Pothole Peril: Drivers dissatisfied with road conditions

August 23, 2024

A recent study conducted by the RAC revealed that drivers’ dissatisfaction regarding Britain’s local roads has reached unprecedented levels, with nearly 60% of motorists citing road maintenance as a major concern.

Potholes can do costly damage to your car but are also dangerous to pedestrians.

Jack Logan of Express Solicitors recalls one of his cases where his client suffered a broken ankle and numerous injuries to her shoulders, wrists and knees after tripping on a pothole.

He said: “Even relatively small potholes can cause severe injuries and it is important to hold local authorities accountable if they fail to maintain surfaces for which they are responsible.”

Due to Jack’s client’s injuries and the fact that the pothole was only there due to the negligence of the local authority he was able to secure his client £15,000 in compensation for her injuries.

According to RAC data, 25,085 breakdowns related to potholes were reported in the 12 months leading up to the end of June.

This year, almost three-quarters (73%) of drivers believe the condition of the local roads they frequently use has deteriorated compared to a year ago, an increase from 67% last year and 49% in 2019.

Simon Williams, RAC’s head of policy, stated: “These figures strongly criticize the past government promises to resolve Britain’s ongoing pothole issues. It is evident that councils have not received the necessary financial support to maintain roads to an acceptable standard.”

The survey gathered responses from 2,691 motorists who drive at least once a month, ensuring they were nationally representative of all UK drivers. The poor condition of local roads also has significant implications for vehicles. More than a quarter (27%) of drivers reported their vehicles were damaged by potholes in the past year, rising to 32% for those in rural areas. Punctures (47%) were the most frequently reported issue, followed by wheel damage (43%) and broken suspension springs (29%). The latter two issues can be especially costly, with RAC data indicating that repairing a family car can cost up to £460.

Dad ‘lucky to be alive’ after horror crash on Top Gear track

August 8, 2024

Top Gear crash client

Steve Walsh had been looking forward to a supercar driving experience day with his teenage son at Dunsfold Aerodrome – the test track that Top Gear is filmed on.

After watching his son drive a Ferrari alongside an instructor on the purpose-built junior racing track, it was his turn to ride along in an Ariel Atom sports car, which has a top of up to 150 mph, alongside a professional driver.

However, he was surprised to find out that they would be doing it on the same track as the kids.

Steve, a self-employed TV set electrician who has worked on films such as Everest and Into The Woods, added: “I was totally shocked. It seemed obvious to me it was a real risk driving so fast alongside unpredictable novice kids. The Atoms would weave around the inside at speed. But the organisers were the professionals so I trusted them to keep me safe.”

Two laps into his experience his worst fears came true when his buggy was involved in a high-speed collision with a Ferrari that was being driven by a child.

The force of the impact knocked out the driver and threw the Ferrari off the track, while the Atom’s engine started smoking.

Incredibly, the driver and Steve survived and he was fortunate to only be left with minor neck and chest injuries.

He said: “It is only a miracle that I am here talking to you today. It beggars’ belief that anyone would put teens with powerful supercars and other fast buggies on the same track. Instructors or not. It’s a total recipe for disaster. The company wanted to settle quickly, especially as it happened at the same airfield where Freddie Flintoff crashed.

“I want them to stop this risky practice. It is a fatal accident waiting to happen. I was lucky to survive it could easily have gone a different way and I could have been seriously injured or died.”

Former cricket star Freddie Flintoff suffered life-changing injuries in a high-speed accident on the same track while filming for Top Gear in 2022. He has since reached a multimillion settlement with the BBC over his injuries.

In the months following, Steve was unable to sleep properly through pain and after having time off work, he decided to take action.

Steve received help from our personal injury specialists and the organisers later admitted liability for his accident in an undisclosed out of court settlement.

Magdalena Smacka, Solicitor in OL/PL who worked on the case said: “Steve was very lucky to have escaped serious injury.  People injured on other race tracks could now start claims. This company now needs to take urgent action to prevent any future accidents like his.”

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What to do if you run into bed bugs this summer

August 7, 2024

bed bugs

With the Paris Olympics underway, and the Paralympics soon to start, the French capital is expected to have around 15 million visitors over the summer, according to NBC News.

But rewind to late last year and you’ll remember the bed bug infestation in Paris which saw the bloodsucking insects even getting on to the Paris Métro.

A warning has been issued to all those travelling to the French capital to keep their suitcases off soft furnishings and beds in order to protect against any critters that may have hitched a ride on an unsuspecting victim’s luggage.

In the UK, pest control company Rentokil has highlighted a 65% increase year-on-year in infestations across the country, and if you have been affected by an infestation while on holiday in the UK or abroad you may be entitled to thousands in compensation.

Express Solicitors helped one family of three recover £4,500 after they were bitten by bed bugs at a Travelodge hotel, despite the fact the hotel had changed hands since the visit.

Craig Phillips, Partner, Occupiers’ and Public Liability, has previously spoken to BBC Business Daily on the topic and Michael Hardacre, also a Partner in our Occupiers’ and Public Liability team, spoke to BBC Radio Essex and shares his top tips on how to combat beg bugs on holiday.

@express_solicitors With the Olympics Opening Ceremony tonight, tourists have been warned to take precautions when travelling to Paris to avoid being bitten by bed bugs. Michael Hardacre, Partner in our Occupiers’ & Public Liability department shares his top tips. #Paris2024  #Olympics  #BedBugs ♬ original sound – Express Solicitors

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Laying new foundations for housing disrepair cases

July 25, 2024

run down house

Colin Wilkinson, Trainee Solicitor, Consumer Claims Litigation, has written a feature for Solicitors Journal discussing the housing disrepair case that could pave the way for significantly increased damages for tenants who live in a house unfit for habitation.

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E-scooters and the law

July 22, 2024

Adele Greenough, Partner – Client Care and Road Traffic Accidents, has spoken with Legal Futures about the laws for using e-scooters and what that means for anyone injured because of them. In the article, she breaks down the growing safety concerns and what needs to be done to reduce collisions involving e-scooters.

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University student awarded ‘six-figure’ damages after horror motorbike crash

June 27, 2024

Motorbike crash

Maria Iglesias-Garcia was in her final year of university and aspired to be a teacher when, unfortunately, a car hit her boyfriend’s bike – which she was travelling on as a passenger.

Maria said: “It drove straight out of a side road into me. There was no time to react. The impact threw me over the other side of the road. I was in so much pain.”

Maria was rushed to St Mary’s Hospital on the Isle of Wight where medics operated on her ankle and told her that the bone had ‘shattered into tiny pieces’.

She had two operations on her ankle with pins and plates inserted before having a third procedure a year later to remove some of the metal.

Doctors warned her that she will have arthritis in her foot for life and may even have to have further surgeries when she’s older.

Due to the severity of her injury, she struggled to complete her final year and was forced to delay her PGCE teaching course by a year.

But in 2022 she finally landed her dream role as Foreign Languages Teaching Lead at private Cumnor House School in Sussex.

To teach at the school she commutes two hours each way from her home on the Isle of Wight – spending her weekdays at the school before returning home on the weekends.

But she still struggles standing for long periods of time and has been left with lower back pain.

Maria had attempted to learn to drive, but following the accident, she has no confidence on the road.

She added: “I tried to learn to drive but I had to stop as I was too scared. I am always on edge now and have good days and bad and can’t stand for longer periods. But I just have to learn to adapt and live with it and my school and mentor have been great accommodating me.”

Maria still faces future surgery and having a brace on her ankle with either an ankle fusion or ankle replacement surgery at some point within the next 10 years.

Looking for support regarding her financial losses, she got advice from our personal injury experts.

Maria received a ‘substantial six-figure settlement’ with the help of Collette McCann, Senior Associate Solicitor, RTA, who said: “Sadly Maria has learnt the hard way how dangerous motorbikes can be. This settlement will go some way to securing her future and shows just how quickly your life can change.”

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Express helps fisherman after trawler hit his boat

June 18, 2024

Trawler hitting boat

Jake Davison and his friend were fishing off the East Sussex coast in January 2022 when they spotted a giant trawler heading towards them.

He had a camera set up to record his expedition for his YouTube fishing channel, but instead, it captured the pair shouting at the trawlermen in an attempt to make their presence known.

With no other option, the duo was forced to ditch their equipment and jump out of the way on their boat as the trawler rammed into the left side the stern.

The pair managed to safely sail their boat back to the harbour, despite Jake suffering serious back injuries.

For months, the railway worker was unable to stand at work for long periods and had to take super strength painkillers. He also suffered from flashbacks of what happened in the months following the incident – resulting in him waking up in the middle of the night.

Jake wanted to take legal action for the near fatal accident, so he sought our personal injury expertise and we were able to help him win an out-of-court settlement.

Craig Phillips, Partner, Occupiers and Public Liability, handled Jake’s case and said: “Thankfully these types of incidents are rare but when they do occur it is sometimes a matter of life and death for those involved. The psychological aftermath and physical injuries can be extreme.

“Express Solicitors is always here to help you with your personal injury claims no matter where and how they arise and your rehabilitation.”

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Record figures for Express as the law firm looks to build on phenomenal 2023 success

June 5, 2024

Express Solicitors

Express Solicitors has cemented its fantastic achievements of 2023 and has recorded its most impressive statutory turnover results to date.

Turnover for the Top 100 law firm has been on the up for the past few years from £22.6 million in 2020, to £30.4 million in 2022. Now, the statutory accounts for year ending August 2023 show a £42.5 million turnover for Express Solicitors, with a PBT figure of £9.2 million.

Medical reporting agency Ontime Reports, which is part of the Express group, also saw an increased turnover from £5.9 million to £7.36 million.

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Training the next generation lawyer

May 28, 2024

Raana Lowery, Partner and Head of the Professional Support Department completed her training and qualified at Express Solicitors over 10 years ago and spoke with Legal Futures about how the industry has changed and to offer guidance to fellow training professionals on how contemporary law firms can adapt and ultimately thrive in this new environment.

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The MIB must approach claims as courts would

April 30, 2024

Rachel Flannigan, Partner, RTA, has spent her career specialising in Road Traffic Accidents and most recently as Head of Technical Claims at Express.

Writing for Legal Futures, she wants to raise awareness of an issue she has encountered a lot recently with the MIB (Motor Insurance Bureau) in order to promote higher standards and essentially help more injured people.

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Express helps motorcyclist ‘lucky to be alive’ after crash

April 19, 2024

Motorcyclist Callum Baldwin was severely injured when a van collided with him, throwing him from his motorbike.

The collision was so forceful, the parked car he was thrown under lifted up and he suffered multiple injuries including a shattered jaw.

Several of his teeth were fractured and bent out of shape and he bit straight through his tongue.

He was unable to talk or eat properly for months and had to have his jaw wired shut, leading to irreversible dental damage.

He wanted to take legal action against the van driver so he approached personal injury specialists Express Solicitors for help.

It was a solicitor in our Road Traffic Accidents department, Rachel Flannigan who took on his case and helped him through his compensation claim.

Partner in our RTA department Adele Greenough was interviewed for BBC Radio Essex about the case which you can catch up with on the BBC Sounds app and you can read Callum’s full story, including interviews with Rachel, via one of the below news links.

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Express Win Law Firm of the Year Award

April 19, 2024

We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that we’ve won Law Firm of the Year at the Modern Claims Awards.

The prestigious event, hosted at the Rum Warehouse in Liverpool, was a celebration of the very best in our industry. Partners Adele Greenough and Carlos Lopez were delighted to collect the award on behalf of the entire team.

This award marks an amazing year for Express and is a testament to the hard work of colleagues across the business.

We’d like to extend our thanks and gratitude to the Modern Insurance Magazine for hosting the event and to RTW Plus for sponsoring the award.

Just a Small 50 Years in Law – Legal Futures

March 26, 2024

David Small, Solicitor and Partner in the Professional Support Department of Express Solicitors has had an impressive 50-year legal career. His principal role at Express is in training but he has a small caseload of personal injury cases. Today, at the age of 75, David enjoys his rewarding job at Express and still plays an active role in the firm’s fundraising activities. Read more below about his journey to where he is today, which began with an unconventional start.

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Express up for Law Firm of the Year

March 25, 2024

Express has been shortlisted in the ‘Law Firm of the Year’ category at the Modern Claims Awards 2024!

Our entry showcased the amazing year we’ve had at Express, advancing 12 places in the Lawyer Top 100 Law Firm to #80, moving to our new HQ in South Manchester, updating our brand, acquiring two other South Manchester personal injury law firms, achieving record turnover and loads more.

We’re looking forward to attending the awards ceremony on April 18th at the Rum Warehouse in Liverpool.

Wish us luck!

Express Solicitors continues its support of The Maggie Oliver Foundation

March 6, 2024

Two women holding a large cheque outside

Express Solicitors is proud to have renewed its partnership with The Maggie Oliver Foundation (TMOF) for a further year, marking the occasion with another donation.

TMOF was founded by detective-turned-whistle-blower Maggie Oliver who exposed the Rochdale grooming scandal. The foundation supports survivors of childhood sexual abuse and exploitation.

We are honoured to support TMOF’s life-changing work and are delighted to be attending the upcoming fundraising ball in April, celebrating the charity’s 5-year anniversary.

Claire Reddicen, Associate Chartered Legal Executive, met with Jennie Lucas, Chief Executive of TMOF, to discuss the charity’s ongoing work and donate £500 on behalf of Express Solicitors.

Claire has several years’ of experience working with victims of abuse to achieve some kind of redress for them.

She has developed a strong relationship with TMOF as a result of the support and legal advice she has offered abuse victims who often do not know where else to turn.

Claire said: “I am very proud to work with and fight for, survivors of abuse alongside The Maggie Oliver Foundation.

“The extension of this partnership will mean that survivors of abuse can be supported and represented in the knowledge that Express will achieve the maximum amounts of compensation for them, helping them forge positive futures.”

Express works alongside several national and local charities including Burning Nights, Blood Bikes and St Ann’s Hospice.

The role of a professional deputy in a clinical negligence case

February 29, 2024

Two women sitting at desk working

Nicole James-Julio, Trainee Solicitor in Clinical Negligence, has written an article on ‘The role of a professional deputy in a clinical negligence case’ for Legal Futures.

Nicole discusses the vast and complex responsibilities of a professional deputy and the kind of assistance a Claimant may need in this kind of situation.

She also explores the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (Practice Code) and the eight standards that professional deputies must take into account.

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Express continues bold growth strategy with new director and additions to senior team

February 29, 2024 

Two men stood outside office building

Personal injury law firm Express Solicitors is continuing to bolster its senior team by appointing Charles Layfield as its Chairman Non-Executive Director.

Charles has been tasked with readying the firm for the next series of business growth and brings with him a wealth of experience from his various director roles in the legal, insurance and connected sectors.

Express Solicitors CEO, James Maxey said: “Charles joins us at a really exciting time. We’ve been improving in all areas of the business, with increased turnover and profitability year-on-year, a new south Manchester office, a refreshed brand, and a significant increase in the number of customers we support in their time of need.

“But we don’t rest on our laurels here and bringing in Charles will help us determine the next steps for Express and ensure we keep going from strength to strength. It’s a real pleasure to have him on board.”

Charles Layfield added: “Express is a firm which is really on the up and it’s great to now be part of that journey. It’s a fantastic team which has demonstrated the ability to prosper and grow when many others have suffered in challenging market conditions. I’m really looking forward to adding to that and bringing my energy and experience to the table to help further the Express success.”

Charles’s appointment follows a wave of other additions to the senior team, thanks to last year’s acquisitions of nearby Jefferies Solicitors and Amelans Solicitors along with other developments at the Top 100 law firm, such as a renewed focus on serious injury work.

Express has also welcomed the following new Partners to the Occupier and Public Liability team in the past few months:

Paul Kimber, Partner, has also recently joined the Costs department having come across as part of the Amelans acquisition.

Express Solicitors is still growing and recruiting and continues to attract a high level of interest from lawyers and non-lawyers across all departments.

This is especially true of law graduates and paralegals who wish to join the firm due to its proven commitment to investment in people with dedicated training and defined career pathways.

Express is also in the final stages of moving all staff over to newly refurbished offices in south Manchester. This move will offer even more space for expansion.

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Express solicitor reacts to verdict on trampoline park injuries

February 27, 2024 

'Flip Out' logo in green on side of building

Former Flip Out Chester owners David Shuttleworth and Matthew Melling were given a fine of just over £6,000 each – despite 11 people breaking their backs in a seven-week period at their trampoline park while they were in charge.

They also were ordered to pay £60,000 costs between them and carry out 250 hours of community service after earlier pleading guilty to a Health and Safety Act violation after 270 people were injured in accidents at their former venue.

Flip Out Chester is now run by new owners.

Jonathan Flattery Principal Partner of Express Solicitors said he believed the pair had cheated justice.

Jonathan said: “This is outrageous. It is a massive let-down for my clients and the fine is just a huge slap on the wrist. This provides no real justice or deterrent to others who may want to ride roughshod over health and safety laws.

“The sheer number of people injured at their venue over a short period showed they had a total disregard for health and safety. Justice has definitely not been served in this case for my clients who in many cases spent years in rehab. Due to the severity of the injuries caused by the defendants’ negligence and the huge impact on their victims lives, a custodial sentence or much higher fine or suspended sentence should have been given. But they can feel vindicated that the defendants pleaded guilty.

He added: “What sort of message does this send to the industry to ensure venues take health and safety seriously. It is hugely disappointing and the sheer amount of public money spent on this investigation demanded a better result.

“But now a decision has been made, even though it is not what they wanted or expected, victims can finally get some sort of closure to what was a traumatic period of their life.”

You can catch up on an interview with Jonathan on BBC North West Tonight (about 4 minutes in).

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David Dean discusses CRPS for Legal Futures

February 10, 2024

Woman sitting on bed with arm on lower back

David Dean, Senior Associate Solicitor at Express Solicitors, has contributed an article for Legal Futures to raise awareness about pain conditions in personal injury and clinical negligence.

In this blog, David highlights the complexities of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in both a medical and legal context.

David touches upon the diagnostic criteria for CPRS and the absolute importance of a legal professional understanding when a CRPS claim may become a case.

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Pensioner left in coma following e-bike collision

February 5, 2024

Woman riding e-bike on cycle path

Margaret Scaldwell, 70, was left with a broken spine and lost all of her teeth when hit by an e-bike capable of 55mph.

The accident occurred when Margaret was crossing the road in Wigan and two men speeding on an e-bike ploughed into her, causing life-changing injuries.

Margaret was put into a medically induced coma. The impact of the crash broke her spine, pelvis, both her arms and 19 ribs. She also required 10 steel plates fitted into her face.

Mrs Scaldwell and her daughter are calling upon the Government to do more to tackle the uptake of high-powered e-bikes and e-scooters on roads and pavements.

Robin Patey, Partner in Road Traffic Accident, is representing Mrs Scaldwell. He comments on the increase in the number of e-bike collisions.

“This case illustrates the dangers posed by the growing menace of e-bikes,” he said. “Mrs Scaldwell was simply crossing the road near her house and was mowed down by teenagers on an e-bike.

“Now she has been left virtually housebound with serious life-changing injuries at a time when she should be enjoying her retirement.

“The law needs to catch up with the technology, as at the minute the legislation covering these e-bikes is out of date and needs to be urgently reviewed.

“Too many communities now find themselves blighted by careless drivers on off-road e-bikes with no tax or insurance. Action needs to be taken to address this pressing issue.”

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Express strengthens Partnership With Headway

January 25, 2024

We are delighted to continue our support of leading brain injury charity Headway UK. The development will see Express Solicitors renew its corporate membership and join the brain injury solicitor’s directory for 2024.

The national charity has a network of branches across the UK supporting people affected by brain injury and their families. Their mission is simple, to help improve life after brain injury.

The charity offers a wide range of services, including brain injury rehabilitation programmes, carer support, social re-integration, community outreach and respite care.

Being listed in Headway’s directory means that each contact solicitor listed, as well as some of their colleagues, will undergo Headway training specifically designed for solicitors involved in brain injury cases. Express team members will also adhere to the Headway code of conduct.

The partnership isn’t entirely new, we have been a steadfast supporter of Headway over the course of several years. Notably, Carlos Lopez, Partner, and Head of Clinical Negligence, has been a trustee for Headway Lancashire since 2014.

And as part of the Jefferies Solicitors acquisition, we have been working closely with both the Birmingham and Solihull and North Staffordshire branches of Headway to support patients from very early on after their incident, which extends to assistance applying for benefits like Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments, without cost.

Chief Executive Officer at Express, James Maxey, took part in the Headway North Staffs most recent AGM, and we have provided financial and support through donations, fundraising initiatives and, through our outreach services, day-to-day support for patients and the families and loved ones affected.

Daniel Slade, Chief Executive Officer (Legal) is leading the partnership:

“Headway offers invaluable support to people in their time of need and the years following injury. The Charity is a lifeline for so many. I am therefore delighted we have renewed our membership and joined the directory.

“The role of the solicitor in helping to improve life after a brain injury cannot be understated. It’s a responsibility we take extremely seriously and continued professional development is a vital part of ensuring we are best placed to support people with a head injury and their families.”

Express works alongside several national and local charities including Burning Nights, Blood Bikes and St Ann’s Hospice.

Daniel added: “By the nature of our business we encounter many remarkable people often in their time of need and see first-hand the amazing support charities like Headway offer. It’s a privilege to be able to extend our support and make a lasting difference to people’s lives.”

Mother-of-two fears mould-infested flat will kill her

January 12, 2024

Two women sitting on sofa having a conversation

Stacey Coveley, 37, from Clapham, is taking up a personal injury claim with Express Solicitors as a result of a severe mould problem in her South London council flat.

Stacey, a mother-of-two, who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is “petrified” that the mould problem in her flat will kill her. “My father died of COPD. I’m scared I’m going to go the same way. I don’t want to leave my kids. I’m petrified my mould-infested flat is going to kill me,” she said.

Stacey first complained to Lambeth Council about the mould in 2021, but the issue persists. Stacey cannot sleep in her own bed or use her kitchen owing to the mould in her flat.

Are you having a problem with mould in your home? Meet our expert team who can help with any housing disrepair claim.

You can catch up on an interview with Stacey on BBC iPlayer (about 43 minutes and 30 seconds in) – BBC iPlayer – Morning Live: 12/01/2024

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Brother of man attacked by dog calls for a change in the law

November 24, 2023

Man and woman sat next to each other on sofa on news show

David Roach’s brother John stepped in to help when a woman was attacked and bitten by a pit bull. When the dog turned on John too, he was left with severe physical injuries and the attack had a huge effect on his mental health.

John died 18 months after the attack and now David is calling for a change in the law. He wants owners of banned breeds, whose dogs attack people, to face the same punishment as criminals who use other lethal weapons.

Senior Associate Solicitor Advocate Katryn Mercer of the Occupiers’ Liability and Public Liability department was the Express solicitor involved in John’s case and has dealt with several other dog bite cases. Alongside David, she was interviewed on the BBC North West Tonight programme.

You can catch up on the story on BBC iPlayer (about 6 minutes in) – BBC iPlayer – North West Tonight – Evening News: 23/11/2023

Injured contestants on Netflix’s Squid Game seek help from Express

November 23, 2023 

Squid Game contestants stood in line with phone held in foreground

Contestants on Netflix’s new show ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ have instructed Daniel Slade, Chief Executive Officer (Legal) at Express Solicitors, to help them seek compensation for injuries they suffered during the show’s filming in January of this year.

The contestants claim that they suffered injuries such as hypothermia and nerve damage as a result of poor health and safety standards on set.

Daniel Slade comments: “We have sent letters of claim on behalf of contestants injured in this show… From what we’ve been told they pushed the boundaries of safety in the name of entertainment… Production companies need to ensure that health and safety standards on their shows don’t leave people at risk of harm.”

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The potential link between TBI and dementia

November 9, 2023

Group of men playing rugby

Damian Bradley, Partner at Express Solicitors, observes how the courts have approached scientific evidence on the potential link between TBI and dementia.

This is in response to an ever-growing body of studies that suggests there is more than a tentative link between TBI and dementia.

But are these studies enough to persuade a judge?

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Express Solicitors achieves ‘outstanding to work for’ accolade

November 8, 2023 

Two women sat at dinner table holding an award

Best Companies announces its results quarterly and for Q4 Express Solicitors has been ranked 14th best law firm to work for in the UK, 63rd best company to work for in the North West and 94th in the category of best large company in the UK.

Chief Human Resources Officer at Express Solicitors, Carole Jones said: “We’re thrilled to make another appearance in the Best Companies league tables. To once again be recognised as ‘outstanding’ and in the top 100 for the best large companies in the UK, is a fabulous achievement. We’re really proud of the results and all our wonderful employees who helped make it happen.”

CEO James Maxey added: “It’s been a really exciting year and for anyone thinking of applying for any of the roles we have available, now is a great time to join us. We’ve just released record turnover results again, just shy of £54m, up by 28% from £42m in 2022, and we’re climbing up the Lawyer 200 list, now placed at number 80. The opportunities before us are looking very good indeed.”

How to overcome challenges for claimants who are not native English speakers

November 8, 2023 

Group of people smiling

Eden McCaughie, Associate Solicitor at Express Solicitors, discusses the challenges for claimants who are not native English speakers and how to overcome them in her latest article for Legal Futures.

The number of foreign workers in the UK makes up 18% of the employed workforce.

Inevitably, these individuals will need to make personal injury claims from time to time, but this is not without its challenges

In her article, Eden discusses some of the amendments made in the PD32 and how this affects the UK’s not native English speakers.

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Express Solicitors listed in 2024 Chambers & Partners

October 25, 2023

Line of marble columns

Express Solicitors has been ranked in the 2024 edition of Chambers UK – a Client’s Guide to the UK Legal Profession.

The leading personal injury firm has been ranked in Band 4 for clinical negligence.

Richard Lowery, Partner and Head of Employers’ Liability at Express Solicitors, has been ranked in Band 2 as a Leading individual in the personal injury field for the second year running.

Furthermore, Michael Hardacre, Partner in the Occupier and Public Liability Team who has recently joined Express from Slater & Gordon, has also been mentioned for his expertise.

James Maxey, CEO at Express Solicitors, comments: “It’s great to see Express recognised once again in the Chambers & Partners guide.

“We have been experiencing incredible growth and development over the past year and as we continue that into 2024, we will look to achieve an even better ranking next year with more Leading Individuals highlighted within the fields of personal injury and clinical negligence.”

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Hotels could be forced to pay out thousands for bed bugs claims

October 25, 2023

bedbugs on a mattress

The fear of a bed bug epidemic in the UK is rising. Numbers increased by 65% in the last year.

Luckily, Express Solicitors is here to help fight these cases and win thousands of pounds in compensation.

Craig Philips, Partner at Express Solicitors, is an expert in consumer compensation claims: “I’ve heard the stories from families, seen the photographic evidence, and thankfully, been able to secure compensation payments for the people who come to us for help

“These aren’t always easy cases to deal with but as a firm, we specialise in winning cases that many other firms would reject.”

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Mum-of-three ‘nearly blinded’ by washing up liquid at work

October 19, 2023

Woman Smiling at Camera

Express Solicitors is helping Toni Brown fight her case after she was nearly blinded by washing up liquid while working at a Greggs concession store in a BP garage in Frankley, Worcestershire.

As she was cleaning utensils the industrial-strength liquid squirted up into her eyes in what has been described as a freak accident.

The liquid began bubbling in her eyes and burned her corneas. She was left unable to open her eyes for a week.

She now suffers reduced vision in one eye and has to wear sunglasses most of the time.

Moto Services, which runs the Greggs concession where she was working, has admitted liability.

Workplace injury specialist Stephanie Osborne from Express Solicitors is handling the case. She explains that any staff handling toxic chemicals at work need training and PPE.

She comments: “Liability in this case has been admitted (via their insurer). All employers need to train staff properly and make sure they are protected at work.

“This accident has greatly affected Toni’s life and eyesight and could have been prevented with proper equipment and advice.”

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Woman left with blood clot as decking collapsed during hot tub dip on holiday

October 11, 2023 

An image of the hot tub on the decking.

For Karen Taylor-Barrett, a self-employed florist from Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, a dream spa holiday in Tenerife was cut short when she suffered a terrifying accident by the hot tub.

As Karen went to enter the hot tub, the decking collapsed around her leg which not only badly bruised her legs, but later resulted in her being diagnosed with a blood clot.

As a result of this accident, Karen’s life has changed. She is now petrified of falling over again and experiences constant agonising pain.

In fact, eight months later Karen explains: “My whole body aches from my shoulder to the end of my arm. The pain is so intense sometimes that it stops me from sleeping properly leaving me constantly exhausted.”

Karen enlisted Laura Vedrines, Associate Lawyer at Express Solicitors, to assist her in fighting this personal injury claim against Jet2.

Laura Vedrines adds: “This accident has affected every part of Ms Taylor-Barrett’s life. Holiday companies must be held to account when guests are injured in their resorts.”

Read more:

Express Solicitors recognised in Legal 500 for 13th year running

October 6, 2023

An image of a man smiling into the camera.

Express Solicitors is successful again in the prestigious Legal 500, continuing its run with a Tier 3 placement for both personal injury and clinical negligence.

The Legal 500 rankings are in their 37th year and exist to showcase both firms and individuals for providing the highest quality of care to their clients in their respective areas of law.

This means Express Solicitors enters 2024 sitting alongside leading and national firms.

Practice heads noted in the report are Senior Partner and Head of Occupiers and Public Liability Claims, Daniel Slade; Richard Lowery, Partner and Head of Employers’ Liability; Kimberley Kirkby, Partner and Head of RTAs, and Carlos Lopez, Partner and Head of Clinical Negligence.

Additionally, Michael Hardacre, a Partner in the Occupier and Public Liability Team who has recently joined Express from Slater & Gordon, has also been recommended in the list.

Read more:

Express Solicitors achieves record high turnover

October 6, 2023

The Lawyer Top 100 law firm is edging closer and closer to its target of £60m turnover within the next five years.

In 2023, group turnover is just shy of £54m, up by 28% from £42m in 2022.

James Maxey, CEO of Express Solicitors, commented: “We’ve had another great year, every part of the business has had its numbers increase this year.  If we continue this way, we could be hitting our target £60m earlier than expected which would be amazing.

“The acquisition of Michael W Halsall Solicitors in October last year has been a big factor in our success and another big development is the purchase and refurbishment of premises in Sharston, South Manchester which will allow us to keep expanding.

“It’s also exciting that we have more growth locked in with the recent acquisitions of Amelans and Jefferies Solicitors, which will show up on next year’s figures. The opportunities before us are looking very good indeed.

“We are continuing to look at progressing the business, developing our people and recruiting the best talent so we can carry on with the important work we do in helping injured people.”

Read more:

Express Solicitors is number 80 in the 2023 Lawyer Top 200 UK Law Firms

October 3, 2023

Image of an Office on a High Street

We are now placed at number 80 in the 2023 Lawyer Top 200 UK Law Firms ranking, an impressive 13 places up from 93 in 2022.

James Maxey, Chief Executive Officer of Express Solicitors, said: “Following on from us breaking into the Top 100 last year we’ve had another great year.

“The acquisition of Michael W Halsall Solicitors in October last year has been a big factor in our success and another development is the purchase and refurbishment of premises in Sharston, South Manchester which will allow us to keep growing.

“It’s also exciting that we have more growth locked in with the recent acquisitions of Amelans and Jefferies Solicitors. The opportunities before us are looking very good indeed.

“This continued improvement is down to all our dedicated staff across the firm, from the new client team to our fantastic lawyers as well as all our non-lawyer staff, putting in all the hard work.”

Read more:

Focus on employee development and progress at ever-growing Express Solicitors

September 20, 2023

A group of people standing in business attire

Manchester-based personal injury specialists Express Solicitors has again made an impressive round of promotions and new hires across different areas of the business.

Some 63 staff members have been progressed in some way thanks to two recent acquisitions and Express’s integral commitment to internal development.

Chief Executive Officer James Maxey said: “Our firm is always growing, and I am incredibly proud to say we now have around 620 fantastic employees working at Express Solicitors.

“We are committed to retaining and developing our people and this year’s batch of very worthy promotions serves to highlight that. Congratulations to each and every one of them.”
Among those promoted are nine partners who are all specialists in different fields of personal injury. A further five partners have joined Express as a result of the acquisitions.

Express has also promoted seven employees to Senior Associate, 11 to Associate and eight to Solicitor.

There were also 13 employees who became Trainee Solicitors, meaning the firm now has 74 trainees in total.

Read more:

Partner, Jon Andrews, provides tips for instructing experts in the latest PI Focus

September 20, 2023

A woman holding a pair of glasses pensively.

Partner in Employers’ Liability, Jon Andrews, has written an article for the latest edition of PI Focus magazine discussing the importance of working with experts when putting together a claim. In the article, Jon explains why experts are needed, how to make sure you get the very best and how to build relationships with experts who can support clients’ claims.

Read more:

We’ve helped Emma win a nine-year legal fight after her husband died while waiting for an ambulance

September 5, 2023

A man and woman getting married

Carlos Lopez, Head of Clinical Negligence at Express Solicitors and our clinical negligence team have brought justice to a Manchester family after a nine-year legal fight. Emma Latham’s husband Steven was 43 when he collapsed at an airshow in 2013, and despite ringing 999, it took 40 minutes for an ambulance to arrive and he tragically died at the scene. Emma has since developed MS.

“I would like to say thank you for all the support I have been given over the last 10 years as I don’t think I could have gone through such a hard process without the support I was given during the court case, nothing was too much trouble, I was always given great advice and supported when needed.” – Emma Latham

Read more:

Rapid growth plan continues for Express Solicitors with two acquisitions in one week

July 27, 2023 

Top 100 law firm Express Solicitors has acquired two well-known Manchester personal injury firms this week, Amelans Solicitors and Jefferies Solicitors.

Chief Executive Officer at Express Solicitors, James Maxey said: “We are thrilled to have acquired Amelans Solicitors and Jefferies Solicitors, they are both companies we have held in high regard for some time. They have excellent reputations with exacting standards and good lawyers.”

The two acquisitions will take the number of Express Solicitors employees to over 600.

Regarding the Amelans Solicitors acquisition, Maxey said: “We have worked closely with Amelans Solicitors for many years, and they are very local and dear to us, being based in Didsbury. They are a great firm with a trailblazing reputation, with lawyers who like us, are brave enough to challenge the law and create new standards. We look forward to welcoming the skilled staff to Express Solicitors.

Amelans Senior Partner Andrew Twambley and Finance Partner Denise Wilkinson join Express Solicitors as consultants to ensure the smooth integration of the practices.

Andrew has established his reputation over the years as a campaigner for justice and particularly for the rights of personal injury victims. Andrew was involved in landmark cases such as Callery v Gray and Sarwar v Alam. Andrew must be one of the very few lawyers to have received two lifetime achievement awards, one at The Claims Innovation Awards in 2013 and one at The Modern Law Awards in 2016.

Maxey said: “We are immensely proud to continue the excellent work carried on by Amelans, and we look forward to looking after the staff and of course, the new to Express Solicitors’ clients. We share the same focus with Amelans of promoting quality legal services to achieve the best outcome for our injured clients.

The acquisition of Jefferies Solicitors reinforces Express Solicitors’ bench strength in personal injury law with the addition of former Director Monina Ramsden, who joins as a Partner along with her catastrophic injury team. Monina Ramsden, who also sits part time as a Deputy District Judge adds her wealth of experience and technical knowledge to complement the existing specialist departments.

The addition of Jefferies Solicitors to the Express Solicitors group brings with it circa 2000 clients and almost 50 more staff.

Jefferies Solicitors was established more than 25 years ago by Michael Jefferies who built the firm from the ground up to the practice that is much loved today. Their outgoing Director confirmed how important it was to find the right successor practice.

Michael Jefferies said: “I am personally at a stage in my career where I’m looking to move onto other projects. We have been incredibly careful when selecting a firm to look after our staff, and the firm’s clients. Finding a firm with the same ethos was a vital factor. We are pleased to see during our dealings with Express Solicitors that they are committed to client care, staff welfare and progression and wish them further success.”

Maxey said: “We look forward to welcoming the talented staff and will carry on the Jefferies tradition.

“It is of paramount importance that a class leading legal service will continue for all the Jefferies Solicitors’ and Amelans Solicitors’ clients. This will be aided by a smooth integration of our shared case management systems. Our IT departments and legal teams continue to liaise, ensuring a seamless transition.”

During the acquisitions, Express Solicitors was advised by long term corporate law firm, O’Connors Legal Services Limited, Liverpool with Jefferies Solicitors being advised by Andrew Sturge of Bexley Beaumont Limited together with Lauren Roberts and Danielle Tierney of Hurst Accountants Ltd. Amelans Solicitors was advised by Bennett Briegal LLP.

Leading Top 100 law firm Express Solicitors has continued to grow its caseload and now has circa 24,000 cases. The recently purchased business site at South Court is progressing well with a multi-million-pound refurbishment that will have adequate space for further expansion.

Maxey reported that Express Solicitors were buoyed to have the continued support of RBS. Maxey warned that Express Solicitors were not stopping in their search for more suitable acquisitions as they march on towards becoming the Number 1 Claimant Personal Injury firm in the UK.

Read more:

 

Express Solicitors featured in the Nationals as the Court Delays issue gathers pace

June 21, 2023

More national news coverage for Express Solicitors as interest in our research around court delays picked up. The Times reported on the shortage of judges and record delays which was described as a civil courts ‘crisis’ and Partner Damian Bradley was interviewed by This is Money to discuss the court delay issues in further detail as well as the wider ramifications – referencing his own clients who were facing stress as a result of delays.

Read more:

Time from issue to trial in county court hits record high of 80 weeks

June 16, 2023

ACSO and Express Solicitors have garnered attention due to three major stories, which have sparked significant concern within the UK’s civil justice system. The latest quarterly civil justice statistics have highlighted the escalating delays, attracting widespread coverage in esteemed publications such as the Law Society Gazette, Insurance Edge, Legal Futures, Lexis Nexis, the Dispatchist, the Local Government Lawyer, and the New Law Journal.

We have expressed deep apprehension regarding the decline in the civil justice system, attributing it to government budget cuts and neglect. Through our collaborative efforts with ACSO, we have conducted extensive research, shedding light on significant delays in small claims and multi/fast track claims. On average, it now takes nearly a year (353 days) for a case to progress to court, causing significant distress. Our research further revealed alarming instances of extended delays, with certain courts, like the one in Dartford, experiencing wait times of up to 829 days, while Blackpool demonstrated relatively better performance with delays of only 79 days. Notably, the South East region exhibited the longest average wait time of 462 days, in contrast to the North East, which boasted the shortest average wait time of 251 days.

In light of these findings, we have passionately emphasised the urgent need for the government to allocate additional resources to effectively address the mounting backlog. Moreover, we are calling for the establishment of clear targets that promotes accountability and transparency within the civil justice system.

Read more at:

Tactical considerations surrounding interim payments

May 4, 2023

Richard Lowery, Partner and Head of Employer’s Liability has written an article first appearing in APIL’s PI Focus magazine, around the issues when requesting or applying for an interim payment in the case of catastrophic injuries claims. Read the full article in this download.

The law clarified in expenses claims for injured children

March 27, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel Slade, Senior Partner and Head of Catastrophic Injury at Express Solicitors has written an article exploring the different approaches taken by the Courts when considering the complex issue of expenses claims for injured children and other protected parties. Read more at the Legal Futures website.

Neurodivergents: How To Make The Workplace More Productive, Creative And Safer

11 March 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whilst neurodivergent individuals can bring a wealth of creativity and problem solving to the workplace, research has shown they are more vulnerable to accidents and injuries. With this in mind we worked with Ellie Middleton, an Autistic and ADHD activist to raise awareness of the benefits and the ways employees can be protected throughout any organisation. Read more at:

Express Solicitors Achieves ‘Best Companies’ Accolade For The First Time Along With Another Year Of Solid Growth

February 6, 2023

Three women standing smiling

We have been recognised as one of the UK’s ‘Best Companies’ to work for, achieving two-star accreditation for ‘outstanding levels of employee engagement’ of its 500-strong employees. Read more about how we support our employees at:

Express Solicitors to recruit pupil barristers for first time

February 1, 2023

A woman smiling

We will be offering four pupillage positions to start this year and a further four for 2024. This was all following the firm becoming an authorised training organisation by the Bar Standards Board (BSB). We hope to increase this in the future in line with our growth plans. Read more at:

Personal injury law firm maintains record turnover and targets further acquisitions

January 30, 2023

We are proud to announce we have achieved our third consecutive year of record turnover! Read more at The Business Desk.

Hiring a new cohort of 23 graduates onto our training programme

January 30, 2023

A group of people using computers

Our head of pupillage, Nyssa Crorie, who was hired as our first in-house barrister in 2016 and promoted to partner in 2019 with a brief to build the firm’s advocacy department explains that the first cohort of four pupils would be recruited to start in September, with a further four positions open for the following year. Read more about our training programme and plans for growth at:

Making a mistake on the damages claim portal is not necessarily an abuse of process

January 24, 2023

Keyboard

We shared a report of a decision in Oxford County Court relating to the Damages Claim Portal. The claimant had used the Portal to issue against the Crown. The Portal cannot be used to issue against the Crown. The defendant took that point and argued that the action was an abuse of process and should be struck out. The defendant’s application failed and it ended up with a costs order against it. Read the full report at The Civil Litigation Brief.

Express Solicitors completes £4.4m deal for new 40,000 sq ft base

January 12, 2023

Office building

We have just acquired a new office in a £4.4m deal, in line with its strategic growth plans. Read more about this at the following links:

Legal Cheek Spring 2023 Virtual Vacation Scheme and Law Fair

December 13, 2022

We’re taking part in this year’s Legal Cheek Spring 2023 Virtual Vacation Scheme and Law Fair. Stay tuned for more information. In the meantime, feel free to look at the programme on the Legal Cheek website.

Claimant should have been given permission to rely on expert evidence on deputyship and court of protection costs: Successful appeal to the high court

December 7, 2022

Daniel Slade discusses a case where the claimant was successful in appealing a decision that he was not given permission to rely on a report from an expert on deputyship and Court of Protection costs.

Read more:

The best law firms for peer support and partner approachability 2023

November 29, 2022

We have been nominated as one of the best law firms for peer support for 2023! We do take great pride in our company culture as well as the education and support with which we provide our Trainees. It’s wonderful to see these efforts being recognised.

Handing out cost-of-living bonuses to staff

November 21, 2022

We have also taken steps to support our staff in this cost-of-living crisis, awarding a bonus payment equivalent to one week’s salary. This means that staff earning £20,000 would receive a post-tax bonus payment of £337, while those earning £50,000 would bag £772.

Read more at The Legal Cheek.

Large PI firm Michael W Halsall Solicitors Ltd sold to Express Solicitors in latest post-reform consolidation move

November 2, 2022

It’s official – we are proud to announce that we have acquired Michael W Halsall (MWH). It should not be difficult to find the MWH staff work to do after its cases are all concluded as we currently have around 50 job openings.

We have more deals lined up so stay tuned for more news to come!

Read more at:

Financial automation: How the cloud is eliminating the need to recover commercial debt via the courts

October 26, 2022

The UK court system is currently experiencing extensive backlogs across the UK civil justice system. We have researched 8,500 fast-track and multi-track claims to paint a clearer picture of the bottlenecks for civil justice in England and Wales.

Read more:

Top 100 Law Firm Express Solicitors Ranked in Chambers & Partners 2023 for Clinical Negligence

October 20, 2022
We are proud to announce that we have been ranked in Chambers & Partners in the 2023 edition of Chambers UK – a Client’s Guide to the UK Legal Profession, which is one of the most trusted independent directories of UK legal services.

Read more in this Business Manchester article.

Express Solicitors ranks in The Lawyer’s 2022 Top 100 law firms

October 3, 2022

With the release of the 2022 Lawyer Top 200 UK Law Firms ranking list, we were happy to see all our efforts are being recognized. We were proudly ranked at 93 – moving up 13 places since 2021 (when we were placed at 106).

Read more at:

New Round of Promotions at Express Solicitors

October 3, 2022

As part of our continuous goal to support our employees, recognize their efforts, and help them grow alongside the firm, we have given a round of promotions across all areas of the business this September. Some 43 staff members have been promoted, which equates to 10% of the firm’s entire workforce.

Read more in this Business Manchester article.

Appeal case featured by Kerry on Costs

September 12, 2022

Daniel Slade’s case of X v H&M Hennes has been featured by Kerry Underwood in his magazine Kerry on Costs (issue 57) in which a Former Regional Costs Judge confirmed on appeal that a County Court decision was wrong to refuse Litigation Friend expenses for an ATE Premium

KERRY ON COSTS AND SO MUCH MORE – ISSUE 57 PAGE 479

 

Meet the top 100 firm with the £4.5m PEP

September 7, 2022

Sustained growth for Express Solicitors means it is a market leader on PEP.

Read more at The Lawyer.

Express Solicitors offers staff an extra week’s pay as cost-of-living support

September 6, 2022
We announced that our staff will receive a bonus payment equivalent to one week’s worth of their base salary this November in order to help reduce the effects of the cost of living crisis.
Read more on these changes at Legal Cheek.

Firm offers a week’s pay to all as cost-of-living help

September 1, 2022

Express Solicitors has responded differently to most firms, giving out one-off bonuses by linking payments to staff salaries.

Read more about how we support our staff at The Law Gazette.

Law firm to hand hundreds of staff an extra week’s pay to ease cost of living crisis

September 1, 2022

We will issue payments in November in addition to any pay review increases, performance bonuses or Christmas bonuses paid to its lawyers and support staff. The move is set to apply to over 430 employees at the firm.

Read more at Business Live.

Law firm to hand hundreds of staff an extra week’s pay to ease cost of living crisis

September 1, 2022
In November, we’re going to give a one-off payment equivalent to one week’s basic pay in a bid to ease the cost of living crisis. As Chief Executive James Maxey explains, this is to: “recognise the value of our fantastic people, to go some way towards helping with the sharp cost of living rises this year, caused by factors outside of our control”.
Read more at MSN.

The Safest and Most Dangerous Places to Work in the UK

August 26, 2022

New data from the Health and Safety Executive, analysed by our accident at work claims team has revealed the safest and most dangerous places to work in Great Britain. Plus, the impact of lockdowns on workplace injuries.

View the full article at BBN Times.

Civil Court Delays Are Having Serious Impact

May 27, 2022

We researched 8,500 fast-track and multi-track claims to get a clearer picture of the bottlenecks for civil justice in England and Wales.

The wait time can vary anywhere from 377–456 days (15 months) for cases to complete the first CCMC.

Read more about our findings in this Insurance Edge article.

Express Solicitors works with advisors on growth options

March 3, 2022

In line with our goal to become a top-100 UK law firm, we have started working with advisors on growth options that include a domestic merger or a listing. While this is ongoing, we are pursuing inorganic growth primarily via acquiring bolt-on sized counterparts and by purchasing personal injury and medical negligence case workloads.

For a more in-depth read of the most recent goings-on in terms of our firm’s expansion plan, you can read the original article on Mergermarket.

Personal injury law firm predicts an increase in accidents and road rage following highway code changes

February 4, 2022

Even before the highway code changes were introduced, we were concerned that they hadn’t been effectively communicated to drivers. Those that may feel the repercussions most strongly are likely to be cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

Only a third of drivers were aware of the new rules when asked in December in an AA poll – a situation that was only made worse by there not being any real publicity from the government.

Read what our RTA Partner, Rachel Price, has to say about the matter on our blog and on Insurance Edge.

RBS agrees £8m revolving credit agreement with Express Solicitors

January 25, 2022

We have signed a revolving credit agreement with The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) worth £8m! The funds will be used to support the firm and give us the flexibility to achieve our ambitious growth plans. This was all following the employment of 162 new staff members and the promotion of 56 employees by September of 2021.

Read more about our future plans on our blog as well as corresponding articles published by The Business Desk and BBP Media.