Questions for lawyers Found 360

I work as a crew member on a commercial fishing vessel and hurt my back badly when a winch failed. The skipper told me it was just an accident and there is nothing to claim. What protection do I have as a crew member?

My employer gave me a new employment agreement with lower hours and a pay cut, saying that if I do not sign it I will lose my job. I have worked here for years. Can they force me to accept changes? I would appreciate some clarity on what the law actually requires here.

My current work visa expires in a few weeks and I have applied for a new one, but the decision has not come yet. I am worried that I may have to stop work or that I will become an overstayer. What are the rules?

I booked a delivery with a logistics company at an agreed price and timeframe, but they later emailed saying delivery would be delayed by several days and referred to a clause allowing them to vary delivery estimates. Is this something they can simply do?

My yacht lost its engine in bad weather and a passing fishing vessel towed us to safety. Now the owner is asking for a large salvage payment, and I do not know if that is legitimate. What are my obligations?

A local school told us it does not have the resources to support our child, who has additional learning needs, and suggested we look elsewhere. We want him to attend with his brothers and sisters. Is the school allowed to say no?

We made a claim more than six months ago and the insurer keeps asking for more documents and telling us that it is still being assessed. We are living in temporary accommodation and paying our own costs. What can we do about the delay?

We are in a dispute with a neighbour’s builder over a property boundary and damage to our land. A friend suggested mediation but I doubt it will work with such bad feelings. How does mediation work and why might it be better than going straight to court?

I write reviews on a blog and I sometimes quote extracts from books and include screenshots of films and shows. I am worried about crossing a line. When can I use someone else’s work without permission?

I work full time for a single business under a contractor agreement. I use their equipment, follow their roster and cannot send someone else in my place, but they say I am not entitled to holiday pay or sick leave. How do I know which I am?