Wrigley Claydon Solicitors

Category: News

  • How our property team can help you sell

    How our property team can help you sell

    Undoubtedly the property market is improving – it is arguably at it’s highest peak in many years. However, one of the most prominent contributing factors to this success is the Help to Buy Scheme. The scheme targets young buyers who are trying to get their foot on the property ladder, and usually only applies to new build houses. This means that while the market continues to improve, and house prices rise, it is still proving difficult for those wanting to move, to sell their home. Most first time buyers are choosing new builds to take advantage of the scheme, meaning that existing home owners sometimes need help to sell.

    Taking on the task of selling your property alone can be daunting. Organising viewings and putting out advertisements can get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list during the hustle and bustle of every day life, and much of the jargon and necessary paperwork can seem overwhelming and confusing. This is why many home owners are choosing to invest in a team of estate agents, solicitors and conveyancers to assist in selling their property.

    But what exactly do they do? Firstly, estate agents. They will take responsibility for sourcing potential buyers – taking care of a lot of the organisational issues which arise when trying to sell your home yourself. Estate agents have years of experience selling properties, so know the best way to market your home and for what price. They can also offer you advice and be there to answer any questions you have regarding the sale.

    The conveyancer or solicitor will then take care of all of the complicated yet necessary paperwork such as drawing up contracts, laying out the necessary forms for you to complete and negotiating fees, speeding the process along. They will assist with the transfer of money, as well as ensuring that all documents are completed as accurately as possible, preventing any legal issues further down the road.

    One of the biggest factors in slowing down the process of selling a property is communication. There are so many individuals and companies involved – both on the side of the buyer and the seller – that transactions between parties can often hold up proceedings. Which is why using the services of a property team can help. At Wrigley Claydon, we have a property team made up of estate agents and law professionals, so you can find all the help you need in one place. We can offer solid, reliable advice that you can depend on with decades of combined property experience in all fields.

    We offer an extremely competitive fee package which includes conveyancing and all other legal work required, relating to your sale, for a streamlined and stress free experience. If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call our Oldham Office on 0161 785 3571 or our Todmorden Office on 01706 815 712. Alternatively, you can send us a enquiry through our contact page.
  • Unfair dismissal and the law

    Unfair dismissal and the law

    As the law surrounding employment and dismissal continues to expand, specialist knowledge on these matters is becoming essential for all employers in order to avoid problems further down the road. One of the most misunderstood matters is unfair dismissal, and as employment solicitors who advise on all employment matters, we have helped numerous companies who are involved with unfair dismissal accusations.

    Dismissal should always be a last resort for employers, and should be carried out only after the company’s procedures for  warnings and investigations have taken place to establish the facts. Many problems which arise between employers and employees are a result of miscommunication and can often be solved with a quiet word and discussion. However, if for whatever reason, you still believe it necessary to dismiss an employee, this must be carried out fairly.

    A fair dismissal means that the dismissal follows company procedure and is executed calmly and professionally, and that the reasons for doing so are reasonable and just. Unfair reasons for dismissal include (though are not limited to) the employee asking for more flexible hours, asking for legal workers’ rights such as break times, asking for time off for maternity or paternity leave or joining a trade union.

    However in many cases, the phrase “unfair dismissal” is taken out of context. Simply because an employee has been dismissed and is understandably upset about this, is not always grounds for a claim. Reasons for fair dismissal include (though are not limited to) a consistently poor job performance, a failure to turn up without asking for leave, drug or alcohol abuse or theft. In these cases, if verbal or written warnings were issued and the problem continued to persist, the employee has no grounds for a claim and you don’t need to stand for it.

    If you or your organisation are wrongly accused of unfair dismissal, despite following both legal and professional procedures to let an employee go, Wrigley Claydon can help. Our team have vast experience in this field and can help you navigate the always ongoing changes to employment legislation, as well as being able to advise you on recruitment policy, pension provisions and employer obligations.

    To talk to one of our employment solicitors, please call us on 0161 624 6811 for more information, or contact us online.
  • Your rights as a pedestrian

    Your rights as a pedestrian

    In a recent case, our client, a pedestrian, was crushed between two moving vehicles. This caused serious damage to both knees – an incredibly painful and debilitating injury.

    We successfully recovered £75,000 for our client.

    We often take both public and personal transport so much for granted that we forget the severe accidents that can occur when people don’t pay attention on the roads. The injuries that occur when drivers do not fulfil their ‘duty of care’ to those on foot can be incredibly serious and sometimes life-threatening. Approximately 30,000 pedestrians are injured per year due to a collision with a driver – of which our client was one.  The injuries they sustained due to a collision with two vehicles were not only exceptionally painful, but also placed a great strain on their lifestyle. Sustaining serious injuries to both knees prevented our client from working to their full capacity and the time it took to heal caused great emotional distress.

    While there are many things that you as a pedestrian can do to prevent injuries such as these – for example staying on the pavement, wearing reflective clothing when walking at night and ensuring you are fully alert when crossing the road – the responsibility ultimately lies with the driver. Operating a dangerous and heavy vehicle, drivers must always be on red alert, and have a duty to prevent any unnecessary injury to those not on the roads. Accidents can be caused by driving too fast, driving while intoxicated, distracted driving or irresponsible driving. In these situations, a collision with a pedestrian is no fault of the person on foot.

    Despite its severity, in many ways a road accident compensation claim is no different to any other personal injury claim. As a pedestrian, there are several things that you can do to ensure your case has the maximum success. Taking names and addresses of witnesses, taking photographs of the injury or scene of the accident, and retaining receipts from any drugs or medical treatment can all help your case. However, the best thing that you can do is hire an experienced and trusted personal injury lawyer.

    If you have been injured on the road as a pedestrian, get in touch with Wrigley Claydon today. Call us on 161 785 3534 or use our contact form and we can review your case.
  • The Respect Our Community Awards

    The Respect Our Community Awards

    Partner, John Porter is a director of First Choice Homes and their Respect Our Community Awards, a not for profit housing association managing around 12,000 homes in Oldham.

    If you are a business based in Oldham we encourage you to help support the ROCA. If you are looking for help, we consider all community projects, big and small so please feel free to get in touch.

    This new video explains how the ROCA help Oldham and the local community….

    ROCA

  • Wrigley Claydon support Age UK Todmorden

    Wrigley Claydon support Age UK Todmorden

    Wrigley Claydon’s Todmorden Office are supporting Age UK Todmorden for the whole of March in their “Make a Will Month” campaign.

    Together with Jayne Brearley and Co our solicitors are donating their time and expertise to encourage people to ask about making a will and to help them create one.

    An Age UK spokesperson said: “For your own peace of mind and to avoid undue stress for your loved ones, making a will is an important step.”

    If you would like to take part simply call Jayne Brearley and Co on 01706 812926 or Wrigley Claydon on 01706 815712. There is a suggested donation of £60 per person or £100 per couple that will benefit Age UK.

  • The complications with lasting powers of attorney

    The complications with lasting powers of attorney

    Recently discussions regarding handing over authority to another person to act on your behalf should you become mentally or physically incapable have been rife.  Lasting Powers of Attorney  (LPA) have been all over the newspaper headlines because some family members have been abusing their power, whilst others have become frustrated by banks refusing to acknowledge theirs.

    People can become unable to manage their own affairs or need assistance in doing so, at any stage of life.  An accident, physical ill health or the onset of mental illness may make the everyday routine of paying bills, writing cheques etc both difficult and stressful and, in some cases, impossible.

    The LPA system is an insurance policy against problems that may occur later in life.  It is advisable to put an LPA in place while you can – if it never has to be used, nothing is lost, but it makes things much easier should physical or mental health issues make it difficult to look after your own affairs.  Friends and family do not automatically have the right to take over, and signing an LPA can ensure peace of mind that someone you trust will be able to look after the things that matter.

    Anyone  who is over the age of 18 and mentally capable can make an LPA. The completion of a Lasting Power of Attorney does not restrict your right to go on looking after your own affairs so long as you are able. Before the LPA can be used, it needs to be registered with the Office of Public Guardian.

    Inevitably, appointing an Attorney is not a simple process and rules have been put in place to ensure that the system is not abused.

    Making a Lasting Power of Attorney is an important matter.  Many people begin to consider making an LPA at a time when their mental and physical health is beginning to decline, which is a difficult time for any family. This is where Wrigley Claydon can help.

    Our Probate Department is on hand to discuss your requirements, with home visits also available for the elderly or infirm.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding Power of Attorney, please do not hesitate to call us on 0161 624 6811or email us at info@wrigleyclaydon.com.
  • Wrigley Claydon tackles personal injury at work

    Wrigley Claydon tackles personal injury at work

     

    Our client was working for a building company on site. Failing to recognise the vital importance of health and safety on a building site, their co-workers did not organise the site as they had been instructed to do by the company, creating a hazardous environment. A piece of building material was left in the way, and our client tripped and fell, causing painful back injuries.

    We successfully recovered £61,000 for our client.

    Making a claim against your employer may seem nerve-wracking. Many fear losing their job or ruining a working relationship. However in a case like this one, the injury was incredibly severe and our client deserved compensation. Injury to the back makes it very difficult to work, especially in the building trade. This can take its toll both on the injured person’s finances and their personal life.

    Ensuring that employees are safe in their working environment is essential in all industries, however on a job where dangerous tools, heavy materials and unstable structures are present, health and safety protocol needs to be followed to the letter. In a case such as this one, where workers did not follow instructions precisely, it can create unnecessary dangers with very unpleasant outcomes.

    As a building or construction site worker, you have certain rights regarding health and safety, and employers have a responsibility to ensure that the site is as safe as possible. This involves carrying out risk assessments, consistently maintaining structures such as scaffolds or hoists and keeping the workplace in a safe and tidy condition.

    If you have suffered a personal injury at work due to the negligence or unsafe actions of others, be sure to contact Wrigley Claydon. Our team of personal injury solicitors can assess the problem – making sure that not only are you compensated for any physical or financial damage caused by the accident, but that any hazards are rectified, creating a safer working environment for others and hopefully preventing any further injuries.

    Contact us today with any queries on 0161 785 3534 or use our contact form and we can review the details of your case.
  • Coughs and colds can have a similar effect on driving as booze!

    Coughs and colds can have a similar effect on driving as booze!

    A recent survey has shown that the symptoms associated with a cough and cold can reduce your level of alertness to a similar level as if you had consumed 4 pints of beer or lager. The survey indicates that coughs and colds can have a similar effect on our driving.

    Nevertheless needs must and it’s not unusual for us to jump in the car and drive in order to do our daily tasks.

    However pause for a moment; if you have consumed 4 pints of beer, would you be so casual in jumping into your car and driving? Probably not as we all know that not only will you most likely be over the legal limit but the consumption of alcohol dulls our senses and makes us less competent drivers.

    Our specialist litigation and personal injury solicitor, Vijay Srivastava comments, “During this season of coughs and colds it is likely that on some days you will feel less than 100%. The blocked nose, fuzzy head, aching bones, bleary eyes and blocked ears makes one feel very sorry for oneself.

    It is all a question of reaction time. Accidents can be avoided if our eyes, brain, hands and feet can all act rapidly so as to avoid us driving into that child, cyclist or car. The slower our reaction times the more likely we are regrettably to collide with one of those people or objects.”

    The next time we suffer with a cold and cough and feel sorry for ourselves, spare a thought for others and consider whether our reaction times have been reduced.

    Our personal injury team would be happy to offer you advice on any accident you have been involved in or injury you may have suffered. Please call 0161 624 6811 to start with and then we can either arrange a face-to-face meeting to discuss the incident in more detail or we offer consultations via Skype.
  • Wrigley Claydon’s latest successful occupier’s liability case

    Wrigley Claydon’s latest successful occupier’s liability case

    In this recent case, our client was walking down some outdoor stairs which were not structurally sound. When one of the flagstones which made up the steps moved, our client lost their footing and sustained a painful injury to the foot and ankle.

    We successfully recovered £14,100 for our client.

    When you suffer from a painful fall, it is important to question who is really at fault. In this case, the defendant had not properly maintained their outdoor stairs, which was therefore a health and safety hazard for anyone who used them. Our client’s injury was of no fault of their own and while it would have been easy to put it down to clumsiness and forget all about it, landowners have a responsibility to ensure their property is as safe for everyone as possible.

    Personal injury does not only affect the injured party. Someone who has suffered an injury may not be able to work, making paying bills and rent difficult, and possibly putting strain on the family. As well as financial difficulties, injury can  be an emotional struggle for the victim and their family, especially when it comes to more severe injuries, such as damage to the spine or head.

    Accidents happen, but in case like this one, it didn’t have to. Occupier’s liability covers a wide range of avoidable injury, and hazards on land or property belonging to homeowners, tenants, shopkeepers, hotel owners and farmers all fall under this category. If somebody is inviting you into their building or onto their land, it is their responsibility to remove or clearly signpost any possible risks.

    Whether your injury is big or small, if you think that you have grounds to make an occupier’s liability claim following an accident that could have been avoided, get in touch with Wrigley Claydon today. Call us on 0161 785 3534 or use our contact form and we can review the details of your case.

  • Helping landlords with noise

    All landlords need to be aware of their obligations under laws governing noise and their responsibilities to neighbours. Local councils have a duty to deal with statutory nuisances, however this does not mean they always make the correct decisions.

    In a recent case we successfully appealed against a Noise Abatement Order that had been served on our client  who was the Licensee of a local public house. Our client had been served with the Noise Abatement Order by the Local Authority for allegedly carrying on activity contrary to the Licensing Act 2003. They then came to Wrigley Claydon for advice and we considered the allegations.

    After taking a look at the facts surrounding the case, we advised our client that based on the evidence we had seen there were grounds to appeal the Noise Abatement Order and our client asked us to proceed.

    We arranged for the drafting and filing of the Appeal Notice at the local Magistrates’ Court and following that, the Appeal Notice persuaded the Local Authority that there was no basis for their Noise Abatement Order and they subsequently withdrew the Order.

    As we felt the Order was not justified we also successfully argued at Court that the Local Authority should pay our client’s costs. It is worth noting that had the Appeal not succeeded then this could have had a devastating effect on our client’s profits and livelihood so it is always worth taking advice if you feel you have been unjustly served an Order.

    If you would like to talk to one our team about a legal issue concerning your business then please call 0161 785 3534.