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  • Solicitors Firm Oldham

    We are an Oldham Solicitors Firm with lawyers and experienced legal professionals providing a service like no-other in Oldham or Todmorden and their surrounding areas.

    As well as treating our existing clients with a VIP service, that can involve home visits.

    We also care about the local community by offering a variety of free legal clinics to help those who may not be able to afford legal advice at this point.

    We opeedn our free weekly legal clinic in Uppermill, Saddleworth on Septemeber 4th. This complimentary service is available every Wednesday, 9am to 12.30pm at the Conservative Club on the High Street.

    Our Todmorden Brand of Wrigley Claydon offer a free half hour meeting for each client between 1.00pm and 2.00pm and 4.00pm and 6.00pm every Thursday.

    And our matrimonial clinic has been running since March 2013 and the uptake on this free service has been tremendous. It takes place every Wednesday between 12 and 4.30pm.

    The aim of the clinic is to provide initial advice, on a wide range of legal issues, to those within the local community of Oldham and Saddleworth, either by appointment, or as a drop in clinic. It will allow people to raise queries and get help or information on crucial matters. With recent changes and cuts to the legal aid system concerning many people, Wrigley Claydon hopes its clinic will be a source of advice to those who have been affected as well as the wider community generally

    Solicitor and Partner at Wrigley Claydon, Rachel Damianou explains the thinking behind the project,

    “We are a solicitors firm Oldham that want to provide the local community with a service that no other law firm provides. We have a long history in the area, and work hard to ensure our reputation as the area’s oldest, most established and best regarded solicitors is maintained. This means we always look to provide that ‘added extra’ to our services, and feel that going out to meet our potential clients in their community is one way of doing this.”

    So if you are looking for a solicitors firm Oldham or in Todmorden come by to one of our free legal clinics or call us on 0161 624 6811.

  • The Adoption Process

    The Adoption Process

    Parents involved in care and the adoption process can take heart from a recent case that came before the Court of Appeal.

    In a judgement given on 17th September 2013 the court set out some clear views about the manner in which such cases should proceed.

    Mr Justice Munby, the President of the Family Division, the most senior of the Family judges, expressed his and the appeal court’s concern about cases that came before the court where there was insufficient analysis of the reasons used to justify and support the case for adoption.

    It was emphasised that adoption, which means a break with a child’s natural family, is a “draconian” step and that the evidence in support of the application must be thorough with a careful analysis of the case both for and against.

    There is also a clear indication that the interests of the child and the importance of the issues involved should not be set aside through a strict application of the timetable procedure for such cases which has recently been tightened and shortened.

    Parents of children in such cases can be encouraged by the knowledge that the Court will be expecting any local authority applicant to meet the high standards of preparation and analysis that these cases deserve, given the issues involved.

    Mr Justice Munby explains,

    “If, despite all, the court does not have the kind of evidence we have identified, and is therefore not properly equipped to decide these issues, then an adjournment must be directed, even if this takes the case over 26 weeks. Where the proposal before the court is for non-consensual adoption, the issues are too grave, the stakes for all are too high, for the outcome to be determined by rigorous adherence to an inflexible timetable and justice thereby potentially denied.”

    The adoption process can be a confusing and overwhelming experience, let us guide and advise you so that we can help you receive the best possible outcome of your case.

    For legal, support, help and advice on the adoption process contact us at Wrigley Claydon on 0161 785 3521. 
  • Oldham Solicitor you can trust

    When looking for an Oldham Solicitor you can trust we know you need a firm with a strong reputation and history. At Wrigley Claydon we have solid foundations that allows us to move with the times to help you through the legal process stress free.

    We’ve had a continuous presence as Oldham Solicitors since the practice was established in 1795 by Henry Barlow. It was 60 years later when our now namesake Henry Wrigley joined the firm. Today his great great great granddaughter is still a client!

    We celebrated our 200 year anniversary in 1995 having expanded our offices into the Todmorden area in 1980. This gives us flexibility to serve all our clients’ legal needs at both offices, at their home or place of business. Our Todmorden team is headed up by Godfrey Pickles, our very experienced Senior Partner.

    At Wrigley Claydon we recruit real people who are experts in their field and  care about their work.  Some of our staff  first experienced us during their work placements and we made such an impression they’ve never left.  Our team enjoys what we do and some of us sit on industry panels and boards.

    We’ve adapted to changing times and provide a service which recognises that solicitor’s clients demand not only efficiency and to be kept constantly informed but also friendly and approachable treatment.

    Wrigley Claydon try to combine all these attributes and, whilst using the very best of modern technology, remember that our clients are sensitive people, like us, often facing the most critical decisions of their private or business life.

    With this in mind it is the philosophy of the firm to offer a warm welcome and a sympathetic and understanding service, as well as good advice and efficiency.

    We also see it as our task not only to solve your problems but, wherever possible, to prevent them arising in the first place by providing sound and constructive advice on a regular basis, throughout your business or personal life.

  • Dental Negligence Claim

    Dental Negligence Claim

    As with any medical matter we expect professional standards of care from our dentists, but, as with healthcare, some of us are unfortunately subject to dental negligence.

    Dental negligence can be extremely serious, whether it’s owing to accidental damage, unintended tooth loss or failure to recognise symptoms of gum disease or other oral health concerns.

    If you’ve experienced what you feel was substandard or inadequate treatment from a dentist, you might have some questions about making a claim. Rest assured, as with other clinical negligence claims, there are laws in place to prevent dental negligence which serve to protect your rights and aid you in making your claim.

    The most common causes of dental negligence include:

    Gum Disease

    If you’ve been making regular visits to your dentist for a number of years and your gum disease has not been recognised or has not been correctly treated, you might be entitled to launch a claim for compensation.

    The consequences of mistreating gum disease can be severe. When insufficiently treated gum disease can have lasting effects on oral health; it is also likely to be very painful, time-consuming and expensive to rectify.

    Tooth Extraction

    Extracting teeth can cause damage, usually to the surrounding teeth, gums or nerves. In most cases the damage will be minor and will not be deemed worthy of compensation, however in more severe cases, particularly in those that leave you needing follow up treatments as an unintended consequence, compensation may be deserved.

    If you’ve had the wrong tooth removed and require a replacement, you will most likely be able to make a claim.

    In most cases the particulars of the claim will determine its likelihood of success, if you’re unsure whether you’ve been subject to dental negligence, we might be able to help clarify matters.

    Misinformation

    One of the most common causes of dental negligence is poor communication about the range of treatments available. Part of the duty of care for dentists is to clearly lay out all of the options that you have to treat a problem; while some treatments may offer better results they may not be right for you and may even be more expensive. If you’ve been told that you only have one option when this is not true, you may be entitled to compensation.

    If you’re concerned you may have been the victim of legitimate dental malpractice, or even if you’re not sure, and you think you would like to make a claim for compensation, give us a call on 0161 785 3534.
    Our experienced team will be able to talk you through everything you need to know.
  • Occupier’s liability

    Occupier’s liability

    As a landowner it’s important to understand, and take into consideration, occupier’s liability. As an occupier of a home or land, you have a duty of care towards those who visit your property. Indeed, as a visitor, you may deserve compensation for injuries caused on someone else’s land that were not your fault.

    At Wrigley Claydon, we were proud to recently win a case of occupier liability. Our client was badly injured on a broken sign positioned on the defendant’s land. Due to the positioning of the sign, the client sustained both head and facial injuries, which as well as causing them great pain also had potential to scar. We were passionate about this case, and ensured that justice was served. Our client received £1,000 and luckily the injury healed healthily within three weeks, leaving no scar.

    We understand that care for those with injuries can be expensive, as well an emotional struggle for the victim and their family. While, of course, accidents happen, it is important to evaluate errors made and be aware of paying out for things which could have been avoided with due care and attention. By law, property owners have a duty of care towards those who visit their land, and accidents caused by the defective or dangerous condition of the premises should not be left to the victim to finance.

    If you believe you are entitled to claim compensation, the first step is to hire an experienced lawyer. They will talk you through the best course of action and advise you on various ways of funding your claim. At Wrigley Claydon, we have over 30 years experience of helping clients receive the compensation they deserve following accidents where they have suffered personal injury or financial loss.

    To speak to a personal injury solicitor about a possible claim call us today on 0161 785 3534 or contact us via our website.

  • Does charity begin at home? Making a Will

    Does charity begin at home? Making a Will

    September saw “Remember a Charity in your Will” week. Charities joined forces with the government to highlight the importance of gifts left to charity in Wills.

    Apparently, 74% of people regularly support a charity in their lifetime but only 6% of people in the UK have left a gift to charity in their Will.However, during a six month project conducted by the Cabinet Office Behavioural Insights Team, this percentage rose to 10% when Solicitors told their clients that leaving a gift to charity was an option.

    When clients were asked if there were any charities that they were passionate about, giving rose again to 15%. During the trial an additional £1m of gifts was left to charities in Wills.

    Leaving a gift to your favourite charity on your death is one of the many reasons for making a Will. Making a Will ensures that any specific intentions you have for the disposal of your property, money and possessions, after your death, can be carried out.It also gives you the opportunity to provide for your children, a relative or friend or to minimise potential tax liabilities. Above all, it prevents added stress and worry to your family at a time of bereavement.

    If you would like to talk to us about making a Will please call us on 0161 624 6811 and ask to speak to a member of our Wills and Probate Team.
  • Jeans for Genes is a Great Success

    Jeans for Genes is a Great Success

    Staff at our Oldham office left their suits at home last Friday and instead wore jeans as they took part in Jeans for Genes Day 2013.

    We each donated £2 in return for wearing jeans on the day.

    Jeans for Genes Day raises money for Genetic Disorders UK, the charity that aims to transform the lives of children with genetic disorders.

    Genetic disorders affect 1 in 25 children in the UK; that’s more than 30,000 babies born each year, the associated health problems being that genetic disorders are the biggest cause of death of children aged 14 and under.

    Jeans for Genes Day invites everyone across the UK from nurseries and schools to companies to wear their jeans for the day in return for a donation. The funds raised provide vital care and support for thousands of children with genetic disorders.

    Further information can be found at www.jeansforgenesday.org .

  • Flood risks to impact heavily on potential home owners

    Statistics show that 1 in 6 properties in England and Wales are at risk of flooding from rivers and the sea causing chaos and wide spread destruction. In addition to the emotional and physical damage caused by flooding, if a property is at risk then it may also impact on a person’s ability to be granted a mortgage, obtain suitable buildings insurance cover or even sell the home in the future.

    If you are thinking of buying a property then the main ways of learning more about the risk of flooding are through conducting searches. Instructing a conveyancing solicitor, checking the Environmental Agency website, making enquiries of the seller or instructing a Surveyor to carry out a physical inspection of the property in question will help identify any potential flood risk. Unfortunately, it may not be sufficient to rely on just one type of investigation alone.

    It is imperative that potential flood risk is considered particularly where mortgage finance is required, as lenders are increasingly likely to investigate flood risk and in turn, impose additional conditions on their mortgage product. One of these conditions will most certainly be that flood risk is a specified cover in any buildings insurance policy.

    Indeed, when a property is seen to be at risk of flooding, insurance companies may refuse to insure altogether or impose much higher premiums (especially if a property has previously made a flood claim) and/or excesses.

    Potential purchasers of ‘flood risk properties’ should therefore investigate the buildings insurance position from the outset of the conveyancing transaction (and certainly before entering into any contractual commitments) so that they are aware of the likely excessive cost that could be involved.

    If you have any questions or would like to talk with a conveyancing solicitor  please call Gary Burns on 0161 624 6811, gb@wrigleyclaydon.com at the Oldham office or Emma Piszkalo on 01706 815712, ep@wrigleyclaydontod.com at the Todmorden office.
  • Jeans for Genes Day 2013

    Jeans for Genes Day 2013

    Staff at our Oldham office will be leaving their suits at home and wearing their jeans on Jeans for Genes Day 2013 which takes place on Friday 20th September 2013.

    We will each be making a donation of £2 in return for wearing jeans on the day.

    Jeans for Genes Day raises money for Genetic Disorders UK, the charity that aims to transform the lives of children with genetic disorders. Genetic disorders affect 1 in 25 children in the UK; that’s more than 30,000 babies born each year, the associated health problems being that genetic disorders are the biggest cause of death of children aged 14 and under. Jeans for Genes Day invites everyone across the UK from nurseries and schools to companies to wear their jeans for the day in return for a donation. The funds raised provide vital care and support for thousands of children with genetic disorders.

    Further information can be found at www.jeansforgenesday.org.

  • Injury Claims with Solicitors not Salesmen

    Injury Claims with Solicitors not Salesmen

    Solicitors have spent years training in preparation to give help and advice to their clients at what is often a critical and potentially stressful time in their life. At such times one does not merely need a professional service on injury claims, but kindness and compassion too.
    A solicitor is someone one can depend on, someone that’s there for you throughout.

    Traditionally, clients wishing to make a Personal Injury Compensation Claim would spend time asking friends and relatives to recommend a “good solicitor” to approach and confide in. In turn, as recognised authorities working in the community, solicitors comfortably relied on their hard earned reputations and had no need to spend time on advertising their skills.

    However, in the late 1990’s, when “No Win No Fee” injury claims emerged and became popular, many companies called “Claims Management Companies” spied a gap in the market – that injured people needed a solicitor but solicitors did not take an aggressive approach in marketing themselves.

    Injury Claims management companies were able to establish themselves as the “middlemen”, positioning themselves and their services between the injured person and the solicitor. In order to profit, the claims management company relied on enlisting a finder’s fee – effectively selling claims to solicitors.

    In order to grow, these companies extended widespread marketing strategies with much effect; you will no doubt be lugubriously familiar with one of the many persistent television and radio campaigns that have been running for more than a decade now.

    However, thankfully, as of the 1st April 2013, due to a change in the law, injury claims companies are no longer permitted to sell cases to solicitors; meaning that the reputation of a solicitor may once again speak for itself beyond the noise of marketing. This has resulted in a reduction of more than 20% of claims management companies in the space of 3 months.

    People who have experienced an injury and make a claim may once again rely on the recommendation of their friends and family and seek out the most competent, experienced Injury Lawyer with a proven track record to handle their case, without being encouraged to go through impersonal, profit driven “middlemen” who see injuries as commodities to be auctioned to the highest bidder.

    If you’ve had an injury, and want to make a claim,  seek support from those you can rely on.
    For a name you can trust that has stood the test of time, call Wrigley Claydon on 0161 785 3534.