Donns go into Administration

It has been reported in the Claims Magazine today that Donns, a Claimant firm of solicitors in Manchester has gone into administration.

Please see the attached link for further details http://bbm-news.net/pinews40/FOB-F7Y-D220HPCK2E-AGK82-1/industry.aspx?dm_i=FOB,R2IV,20HPCK,26POQ,1

It appears that many clients will now be contacted by Irwin Mitchell and be invited to transfer their file to this alternative firm. Given that Donns acted for clients nationwide there may be many local clients who would like to use this opportunity to enlist the services of a local solicitor rather than Irwin Mitchell. If any client wishes to exercise their freedom of choice, Rogers & Norton can assist and we would be more than happy to discuss any potential cases and arrange the transfer of files to this practice if required.

For more information please contact our Personal Injury experts on claims@rogers-norton.co.uk or call Mark Hambling or Tim Nobbs on 01603 666001.

Long battle ends in success

A 5 year fight is over following a decision by the UK’s highest Court which now means that employers’ insurers will be obliged to pay compensation claims of those suffering from or the families of those who have died from mesothelioma, a disease that can lay undetected for many years. It means that many thousands of people will at long last be entitled to compensation following the landmark ruling that the liability of insurers arises at the date of exposure to asbestos and not when symptoms of mesothelioma are detected which may be decades later.

Yesterday the Supreme Court delivered a long awaited landmark Judgment in what has been termed the mesothelioma “trigger litigation” which has seen a long running Court battle at an end, the Supreme Court having now ruled that the relevant date for the purposes of entitlement to compensation is the date of exposure and not the date when symptoms may develop or manifest themselves which can be many years later.

This particular issue related to the stance taken by a number of insurers that they were not obliged to pay out on such claims and that the key date for claiming arose at the date that the disease developed. This ruling has ended that argument in confirming that the relevant date is the date of employment during which the exposure occurred.

This will be of some comfort to those who have contracted mesothelioma, an insidious cancer, as well as their loved ones who will be able to pursue claims against the insurers as a result of their exposure to asbestos resulting in them contracting the disease.

For those who are suffering such condition and those who have lost their personal battle but whose families continue to pursue for their just entitlements, this decision brings to an end a whole host of test cases which have challenged the entitlement of those exposed to asbestos being able to recover compensation.

These cases are particularly difficult and raise a variety of complex legal issues. Expertise as well as compassion and the ability to empathise are key elements in ensuring that those who are entitled to compensation secure that compensation.

Rogers & Norton's Personal Injury Department has dealt with a number of significant asbestos cases and to achieve a successful outcome requires stubborn determination and frequently detailed forensic investigation in respect of a client’s employment history. This calls for professionalism, determination and compassion in equal measure.

If you would like to talk to one of our lawyers about whether you may have a possible claim for compensation relating to exposure to asbestos then please contact us on 01603 666001 for a free initial consultation.

Into The Dragon's Den

Mark Hambling partner and personal injury expert at Rogers & Norton swapped his usual role of fighting for justice for personal injury victims to become a dragon in the Brundall School Dragons Den. Joining other local business leaders from Oriental Rugs Norwich, Pymm & Co, Bugdens and Norwich City Football Club, Mark heard seven pitches from business formed by groups of year 6 pupils at Brundall School.

The pitches for investment came from potential businesses ranging from a milkshake and Brownie company, a school fitness DVD and a loyalty scheme encouraging children to eat fruit. Each business obtained investment ranging between £20 and £50 and each dragon will now support the children as they strive to develop their business and make a profit to enable interest to be paid back to the investor.

Mark Hambling, Personal Injury partner, has invested in a fitness DVD company which plans to produce a DVD filmed in the school, using the school pupils to be sold in the summer term in the run up to the Olympics. Commenting on the event Mark said, "Whilst I know little about fitness DVD's, as a parent I know how good it is to see your children on screen or in the press. I therefore hope my teams DVD will certainly sell well to the parents in the Brundall and surrounding area".

The pupils worked very hard in preparing for the event and as part of their studies had prepared business plans, marketing strategies and projections. Their presentation of their business proposals to the Dragons was excellent and they engaged in debate and negotiation with the Dragons in a very professional and measured way. Mark commented " I was very impressed with the pupils enthusiasm and skills and had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon with a group of very able children".

Rogers & Norton were delighted to be one of the supporters of this event and we hope to see some entrepreneurs develop in the future from these year 6 pupils.

Thanks must also be given to Mr Ed Dooley the year 6 class teacher and Brundall school for their hard work in arranging the event. Further reports and pictures of the pupils can be seen on the front page of the Evening News today (16th March 2012) and in todays Eastern Daily Press.

Mark Hambling can be contacted on 01603 675637 or mbh@rogers-norton.co.uk.