Hilary Meredith has worked closely with BBC Wales on a new documentary investigating the true extent of fatal failures by the Ministry of Defence in training exercises. Craig Roberts, Edward Maher and James Dunsby died in the UK armed forces in 2013. Not in war zones, but in training. The young soldiers were taking part…
As a proud Trustee of Broughton House, Hilary Meredith was delighted to attend the launch of the charity’s Buy a Brick campaign today. Established in 1916 to provide treatment to the thousands of soldiers returning from the trenches of WW1, Broughton House has since evolved into a dedicated charity and nursing home for veterans living…
A dying Army veteran facing trial over a fatal shooting in Northern Ireland 46 years ago has said that he will bring a Judicial Review on the grounds that British veterans are suffering ‘discriminatory treatment’ by the criminal justice system, in an attempt to halt the controversial case. Great-grandfather Dennis Hutchings, 78, is facing charges…
Hilary Meredith Solicitors secures substantial settlements in ground-breaking claims against the MOD
Hilary Meredith Solicitors has secured substantial damages on behalf of 3 former servicemen who suffered severe injuries when their inadequately-armoured vehicles struck roadside improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Afghanistan. The claims raised difficult legal issues regarding the scope of the defence of combat immunity. The vehicles in question were Pinzgauer troop carriers, manufactured by BAE…
Freedom of Information requests from the BBC reveal that the NHS in England faces paying out £4.3bn in legal fees to settle outstanding claims of clinical negligence. This figure includes all current unsettled claims and projected estimates of ones in the future. The Department of Health has pledged to tackle “the unsustainable rise in the…
Mr Justice Martin Spencer has today dismissed the appeal of former soldier Wayne Bass, who contracted Q-fever while serving in Afghanistan. Commenting on today’s judgment, Mr Bass’ solicitor, Dianne Yates, partner at military law firm Hilary Meredith Solicitors said: “This is a devastating blow for Mr Bass who remains in poor health as a result…
Former soldier Wayne Bass, who lost his legal claim against the Ministry of Defence (MoD) after contracting Q fever in Afghanistan, will have his Appeal heard on 5 and 6 December 2019 at the Royal Courts of Justice. Mr Bass’ solicitor Dianne Yates, partner at specialist military law firm, Hilary Meredith Solicitors said: “Wayne remains…
An army widow has started a new campaign to ensure soldiers are recognised for their service by the Coroner’s Court and Armed Forces Memorial. Jo Jukes lost her military veteran husband, Dave Jukes, when he took his own life on 9th October 2018. Since his tragic death, she has campaigned tirelessly for greater mental health…
Simon Quinn, Partner and Head of Military at Hilary Meredith Solicitors, has become the first solicitor in the country to be appointed as an Accredited Military Injury Specialist by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). The status of Accredited Military Injury Specialist is granted to a person who has not only achieved APIL Senior…
Hilary Meredith Solicitors says Panorama’s War Crimes Scandal Exposed has made it impossible for soldiers and veterans to receive a fair trial in the event of any future prosecutions. Breaches against service personal and veterans include: – Article 6, Human Right Act, Right to a Fair Trial. – Article 8, Human Rights Act, Right to…
The UK government and armed forces have been accused of covering up the killing of civilians by British troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, according to reports today. An investigation by BBC Panorama and the Sunday Times has spoken to 11 British detectives who said they found evidence of war crimes. The new evidence has come…
On what was every parents’ worst nightmare, on the morning of 9 May 2017, we sent Evha, who had only just turned 11, on what should have been a fun school trip with her friends to Drayton Manor Theme Park. She never came home. We entrusted Evha’s care and safety to the School and to…
Press reports today suggest the Conservatives are pledging to end the “unfair trials” of soldiers accused of murders in Northern Ireland by banning inquests from returning verdicts of unlawful killings for deaths during the Troubles. The party is pledging to amend the Human Rights Act to exclude any death in Northern Ireland that took place…
Hilary Meredith has today accused the MoD of being “grotesquely negligent” and “repeating the mistakes of the past” after Senior Birmingham coroner Louise Hunt concluded there had been “very serious” failings at all levels as she concluded a hearing into the death of Corporal Joshua Hoole. Cpl Hoole’s father Phillip Hoole, says he plans to…
A leading military psychiatrist has accused the government of failing in its duty of care to veterans. Neil Greenberg, Professor of Defence Mental Health at King’s College London, says former personnel are being left frightened and alone – despite the existence of the Armed Forces Covenant. Professor Greenberg says the promise to give priority health…
Hilary Meredith was delighted to be shortlisted for the Women Solicitor of the Year accolade at last night’s Law Society Excellence Awards. The Law Society Excellence Awards have been celebrating the hard work and inspiring achievements of solicitors, legal teams and firms of all sizes across England and Wales for the past 13 years. The…
I am delighted to see the Office for Veterans Affairs officially launched this week. As part of the launch, ministers have announced that the new head of the OVA will be Col David Richmond, the former Recovery Director of Help for Heroes. Further details of what the office will do have also been announced, including…
Former soldier Wayne Bass, who lost his legal claim against the Ministry of Defence (MoD) after contracting Q fever in Afghanistan, has been granted permission to Appeal. Mr Bass’ solicitor, Dianne Yates from specialist military law firm Hilary Meredith Solicitors, confirmed that the Appeal is listed to be heard on 5 and 6 December 2019…
The Government has dropped plans to protect military veterans from prosecution in Monday’s Queen’s Speech, according to reports over the weekend. Reacting to the news, Hilary Meredith, Chair of Hilary Meredith Solicitors and Visiting Professor of Law and Veterans’ Affairs at the University of Chester said: “I am dismayed by the lack of…
Hilary Meredith Solicitors is backing a new campaign by Help for Heroes calling for the Government to commission an independent review of the medical discharge process. Help for Heroes is calling for an independent review of the discharge process which was described as “negative” by 70% of veterans it spoke to in a new survey. More…