Tag: National Accident Helpline

Scottish student revealed as Future Legal Mind winner for 2022

Injury law expert, National Accident Helpline, has announced the winners of its Future Legal Mind competition, with Scottish student Syed Adil taking one of the prizes. 

Syed will be awarded £1,500 which will go towards his studies, as well as mentoring with experienced lawyers. He will also be given the opportunity to complete a work experience placement at National Accident Helpline’s law firm, National Accident Law.

Syed is currently studying a dual degree in Scots and English Law, with European Legal Studies, at the University of Aberdeen. He hopes to further pursue a master’s degree and be called to the Scottish and English Bar, developing a career as a cross-border Barrister, and utilising his dual-qualifying degree to its full extent.  

This year, the competition – which is one of the leading law essay competitions in the UK – was split into two categories: undergraduate and postgraduate. Syed was awarded the undergraduate prize and Matthew Johnson, studying at Oxford Brookes GDL, was awarded the postgraduate prize. 

The competition was judged by National Accident Helpline, with the panel made up of John Kushnick, Legal Operations Director, Jonathan White, Legal and Compliance Director, and Helen Fairhurst, Marketing Director.

John Kushnick said: “Syed presented in a calm and caring way, having prepared a thorough and excellently referenced essay.

“What made him stand out was his passion for law, as amply evidenced by his extensive extra-curricular activities. A very impressive candidate indeed.”

Jonathan White commented: “Syed’s entry stood out for me because of the current relevance of the topic in view of recent, well-publicised events.

“He articulately set out his concerns about the government exceeding its authority following Brexit and the essay was brilliantly researched and extensively referenced.”

Runners up of the competition have also been announced as:

  • Undergraduate – Tamar Knight, Cardiff University 
  • Postgraduate – Kieran Power, University of Law Bloomsbury 
  • Postgraduate – Sebastian Dack-Owens, BPP Law School

As part of the competition, students were invited to submit their thoughts on two topics. These were ‘Now that the UK has officially left the EU, what legal changes would you recommend making over the next 10 years?’ and ‘Is the UK court system fit for purpose and what role should other, alternative forms of dispute resolution play?’.

Shortlisted students were then required to send a short recording of why they deserve to be named the winner.

Jonathan White, Legal and Compliance Director at National Accident Helpline, added: “We believe it’s crucial for the legal sector to evolve in a way that inspires the next generation to build their careers in law – that’s why we continue to run Future Legal Mind. 

“We look forward to continuing to support and champion Syed and Matthew in their careers over the years ahead, as well as seeing what the competition will bring in 2023.”

The finalists for this year’s competition were:

Undergraduates:

  1. Farid Ahmed, studying BA Hons Law and Politics at the University of Stirling
  2. Simon Cooper, a second-year student at Bournemouth University
  3. Syed Adil, studying a dual degree in Scottish and English Law with European Legal Studies at the University of Aberdeen
  4. Sarah Daniel, a first-year student at the University of London
  5. Tamar Knight, studying an undergraduate LLB Law degree course at Cardiff University

Postgraduates:

  1. Federica Boscolo Gnola, studying a Graduate Diploma in Law Postgraduate Course at the University of Law
  2. Jason Nicholson, a postgraduate Legal Practise Course at the University of Law
  3. Kieran Power, completing a Graduate Diploma in Law at the University of Law’s London Bloomsbury campus
  4. Matthew Johnson, a Graduate Diploma in Law postgraduate student at Oxford Brookes 
  5. Sebastian Dack-Owens, a Bar Training Course student at BBP Law School

For more information about Future Legal Mind or National Accident Helpline, please visit: https://www.national-accident-helpline.co.uk/news/future-legal-mind

Avoid stepping into danger at Scottish walking festivals

  • The summer season will see thousands of people take park in walking festivals across Scotland
  • Common injuries at these kind of events include fractures, food poisoning while foraging, and falling ill from extreme weather 
  • Earlier this year, six people lost their lives on mountains across Scotland in the space of two weeks, highlighting the danger of walking when unprepared

Summer is here, meaning that walking festival season in Scotland is officially upon us.

In the next few days, major festivals including the Moray Walking and Outdoor Festival, taking place from 17-27 June, and The Great Scottish Walk and Run Festival, on 26 June, are happening. Whether you’re taking part in a short stroll, running 5K, or hiking in the mountains, it’s important to be aware of the potential hazards.

To ensure that you create happy memories, and that nothing gets in the way of you having an enjoyable time, National Accident Helpline provides some top tips on staying safe whilst venturing out into the great outdoors. 

  1. Slippery slopes

Walking or hiking is one of the best ways to experience Scotland. With this being said, it’s no surprise that slips and trips are commonplace amongst walkers, especially when combined with poor weather conditions. 

Whilst out walking in the countryside, public toilets can be a particular area of danger. The combination of muddy walking boots and the smooth surface of a toilet floor is a clear slip and trip hazard, which can result in injuries such as ankle sprains and broken bones. Other hazards to watch out for whilst out hiking include uneven or rocky surfaces and wet, slippery grass.

To keep safe, avoid walking on rough ground, especially on hazardous terrain that contains loose and large stones. This is important to remember when walking on slopes or mountainsides. The best way to keep your footing and balance is by using trekking poles.

It may seem obvious, but also make sure you wear the right footwear. If you’re walking on roads, choose lighter boots, as heavy footwear can cause you to drag your feet, which can lead to a trip. If you’re carrying a backpack, then boots with ankle support are essential. 

  1. Food poisoning whilst foraging 

Food poisoning – whether from uncooked food prepared by a street food vendor or by foraging for your own – is another factor that can risk your health whilst at a walking festival. 

Although foraging is a fun way to get up close to nature and wildlife in Scotland, it can be extremely harmful, especially if you do not know what to look for. 

To avoid harming your health, there’s a few simple rules to follow: 

  • In line with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it’s illegal to collect wild plants or fungi on a National Nature Reserve (NNR) or a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
  • Pick from clean areas, avoiding places subject to pollution. To avoid contamination, remember to wash your food and hands before and after you eat. 
  • Know what you’re picking, as some species of mushroom and fungi are poisonous and can even be fatal. Before the festival, remember to learn about the various species and read the Scottish Wild Mushroom Code. 

Although street food vendors at festivals are generally safe, if you do find yourself falling ill, immediately report it to the local council. Reporting the vendor will often lead to an investigation taking place and something being done to prevent it from happening again.  

Under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, you could also claim compensation if you can prove that a caterer has caused you to become poisoned by food. 

  1. Beating extreme weather

As the weather can change in an instant, the Scottish outdoors should be taken seriously. Although Scotland has a mild climate, the combination of wind and wet weather means that hypothermia can be a significant hazard.

To avoid hypothermia, wear and carry appropriate shell and insulated clothing, including a spare hat and gloves. Additionally, make sure to carry snacks that you can graze on throughout the day and which will give you plenty of energy. 

With heatwaves being predicted, heat exhaustion or heatstroke is another factor watch out for. To avoid falling ill, wear light-coloured, loose clothing, stay hydrated, and try to walk in the shade where possible. If you do find yourself falling ill, contact the festival first aiders as soon as possible. 

Jonathan White, Legal and Compliance Director at National Accident Helpline, said: ‘’With the weather heating up and walking festivals set to get into full swing in Scotland, it’s vital that those attending are fully prepared to avoid any risk of personal injury. 

‘’Whether you’re going to a nature foraging walk or having a peaceful stroll along the Moray coast, keep safe by ensuring you’re fully prepared for the great outdoors. Invest in suitable clothing and equipment (such as a compass), watch out for trip hazards, be cautious whilst foraging, and prepare for all weather conditions. Doing these simple things will mean you’ll have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable festival experience.’’ 

For more information about National Accident Helpline, or to find out how you can make a claim, please visit:

https://www.national-accident-helpline.co.uk/news/summer-festival-safety

University of Edinburgh student nominated for national legal award

A University of Edinburgh student has been named as a finalist in Future Legal Mind, National Accident Helpline’s award to find the brightest young legal talent in the country. Liliya Tsvetanova, who is studying LLB Law at the University of Edinburgh, is in with a chance to win a £5,000 prize, plus a coveted work experience placement at a top law firm. Continue reading University of Edinburgh student nominated for national legal award