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Anyone who watched British cyclists, Froome, Thomas and Yates lead the pack will not have failed to notice that all three of them and their fellow competitors wore protective helmets. Judging from some of the dramatic crashes and pile ups, none of th...
To start this short article, can you answer the following question? Which is the odd one out? a) Using a mobile phone while driving b) Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs c) Tailgating I admit it’s a trick question: they are all extremely...
The North West housing market is leading the way for the rest of the nation as it’s house prices are rising despite the growth rate nationally being at its lowest in 5 years. However, even with house prices in the north west being the strongest in En...
Birchall Blackburn Law conveyancers are celebrating success in the Law Firm Services (LFS) conveyancing awards. The awards were announced on wednesday 19th September during a ceremony at Birmingham’s prestigious Vox Centre. Following a rigorous pro...
An expert predicts that if a ‘no deal’ Brexit negotiation goes ahead, there is a 30% chance of the housing market crashing. Falling House Prices The chief executive of Octane Capital, Jonathan Samuels, explained that a mixture of high inflation, a la...
Buying your first home is more than likely one of the most exciting and stressful things you will have done to date. It may also be the first time many people will have used a solicitor. With the average age of a first time buyer in the UK now being...
A new diagnostic tool that uses artificial intelligence to identify eye conditions could mean faster and more appropriate treatment for patients at risk of losing their sight. Moorfield Eye Hospital in London and the Google Company, Deep Mind has fou...
The temptation to write your own will at home to save some money can be tempting. However, as wills are complex legal documents, they have to be written and executed in a certain way and trained professional solicitors will ensure they meet the stric...
It is a legal requirement for a patient to give informed consent before any medical treatment can go ahead – without valid consent the medical treatment could be considered an assault or battery. Susan Liver, Clinical Negligence specialist and a part...
What is the Court of Protection? The Court of Protection aims to safeguard those who are vulnerable or lack capacity to make decisions for themselves about their health and welfare or financial matters. The Court is able to appoint an individual to m...
Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition triggered by an infection. It is the most common cause of death from infection despite advances in medicine. Sepsis is normally caused by an infection such as pneumonia or flu. Notably, some people a...
I’ve had a serious injury. You may have heard a family member say it. A colleague. A friend. You’ve probably heard it on a TV ad at some point even. You may have even said it yourself. But when someone says “serious injury” what does that actually me...
The process of applying for the legal right to deal with someone’s property, money and possessions after their death is called ‘Probate.’ A ‘Grant of Probate’ is a legal document issued by the Probate Registry which enables the Executors to adminis...
Dog-lover? Us too. There’s nothing quite like heading out on an adventure with man’s best friend in tow, and let’s be honest – those puppy dog eyes are just too heartbreaking to leave them at home. There are approximately 27 million pets...
Most driving laws are black and white – drink driving, driving without a licence, driving without insurance and speeding are all illegal – but what about those grey areas? The ones that are googled time and time again. Creeping up recentl...
House Prices After months of stagnation, the UK housing market is seeing some significant increases in the annual rate of property inflation. With the unexpected spike in property prices seen last month, it has resulted in an all time high for buying...
Sarah McIntyre is a solicitor specialising in wills, trusts, powers of attorney and tax planning and is based at our Preston branch. I recently caught her for lunch to discover what she enjoys most about her work, and why she wishes she could...
Making a decision on whether to buy or lease your business property should not be taken lightly. Tony Coates, head of the commercial property team at Birchall Blackburn Law, explains the pros and cons. Buying your own premises can mean freedom from l...
Moving day has finally arrived, the removal men and women have loaded the van, and you’re all set to drive to your new address. But when can you get the keys? What is completion? Completion day is the day that money is transferred to the sellers soli...
During the long summer holidays of the early 1980’s one of my favourite morning television shows was Huckleberry Finn and Friends. I don’t recall the storylines but the scenes of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer jumping into the Mississippi was the s...
Once you have written your Will, you will want to ensure that your wishes will be carried out as you intended So how can you ensure that this is the case and no one challenges your Will? We look at what it means to challenge a Will and what you can d...
When it comes to advanced technology that’s here to make life easier, planet earth is already on it. Only a year ago, research found that the average UK household owns 8.3 digital devices – with technological consumption only set to skyrocket a...
It’s a strangely sunny day in Manchester when we catch up with Leanne Tattam – one of Birchall Blackburn Law’s Personal Injury Associate Solicitors. She specialises in serious and catastrophic injury, working with incredible charities such as H...
Footing a landlord’s dilapidations bill can hit your bottom line hard. Tony Coates, head of the commercial property team at Birchall Blackburn Law, explains how potentially hefty claims arise – and how to minimise them All too often, the first thing...
If you’re in an unhappy marriage, should you be allowed to divorce your spouse, or made to stay? That was the decision the supreme court had to come to yesterday (25th July 2018) with the case of Owens v Owens. Tini Owens is in her late 60’s and has...
The seconds, minutes and hours after a road collision are shocking and traumatic but the hardest times can be in the days, weeks, months and years after a life-changing road traffic collision. The emergency response services have done their jobs and...
Birchall Blackburn Law has won a prestigious conveyancing award for the second year running. The Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2018 have named Birchall Blackburn Law as conveyancing firm of the year – North of England. This is the second time...
Man has conquered the hologram, voice recognition, virtual reality and solar power. We’ve developed technology that has changed the face of society, the workplace, our social interactions and our daily habits. Now we’re entering the realm of technolo...
With millennial’s struggling to reach the bottom rung of the UK housing market now more than ever, it has fallen to the ‘bank of mum and dad’ to give them a boost – but now even they are beginning to feel the pinch....
House hunting can be extremely exciting! It’s a new beginning in a new area and the opportunity for a clean slate. You could be upsizing, downsizing or it could be your first home. But regardless of whether it’s a mansion, or a hobbit hole, your firs...
If you think that the devastating legacy of asbestos is confined to the history books then you are wrong – 2,595 people died in 2016 from the asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma. Every year between 2,500 and 2,700 people continue to die...
Businesses may want to get out of a commercial property lease early for various reasons, such as upscaling and downsizing. Birchall Blackburn Law’s Tony Coates runs the rule over the options. Termination of a lease can be a complex and technically ch...
Help to Buy is a great government initiative that helps hundreds of people buy their first home each year. But as house prices seem to be almost unreachable, and saving a deposit a mammoth task, many people are buying their first house as a couple....
In the North West: • 96% of people leave important health and welfare decisions to chance • By 2025, more than 13 million people who are at risk of mental incapacity will not be prepared • 73% would like a family member to make medical and care decis...
What is a Lasting Powers of Attorney? The government website defines an LPA as: “a legal document that lets you (the ‘donor’) appoint one or more people (known as ‘attorneys’) to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf....
According to the Spinal Injuries Association, 1000 people every year in the UK sustain a spinal cord injury (1). Not only can these injuries be forever life-changing, but accessing the support that you need can be an overwhelming task. If you’re cons...
The sun was shining for the Head Injured People (HIP) corporate charity golf day in Cheshire on 28th June. Nestled in the stunning Cheshire countryside, the 18-hole leading championship course at Macdonald Portal Hotel played host to the 15-team golf...
Having found your perfect business premises, it is essential to negotiate the best possible terms for your commercial lease agreement. Here are some top tips from commercial property lawyer Tony Coates. 1. Be prepared to negotiate The lease agreement...
It’s summer, it’s hot. You’re in your garden preparing for a BBQ when you realise you’ve forgotten an important fixture in the menu. You head to your car, sit behind the wheel – but there’s one thing that stops you from heading off....
Finally some good news from the UK housing market – for renters anyway! Rents have fallen for the first time in almost four years in certain parts of the country. Three areas of the UK have been lucky enough to have their rents fall, for the fi...
You may think that Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA’s) are only for the elderly. However, everyone should make an LPA, regardless of age. If you cycle on busy roads or career down steep mountains then you could be at a greater risk of injury, and maki...
The family of Marcel Chu were in for a shock after his death. He had a close relationship with his family, so they assumed that he would leave any assets he owned to them. Unbeknown to them, they’d been written out of his will by a controlling...
A rag-tag crew from Birchall Blackburn Law, boarded a dragon boat and raced to raise £500 for Headway Wirral a charity that works tirelessly to improve life for people in the area, and their families after a serious brain injury. The crew members tra...
The rush of the wind, the burn of the legs, the chance to travel through some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes – it’s no wonder cycling is one of the world’s most popular sports, with over 10.2 million (1) of us in the UK riding regular...
Derry was three-years-old when he contracted a virus that permanently damaged his spinal cord. His diagnosis was ‘transverse myelitis’, a virus that causes inflammation of both sides of one section of the spinal cord. While many would falter under th...
You may think that Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA’s) are only for the elderly. However, everyone should make an LPA, regardless of age. If you participate in sport and are at a greater risk of injury, then making an LPA is something you need to seri...
In November 2001, Evie was born a healthy looking baby. The only worry her parents had was the red mark at the bottom of her back. While the midwives assured her parents the mark was normal, a year later on her first birthday, they were informed that...
The Alzheimer’s Society definition of dementia is: ‘a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. These changes are often small to start with, but for someone with dementia they have becom...
It was the start of the 2016 Summer Holidays when Callan’s life changed. At 16 years old, a talented footballer, snowboarder and keen skateboarder, Callan suffered a C5 injury after falling from a rope swing and breaking his neck. Through intense reh...
Mirror wills explained Writing a will can often be a daunting experience but it is important to have a will in place and know which type of will is best suited to your individual circumstances. Mirror wills are created for married or unmarried couple...
Elaine Roberts from the Preston office has completed an Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Champions Induction Day and is now registered to present Dementia Friends Information Sessions to local groups, individuals, the general public, and our own B...
It may be good news for those looking to get on the property ladder with London facing the worst performance in house prices since the financial crisis in 2009, but a report from Resolution Foundation stated that in some parts of the country ‘generat...
You will have most likely heard of the famous and very sad story of Greyfriars Bobby. Bobby was a Skye terrier who was famous in Edinburgh in the 19th Century for guarding his owner’s grave for 14 years, until he himself died on 14th January 1872....
My hat is a Mad Hatter hat. You know, like the one in Alice in Wonderland? It’s wacky. My friends can’t believe I’m wearing it to work next week. But it’s a special day and I’ll be wearing that hat no matter what....
North West law firm Birchall Blackburn Law has made three senior promotions across its private client and conveyancing teams. Fiona Hendry, Joan Kennedy and Michelle Fairhurst have all been promoted to associate solicitor. Based in the...
Anna-Marie Knipe is a partner at Birchall Blackburn Law. She is constantly busy with clients and attending local events, but I managed to catch her for a chat earlier this week. We met at a lovely coffee shop opposite the Leyland office to talk about...
Moving house is said to be one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. There’s so much to remember, redirecting post, changing utility bills and a new postcode to learn. It can be a challenge to remember everything you need to do....
It was recently reported in the press that a 94 year old pensioner, (Mr Hodge), excluded his partner, (Mrs Thompson), of 42 years from his will, so that she did not inherit anything from his £1.5 million pound estate. He instead divided his estate eq...
So you’ve sent your kids to the grandparents and you have dinner reservations at eight. You’re about to leave your house, but before you do you set your burglar alarm. That way you’ll be safe in the knowledge that your house is protected whilst you’r...
A break clause is a provision in a lease enabling the landlord or tenant to end the lease prior to the expiry of the contractual term. Tony Coates, head of commercial property at Birchall Blackburn Law, explains why great care needs to be taken when...
After a serious accident, the physical injuries are just one part of the aftermath. You may have sustained only minor injuries, or you may have fully recovered from serious ones. You may have witnessed the fatal accident of your loved one or you may...
The old wives tale of putting butter on your cat’s paws to stop them returning to the old house is unfortunately not true. The logic behind the myth was that by the cat licking off the butter from their paws, they would remove the scent of the...
A new independent café bar has opened in Southport town centre this week, breathing new life into a vacant shop unit in Bold Street. Kokomo has been launched by Southport resident Adam Lunt who has swapped a career in marketing and business developme...
Birchall Blackburn Law has made a double appointment to its serious injury team in the region. Leanne Tattam and Robert Jones have both joined the firm as associate solicitors from CFG Law. Leanne and Robert join Birchall Blackburn Law two months aft...
Birchall Blackburn Law has gained a new solicitor after one of its trainees became qualified. Amy Worthington has been offered a permanent position at Birchall Blackburn Law after completing a two-year training contract with the firm. After gaining e...
April is Birchall Blackburn Law’s ‘make a Will month’ to help raise money for Queenscourt Hospice. For the past few years, Birchall Blackburn Law has been supporting the hospice, and last year the campaign raised an impressive £17,702 (including gift...
It is the fear of many that when they receive the results of the survey on their dream home, that there are going to be major things wrong. One of these potential nightmare items that could appear on a survey is asbestos....
You’ve promised you’ll go on a countryside adventure with the kids and lo and behold – it’s raining again. Not to worry, you’ve got your wellies on and you’re ready to go…but there’s just one problem. Is it illegal for me to drive with we...
It’s moving day. Boxes are piled high, the removal men and women are already loading the van, and everything is labelled. You think you’ve remembered everything, except you haven’t. There’s one very important thing you’ve forgotten: the dog. Do...
It was a full house at the Senior Road Users Workshop yesterday (Wednesday 7th March). The event gave elderly drivers information on everything “you need to know about staying safe and independent whilst driving”. The event was held at Flyde Rugby Cl...
Regional city house prices make fast gains on the Capital While London’s property market is stalling the UK’s northern and midland’s cities have seen major growth in house prices, according to Hometrack. Immediately following the 2007-2008 financial...
If you have been injured in an accident and it impacts on your daily life, then you need to know what steps to take next. Head of personal injury at Birchall Blackburn Law, Quentin Underhill, looks at the questions frequently asked by people looking...
Birchall Blackburn Law has appointed experienced lawyer Quentin Underhill to lead its serious injury team in the region. Quentin, a specialist in serious and catastrophic injury cases, joins from Cheshire-based CFG Law where he was a partner. His pre...
Going through a divorce can be a difficult and confusing time. Gillian Graveson, family law partner at Birchall Blackburn Law looks at how alternative dispute resolution can make the process easier. It’s very rare for couples to find themselves going...
A partnership of local organisations that’s helped make South Ribble a ‘dementia-friendly borough’ has named a local solicitor as its new chair person. The South Ribble Dementia Action Alliance (SRDAA) has appointed Anna-Marie Knipe, a lawyer with Bi...
A recent report shows that seven in ten divorcing couples don’t consider pensions during the divorce process. Partner and expert in family law at Birchall Blackburn Law, Gillian Graveson explores. Research carried out by Scottish Widows has shown th...
Have you been advised to make a Lasting Power of Attorney, but don’t know what one is or why you would ever need one? Here, Anna-Marie Knipe, partner and expert in private client services for the elderly at Preston-based law firm Birchall Blackburn L...
Our office front doors won’t be open between Christmas and the New Year, but many of our staff will be working throughout the Christmas period and will be happy to help you. Happy Christmas!...
Unmarried partners in long-term relationship have had their rights improved after the death of a partner, thanks to an historic judgement by the Court of Appeal. Jakki Smith, an NHS worker from Chorley, has won her case against the government for bre...
Cathy MacCracken, partner at Birchall Blackburn Law, discusses what the firm has done to create a dementia friendly workplace. We understand how daunting it can be for people to visit a solicitor’s office for the first time, so to come when you have...
Kristina Smith, private client partner at Birchall Blackburn Law and STEP appointed practitioner, looks at what digital assets are and how people can include them in their will. What are my digital assets? Like many people, you probably spend a chun...
Following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s engagement, the media has speculated on whether they will sign a prenuptial agreement. Partner and expert in family law at Birchall Blackburn Law, Gillian Graveson explains why you may consider entering a pr...
Mesh implants that are currently used to treat pelvic organ prolapse should be banned in England, says the health watchdog NICE. In April (2017) it was reported that more than 800 UK women are taking legal action against the NHS and the makers of vag...
Model Tomlin order for settlement of future immunotherapy claims Fiona Hendry, mesothelioma specialist at Birchall Blackburn Solicitors, discusses this revolutionary treatment for mesothelioma victims and the ways in which these claims can be settled...
A North West law firm has been recognised for its outstanding customer service by the largest independent customer service awards scheme for conveyancers in the UK. Birchall Blackburn Law took home a total of 11 awards at The ESTAS 2017. Winning in t...
What do you do if you suspect poor medical care or medical negligence? The vast majority of people treated by the NHS or through private healthcare services in England and Wales will be happy with their treatment and care. However, this is not always...
Gillian Graveson, partner and expert in family law services at Birchall Blackburn Law, looks at how people buying a house or living together can protect their investment. We’re lending my son and his girlfriend money for their house deposit; what ha...
Claims by a senior judge that the ‘power of attorney’ system is open to abuse should not put people off making them, according a North West lawyer. Kristina Smith, a partner at Birchall Blackburn Law, says that if the right legal advice is taken, the...
As national Alzheimer’s awareness month comes to an end, Anna-Marie Knipe, partner and expert in private client services at Birchall Blackburn Law, looks at what your role would be if you were named in a Lasting Power of Attorney. What is a Lasting...
Birchall Blackburn Law has been recognised for its outstanding customer service by the biggest award scheme in the UK residential property industry. Birchall Blackburn Law have been shortlisted by the ESTAS in the national, regional and individual co...
Sepsis, a rare but potentially fatal infection, is not being diagnosed and treated by some NHS hospitals within the recommended time, according to figures from 104 NHS trusts. BBC Panorama has seen the data that suggests one in four hospitals is fail...
Diabetes diagnosis and medical negligence If a person’s diabetes is not diagnosed or managed appropriately then there can be serious and catastrophic consequences. It is not just diagnosis and treatment that has to be timely; adequate monitoring foll...
Have you been advised to appoint an executor of your will, but you’re not sure what they are or why you would need one? Kristina Smith, private client partner at Preston-based law firm Birchall Blackburn Law, answers some frequently asked questions...
At the base of the spine there is a group of nerves responsible for sensory and motor stimulation to the pelvis and lower limbs, as well as bowel and bladder function – these are known as cauda equina. Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is caused by p...
People regularly go through the process of buying a new house, but they are often unaware of how important the conveyancing process can be. Michael Foxford, head of the conveyancing team at law firm Birchall Blackburn Law, answers some frequently ask...
Commercial property success for Birchall Blackburn Law conveyancers as Egyptian bar & ‘mezzah’ prepares to open in Southport A new Egyptian bar serving traditional ‘mezzah’ food is set to open in Lord Street later this summer creating around 20...
Birchall Blackburn Law has won a prestigious conveyancing award which celebrates excellence in client care. The Modern Law Conveyancing Awards have recognised Birchall Blackburn Law as the Conveyancing Firm of the Year- North of England. The awards i...
More than 709,000 patient medical notes have been left to build-up in a warehouse and it is feared that more than 1,700 patients may have suffered harm as a result. The records include cancer test results and child protection notes. It is thought tha...
Every patient fitted with a metal-on-metal hip joint is being advised by the Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to undergo X-ray and blood tests. The watchdog has issued the warning after the hip replacement products have been f...
A new diagnostic tool that uses artificial intelligence to identify eye conditions could mean faster...
The temptation to write your own will at home to save some money can be tempting. However, as wills...
It is a legal requirement for a patient to give informed consent before any medical treatment can go...
What is the Court of Protection? The Court of Protection aims to safeguard those who are vulnerable...
Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition triggered by an infection. It is the most common...
I’ve had a serious injury. You may have heard a family member say it. A colleague. A friend. You’ve...
A new diagnostic tool that uses artificial intelligence to identify eye conditions could mean faster...
Read MoreThe temptation to write your own will at home to save some money can be tempting. However, as wills...
Read MoreIt is a legal requirement for a patient to give informed consent before any medical treatment can go...
Read MoreWhat is the Court of Protection? The Court of Protection aims to safeguard those who are vulnerable...
Read MoreSepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition triggered by an infection. It is the most common...
Read More