We are proud to announce our partnership with Winstons Wish, the UK's first children and young people’s bereavement charity which has been providing vital support to grieving children and young people since 1992.
Winston’s Wish supports more than 60,000 children and young people (up to the age of 25) when their worlds are turned upside down by grief.
At Higgs LLP, we recognise the immense challenges faced by families dealing with grief, especially by the children and young people who are left bereaved.
Through our collaboration with Winston's Wish, we aim to extend a helping hand to those who need it most. Estimates suggest that a parent dies every 20 minutes in the UK, so the need for specialised support for bereaved children and young people has never been more pressing.
Request legal advice
Higgs LLP is an esteemed full-service law firm serving a wide range of clients regionally and nationally on personal and business legal matters. With a wealth of experience and a dedicated team of legal professionals, we can provide comprehensive legal services tailored to assist our clients with their legal requirements and ensure they have the legal support they need.
At Higgs LLP, we are more than just a law firm; we are a community that values people and relationships above all. We believe in deeply understanding our clients' needs, and this understanding forms the foundation of our services. We don't just provide legal services; we offer a sense of security, reassurance, and genuine care. Our commitment to building exceptional relationships, backed by legal expertise, reliability, and experience, is our essence
Personal injury
The loss of a loved one due to an accident is a devastating event that no family should have to endure. At Higgs LLP we have experience in representing those who have suffered the loss of a family member in accidents, whether that’s a fatal car accident, workplace incident, or otherwise.
Should such a tragic event happen, Higgs LLP can help dependants of the deceased bring a claim for compensation for losses they have suffered as a result of the accident. This can include bereavement damages, loss of love and affection, loss of services, loss of financial dependency and funeral expenses. We can also help you explore whether you might be entitled to any welfare benefits, to alleviate immediate financial worries.
Personal representatives of the deceased’s estate may also be entitled to bring a claim for compensation in relation to the suffering their loved one endured, loss of earnings and miscellaneous expenses which would not have otherwise been incurred (like travel, costs of medical equipment purchased, and childcare costs).
Bringing a claim for compensation arising from an accident will not bring back your loved one, but it may give their dependants some financial security in the future. For any claim on behalf of children, the Court will usually order that the funds are kept in the Court Funds Office until they reach 18.
Medical negligence
The NHS provides an essential and excellent service to millions in the UK, but sadly, mistakes do happen. At Higgs LLP, we have experience in bringing claims for compensation where medical negligence has resulted in the death of a loved one. For example, where there has been a delayed diagnosis, surgical error or a failure to provide adequate care (physical care or mental health treatment).
Where there has been medical negligence resulting in the loss of a loved one, in certain circumstances, the dependants of the deceased can bring a claim for compensation for losses they have suffered as a result of the negligence. This can include bereavement damages, loss of love and affection, loss of services, loss of financial dependency and funeral expenses.
Personal representatives of the deceased’s estate may also be entitled to bring a claim for compensation in relation to the suffering their loved one endured, loss of earnings and miscellaneous expenses which would not have otherwise been incurred (like travel, costs of medical equipment purchased and childcare costs).
Bringing a claim for compensation arising from medical negligence will not bring back your loved one, but it may give their dependants some financial security. For any claim on behalf of a child, the Court will usually order that the funds are kept in the Court Funds Office until they reach 18, unless there is an immediate and compelling need to access the money earlier.
Family law
The family team at Higgs LLP understands not only the emotional challenges which come with bereavement, but that this can be made all the more difficult for individuals who have many questions around how this impacts their futures, and those of their loved ones.
We have the expertise within the team to answer any questions around the care and futures of children, physically, emotionally and financially. We are able to advise upon any issues which might be troubling you, including but not limited to:
- Where and with whom a child is to live;
- How and whether they should spend time with their wider family members, or a surviving parent;
- Financial provision for children;
- Parental responsibility;
- Guardianship;
- Special guardianship;
- Adoption;
- Making decisions for children around education, religion or medical issues.
Our experienced and approachable lawyers are able to guide you through this process with realistic, compassionate guidance and advice to help you to navigate this extremely challenging time.
Private client
The private client team at Higgs LLP provide a full range of services to support families in all manner of personal circumstances. Our private client team have vast experience of providing guidance to individuals and families to protect their wealth and to provide bespoke estate and succession planning which can be tailored to your individual circumstances.
We appreciate that planning for the succession of assets, and financial protection for families, is hugely important, especially when there has been a significant change in family circumstances. However, our private client team also specialise in putting into place lifetime protection surrounding assets, in addition to Lasting Powers of Attorney.
Within our team we have specialist lawyers who are able to provide you with advice surrounding:
- Wills and estate planning;
- Trusts;
- Probate and estate administration;
- Court of Protection;
- Powers of Attorney; and
- Charities and not-for-profit.
Meet our team
Andy Shaw
Partner - Head of Personal Injury and Medical Negligence
Karen Gray
Senior Associate - Family Law
Simrit Chahal
Associate - Personal Injury
Victoria Boucher
Senior Associate - Wealth Preservation