Legal

  • Viral collision sport offers US$200,000 prize despite head injury warnings

    Organisers of a viral full-contact sport are offering US$200,000 in prize money for their next event, despite warnings from a neuroscientist and concussion expert about the dangers of the social media-driven challenge. The RUNIT Championship League announced the prize pool in an Instagram post on Sunday, just weeks after the death of a 19-year-old in [...]

  • Cambridge professor accused of failing IQ tests to boost £1m NHS stroke claim

    A Cambridge academic has been accused of deliberately underperforming on IQ and memory tests to strengthen a £1 million compensation claim against the NHS for alleged failings in stroke care. Dr Mohamed Atef Hakmi, 64, an orthopaedic surgeon and affiliated assistant professor at Cambridge University, is suing the NHS, claiming a delayed diagnosis of a [...]

  • Greater awareness, not rising prevalence, driving ADHD referral surge

    The recent surge in ADHD referrals is attributed to increased awareness and acceptance of the condition, rather than an actual rise in its prevalence, according to a new systematic review. Researchers from King's College London's Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience analyzed 40 studies conducted since January 2020 across 17 countries. They found no significant [...]

  • Jane James and Associates on growing a team of high calibre expert witnesses

    Founded in 1987, Jane James and Associates is a standalone expert witness firm. Now, Luci Lloyd, Jane's daughter, has taken the reins to help grow the firm and its team of expert witnesses. As a paediatric nurse with 17 years of experience in the NHS, Luci transitioned from her role as a clinical nurse specialist [...]

  • Headway calls on government to invest in brain injury in the criminal justice system

    The UK’s independent sentencing review - launched in October 2024 - aimed to address current prison and probation challenges and better support victims. The final report, published in May 2025, has been welcomed by brain injury charity Headway - which is now calling on the government to formally recognise and invest in increasing understanding of [...]

  • Meet the lawyer: Lorna Halfpenny-Beeby, senior partner at JE Bennett Law

    Lorna Halfpenny-Beeby, senior partner at JE Bennett Law, brings a rare combination of legal acumen and lived experience to her work. With a background in psychology and early career roles supporting individuals with brain injuries, as well as personal insight through a family member's paralysis, she is uniquely equipped to support clients navigating life after [...]

  • UK’s largest clinical negligence practice expands into Newcastle

    The UK’s largest clinical negligence practice Fletchers Solicitors is embarking on an expansion, launching a new office in Newcastle. The new office, based on Pilgrim Street, Newcastle, will act as a regional hub that will help to support people in the North East who have experiences a personal injury or clinical negligence, according to reports. [...]

  • Harry’s Pals partners with Slater and Gordon

    A charity which delivers emotional support to parents of seriously ill or disabled children is able to grow its life-changing provision even further through a new partnership. Harry’s Pals offers a unique service which helps parents to negotiate the hugely challenging times after their child receives a devastating diagnosis – something which has a significant [...]

  • Spinal Injuries Association issues statement on care sector and immigration

    Charity The Spinal Injuries Association has issued a statement in response to the UK Government's Immigration White Paper. Prime Minister Kier Stamer said that the 'strategy will finally take back control of our borders and close the book on a squalid chapter for our politics, our economy, and our country.' The SIA responded: "The Spinal [...]

  • Patient story: How ‘brain pacemaker’ saved conductor’s career

    A music conductor in the US has returned to the podium after receiving innovative brain technology that controls his Parkinson's tremors, allowing him to lead his symphony with renewed confidence. Rand Laycock*, 70, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease shortly before turning 60 after seeking medical advice for thumb twitching. The retired music teacher has guided [...]