Can I Leave Money to Charity in my Will?

Article by
Sharon Brown

In one word, yes!  However, before you make any changes to your Will, or indeed set about making a new one it is important to seek advice to ensure that your intentions are recorded correctly else your wishes may not be met when you pass away.

Before proceeding, I recommend that you consider the following points:

R3 Acetabular System Recalled by Smith & Nephew

Article by
Kevin Timms

The metal liner component of the R3 acetabular hip implant system manufactured by Smtih & Nephew has been recalled as a result of an unacceptably high early revision rate.

The MHRA released a Medical Device Alert on 25 June 2012 informing the medical profession of the recall.

It is reported that 281 of the R3 metal liners have been implanted in patients in the UK. Statistics show that there is a high premature revision rate associated with the R3 acetabular hip implant system with a revision rate of 6.3% at four years.

For those who have a metal liner component of the R3 acetabuler hip implant system, the advice is the same as that for all metal on metal hip implants. Blood metal ion testing should be carried out to test the levels of cobalt and chromium. For patients with levels above 7ppb there is a risk that there is a potential soft tissue reaction and a further cobalt chromium blood tests should be carried out three months later. If cobalt and chromium levels remain high (or are higher) a further investigation should be carried out with use of imaging. Where imaging shows an abnormality, revision should be considered with the patient’s surgeon.

Garden House Solicitors have been instructed by numerous women with metal on metal hip implants from a variety of manufacturers. If you have a metal liner component of the R3 acetabular hip implant system and have suffered from adverse symptoms you may be entitled to make a metal on metal hip implant compensation claim. For further details please contact Kevin Timms on 01992 422 128 or email Kevin at kevin@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

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Tel: 01992 422 128

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Email: info@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.

Taking a Wrong Turn

Article by
Julie Retallick

Julie Retallick has again successfully settled a personal injury case, without the need to issue court proceedings, via the On-line portal for Road Traffic Accidents.  This is a claims processing system to deal with all road traffic accidents involving personal injury claims valued between £1,000.00 and £10,000.00 only. It is intended to speed up the process of claiming and Julie uses it to great effect.

This claim for personal injury arose following a car travelling at approximately 30/40mph which lost control, mounted a footpath, crossed our Client’s garden and crashed through the front room wall of our Client’s flat where he was sitting on a sofa in the living room.  The whole of the car came to rest in the living room before reversing out and driving off.   The police and fire services attended the scene.

As a result of the accident our Client suffered whiplash to his neck and lower back with a psychological adjustment disorder with anxiety.

Julie negotiated settlement of the Client’s damages in the sum of £5,300.00.

Julie's client was so delighted that she received a lovely bouquet.

If you, a friend or loved one has been injured in a car accident in Hertfordshire or elsewhere please contact Julie Retallick on 01992 422 128 or email Julie at julie@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

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Tel: 01992 422 128

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Email: info@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.

Employee Compensated for Injury from Cactus Sap

Article by
Dave Koon Koon

I have just settled a claim that was reported in the local press.

My client was injured after the sap from cacti he was pruning entered his eyes whilst at work.

At the time of the accident my client was employed as a landscaper by a well known multi national company and was sent to do a job without any warning as to the danger posed by the toxic sap produced by the cacti.

His employer breached several Health and Safety laws, which included not providing any personal protective equipment and in addition to the claim made for personal injury his employer was also prosecuted by the local Council and duly fined for those breaches.

As a result of coming into contact with the toxic sap my client suffered chemical burns to his face and arms and an eye injury.

After arranging for my client to be examined by an expert ophthalmologist it was discovered that in addition to the injury to my client’s eye he also suffered damage to his tear ducts and would require the permanent use of artificial tears to lubricate his eyes.

In settling the claim I included the cost of my client’s future requirement for artificial tears and the total claim was eventually settled for a five figure sum.    

If you have been involved in an accident at work contact me on 01992 422 128 or at dave@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk for further advice and assistance.     

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http://www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk/

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Tel: 01992 422 128

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Email: info@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.

Compensation for Criminal Assault

Article by
Dave Koon Koon

I have recently settled a claim which arose when my client suffered a broken jaw and a hand injury because an unprovoked attack during an amateur football game.

My client was the victim of an unprovoked attack by another player and following an attendance at his local A&E Department the seriousness of his injury was confirmed.

The matter was reported to the police and the attacker was arrested and charged with the assault.

My client was referred to me by a former client and after speaking to him I advised him that he could pursue a claim for personal injury through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

Following submission of the claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority the matter was investigated and my client’s claim for compensation was approved and he received a four figure sum in settlement.

The purpose of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is to compensate victims of crime who have been injured in an act of violence in England, Scotland or Wales and there are various criteria that must be satisfied in order to successfully pursue a claim with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.    

If you have been injured as a result of an assault or other criminal activity contact me on 01992 422 128 or at dave@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk for further advice and assistance.     

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www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

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Tel: 01992 422 128

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Email: info@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.

Dangerous Dog Attacks

Article by
Dave Koon Koon

According to NHS figures more than 6,000 adults and children were admitted to hospitals over the year to March 2011 after being attacked by a dog. One national newspaper has even reported that this figure represents the fifth successive year on year increase in injuries caused by dog attacks.

The government has recently proposed tougher sentencing guidelines for the owners of dogs following an attack as well as compulsory microchipping so that the owner of dogs can be traced. But do these measures really go far enough to protect the victims of dog attacks?

I have dealt with claims arising from dog attacks and the injuries can be severe and require substantial rehabilitative treatment.

In order to ensure that the victim of a dog attack is adequately compensated for the physical and sometimes psychological injuries they suffer as well as the financial loss they incur, which in the majority of cases includes loss of earnings, pet insurance, which covers the possibility of a dog causing injury, should be a mandatory requirement of dog ownership.

This is the only way to ensure that innocent victims of dog attacks receive adequate compensation to cover their injuries, financial loss and any treatment they require.

If you have been the victim of a dog attack contact me on 01992 422 128 or at dave@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk for further advice and assistance.   

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www.gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk

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Tel: 01992 422 128

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Email: info@gardenhousesolicitors.co.uk
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.

Free Wills Storage



Article by
Sharon Brown

Here at Garden House we believe in giving you the best service possible.  We are happy to store your Will in our safe storage facility free of charge for your lifetime.  This gives you the peace of mind that no matter what happens, your Will can be found when it is needed.   

Are you currently paying for storage?

If so, you needn't be!  Regardless of who prepared your Will, we are still happy to store it free of charge for you.  At the same time, why not take advantage of our free Will review service?  That way you can be ensure that the document being looked after still meets your current needs and circumstances.

Networking in Bedfordshire

Sharon Brown

Here at Garden House we have clients spread across many counties.  In order that we can recommend other businesses local to you we actively network in different regions. 

I am a member of Business Connections in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, an independently run networking and referral group.  This not only enables me to have a network of other local businesses to work with but also keeps me up to date with local news and events that may be of relevance to my clients.  You can find out more about the group on our website: http://www.business-connections.biz/index.htm