw your accident, their account can also help your Lawyers with your claim.

Medical evidence: Some injuries are minor and go away whilst others can be more severe and lasting. If you have suffered a fall or slip and trip accident it is advisable to inform your doctor about it. Some symptoms and injuries may not be immediately evident. Some might have a delayed effect which could lead to other symptoms in the future. It helps to take photos of injuries, splits and bruises and also to keep a record of how these injuries affect your everyday life and work.

How do I make a claim for a fall injury?

To make a claim it is important to first establish who is responsible for your injury. Is the property responsibility of a council, a business or an individual? In cases of shopping centres, restaurants and public places it is easy to determine who is responsible for cleaning and maintenance. Outside, you may need to ask the local authority and it is usually not difficult to establish ownership.

Once you have determined who is responsible for maintaining the area, it is important to report the incident to them. Then it is important to gather any evidence such as pictures and witnesses. You should then inform your doctor of the incident and seek any medical assistance should you require it.

Once you have full knowledge of your injuries you should seek advice of a legally trained professional such as ourselves. Not everyone is legally minded and sometimes people suffer without knowing their rights.

I want to make a claim but I am worried about costs?

It does not hurt to speak to a solicitor who would be able to assist with your queries, worries and concerns and bring forward a claim should you choose to do so. We offer a free, independent advice to our clients on their initial queries in the merits of their claims. We also work on a No Win No Fee conditional fee agreement basis which means you do not have to pay anything out of your own pocket in bringing forward a claim. If your claim has merit we will take it on for you, and get paid only if we are successful in your claim, and this will come from the other side as a part of the settlement. We don’t just get you monetary compensation, we also assist with rehabilitation such as getting you physiotherapy on a private basis so you can get on with what is important as soon as possible.

Source: https://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/statistics.htm

Stevenage Illegal Street Race Compensation Claims

Across the UK the public have been waking up to the horrible scenes that unfolded in Stevenage, Hetfordshire. A crash is thought to have injured 17 bystanders after illegally racing at a car meet.

Hertfordshire police said some of those being treated are seriously injured.

Footage from the incident appears to show the two vehicles colliding at high speed before careering into bystanders.

One car is seen turning in from a side road into the path of a faster moving vehicle. The collision causes both cars to veer off in opposite directions, into the bystanders lining the side of the road and central reservation.

An air ambulance attended the crash and emergency services are expected to remain at the scene for some time.

At Injury Lawyers UK we’re experts in dealing with compensation claims for those who’ve suffered injuries in accidents.

If you, or a loved one has been injured we are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. All claims will be handled on a no win, no fee basis meaning you won’t have to pay a penny.

Get in touch with Injury Lawyers UK using the form below.

‘I Still Get Flashbacks’ – How childhood abuse causes a lifetime of pain

The Truth Project has spoken to hundreds of survivors of childhood sexual abuse and compared the experiences of those who were subject to abuse in religious settings with those who were not.

Some victims felt shame and embarrassment which was associated with the abuse, and were less likely to tell someone while it was still going on.

More than two-thirds of victims of abuse in religious settings did not report it at the time, while about half (54%) of those abused in non-religious settings did report it while it was going on.

Nearly half of the victims knew someone else who was also being abused.

Injury Lawyers UK looks at some of the report’s most harrowing accounts. Some of the names and identifying details have been changed.

Angharad is 43, and lives in Dorset. She is a mother with four children

“I don’t know how to begin with my family, and my childhood. I was my mum’s sixth child, my siblings were cruel to me, and I was cut off from my dad.

“My abuser was a chaplain. He was a family friend, and his wife was a primary school teacher. He has three children, and the eldest was like a sister to me. At first, I felt happier going to their house than I was with my own family. I used to play there every day, and go on holiday with them.

“The abuse went on from the age of six to 12 or 13. He was a dominant person, a bully. My dad wasn’t around, so I didn’t know if what he was doing was normal. He was a vile pig. He never actually raped me – he’d make me masturbate him, and then would take my knickers off and watch me go to the toilet and made sure I’d wipe myself.

“I still get flashbacks. Even though he was a chaplain, he had a foul mouth. When people swear heavily, or break wind, it can bring back horrendous memories.

“He could be controlling, especially at dinner times. I’m 43 now and I still do things to spite him, like using the same knife to butter my toast and then putting it in the jam jar.

“I was a bridesmaid to his daughter. At the wedding, he brought up photos of me when I was a child, and he said to everyone, ‘look at her lovely legs, look at her lovely hair, everyone look how lovely she was’.

“At this moment, one of the other bridesmaids turned to me, and asked if he used to do things to me. She got in touch years later. He was going to trial for abusing another girl. I was shocked, I thought it was just me that he’d abused.

“In January 2013, when he was on trial, his family got in touch to ask if I could act as a character witness and provide a reference for him. I said no and began my own proceedings.

“He was already in jail when I bought my charges forward. The case was successful, and he was sentenced to four counts of fifteen months for raping a child.

“The abuse has impacted all aspects of my life. I didn’t like going to school, I’ve been bullied, became homeless, felt victimised and fallen into abusive relationships. “I tried to complete sixth form. I became a jack of all trades – and had multiple day jobs. My youngest is one now so I’m not working.

“My daughter is 11 and she is so beautiful. I feel disgusted that anyone could want to do something like that to her.”

If you’re a survivor of child sexual abuse Injury Lawyers UK can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Our expert solicitors have over 20 years’ experience in dealing with abuse claims, call us on 0800 1123 156

:: Survivors of child sexual abuse who would like to share their experiences and put forward recommendations for change can get in touch with the Inquiry’s Truth Project. Visit www.truthproject.org.uk or email[email protected]

Dentality @ Hoddesdon HIV Fear Claims

More than 560 patients of the Dentality @ Hoddesdon have received letters explaining that due to the failing of a hygienist who failed to sterilise a scaler they could’ve contracted a range of infections including HIV.

Patients have only been informed of the risk to their health three months after health officials were informed by the dental practice.

At Injury Lawyers UK we’re currently handling a number of claims for those affected by this scandal. If you’re one of those affected we urge you to get in touch with us immediately.

Regardless of whether an infection has been caused a claim for professional negligence will be possible. If successful you are likely to receive in excess of £1000.

Get in touch with Injury Lawyers UK using the form below.

Dentality @ Hoddesdon HIV Fear Claims

More than 560 patients of the Dentality @ Hoddesdon have received letters explaining that due to the failing of a hygienist who failed to sterilise a scaler they could’ve contracted a range of infections including HIV.

Patients have only been informed of the risk to their health three months after health officials were informed by the dental practice.

At Injury Lawyers UK we’re currently handling a number of claims for those affected by this scandal. If you’re one of those affected we urge you to get in touch with us immediately.

Regardless of whether an infection has been caused a claim for professional negligence will be possible.

Get in touch with Injury Lawyers UK using the form below.

R Kelly: New Evidence Showing Sexual Abuse Handed To Law Enforcement

When he found what he thought was a recording of R Kelly in concert, but it instead turned out to show a man, appearing to be R Kelly sexually abusing girls, he and his attorney stated.

When Gary Dennis was cleaning out an old videotape collection he was not expecting to find what could prove to be the final nail in the coffin of a once great R&B singer.

When he found what he thought was a recording of R Kelly in concert, but it instead turned out to show a man, appearing to be R Kelly sexually abusing girls, he and his attorney stated.

Gary would not discuss the specifics of the tape during a news conference in New York on Sunday afternoon. Attorney Gloria Allred said it appears to show a separate incidence from the 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse Kelly faces in Chicago. She did however acknowledge she could not be “100% certain” that the man in the video is R Kelly.

Dennis, an assistant at a nursing home, said he was cleaning out a box of old VHS tapes in his home when he found the footage. He said he has never met Kelly and does not know how the tape came to be in his possession. He said that because the tape also has a sports game on it, he believes it may have come from a friend.

“To my shock and surprise, R Kelly appeared to be on the tape but not in concert, instead he was sexually abusing underage African American girls.” Dennis said.

Allred said they assume the girls in the video were underage because they did not appear to have developed.

Steve Greenberg, an attorney for Kelly said the question being asked should be “what are these people doing possessing what they obviously believe is child pornography in their VHS collection and what are the authorities going to do”.

The charges Kelly faces in Chicago are in connection to three girls and one woman. Prosecutors have said they have a video of Kelly abusing one of the girls.

Greenberg said it was “now just open season” on Kelly.

The singer has been trailed for decades by allegations he victimised women and girls. He was acquitted of child pornography charges in 2008, related to a tape prosecutors said showed him having sex with a girl as young as 13.

He and his attorneys have repeatedly denied allegations of sexual misconduct, and he has pleaded not guilty to the charges filed in Chicago.

Accident Compensation Claims

Been Involved In An Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault?

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident we can help you get the support rehabilitation and compensation you deserve.

The injuries sustained in the accident can often lead to you having to take unpaid time off work which can lead to money worries, something that no one should have to deal with on top of their injuries. We can successfully recover the wages that you have lost due to taking time off work, giving you one less thing to worry about.

Injury Lawyers UK have a team of specialist solicitors that can help make the process of making a claim stress free and efficient. We’ve helped thousands of people get back to normal life after their accident and can help you too.

HOW MUCH COMPENSATION COULD YOU RECEIVE?

All accident claims are different and there is no way of accurately predicting how much your case could be worth until we find out more details about the case. But our solicitors will always make sure they take every possible cost into account when negotiating your claim. Some of these include:

  • Loss of earnings from time off work
  • Future loss of earnings due to halted career progression
  • The care you’ve already received
  • The care you may need in the future
  • Adaptations that may need to be made to your property or vehicle
  • Travel expenses
  • Treatment and rehabilitation costs

As well as many other expenses that can be claimed back. We deal with nearly all accident claims on a no win no fee basis, so you don’t need to worry about being left out of pocket. If you want to find out more about what your claim could be worth speak to a solicitor now by calling 0800 1123 156

HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE TO MAKE A CLAIM?

Standard procedure limits you to three years after the date of the accident or diagnosis to start a claim for compensation. This limit is in place to ensure that its clear to see what injures you sustained due to the accident.

If you’re approaching the time limit you should not delay in getting in touch, the claims process can take a while to get started so its vital you act quickly to ensure your claim can be successful.

There are a few exceptions to the three year limit which are:

  • Psychological trauma – if the accident caused a serious brain injury and is a loved one if making a claim on their behalf, then there is no time limit for making a compensation claim.
  • Manufacturing or design fault – If the equipment you were using had a fundamental defect, the time limit may be increased.
  • Overseas work accidents – Accidents that take place overseas may result in the time limit for making a claim being shorter depending on the circumstances.

HOW DOES A NO WIN NO FEE AGREEMENT WORK?

You’ve probably heard the phrase no win no fee used before, they’re also known as conditional fee agreements. They are simple, you won’t have to pay a penny win or lose.

We understand all of this might make you worried about incurring hidden costs. We assure you there are none, we instead secure our payment from your opponents insurers when we are successful with your claim.

In the unlikely event that we lose your no win no fee personal injury claim we promise we will still not charge you a penny. We have insurance policies that cover us in those circumstance. We don’t like to be negative at Injury Lawyers UK but its important you have a full understanding of how a no win no fee agreement works.

7 UK Regular Armed Forces personnel medically discharged a day during 2017/18

486 Naval Service personnel were medically discharged, equating to 15 per 1,000 personnel. This is not a significant change from 2016/17 when the rate was 14 per 1,000 personnel.

Data released by the government shows that between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2018 there was a total of 2,451 medical discharges across the armed forces. Which equates approximately to 7 UK Regular Armed Forces personnel medically discharged each day during 2017/18.

486 Naval Service personnel were medically discharged, equating to 15 per 1,000 personnel. This is not a significant change from 2016/17 when the rate was 14 per 1,000 personnel.

1,769 Army personnel were medically discharged, equating to 21 per 1,000 personnel. This is a significant decrease compared to 2016/17 when the rate was 22 per 1,000 personnel.

196 RAF personnel were medically discharged, equating to 6 per 1,000 personnel. This is a significant increase since 2016 when the rate was 4 per 1,000 personnel.

For all three services the main causes of medical discharge were Musculoskeletal Disorders and Mental and Behavioural Disorders. This was in line with findings from previous years. There was a statistically significant increase in the proportion of medical discharges due to Mental and Behavioural Disorders among Naval Service and Army personnel.

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Injuries were responsible for 56% of Naval Service medical discharges, 57% of Army medical discharges and 46% of RAF medical discharges.

Mental and Behavioural Disorders were responsible for 18% of Naval Service medical discharges, 26% or Army medical discharges and 36% of RAF medical discharges.

In the Naval Service, Females, Other Ranks and Royal Marines are at a significantly higher risk of medical discharge.

75 females were medically discharged, a rate of 24.8 per 1,000 personnel compared to 411 males at a rate of 14 per 1,000 personnel.

170 Royal Marines were medically discharged, giving them a rate of 23.7 per 1,000 personnel, nearly  double the rate (12.5) of Royal Navy personnel medically discharged (316).

In the Army, Personnel aged under 25, Other Ranks and Untrained personnel are at a significantly higher risk of being medically discharged.

453 untrained Army personnel were medically discharged giving them a rate of 57.3 per 1,000 personnel compared to their trained colleagues who had a rate of 17 per 1,000 personnel.

In the RAF, Females and Other Ranks are at a significantly higher risk of medical discharge.

59 females were medically discharged, a rate of 12.7 per 1,000 personnel compared to 137 males at a rate of 3.2 per 1,000 personnel.