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A woman who shattered her arms after tripping over a supermarket trolley as she reached for a pork pie, has been awarded £44,000, it was reported today. The 79-year-old called out to her husband that she had found the pies as she stepped forward to reach them, but then fell…

Two recent Court of Appeal judgements only serve to illustrate the inconsistent approach that the courts adopt towards resolving the financial issues of any divorce. Only a few days ago Lord Justice Thorpe in Davies v Davies was reported as saying that the days of wives receiving multi million pound…

Demand has never been higher for residential ground rents, but the drafting of the leases can make a difference of tens of thousands to a portfolio. Abacus Solicitors specialise in residential ground rents, acting for developers, buyers and sellers.  We have perfected leases which will maximise the value of the…

as featured in the Telegraph View, 6th November 2012 An obsession with inquiries is in danger of turning a scandal into a circus Since the allegations against Jimmy Savile surfaced, at least half a dozen inquiries have been set up to ascertain who knew what the late BBC presenter was…

Rochdale social services, police and the Crown Prosecution Service failed to shut down organised sex ring - turning a blind eye and dismissing victims as prostitutes. Nine Asian men were jailed this year for between four and 19 years for grooming young white girls in and around Rochdale. Girls were…

As reported in the news this week, breast surgeon Ian Paterson faces investigation and has been suspended from duty amid allegations that he carried out operations on 450 healthy patients that they did not need. Paterson is also accused of performing partial mastectomies on a further 700 patients, potentially increasing…

The High Court has ordered that any woman who wishes to make a claim under the GLO must register it by 8th April 2013. To be a part of the Action you need to act quickly. If you do not have a lawyer and wish to join the GLO you…

First it was text messages, then Friends Re-United and now it's Facebook and other social networking sites. The reality is, the ability to communicate with people you haven't seen for a long time has significantly increased because of social networking sites. That has meant it has been easier for many…

A recent Court of Appeal case will come as a relief to developers and local authorities. In Barkas v North Yorkshire County Council (2012) it was held that recreational land owned by local authorities (assuming it is properly designated) can not be a town or village green. Abacus Solicitors act…

From 1 January 2013, concealed flues – usually found in apartments – should have inspection hatches fitted.  Hatches should be at least 300mm square and positioned within 1.5m of any joint in the flue system. Landlords must keep flues safe, and gas appliances must be checked once a year by…