National firm Russell Jones & Walker has launched a Polish claims unit to advise Poles working in the UK on personal injury actions.


Headed by London personal injury partner Richard Geraghty, the team includes two native Poles, Patricia Westwalewicz and Karolina Bebenek, both of whom are legally trained. The firm has also created Polish content for its website and set up a dedicated freephone line and email address.



'The UK is now home to over 500,000 Polish migrant workers who need access to justice in the same way as every other citizen does, but language may be a barrier,' said Mr Geraghty.



The unit began work in November and has already had enquiries on workplace accidents and road traffic accidents. Often employed in construction, agriculture or retail sectors, migrant workers may be exposed to workplace dangers, Mr Geraghty said, especially as they are unfamiliar with UK health and safety law and are not union members: 'Sadly, it's often these sectors where employers don't have proper regard for employee safety,' he added.



Neil Rose