22-27_ARENA_SUMMER2015_Arena_A5 21/05/2015 11:02 Page 2 DID YOU KNOW? n Usdaw recovered £19.8m for members in 2014 Legal Plus Council pays up for Agnes after serious injury When 62 year-old Agnes Milne slipped on black ice outside her home in December 2011 causing severe injuries to her arm and shoulder Usdaw’s FirstCall came to her rescue. Three years later she was awarded £30,000 in compensation after the union’s solicitors proved the local council had been negligent. It could have been so different for the retired Sainsbury’s shop assistant, from Loanhead, Midlothian in Scotland, who had previously been turned down by two high street solicitors. “When I contacted FirstCall I couldn’t believe it when the solicitor said she would handle my claim. She was absolutely brilliant,” said Agnes. “If it wasn’t for my union I wouldn’t have received a penny. “My advice to every Usdaw member is beware! We’ve all seen the personal injury 22 arena n Usdaw recovered £17.4m for workers in personal injury cases n 136 accident claims saw settlements in excess of £20,000 n £2.4m was recovered in employment cases – looking after you and your family adverts from companies who claim they offer no win no fee agreements, when in fact if they do take on your claim there are hidden charges in the service they offer. “Believe me when I say, if you have a slip, trip or a fall contact FirstCall immediately. “It’s completely free, there are no hidden charges.” Agnes fractured her arm and dislocated her shoulder and had two operations and a metal plate inserted in her arm. “When I eventually returned to work my hours were reduced. I retired soon after. “I had the ultimate trust in my solicitor. She kept me going at every stage. As you can imagine it wasn’t easy. “I want to remind all Usdaw members that -– just like me – they will have the full backing and support of the union’s professional legal service.”