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Work Begins on new premises for Footprints Conductive Education Centre

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Thank you to everyone who gave up their time and energy on Sunday, to help Footprints Conductive Education Centre move into their new home. A real team effort by trustees, parents of children who used to attend the Centre, the Rotary Club of Nottingham and our very own Alison Brooks. Alison is head of our Clinical Negligence Department and Former Chair of Trustees of Footprints Conductive Education Centre.

Alison Brooks explained that she was first introduced to #conductiveeducation in the 1980s when a client was travelling to the Peto Institute in Hungary, because of a lack of facilities in the UK. Over many decades, Alison’s cerebral palsy clients tell her that without the benefit of #conductiveeducation they would not have achieved their full potential. The difference the Centre makes to the lives of children is immeasurable.

As you can see from the photos, there is still lots to do, but if the enthusiasm of volunteers on Sunday is anything to go by, we hope it will not be long before staff, parents and children are welcomed into the new facilities.

If you can spare some time, please contact Footprints Conductive Education Centre to attend their next volunteer day in Clifton.

Top Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Lawyers

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Barratts Solicitors are proud to celebrate the success of our Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence teams in the 2023-24 Legal 500 Guide. This independent Guide ranks lawyers, in different areas of law, from all over the world. We are delighted to be top of the rankings again this year for our litigation work for injured clients. This is an accolade we have received since the firm was established over 30 years ago and maintaining the quality of service we provide to our clients is our key priority.

The Legal 500 Guide is based on references from our clients, other lawyers and professionals so it is truly independent, and based on those who know, first hand, the quality of our work and the client led service we provide; only the best firms and lawyers in the UK are ranked. We are one of the few remaining small, niche law firms who support injured clients and we believe this provides a more personal level of service, but don’t just take our word for it. Here is what others had to say to the researchers at Legal 500:

‘They are a really impressive outfit. Barratts are everything a boutique firm should be: a select team of great people who are really dedicated to their cases. I would use the firm myself if I ever needed to (and I don’t say that about many firms!).’

‘Specialise in high value / catastrophic claims. Very experienced in this field and all claims are dealt with exclusively by a partner, which marks them out from other firms. From a client’s perspective, they are approachable, responsive, and totally committed to getting the best result.’

‘Barrett’s (sic) is a true niche firm meaning that they are very good at what they do. They are experts at representing patients and families involved in clinical negligence claims and inquests. They are pragmatic and sensible but fight hard for their clients.’

Our Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence teams are also named individually

Our Head of Personal Injury , ‘Lesley Edwards is a star. She has a lovely manner with clients. She gets excellent results on the trickiest of cases.’Lesley is also named as a Leading Individual by Legal 500

Mike Dodd joined us less than 2 years ago but is already described as another top counsel for claimant work. He is ‘sensible and straightforward. Effective and good at explaining complex issues to clients.’

Our Head of Clinical Negligence, Alison Brooks, is a “highly regarded advocate” and a named Leading Individual.

Alison is joined by fellow clinical negligence experts with decades of expertise, Julie Hardy and Emma Zukowska who both have  ‘great client care and (sic) good at collaborating with the defence team.’

Emma is also named as a Leading Individual and a ‘stand out performer in clin neg. Incredibly thorough and superb with clients.’

Managing partner of the firm, Ross Brain, is described as having a great command and knowledge of substantial claims.

Thanks go to all our hardworking employees, not just the lawyers named in the Guide but our assistants and accounts team who help ensure everything runs smoothly. Thanks also go to Rebecca Tomes, in our Court of Protection department, and her team, who do such a fantastic job supporting our clients who lack capacity to manage their financial affairs, helping them during the compensation claim and after it has settled. Finally, thanks to our clients and professionals, who took the time to speak with Legal 500, and said such lovely things about our very special injury litigation lawyers.

Makaton At Christmas

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Footprints Conductive Education Centre (CEC) have kindly let us share their Makaton signing for everyone to use at Christmas. It’s a great way to learn some simple words to help communicate with children with special needs. Can you think of any other Christmas words you would like to share?  Why not try games over the holidays to see who can remember the signing? For more information about surviving over Christmas and keeping safe, go to https://www.footprintscec.org/

 

Help for Charities at Christmas

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This year, Barratts is proud to be supporting two charities at Christmas in lieu of cards:

Spinal injury or pain

The Spinal Injury Association Christmas campaign. The SIA have raised over £41,000, thanks to donations from Barratts and other companies. The Big Give Christmas Challenge invited us to pledge to donate, on the basis that our money would be doubled. The target was £40,000 so we are delighted that the SIA has succeeded with this challenge.

The SIA is a leading charity that supports people after spinal cord injury (SCI). For over 30 years, our specialist solicitors at Barratts have acted for clients who suffered SCI because of medical negligence or accidents after a road traffic accident or at work; sometimes clients have been seriously injured after a criminal assault. SCI affects every client differently; it also has an enormous impact on our client’s families as the life they all expected to lead is irreparably changed.  SCI can happen at any time and age so the support needed will vary for each client. Working with the SIA, we have been able to secure help for our clients, which has included:

  • benefits advice
  • accommodation and equipment advice
  • counselling
  • peer support from other SCI patients.

You can find more information about the SIA and how they can help you at https://www.spinal.co.uk/  We are proud to have supported the SIA for over 30 years and the funds we donated will help the SIA to continue providing vital support and advice for SCI members in the future.

Nottingham Coroner's CourtNottingham Headway is a local charity which Barratts have been involved with since Headway was established by the Minton family many decades ago. The charity began in Nottingham but now has local groups all over the country and is recognised as the leading charity to turn to for help after brain injury. Nottingham Headway provides a safe space for those affected by brain injury. This type of injury is often known as a silent injury because many of our clients can appear to have no disability at all; they may have no mobility problems and might still be working. However, our brains direct everything that we do and tasks that were simple can become very difficult, even just organising how to make a cup of tea.

Brain injury affects short term memory – can you imagine not being able to remember what you were told 30 minutes ago? Think about how this will affect you learning new things or how to have a conversation with someone? Our younger clients often find it hard to re-establish friendship groups. Clients of any age can suffer from depression and anger as the brain affects our emotions. Brain injury might affect relationships with partners, family and children.

It makes all the difference knowing that there is someone you can talk with who understands what is happening and to be able to get advice from someone who has experienced what you are going through. Our brain injured clients’ lives would be very different without the help from Headway.

Ed Myers has over 35 years experience handling Personal Injury claims and is former Chair of Headway Nottingham; Alison Brooks is Head of our Clinical Negligence team and is the former Secretary of Headway Northwest London. They have been to numerous local Headway group meetings over the last 30 years and seen 1st hand how Headway makes a real difference to members and their families.

Financial hardship is even more likely this year with heating and cost of living rises. This especially affects those with disability who spend long periods at home. We are privileged to be donating to Nottingham Headway at Christmas to help them continue their work at a time when so many are struggling. For more information visit:

https://www.headwaynottingham.org.uk/

https://www.headway.org.uk/

 

Top Band For Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury

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Number 1 in a starLegal 500 is one of the best independent legal guides to help to find specialist solicitors around the world.  Only a small percentage of law firms are recognised for their expertise in legal areas. This is why Barratts are so delighted to be ranked in Band 1 again this year for our personal injury and clinical negligence teams. The ranking this year is especially valued by Barratts because the geographical area is larger and covers all solicitors in the East Midlands who advise in medical negligence and accident litigation claims.

Since Barratts was established over 30 years ago, it has always been ranked top by Legal 500 and Chambers, the other specialist independent legal guide.  Legal 500 is based on interviews with clients, other lawyers and professionals. We have no say in the rankings, which depend on clients who have been helped by Barratts, other law firms including Defendant solicitors, and professionals; they are able to give an honest opinion about the quality of our legal advice and know best why Barratts remains in the top tier for clinical negligence and personal injury.  One comment sums up the unique service that Barratts provide to their injured clients:

‘The small but vastly experienced personal injury and clinical negligence team at Barratts continue to provide an exceptional level of personal service to the claimants they advise. Outcomes in catastrophic cases more than match any of the larger firms in the area and they are very well respected, not just in the Nottingham region but far beyond. The lawyers are attentive to individual clients needs and adapt to suit the person, which makes for a very strong relationship. As a team, they have the same exceptionally high ethical standards, but it their ability to apply the human touch to clients that sets them aside.’

Here are some of the other quotes from Legal 500:

  • ‘They are a niche personal injury and clinical negligence firm. They are all experts in their field. I think that they deal with their own cases (rather than work as a team) so they offer a very personal service.’

  • ‘Barratts’ Partners all have the most extensive experience in personal injury and medical negligence cases. They keep themselves abreast with developments in these areas of the law. The client handling skills are of the highest. They achieve excellent results on behalf of claimants. Barratts are very well known and respected in their (sic) of practice.’

  • ‘Alison Brooks is an excellent lawyer with vast experience in this field, no stone will be left unturned in a case she is instructed in.’

  • ‘Julie Hardy and Emma Zukowska stand out. They are very gifted technical lawyers but approach claims with common sense and always express empathy for the health professionals involved.’

  • ‘Lesley Edwards has been instrumental in making sure my case moves forward quickly but also effectively and in my favour. Her excellent communication and willingness to answer any question, has meant my frustrations have been limited and my confidence in what is happening with the case, is secure.

  • ‘Edward Myers and Hannah Percival were very professional and approachable. Nothing was too much trouble to explain.’
  • ‘This is a good regional team very ably led by David Tomlinson and Alison Brooks which has a wealth of experience and high standards.’

Emma Zukowska was again named as a “Leading Individual” in Legal 500, which is a fantastic achievement and reflects her commitment to injured clients. For many years, Ed Myers has been in the Legal 500 “Hall of Fame” and is again recognised this year. The Hall of Fame is for very senior litigation solicitors and is testament to Ed’s contribution to personal injury clients for almost 40 years.

We must also recognise and thank our support staff at Barratts, who are the core of our law firm, and make it possible for us to offer injured clients the highest, personal level of service.

Click here if you would like to read more about Legal 500 and our entry this year: https://www.legal500.com/firms/235-barratts-solicitors/2510-nottingham-england/#section-111969

Thank You

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Julie Hardy was surprised to receive a lovely, personal gift from a grateful client this week. Julie had recently settled a clinical negligence case for her client, who arrived with a gift of home made Easter chick biscuits and beautiful knitted rabbits (with chocolate eggs inside) . We were all pleased too, as there were lots to share around our staff! We are lucky to have such a talented client who can bake and knit and took so much time to make these presents.

It goes without saying that we love doing our work and, when this is appreciated by clients, it makes it even more worthwhile. We always aim to provide the highest standards for clients and this is only possible because of the amazing team who work at Barratts. They make a real difference to the future lives of those injured by negligence. We are so pleased when one of our expert clinical negligence solicitors is recognised by a client for the help they provided during litigation.

Thank you also to Julie for sharing her delightful present with everyone at Barratts.

Thirty Years And Continuing….

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Thirty years ago, David Tomlinson, Malcolm Goff and Jill Barratt decided to set up a Claimant injury litigation law firm with a difference. Their ambition was to offer a personal service, focused only on injured clients and their needs. This was achieved by ensuring that clients were advised by specialist lawyers who were experienced in claims arising from an accident or due to medical negligence, with the same senior lawyer dealing with the claim from start to finish.

Since it was established, Barratts has been ranked number 1, every year, in the independent legal guides, Legal 500 and Chambers, for our work in the fields of clinical negligence and personal injury.

Ed Myers and Alison Brooks joined over 20 years ago and became partners in the firm, helping to develop the personal injury and clinical negligence departments. Malcolm and Jill retired some years ago but the same ethos of client care from a small, dedicated firm, continued under the leadership of David, Ed and Alison. The firm’s services were expanded to include Court of Protection work for injured clients, as many wanted Barratts to continue to support them once their claim settled.

After decades of hard work by David and Ed, both have decided to reduce their work loads; in October 2021, they stepped down from the management of the business to concentrate on personal injury advice for clients. We are extremely fortunate that both remain working as partners in the business, acting for a smaller number of clients.

Alison was determined to continue the unique approach of  Barratts and knew that many clients chose Barratts because it felt more like a family run firm. It therefore made sense that Alison turned to a long standing colleague, Ross Brain, who had worked with Alison in London. Ross is former head of a large claimant clinical negligence department at a London firm. He has also spent time developing his business and management skills through other ventures, which made Ross the ideal candidate to work alongside Alison and all the staff.

Ross and Alison have embraced this opportunity to build on the firm’s reputation, with help from our loyal and experienced staff, many of whom have worked at Barratts for decades. We could not ask for a better team of lawyers and staff; they continue to fight for injured clients and to help them rebuild their lives following injury. We are extremely excited about the future of Barratts and to be able to continue the formidable legacy which started 30 years ago. The partner led service remains a unique part of our approach and, together, we have over 200 years combined experience to draw upon.

We are proud to have been described as one of the best firms in the country for personal injury and clinical negligence work. We would like to thank all our staff over the years, who have helped us to achieve such a remarkable standing for our claimant injury work.

 

 

 

Mental Health After Spinal Cord Injury

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When someone is told they have a spinal cord injury, they need to come to terms with this psychologically as well as physically. Having a spinal cord injury has been especially hard during Covid and the Spinal Injuries Association (“SIA”) have just produced a report addressing the mental health needs of those affected by spinal cord injury and the additional challenges they face.

The SIA report, titled “It’s Not Just Physical”, involved research by the SIA with the Universities of Reading and Buckingham. The SIA recently had a fundraising event, the Gunpowder Ball, where a video from Donna Tuzul was shown. This is a film about life after Cauda Equina Syndrome and shows how the SIA helped Donna. Our clients have been supported by the SIA; their fantastic mentoring service is provided by others with SCI, who are more able to relate to how the person is feeling, having been through a similar pathway themselves. The SIA counselling service was “phenomenal” for Donna and highlights the importance of addressing mental as well as physical health.

The report also considers feedback from family members as well as those living spinal cord injury.  Did you know that someone with spinal cord injury is 3 times more likely to consider suicide and 47% report mental health problems? Nik Hartley, CEO of the SIA, has called on the Government to do more. The SIA is asking “the NHS, government and other health policy makers to provide better mental health support services for SCI people – and their unpaid carers – as a matter of urgency.”

Nik Hartley, SIA’s CEO highlighted:

“We are at risk of failing thousands of people in the UK living with a spinal cord injury. Our new report highlights that psychological damage caused by a SCI is, at best, considered as an afterthought, and at worst, completely ignored by the medical profession. We need urgent action and for services to be sufficiently specialised to support the thousands of people living with this type of injury before it is too late.”

For more news about this important research on the mental impact of living with spinal cord injury, read:

https://www.spinal.co.uk/news/not-just-physical/

Barratts are proud to be recognised by the SIA as specialist spinal cord injury solicitors, with expertise in helping people make claims after accidental spinal injury or negligence. For over 30 years we have acted for clients with SCI including missed cases of Cauda Equina Syndrome, road traffic accidents and accidents at work. If you need advice about SCI and think you may have a claim for clinical negligence or personal injury please contact our specialist teams.

Top For Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury

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In our 30th year, Barratts are delighted that legal guide, Chambers & Partners https://chambers.com/legal-guide/uk-1, have ranked us in their 1st band for both Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence. We believe we are the only firm to have been named top for personal injury and medical claims by both Chambers and Legal 500 https://www.legal500.com/united-kingdom-solicitors/  every year since the firm began 30 years ago.  Read more

CELEBRATING BARRATTS REVIEW BY LEGAL 500

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Legal 500 is an independent legal guide, which reviews law firms all over the UK and abroad to identify leaders in their field. Each year, Barratts has been included for personal injury and clinical negligence advice for Claimants. Each year, Barratts has been ranked in the number 1 tier, an achievement which no other East Midlands litigation firm has matched in the last 30 years. Read more