“They punch well above their weight. The quality of service they provide equals that of any of the larger top-name firms in this area.”
“This is a really excellent personal injury team that can be regarded as one of the major players in the London claimant personal injury market.”
Many track workers are now employed by contractors in the railway industry. This sector is often non-unionised and worker rights can be an issue. Many track jobs can be mechanised but much of it still requires skilled and unskilled labour.
Injuries caused by engineering and track work
The work of repairing and maintaining track is usually carried out alongside a live line and so can be very dangerous. It is the job of those organisations who own and run the infrastructure (e.g. London Underground and Network Rail) to plan works so as to minimise the risk of accident and injuries. ‘Green Zone Working’ refers to the practice of closing off a working area so that workers and trains are physically segregated. On the Underground, it is done by carrying out engineering work at night when the lines are closed. But this form of working is not always possible and ‘Red Zone Working’ is necessary. Here, the trains still run but there is a system to warn workers in advance of the train and a designated safe place for them to go until the train has passed. Office of Rail Regulation initiatives have produced improvements in track work safety records in the last few years but this work is still associated with fatal accidents, such as the one involving welder Charlie Stockwell who was hit by a train during red zone work in Reading in 2007.
Duty of care arising from employer and contractor
Direct employers have additional duties which include training and providing safety equipment and other work equipment in good condition. If an employee is injured during track work there may be a claim against his direct employer and against the main contractor or the infrastructure operator, depending on the breach complained of. For example, Osbornes acted for a worker who was employed by a company who were engaged in shotcreting a railway bridge; that work involved lifting some track and Mr C carried out the job with a crowbar because the correct piece of machinery was not available. One of the iron brackets holding a track sleeper was stiff and when he used more force a piece of metal flew into his eye. He suffered a nasty scratch to the cornea which caused temporary damage to his eyesight and prevented him from working for several weeks, by which time there was not contract work available to him for a further few weeks. The claim was directed to his employers because they failed to provide the correct work equipment and to compound that error they failed to provide eye protectors. They admitted the claim and settled the case for about £7000.
Post-traumatic claims by drivers
Train drivers and especially London Underground tube drivers face a particular and gruesome occupational hazard which is sadly more common than it should be, that of suicides on the track. It is understandable if even the most stoical driver suffers a post-traumatic stress reaction after witnessing such an event first hand, especially if it happens more than once.
Of course the driver’s employer is not liable for the traumatic event, but employers owe a general duty to take reasonable steps to protect their employees from foreseeable harm during the course of their work, and so those who employ train drivers; like emergency service, need to have systems in place to refer a driver for counselling or similar care after such an event.
"Osbornes always provides work of excellent quality and the advice is sound."
"The firm has the ability to handle the most sophisticated and complex matters."
"Osbornes is always client-focused and works tirelessly to obtain the best outcomes."
'The team deals with multi-million pound, often multifaceted claims, involving such factors as severe brain, psychiatric, gynaecological and spinal injury, major trauma, amputation and fatality.'
"They are a boutique firm with highly experienced partners who are well-respected in the industry."
"The team at Osbornes deals with catastrophic injury claims with the same professionalism as the largest firms, but provides a much more client-focused experience."
"A really first-rate team, well capable of dealing with the most serious and complex injuries."
"This team has carved out an exceptional reputation in catastrophic injury work."
"Osbornes has impressed me with their personal touch for clients whilst offering a first-class handling of catastrophic injury claims. The partners all have vast experience and are highly respected in their field."
"This is a really excellent personal injury team that can be regarded as one of the major players in the London claimant personal injury market."
"Osbornes have managed to recruit a team of outstanding catastrophic injury lawyers who are at the top of the game."
"They punch well above their weight. The quality of service they provide equals that of any of the larger top-name firms in this area"
Ben Posford is fiercely bright, with an unrivalled passion for his clients’ cases. His encyclopaedic knowledge of all things PI is second to none. His foresight and commercial nous have propelled Osbornes into the highest echelons of the market where they rightly belong.
The firm has an excellent and innovative line in cases involving non-English speaking claimants, managed by recruiting paralegals with multi-language skills – an impressive route for expansion of the caseload.
Great expanding team with expertise and respect in the sector. Led by a commercially savvy and business minded team.
A really excellent group of PI solicitors, notable for their individual quality.’
A niche firm that punches well above its weight in the catastrophic injury sector, borne out by the quality of work they obtain.
This combination of experience and diligence reaps massive rewards for clients, Osbornes being well known in the industry as a fantastic firm.
The Osbornes personal injury team now comprises some of the most technically adept and hard hitting lawyers in the business.
Ben Posford is one of London’s best catastrophic injury lawyers, in my view. He is a real brain injury specialist.
Excellent coverage of personal injury, and traumatic brain injury. There is a real specialism in claimants who do not speak English as a first language.
The group is noted for its expertise in matters relating to cycling injuries, and is the official legal partner of the London Cycling Campaign charity.
To complement its strong reputation for high-value and complex personal injury work, the firm continues to develop its 'excellent and innovative line in cases involving non-English speaking claimants'
"Osbornes comprises some of the most technically adept and hard hitting lawyers in the business"
"A small but high-powered team, dealing with cases of significant value and complexity."
"An excellent firm which achieves fantastic outcomes for clients."
"Osbornes Law have captured the magic of keeping the customer service levels of a smaller firm whilst having all the expertise and power of the biggest firms."
"A superb boutique catastrophic injury firm."
"Really good at dealing with people who have suffered a serious injury."
"Affable and charming with very good client-handling skills."
"superb firm with consummate professionals and a human touch."
Osbornes now has a team of highly experienced personal injury lawyers; particularly strong on high-value quantum cases, workplace accidents and claims involving foreign workers injured in the UK.
The team provides fantastic strength-in-depth for personal injury claims. It is also particularly well placed to service clients from Eastern Europe with specialist native language speakers. From the smallest case to a multimillion-pound spinal injury case, Osbornes has the right staff to manage every claim.
Ben Posford remains pre-eminent in his field with expert understanding of litigating cases of the upmost severity. His experience builds on Stuart Kightley’s running of the firm with recent partner additions of Rob Aylott making a fantastic addition.
A firm going from strength-to strength-which retains its client care whilst being able to offer a full personal injury service.
Beneath Ben Posford’s calm and reassuring presence, which clients love, lies a formidable tactical and legal brain. His experience tells and he gets it right at every stage of the process from arranging the best possible rehabilitation, to ensuring, so far as possible, a polite relationship with those acting for the defendant in order to ensure best and early resolution of the claim.
"Clients say he is very impressive, in terms of both his experience and his management of the personal injury team."
"They have an expanding profile in personal injury and clinical negligence and offer a superb, broad service in accidents abroad, enabled by their recruitment of bilingual legal executives who can guide non-English speakers through complex litigation."
"Solid personal injury practice well equipped to advise on high-value and high-profile claims arising from fatalities and severe head and spinal injuries."
"Offers specialist expertise in cycling-related injury claims."
"Offers specialist expertise in cauda equina syndrome cases."
"An exceptional outfit. They take on difficult cases, fight hard and win."
"Stuart Kightley is an incredibly empathetic solicitor who is very knowledgeable about traumatic brain injury."
"Stuart is also very experienced in advising on fatal accidents and workplace accidents."
"They are an outstanding firm to work with. They are consistently impressive in their work."
"Osbornes has a growing influence and impressive work load and is gaining a reputation for handling complex catastrophic work."
"Osbornes often handles claims valued at over £1m, particularly relating to severe brain and spinal cord injuries and niche areas such as cauda equina syndrome and cycling accidents."
"The hard-working, thorough and committed Robert Aylott, who brings significant heavyweight personal injury experience."
"Key team members include the energetic and personable Stuart Kightley who is head of the personal injury department."
"Catastrophic injury cases head Ben Posford is an excellent practical litigator who offers exceptional service."
Thank you for the hard work and patience and for being so patient with my constant questions.
"I have found Osbornes to be thorough, clear and understanding from the initial call. They do exactly what they say they will and with passion! I would recommend them to anyone".
Very good efficient service. Would not hesitate to use again.
I will use Osbornes for any future needs.
I don't think I could have asked for anything more. One of the best dealings I've had with the legal profession.
Sam was excellent and very professional in dealing with our claim.
Head of the personal injury department, Stuart Kightley is a first-rate practitioner, wholly focused on getting his client the best outcome in a pragmatic, sensible and consensual manner.
As a real specialist in spinal cord injuries, Ben Posford is always looking at new angles on how to maximise his cases.
Ben Posford is one of the best catastrophic injury lawyers around.
They provide exceptional service, great knowledge and understanding of the law, excellent client care and tactical nous
Stuart Kightley is praised for his expertise in catastrophic and fatal claims. Clients say he is very impressive, in terms of both his experience and his management of the personal injury team.
My claim was dealt with efficiently and professionally. Communication was excellent, and timely. Shrewd and sound advice was provided at every stage of the claim from beginning through to completion. On the basis of my personal experience I would strongly recommend Osbornes.
I just wish to thank you for your hard work and successful outcome. I am pleased with the result and would recommend you and your firm to anyone in the future.
Ben Posford … is ‘tactically astute’ and ‘one of the best personal injury solicitors around’.
Ben Posford ‘knows how to maximise the value of the claim for his clients’.
Client StoriesVIEW ALL
17.11.2021£100,000 settlement for tripping at work
Osbornes Law secures £100,000 settlement for Hungarian woman who tripped over a shopping bag at work Siobhan McIvor, a Partner in...
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17.11.2021£165,000 settlement for factory accident
Siobhan McIvor, a Partner in the Personal Injury Department of Osbornes Law, has secured a £165,000 settlement, with the help of...
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Construction Site Accident at Work
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Compensation Awarded Following Amputation Accident on Construction Site
Our client worked as a carpenter/bricklayer on a building site at a residential property in North London. He was...
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Lasting damage to ankle following construction accident settles...
Sam Collard, an Associate in the Osbornes’ catastrophic injury team, recently settled an employer’s liability claim for a Romanian...
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Boatyard worker awarded multi-million pound settlement
A boatyard worker who was injured in a workplace fall has been awarded a compensation settlement worth £7.2 million. Kevin Cleightonhills,...
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Basement fatality convictions highlight health and safety regulations
Conrad Sidebottom, 46, and Richard Golding, 43, were jailed for their part in causing the death of Anghel Milosavlevici. Osbornes Law partner...
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Man loses hand in accident at work
A company that owns a factory in Knowsley has been fined £3,500 and ordered to pay £3,500 in costs after an employees...
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Ladder accident results compensation claim
A shop worker who fell from a ladder has won £9,600 in compensation. The worker who was employed as a senior...
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Worker suffers life-changing injuries in accident at work
A windows company has been fined and ordered to pay costs after a double glazing worker suffered multiple injuries in...
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Osbornes settles serious workplace injury case for six...
The personal injury team at Osbornes has recently represented a baker after he got his arm caught in a faulty...
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Compensation for construction worker with serious ankle injury
The Claimant, PB, a Polish male in his late 40s, was injured when he fell off a ladder whilst working...
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19.6.2016Osbornes helps hotel bar man claim compensation
Osbornes were instructed after our client, a hotel barman fell down a flight of stairs at work. The man had...
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Man who fell in freezer in work accident...
The man who was in a walk in freezer at the time slipped on ice which had built up on...
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Injury to wrist results in £100,000 for lorry driver
A lorry driver has received a settlement for injuries and financial losses suffered in an accident at work. Jarek Lemancyk...
Read more - 19.6.2012
Worker paralysed at work awarded £120,000 in compensation
A 38 year old worker was left paralysed from the chest down after an accident at work in which a reel...
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Essential reading
Personal Injury Accreditations
Insights From our Personal Injury Lawyers VIEW ALL
19.10.2022Award nomination for catastrophic injury lawyers at Osbornes...
The personal injury team at Osbornes are delighted to be finalists at The Personal Injury Awards 2022 in the category of ‘...
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24.11.2021Ben Posford named catastrophic injury lawyer of the...
Osbornes Law are delighted to announce that Ben Posford has been named as ‘Catastrophic Injury Lawyer of the Year’ at...
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23.9.2021Croydon Tram Crash Inquest Recommendations Welcomed
The families of victims killed in the Croydon tram crash today welcomed a coroner’s recommendations to prevent another tragedy....
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26.8.2021Osbornes Sponsor Leading Medico-Legal Conference
Osbornes Law is delighted to be the principal sponsor of the Cambridge Annual Medico-Legal Conference. This year conference, which is...
Read more- 2.8.2021
London Tube Sign Causes Head Injury
Serious brain injury claim after falling London tube sign knocks pedestrian unconscious. An airline pilot ‘miraculously’ survived after a 20kg...
Read more - 22.7.2021
Croydon Tram Crash Inquest Concludes
Families of Croydon tram crash victims disappointed by Inquest conclusion The families of victims killed in the Croydon tram crash...
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Compensation Tables for Personal Injury
What are the Ogden Tables? If you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault, you may...
Read more - 5.1.2021
Farming accidents high risk for self-employed
Agriculture represents a dangerous industry in the UK, and according to the Health and Safety Executive’s report 2020/2021, farm deaths...
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31.12.2020Bike Boxes – what are the rules?
Cycle boxes at traffic lights I read a post recently on a London cycling forum in relation to some confusion...
Read more- 15.10.2020
Fatal Accidents In The Workplace
A new article from the BBC takes a looked at fatal accidents at work. The report states that since 1981, there...
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13.10.2020When To Seek Advice Following An Accident At...
Autumn is upon us and it’s the start of another academic year. With a 7 year old boy recently being...
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Pedestrian hit by car on zebra crossing settles...
Blanca Diego, Solicitor in the Osbornes Personal Injury Department, recently settled a claim for a Spanish client who sustained injuries...
Read more - 21.9.2020
Motorcyclists – Could your actions be invalidating your insurance?
Insurance cover for you and your bike is vital in the event of an accident or theft but beware – insurance...
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17.9.2020Osbornes partners with leading Brain Injury Charity
Lights, Camera, Legal Advice! This week marks the launch of a new series of 16 legal advice videos with brain injury...
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Self-Employed Injury At Work
Dealing with a personal injury claim as a self-employed worker Being self-employed has its advantages, including independence, creative freedom, job...
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15.7.2020Osbornes Law joins legal panel of national road...
Osbornes are delighted to announce that the firm has joined the legal panel of the national charity for road crash...
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29.6.2020The Dangers of Working on Farms
According to the Health and Safety Executive, over the last 10 years, almost one person a week has been killed as...
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Changes to employer’s liability for work accidents
As it now stands employers are automatically liable for some workplace injuries, (without the Claimant having to prove “fault”) is...
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What happens if a solicitor goes bust?
What happens if my solicitor has ceased trading? Like many business, some solicitors’ practices are struggling at the moment financially...
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Senior Catastrophic Injury Solicitor Robert Aylott gains further...
Rob Aylott, senior solicitor in the Personal Injury team has recently been confirmed as an APIL Accredited Fatal Accidents Specialist (...
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9.6.2020The importance of parks for cycling
I ventured outside the comfort of my home this past weekend for the first time in 11 weeks. As I walked...
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4.6.2020Compensation for Accidents at Home
Accident at home claim Accidents are a leading cause of death, injury, and disability and according to the Royal Society...
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1.6.2020Road Traffic Accidents: Steps to Take if You...
Road casualty statistics are published twice a year by the UK government. The latest figures published at the end of 2019...
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29.5.2020Bringing a Personal Injury Claim – What is ‘No...
In the case of personal injury, we commonly hear important terms such as; ‘accident’, ‘negligence’ and ‘no win no fee’....
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