O'Donnell Solicitors

15/06/2026

Updated Employment Law Unfair Dismissal Blog

In our latest blog post, Ken Lees from our Employment Law team breaks down everything you need to know about navigating unfair dismissal claims, including:

- The Strict Time Limit: You generally have just 3 months less 1 day from your final day of work to start ACAS Early Conciliation. Internal appeals do not stop the clock.

- Who Can Claim: Standard claims usually require 2 years of continuous service, but "automatically unfair" reasons (like whistleblowing or maternity) have protection from day one.

- Compensation: What you can claim if you are unfairly dismissal.

- Upcoming Law Changes: With the Employment Rights Act 2025 rolling out, major shifts are coming—including a planned extension of the claim deadline to 6 months.

Whether you're an employee facing dismissal or an employer wanting to ensure your disciplinary procedures remain fully compliant, acting quickly is essential.

Read the full guide here for a complete breakdown:
https://odonnellsolicitors.co.uk/blog/unfair-dismissal-what-are-your-rights-and-how-long-do-you-have-to-make-a-claim/

Dismissed from work in Oldham? Learn your unfair dismissal rights, tribunal deadlines and claim options. Expert advice from employment solicitors.

08/06/2026

NHS "Never Events" - 403 Serious Patient Safety Incidents Recorded Last Year

New figures reveal that 403 preventable NHS "never events" occurred in England between April 2025 and March 2026, including patients undergoing procedures on the wrong body part, surgical gloves being left inside patients, and even the accidental removal of an organ that should have been preserved. These incidents are classified as "never events" because they are considered largely preventable when proper safety procedures are followed.

While healthcare professionals work tirelessly to provide safe care, the impact of a serious medical mistake can be life-changing for patients and their families. Cases involving wrong-site surgery, retained surgical instruments, incorrect procedures, medication errors and other avoidable treatment failures can lead to significant physical, emotional and financial consequences.

At O'Donnell Solicitors, our specialist Medical Negligence team has extensive experience helping individuals who have suffered harm as a result of NHS or private healthcare errors, including claims involving Never Events. We understand the devastating impact these incidents can have and are committed to helping clients secure answers, accountability and the compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a medical mistake that should never have happened, speak to our expert team today.



Source: https://news.sky.com/story/gloves-left-inside-patients-and-accidental-organ-removal-among-403-never-mistakes-in-nhs-last-year-13551651

Website: https://odonnellsolicitors.co.uk/medical-negligence/never-events/

04/06/2026

Could a Loved One Challenge a Will? Understanding the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975

Many people assume that a Will is final, but in some circumstances certain family members and dependants may be able to bring a claim if they believe reasonable financial provision has not been made for them.

Our latest blog explains the key principles of the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, who may be eligible to make a claim, the time limits involved, and what this could mean for beneficiaries and estates.

Whether you are planning your estate, administering an estate, or concerned about your rights following the death of a loved one, understanding the law is essential.

📖 Read our latest blog here: https://odonnellsolicitors.co.uk/blog/what-is-the-inheritance-act-1975/

For advice on Wills, probate, inheritance disputes, or estate administration, contact the experienced Private Client team at O’Donnell Solicitors.

📞 01457 761320
📧 [email protected]
🌐 odonnellsolicitors.co.uk

02/06/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Kenneth Lees on His Promotion to Associate Director 🎉

We are delighted to announce the promotion of Kenneth Lees to Associate Director at O’Donnell Solicitors.

Kenneth heads both our Medical Negligence and Employment Law Departments and has quickly become an integral part of our leadership team through his expertise, dedication and unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients.

A specialist solicitor, Kenneth acts for claimants in medical negligence matters and has extensive experience handling complex cases, including delayed cancer diagnoses, birth injury claims, fatal cases and serious orthopaedic injuries.

Before joining O’Donnell Solicitors, Kenneth spent 14 years with a leading regional law firm before progressing to Head of Clinical Negligence at another well-respected practice. He studied Law at the prestigious University of Oxford and has built a reputation for combining exceptional legal expertise with a genuinely caring and compassionate approach to client care.

Beyond his legal work, Kenneth is also Chair of Governors at Coppice and Roundthorn Primary Academies, reflecting his commitment to supporting and strengthening the local community.

This promotion recognises Kenneth’s outstanding contribution to the firm, his leadership of two growing departments, and his continued dedication to delivering the high standards of service our clients expect.

Please join us in congratulating Kenneth on this well-deserved achievement and wishing him every success in his new role.

30/05/2026

🎺🎈 Whit Friday 2026 – What a Fantastic Day! 🎈🎺

Yesterday, the O’Donnell Solicitors team was delighted to be part of the wonderful Whit Friday Walks and Band Contests across the Saddleworth villages.

It was fantastic to see so many local families, friends and visitors enjoying this long-standing tradition, with the streets filled with music, community spirit and celebration.

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello and collect one of our balloons, cookies and goodies throughout the day. We loved meeting so many members of the local community and being part of such a special event.

As a local firm, we are proud to support events that bring our communities together and help preserve the traditions that make Saddleworth such a unique place to live and work.

We hope everyone had a wonderful Whit Friday and enjoyed the incredible performances from the bands throughout the villages.

26/05/2026

Have you been offered a Settlement Agreement?

If your employer has presented you with a settlement agreement, it is important to understand exactly what you are being asked to sign before making any decisions.

Our latest blog explains what a settlement agreement is, why employers use them, and the key issues you should carefully consider before accepting any offer.

The guide covers:

• What a settlement agreement actually means in practice
• Whether you are legally required to sign
• The importance of independent legal advice
• Common clauses relating to confidentiality, references and compensation
• When it may be appropriate to negotiate better terms
• The risks of signing too quickly without understanding your rights

Settlement agreements are legally binding documents and can affect your future employment rights, financial position and ability to bring claims. Taking advice at the right time can make a significant difference.

Read the full blog here: https://odonnellsolicitors.co.uk/blog/what-is-a-settlement-agreement-and-should-i-sign-one-a-guide-for-employees/

Please email [email protected] or telephone 01457 761 320 and a member of the team will contact you for a free, no obligation discussion.

21/05/2026

🏡 Moving in together? Protect your future with a Cohabitation Agreement

Many unmarried couples believe they have the same legal rights as married couples — but in England & Wales, that simply isn’t the case. A cohabitation agreement can help clarify finances, property ownership and responsibilities if a relationship later breaks down.

Our latest blog explains:
✔️ What a cohabitation agreement is
✔️ Why “common law marriage” is a myth
✔️ How unmarried couples can protect their assets and interests
✔️ When you should consider putting an agreement in place

Read the full article here:
O'Donnell Solicitors – Cohabitation Agreements Blog https://odonnellsolicitors.co.uk/blog/do-unmarried-couples-need-a-cohabitation-agreement-understanding-your-legal-rights/

For tailored advice on cohabitation agreements and family law matters, contact O'Donnell Solicitors.

18/05/2026

Prescription & Medication Errors – When can you make a medical negligence claim?

Medication mistakes can happen in different ways — from the wrong drug being prescribed to errors at the pharmacy when medicine is dispensed. While not every mistake leads to a legal claim, some errors can cause serious and avoidable harm.

To make a medical negligence claim, it usually needs to be shown that the standard of care fell below what is reasonably expected and the error directly caused injury or worsened a condition.

Our latest blog explains the issues so that you can understand your rights if something has gone wrong with your medication. Read more here:
https://odonnellsolicitors.co.uk/blog/prescription-and-medication-errors-when-can-you-make-a-medical-negligence-claim/

16/05/2026

BBC Breakfast News is discussing a report from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners that 19m people do not have a will, 80% of people’s families are unaware of their wishes for when they die, and that this significantly increases the risk of family fall outs and disputes about estates, particularly in blended families.

Our Private Client Team can assist you with wills and estate planning to minimise the risk of these issues arising, providing advice on your options and preparing the documents needed to formalise your wishes.

Read more about our Private Client services on our website - https://odonnellsolicitors.co.uk/solicitors-for-you/private-client/

Our team of Private Client Solicitors are specialists in court or protection, estate planning, probate, and wills.

11/05/2026

💡 Thinking ahead about inheritance tax planning?

Lifetime gifting and charitable giving can be effective ways to reduce inheritance tax exposure while supporting loved ones and causes that matter to you.

Our latest blog explains:
✔️ Lifetime gifting rules
✔️ The 7-year rule
✔️ Charity gifting benefits
✔️ How careful estate planning can help protect family wealth

Read the full article here:

https://odonnellsolicitors.co.uk/blog/lifetime-gifting-and-charity-gifting-reducing-inheritance-tax-exposure/

For advice on wills, trusts, probate and inheritance tax planning, contact O’Donnell Solicitors.

PrivateClient