MyClaim's panel solicitors join forces with Southampton-based Polish charity
Moore Blatch Resolve the leading solicitors has joined forces with Southampton-based Polish charity SOS Polonia, in an effort to improve legal services for the estimated 27,000 Polish nationals living in the Southampton area.
SOS Polonia, which began as a helpline in 2004 and was established as a drop-in centre and a registered charity in 2006, was set up by Barbara Storey in response to the increasing number of Polish and migrant workers in the UK. SOS Polonia now supports migrant nationals all over the Southampton area and receives approximately 300 visits and 140 phone calls per week.
Damian Horan, head of legal practice at Moore Blatch Resolve, has noticed a significant increase in the number of migrant clients in recent years and is keen to improve the delivery of legal services to these clients. On learning of the existence of SOS Polonia, he recognised the huge benefits of developing a working relationship with the charity and what this could mean for future mutual clients.
Damian comments: “The rising number of foreign nationals involved in accidents is not surprising when you think of the increased number of immigrants since the expansion of the EU, allowing its new members free movement throughout member states. The overwhelming majority of these immigrants, at least initially on entering the UK, find employment within the industrial sectors, and are therefore exposed to an increased risk of injury.”
It is becoming increasingly evident that employers are neglecting to provide their migrant employees with mandatory health and safety training and equipment and that many migrant workers face the challenges of a language barrier and of being unaware of their legal rights.
Tim Spring, head of clinical negligence at Moore Blatch Resolve, says: “Medical errors, arising out of communication difficulties as a result of language barriers, are an increasing problem. We recognise the value of working with the charity to ensure that clients are given the support they need throughout the complaints and claims process.”
Whilst Moore Blatch Resolve can assist SOS Polonia in holding those responsible accountable, and obtaining compensation for the injured parties, importantly they are also working with the charity to educate foreign nationals about their legal rights and encourage confidence in upholding these rights.
Barbara Storey comments: “I am confident that SOS Polonia and our clients have the support from a leading firm of solicitors that will provide first-class legal services and advice. I trust that they will work tirelessly to ensure that those in the wrong will be held responsible.”
Moore Blatch Resolve, which has been ranked the number one personal injury firm in the South-East by the Legal 500, is committed to the provision of high quality legal services and is constantly working to improve the service it provides to its clients.