Personal injury: claimant in London

Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP

The ‘supremely knowledgeableJackie Spinks has taken over leadership of the personal injury team at Anthony Gold Solicitors LLP; a specialist in traumatic brain injury claims with a particular focus on child brain injury, Spinks is ‘meticulous in the preparation of her cases’. ‘Legendary practitionerJenny Kennedy provides expertise in complex brain, spinal and amputation injury claims to her cases, which are often cross-jurisdictional in nature, involving British nationals injured abroad or foreign national clients injured in the UK. Ian Peters similarly specialises in such international cases, along with acting for those who have suffered multiple trauma injuries. The team is also experienced in psychiatric injury cases, and those involving stress at work – the latter being a particular area of expertise for the firm’s managing partner David Marshall. Complex orthopaedic injuries are an area of strength for ‘steely litigator’ Sana BibiSamuel David was promoted to partner in May 2022. Adam Dyl is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Jackie Spinks


Other key lawyers:

Jenny Kennedy; David Marshall; Adam Dyl; Amanda Hopkins; Ian Peters; Hema Vekaria; Sana Bibi; Katherine Brown; Samuel David; Ben Simons; Nina Brennan


Testimonials

‘Excellent client service and medical knowledge. They make brave decisions on risk and always work extremely hard for each client.’

‘Long since regarded as leaders in the PI field. Able to attract high quality work in a squeezed market. Genuinely considered one of the most expert PI teams in the country. Capable of running the biggest cases.’

‘Jackie Spinks is very well regarded in the sector. Meticulous in her preparation of cases. Very personable and manages to build a fantastic rapport with her clients. First rate.’

‘Sana Bibi is calm and collected, a very steely litigator. Never gets flustered and always on top of her cases.’

‘Jackie Spinks is brilliant at what she does with a seeming ability to effortlessly navigate one complex issue after another; she’s supremely knowledgeable with a fantastic eye for detail.’

‘Ian Peters is absolutely fantastic – the safest of safe pairs of hands, always calm with superb judgment and a wealth of experience, whilst remaining a delight to work with. Adam Dyl is undoubtedly going places: he’s a superb tactician who leaves no stone unturned in trying to achieve the best for his clients.’

‘Samuel David is wonderful, always calm and considered no matter what is thrown at him.’

‘Jenny Kennedy remains top of the pops, a really legendary practitioner who has seen and done it all and is excellent at what she does.’

Work highlights


  • Representing a claimant who was injured in a road traffic accident after being knocked off his e-scooter by a vehicle turning across his path.
  • Secured a settlement of £6m for a claimant who was injured when he was hit by a vehicle whilst riding his bicycle.
  • Acting for a man who sustained a traumatic through knee amputation in an accident he was involved in during the course of his employment when his leg became trapped in moving equipment.

Fieldfisher

Paul McNeil, Jill Greenfield and Peter Williams jointly head up the claimant personal injury offering at Fieldfisher. Williams oversees the industrial disease department, alongside Andrew Morgan, with particular expertise in asbestos claims, including cases of low exposure and adults who were exposed as children; in 2022, the team achieved the first decision against an insurer in a living mesothelioma claim. Jill Greenfield leads the serious injury team, which has extensive expertise regarding international matters, and redress following serious sexual assaults; the firm is experienced in the setting up of funds for victims of sexual assaults in the US. Jennifer Buchanan is described by one client as being ‘at the top of her game’; Keith Barrett has specialist knowledge regarding maritime and aviation claims; and the ‘tenacious, smart and hardworking’ Dushal Mehta is particularly experienced in cases before the Court of Appeal. Director Harvinder Kaur is also recommended for her skill in high-value serious injury cases.

Practice head(s):

Paul McNeil; Jill Greenfield; Peter Williams


Other key lawyers:

Jennifer Buchanan; Shaheen Mosquera; Keith Barrett; Harvinder Kaur; Keith Cundall; Claire Glasgow; Dushal Mehta; Andrew Morgan


Testimonials

‘Highly experienced professionals able to obtain brilliant results for clients, whatever the claim and whatever their needs.’

‘Outstanding level of compassion and legal expertise. These people get the very best for their clients.’

‘Definitely should be the first choice for claimant PI work – Jill Greenfield runs the most amazing team getting fantastic results for claimants in PI catastrophic cases and in highly confidential sexual abuse cases, she is really amazing. Getting results promptly is so important to claimants and if anybody can do that, Jill Greenfield can.’

‘Dushal Mehta is tenacious, smart and hardworking and gets the best results for his clients. Shaheen Mosquera has a keen intellect and deep knowledge of personal injury litigation. Peter Williams brings huge experience, knowledge and understanding to achieve the best results for his clients.’

‘Jill Greenfield has proved able to produce excellent results for clients in tricky and unusual cases. Her determination and expertise are invaluable.’

‘Jennifer Buchanan is at the top of her game, both in terms of legal expertise but also compassion and commitment. She is the best lawyer I know and I know a lot!’

‘Fieldfisher has one of, if not the, best personal injury teams in the country. There is a mixture of talent, enthusiasm, hard work and experience which means every case is dealt with exceptionally.’

‘The team in the catastrophic injury unit have more than a simple legal solution for their clients. They go above and beyond to look after often very vulnerable and traumatised people. Compared to other firms, their holistic approach stands out; they also refuse to settle until the lifetime needs are clear and work with excellent experts who are leaders in their respective fields.’

Work highlights


  • Challenging the law regarding mesothelioma claims, including successfully pursuing a claim directly against an insurer under the third Parties (Rights Against Insurers ) Act 2010.
  • Representing all the victims of the Solent Boat Tragedy in 2020, which was the subject of recent criminal court proceedings.
  • Continuing work for adult victims of sexual assault by high-profile individuals.

Irwin Mitchell

Irwin Mitchell‘s personal injury team is ‘unparalleled in the scope of work’ it takes on. Headed up by London head of personal injury Richard Geraghty, who specialises in spinal cord and brain injuries as well as amputations; national serious injury leader, the ‘indomitableTracey Storey; and regional managing partner Alison Eddy, an expert in head injury cases, the team is ‘content to take on the most challenging cases‘, both within the UK and internationally. Demetrius Danas is the key senior contact for international serious work, and is additionally experienced in aviation and marine injury claims. Senior associate Leane Shanks is another notable name for international work. Sarah Griggs is particularly experienced in traumatic brain injury cases which involve capacity issues. The team also works in the asbestos-related disease field, supporting claimants with mesothelioma. Chani Dhaliwal is described by one client as being ‘as good as they get‘, and has particular strength securing substantial interim payments to fund care and neuro-rehabilitation.

Practice head(s):

Richard Geraghty; Tracey Storey; Alison Eddy


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Griggs; Leane Shanks; Chani Dhaliwal; Demetrius Danas; Jennifer Lund; Angela Batchelor; Laura Middleton-Guerrard; Sofie Toft; Kylie Hutchinson; Anna Pask; Peter Lorence.


Testimonials

‘The team are efficient, client-centred, thoughtful, and respectful of all involved in the claim process.’

‘Richard Geraghty is a really excellent personal injury solicitor, with a lot of technical expertise.’

‘Irwin Mitchell remain the market leader for personal injury. Boasting a big team of top lawyers across the entire country they are unparalleled in the scope of work they do. Top lawyers with expertise in every niche PI area means that there is no case they can’t handle.’

‘Irwin Mitchell stand out as a national personal injury firm of history and stature. By instructing Irwin Mitchell you are guaranteeing that your case will be conducted with accuracy and efficiency with the support and resources a nationwide firm can provide. They are therefore content to take on the most challenging cases which frequently push the boundaries of law in a claimant’s favour.’

‘Led by the indomitable Tracey Storey, the London team are a top premier league side with unequalled resources and depth of support.’

‘Sarah Griggs is superb. She combines a depth of knowledge with the rarer quality of empathy combined with solid judgment. Importantly, she also has a steely resolve if faced with an unreasonable stance by insurers.’

‘Irwin Mitchell has a remarkable number of talented individuals in the team. The firm attracts such high quality work that they are able to develop highly specialist teams. They have excellent connections with experts and barristers. They invest time and resource in cases and achieve results that other firms cannot compete with.’

‘Chani Dhaliwal is as good as they get. A technically superb lawyer who is passionate about his clients and achieving the best possible result for them. He is a delight to deal with.’

Work highlights


  • Representing the Olympic athlete and European Champion sprinter James Ellington who suffered leg injuries in a road traffic accident which ended his international sprinting career.
  • Representing a stuntman who suffered a career-ending brain injury in an accident that occurred on the set of the film “Fast and Furious 9” when a fight scene went wrong and a safety wire failed.
  • Successfully recovered substantial damages for a holidaymaker who had part of his arm ripped off by a lion when he was attacked whilst sleeping in a tent on a safari holiday in Tanzania.

Leigh Day

Sally Moore oversees the personal injury offering at Leigh Day, alongside head of international law Richard Meeran, and joint heads of industrial disease Harminder Bains and Daniel Easton. The collaboration between the international and personal injury teams compliments the wider firm’s human rights focus, an area in which Martyn Day and Sapna Malik are recognised experts; recent highlights in this space include an action involving allegations of forced labour and abuse of migrant workers in Malaysia. Additionally, the team has expertise in food allergy cases, spearheaded by Michelle Victor. The team also specialises in catastrophic injury cases, sitting on the legal panels of a number of hospital major trauma centres, as well as providing services to the British Cycling Federation and British Triathlon Association – senior associate Rory McCarron is the key name to note for such work. The asbestos and industrial disease team acts both on specific claims, including those involving mesothelioma victims, and wider issues affecting those impacted by asbestos-related diseases, including advising on proposed changes to the law. Ewan Tant is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Sally Moore; Richard Meeran; Daniel Easton; Harminder Bains


Other key lawyers:

David Preston; Laura Murphy; Bethany Sanders; Patrick Walsh; Ewan Tant; Rory McCarron; Sapna Malik; Oliver Holland; Martyn Day; Vijay Ganapathy; Michelle Victor


Testimonials

‘The Leigh Day PI team is outstanding. The team members are knowledgeable, personable, organised and efficient.’

‘Sally Moore and Bethany Sanders are extremely experienced, knowledgeable, empathetic and clever practitioners.’

‘Leigh Day have an enviable profile in PI litigation, with particular emphasis on cycling claims.’

‘Sally Moore’s reputation as a doyenne of the sector is thoroughly merited. She is knowledgeable, tough and shrewd.’

‘Leigh Day’s caseload is unique. They take on cases which require a trip to the Supreme Court in order to be successful, and usually they win them. They specialise in group claims involving claimants domiciled overseas which most firms simply would not be able to cope with. Leigh Day is expert in this work and makes it look easy. They are brilliant in every respect.’

‘Sapna Malik is a truly brilliant partner who specialises in gender-based violence and torture claims.’

‘The specialist occupational disease team have great depth and experience which places them ahead of other specialist claimant firms in this field. They place the needs of the sufferer first, ahead of commercial considerations. They are leaders in the provision of specialist training for the wider profession.’

‘Harminder Bains is a formidable litigator and campaigner for asbestos victims.’

Work highlights


  • Represented a claimant who was involved in a cyclist versus car road traffic collision and sustained a very severe brain injury, securing settlement of a lump sum of £6m plus variable PPO of £360,919 per annum for life.
  • Advising the Asbestos Victims Support Group Forum on a number of different legal challenges and issues which affect the wider asbestos community.
  • Secured a settlement on behalf of 31 Malawian claimants, who worked for the Malawian subsidiary of a British tea and nut plantation operator and were subject to alleged systematic sexual abuse and harassment with no protection from their employer.

Stewarts Law LLP

The personal injury team at Stewarts Law LLP is made up of ‘first-class litigators who get excellent results for their clients‘. The firm acts for clients with life-changing injuries in exclusively complex claims worth over £1m; such cases often involve brain or spinal cord injuries, as well as losses of limb, severe burns, severe orthopaedic injuries and severe neurological injuries. The team also has a dedicated international injury offering. Team lead Dan Herman works across the London and Leeds offices, and is ‘proving to be exceptional’ in the role. The team is building a ‘collaborative approach’ with insurers to better progress early rehabilitation services for clients; Charles Edwards has been central in developing protocols with various insurers to this effect. This focus on rehabilitation for clients is also evident in Ben Rogers‘ work with technology developed to assist injured people. Lucy Robinson has notable expertise in cases involving brain injury, spinal cord injury and amputation, and is singled out by a client as ‘one of the best all-round PI lawyers there is’. Managing partner Stuart Dench continues to be an active presence within the team.

Practice head(s):

Dan Herman


Other key lawyers:

Stuart Dench; Charles Edwards; Andrew Dinsmore; Clare Salmon; Kimberley Owen; Perry Redgrave, Nichola Fosler; Stephanie Clarke; Anna Wiseman; Lucy Robinson; Megan Goodyer, Anjali Krishnan; John Cahill; Ben Rogers


Testimonials

‘Stewarts PI team are simply the best catastrophic injury team in this sector. The niche practice is run in a client-focused fashion that ensures fee earners are specialists, with small caseloads and very high quality subordinates in their teams.’

‘A lot of work is put into forging a collaborative approach, so as to ensure that funding is available for rehabilitation and so that cases can be settled without litigation as soon as a long-term prognosis permits.’

‘The whole team is excellent, all are first-class litigators who get excellent results for their clients.’

‘Exceptional – best PI team in the country – incredible work ethic and has the best resourcing of any team I know.’

‘Lucy Robinson is an exceptional lawyer – calm, measured, hard-working, great with clients and extremely thorough – one of the best all-round PI lawyers there is. A joy to work with.’

‘Without question the leading UK firm for catastrophic injury claims. Superb degree of client care and attention to the individual case. The strength in depth of the Stewarts team is on a different level to other firms.’

‘Stewarts are, in my view, simply the best PI firm in the country. Certainly in the field of catastrophic injury. They have some of the very best lawyers in the field. They are well resourced and managed. And they train lawyers extremely well. They are well regarded and have very good links with insurers who have the highest regard for them.’

‘Dan Herman has been head of PI for around a year now and, as I expected, is proving to be exceptional. He is a first-class lawyer and litigator.’

Work highlights


  • Acted on behalf of a 34-year-old man who sustained a very severe traumatic brain injury and multiple orthopaedic injuries in a road traffic collision, settling for a lump sum of £3.8m plus annual periodical payments of £220,000 for the rest of the claimant’s life.
  • Acted on behalf of a very young boy who sustained a spinal cord injury and a brain injury, settling for £13.25m.
  • Acted on behalf of a 21-year-old lady who lost her left leg below the knee in a road traffic collision, settling for £5.1m.

Bindmans LLP

Bindmans LLP‘s ‘exceptional’ personal injury team is lauded for its ability to deal with ‘traumatised clients in complex circumstances‘, with particular strength in cases involving complex causation issues – an area in which Alla Murphy has specialist experience. Areas of expertise include catastrophic brain and spinal injury claims; orthopaedic injuries; psychiatric injuries; and complex pain conditions, including those which have been difficult to diagnose, with additional experience in multiparty claims. Jon Crocker leads the team, specialising in claims involving brain damage or amputation. Yagmur Ekici is praised for her ‘detailed and considered insights’; she has particular strength in cases involving complex quantum issues.

Practice head(s):

Jon Crocker


Other key lawyers:

Yagmur Ekici; Alla Murphy; Shelly Pastakia; Rosaleen Wyllie; Siobhan Kelly


Testimonials

‘Very experienced team with client focus at the heart of the work that they carry out. They also understand how to instruct and approach experts on cases where relevant.’

‘Extremely experienced and good communicators.’

‘Specialist team, who have the knowledge, experience and aptitude to make a positive difference when supporting clients through the litigation process. The team have integrity in their approach, whilst dealing with the diverse, complex issues that often arise.’

‘An exceptional team dealing with difficult often traumatised clients in complex circumstances, and well able to distil the legal parameters when issuing medico-legal instructions.’

‘Alla Murphy has been exceptional in her efficiency and handling of complex cases.’

‘Siobhan Kelly is excellent, a very smart lawyer, patient with clients and knows the importance of collaborative working in cases.’

‘Yagmur Ekici always demonstrated detailed and considered insights, and I felt very comfortable with her advice and expertise. She was also so supportive, compassionate and driven.’

Bolt Burdon Kemp LLP

The personal injury team at Bolt Burdon Kemp LLP is led by Jonathan Wheeler, and operates as a cross-departmental group, with specialist teams focusing on adult brain injury, child brain injury, spinal injury, military claims, abuse, and complex injury; the firm also has growing expertise regarding bullying and harassment issues. ‘Incredibly shrewd tacticianAhmed Al-Nahhas leads the military claims team, and has experience handling cases with sensitive elements including racial harassment, sexual assault and suicide. The abuse team is led by solicitor-advocate David McClenaghan, who has notable expertise in historical sexual abuse claims and those in a religious setting. Joshua Hughes leads the complex injury team, which covers road traffic accidents, accidents at work and injuries in a healthcare setting. Spinal injury specialist Victoria Oliver ‘blends tactical acumen with compassion in a way that is unique’.

Practice head(s):

Jonathan Wheeler


Other key lawyers:

Ahmed Al-Nahhas; David McClenaghan; Cheryl Abrahams; Joshua Hughes; Victoria Oliver; Jessica Standley; Rhiannon Daniel


Testimonials

‘Bolt Burdon Kemp have a very strong team in this field. They have true depth of knowledge and expertise and also genuinely care about their clients as people. Their systems are very efficient and they make use of technology effectively.’

‘Jonathan Wheeler leads the firm very effectively with a firm grasp on business matters together with genuine care and concern for the clients and the individuals working for the firm.’

‘Ahmed Al-Nahhas is a superb lawyer – an incredibly shrewd tactician who knows the subject of military law inside out.’

‘The Bolt Burdon Kemp team is superb at communicating in a timely manner and keeping us updated and aware of issues and their resolution. They are hugely diverse and very much put their client at the heart of everything.’ 

‘Bolt Burdon Kemp is a specialist firm dealing with injury claims. The small, dedicated team punch well above their weight and can be relied upon to deliver results, even in the most difficult and technical claims.’

‘Forensic eye for detail, client focused and a collaborative team approach.’

‘Ahmed Al-Nahhas leads the military team. Ahmed is totally dedicated to securing the best result for his clients but is also pragmatic and is very good with vulnerable clients. Victoria Oliver leads the spinal team and is also very client-focused, very empathetic and an excellent team player.’

‘Victoria Oliver is a partner of the utmost skill, integrity and empathy. She blends tactical acumen with compassion in a way that is unique.’

Work highlights


  • Represented a child sexual abuse survivor at the Supreme Court after the defendant appealed a victory decision for the client, confirming that religious organisations can be held responsible for their leaders’ actions.
  • Secured £10m for a 21-year-old client left paralysed after a road traffic accident.
  • Representing a service-person in a case involving PTSD, racial harassment and sexual assault.

Hodge Jones & Allen

The offering at Hodge Jones & Allen is jointly led by ‘exceptional‘ head of personal injury Leticia Williams, who specialises in repetitive strain injury claims, complex road traffic accident claims and employment matters, and Isobel Lovett, head of the asbestos team, who will ‘pull out all the stops‘ for her clients. The team’s personal injury offering has experience in cross-jurisdictional catastrophic injury claims, along multiparty actions; recent highlights include work on the Pandemrix vaccine group action. ‘First class litigatorRiffat Yaqub is working with a number of clients in the Grenfell Fire public inquiry, including actively working on the ADR process, and assisting international clients involved. The asbestos team, in which Joanne Candlish plays a key part, has extensive expertise in claims involving mesothelioma arising from exposure to asbestos dust within talcum power and make-up products.

Practice head(s):

Leticia Williams; Isobel Lovett


Other key lawyers:

Riffat Yaqub; Ken Brough; Anne Sanders; Lorna Webster; Louise Jukes; Joanne Candlish


Testimonials

‘Isobel Lovett is very experienced and fights hard for her clients.’

‘Riffat Yaqub is a first class litigator, capable of handling the highest value and most complicated litigation with flair.’

‘The firm has an experienced asbestos disease team led by Isobel Lovett. The team undertakes work on a nationwide basis and is the equal of other national firms undertaking this work.’

‘Isobel Lovett has been conducting asbestos litigation for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience. Her grasp of the applicable legal principles is exceptional. However, equally important in this area of work is her relationship with her clients: they rightly have every confidence that Isobel will “pull out all the stops” on their behalf. She is a first-class asbestos litigator. Working with Isobel is a pleasure.’

‘Lorna Webster is a very experienced solicitor who runs a hard-working team. She is very good with clients.’

‘A very experienced asbestos disease team, headed by Isobel Lovett who has huge experience and assisted by Lorna Webster and Joanne Candlish who are both very able and with great experience – so there is strength in depth.’

‘Leticia Williams is exceptional – she is one of the best solicitors practising in this field that I have come across. Her client care is exceptional, and she always manages to strike an appropriate balance between tenaciously fighting for the best possible settlement, yet also knowing when to settle a claim at the point when its settlement value is the highest.’

‘Ken Brough is a fantastic lawyer. The thing that stands out most about him is that he is immensely practical, and also not afraid to take on risky cases, which I think is very important from an access to justice point of view.’

Work highlights


  • Acted on a living mesothelioma case based on 5 days’ alleged light exposure.
  • Acted on a pleural thickening and asbestosis case.
  • Acted on a long-running fatal mesothelioma case against the MoD, involving conflict of English and Singaporean laws.

Osbornes

Osbornes‘highly respected‘ personal injury team is experienced in a range of complex, high-value claims, with notable strength in acting for European clients for whom English is not a first language. The team is co-led by head of personal injury Sophie Davies, who has a notable specialism in catastrophic lower limb injuries; head of catastrophic injury Ben Posford, who has particular experience regarding spinal cord and brain injuries, and fatalities; head of child abuse Stephanie Prior, who also oversees the firm’s clinical negligence department; head of cycling Sam Collard, who acts as the main contact for the London Cycling Campaign; and head of major trauma Rob Aylott, who is known for his work on amputation claims. Associate solicitor Andrew Middlehurst has particular expertise regarding the law relating to e-scooters. Laura Swaine and Nicola Hall are also recommended, along with managing partner Stuart Kightley.

Practice head(s):

Sophie Davies; Ben Posford; Stephanie Prior; Sam Collard; Rob Aylott


Other key lawyers:

Stuart Kightley; Laura Swaine; Nicola Hall; Magdalena Knez; Andrew Middlehurst; Patricia McCaffrey


Testimonials

‘This is an excellent PI team doing a broad range of PI work. They are a team who are highly respected in the PI sector. Their team includes bright, hard-working solicitors dedicated to achieving successful outcomes for their clients from partner level to paralegal. Their client care is exceptional. They are always well prepared.’

‘Sophie Davies is outstanding. She takes on tough cases and pushes them to a successful conclusion. She is particularly adept at dealing with challenging claims by European nationals who have suffered serious injuries in the UK.’

‘Ben Posford is an intellectual powerhouse, loved by his clients and feared by his opponents.’

‘Rob Aylott is an extremely talented lawyer dealing with cases of the utmost severity. He is very knowledgeable, tactically astute and an excellent negotiator.’

‘Sam Collard develops good client relationships and manages their expectations. He is extremely thorough in each case he is involved in.’

‘Andrew Middlehurst is superbly diligent and responsive, with a combination of genuine empathy and drive to get the best results for his clients: highly recommended, particularly on cyclist claims.’

‘Nicola Hall is thorough and shows real attention to detail. She is personable and straightforward and consequently her clients trust and respect her.’

‘Laura Swaine is a very able solicitor who handles her own caseload as well as assisting on the most serious of cases. Extremely efficient and knowledgeable.’

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP‘s personal injury team focuses on catastrophic injury claims, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopaedic injuries, losses of limb, fatal accidents and psychiatric injuries. The team is co-led by Tristan Hallam and Warren Collins; the former brings ‘an exceptional level of sound practical judgement‘ to claims, with particular experience acting for the Police Federation, while the latter focuses on traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and wrongful death. The team also has notable expertise regarding cross-border US and UK claims. At the associate level, Louise Taylor and Sophie Bullimore are both recommended.

Practice head(s):

Warren Collins; Tristan Hallam


Other key lawyers:

Louise Taylor; Sophie Bullimore


Testimonials

‘The diligence and absolute professionalism and compassion shown to me by Louise Taylor has been first class. I have found her incredibly approachable and supportive, going the extra mile when needed, and her attention to detail is second to none. I would wholly recommend Louise to anyone within the public or private sector requiring expert representation with complete discretion and the highest of standards.’

‘The team were very knowledgeable and kept me updated. The customer service skills were excellent.’

‘Sophie Bullimore is an excellent associate, very dedicated to her work and clients, whose knowledge and experience belies her PQE.’

‘Tristan Hallam is a stand-out personal injury solicitor of huge experience. He brings an exceptional level of sound practical judgement to the handling of claims.’

‘Warren Collins is an incredible lawyer with an amazing ability to secure fantastic results for his clients. He works tirelessly throughout day and night on cases. Much admired in the sector for his thoroughness, capability, wisdom and experience, he will never let a client down. He works sensibly and collaboratively with counsel and is fearless. His opponents understand his ability and respect him hugely.’

‘Tristan Hallam has an exceptional depth of knowledge, particularly in relation to the legal principles governing claims for psychiatric injury. He manages his team with a quiet authority that allows others to thrive.’

‘Louise Taylor is a confident, capable associate. She is unafraid to advocate for her clients’ interests, even in a room of longer-serving lawyers. Louise is hard-working, intelligent and kind.’

‘Sophie Bullimore is a smart, dedicated associate. The quality of her work is exceptional. Her client care is kind and effective.’

Hugh James

Mark Harvey and Alan Collins co-head the personal injury offering at Hugh James, taking the lead on serious injury and child abuse work, respectively. The firm’s developing Court of Protection team support the range of personal injury specialists in dealing with abuse claims and catastrophic and serious injury, and are noted as ‘indefatigable in seeking the right level of compensation for their clients’. Joanna Bailey joined the team in March 2023 from Taylor Rose MW, bringing further strength in catastrophic injury work, including road traffic accidents and serious brain injuries to the group. Senior associate Nia-Wyn Evans is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Kevin Grealis; Alan Collins


Other key lawyers:

Nia Wyn-Evans; Danielle Vincent; Joanne Bailey; Ciaran McCabe; Mark Harvey


Testimonials

‘Alan Collins is a brilliant solicitor for all aspects of child abuse and sexual abuse claims – I can highly recommend him.’

‘Kevin Grealis is approachable, diligent and moves heaven and earth for his clients.’

‘Nia-Wyn Evans – her legal acumen and strategic sense are particularly impressive.’

‘This practice has a breadth and depth of talent. Offices are strategically positioned around England and Wales. The practice is properly and truly specialised in those areas of personal litigation where they hold themselves out to be experts. The practice is highly resourced with excellent back-up facilities.’

‘They are indefatigable in seeking the right level of compensation for their clients, and have a sympathetic understanding of injuries causing the most serious disabilities and the talent and legal knowledge to get the best results.’

‘Ciaran McCabe is an efficient solicitor with impressive client-handling skills. Clients with acquired brain injuries are difficult clients who require close attention and careful explanations, both as to the effects which such injuries cause and as to the litigation process and its inevitable difficulties and delays. This he does well.’

‘This is a very experienced and knowledgeable team which has a track record of getting good results in tricky cases. It is the firm of choice for badly injured claimants.’

‘A very friendly, professional and efficient group of lawyers.’

Moore Barlow

Moore Barlow‘s ‘exceptional’ personal injury team is noted for its industry innovation; co-head of the team Trevor Sterling founded the Major Trauma Group, which provides legal support to those affected by major injury, and his counterpart Damian Horan provides bespoke support with spinal injury claims via the Aspire Law unit.  The team also has specialist experience in brain injury. Amandeep Khasriya is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Damian Horan; Trevor Sterling


Other key lawyers:

Amandeep Khasriya; Raquel Siganporia; Matthew Claxson; Fadwa Errhioui; Daryl Robinson; Sophie Davies


Testimonials

‘The Moore Barlow PI team is exceptional, with breadth of experience and expertise to match any other law firm.’

‘Damian Horan and Fadwa Errhioui are both excellent solicitors doing a great job for their clients’.

‘Matthew Claxson is an outstanding partner who is brilliant with clients and opponents alike, being a firm believer and fine example of how to use collaborative working for the best client outcomes. Excellent at developing his junior associates too.’

‘Damian Horan is possibly the very best in his field of expertise. He is meticulous in his work and has a proven track record of considerable success for his clients and has settled some of the highest value cases in English legal history for his spinal cord injury clients. Every client is represented with the highest degree of professionalism and managed with genuine compassion and determination to achieve justice.’

‘Trevor Sterling is a top-notch lawyer who works hard for clients and gets great results. Astute and incisive, Trevor has an enviable caseload of catastrophic injury work.’

‘Daryl Robinson has a deftness of touch and is beloved of his clients and respected by his opponents for his honest and straightforward, no holds barred approach: combative but constructive.’

‘Sophie Davies is a true star for the future. She works exceptionally hard in bringing together all important evidential strands in a case. Her knowledge of any given catastrophic case she is working upon is utterly compendious, she retains all details and is able to deploy them effectively. She is personable and bright and has the complete trust of her clients.’

‘Amandeep Khasriya is great with clients.’

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Shakespeare Martineau LLP‘s personal injury team is led by the ‘excellentMartin Usher, and is experienced in a range of serious injury cases, including claims involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, orthopaedic injuries, fatal accidents and amputations. Kent Pattinson is particularly experienced in serious injury claims. The team also has a notable specialism in abuse work, overseen by legal director Malcolm Johnson; this often includes running claims against local authorities concerning historical child abuse.

Practice head(s):

Martin Usher


Other key lawyers:

Malcolm Johnson; Kent Pattinson; Simon Pimlott


Testimonials

‘Martin Usher is very committed and does a great job for clients.’

‘The team has developed a strong reputation over the years. My experience of the team is mainly at partner level and the expertise, commitment and leadership is a persuasive reason for the firm’s success. There is strength in depth and a genuine commitment to client care which permeates throughout.’

‘Well integrated team.’

‘Kent Pattinson is a highly experienced personal injury lawyer who develops great rapport with clients.’

‘Kent Pattinson is exceptional at getting the best results for his clients. He knows how defendant insurers think and is excellent at negotiating.’

‘The team are well managed. They seem to be very well supported and to enjoy their work.’

‘Martin Usher has significant experience of catastrophic injury work. He is very knowlegeable and calm and collected, even in the most stressful cases.’

‘A small but committed team, recently joined by Martin Usher who is an excellent solicitor.’

Work highlights


  • Instructed by the Jesus Fellowship Survivors Association to assist with the negotiation of the creation of a compensation scheme, which became operational in September 2022, to compensate former children and adults in the care of the client who suffered abuse.
  • Secured compensation for around 75 clients who were abused whilst in the care of the London Borough of Lambeth as children, via the Lambeth Children’s Homes Redress Scheme.
  • Representing multiple passengers in the same vehicle who were injured when the vehicle they were travelling in collided with a tree at speed.

Slater and Gordon

The personal injury team at Slater and Gordon handles a range of work, including inquests, inquiries, and cross-border claims. ‘First-class’ Tracey Benson oversees the serious injury department, with a practice spanning spinal cord injury, brain injury and amputation, and particular experience regarding subtle brain injuries, including those resulting in psychiatric symptoms. Edmund Young leads on the industrial disease front, including asbestos-related disease cases. The team regularly liaises with the firm’s wills and probate, family and employment law, and Court of Protection departments.

Practice head(s):

Tracey Benson; Edmund Young


Other key lawyers:

Will Cornwell; Jamie Day; Lisa Fountain; Nicholas Hagi-Savva; Kieron Campion


Testimonials

‘My experience of the Slater and Gordon team, of the experts commissioned in fighting my case and of the delivery of a successful, substantial personal injury settlement has been absolutely faultless. I cannot think of a single thing that could be bettered.’

‘Tracey Benson is excellent. She is a real street fighter who adopts a no-nonsense approach to litigation and inspires a huge amount of trust and loyalty from her clients.’

‘Will Cornwell is a bright and very industrious lawyer. He is a deep thinker and works hard on structuring his catastrophic cases sensibly and methodically. He has great knowledge of each claim he deals with, identifies the pinch points early and works tirelessly to resolve them. He has the respect of clients and opponents alike.’

‘Tracey Benson is a first-class lawyer; she combines technical prowess with passion and fights tooth and nail for her clients. She regularly instructs on maximum severity cases and knows the pitfalls to avoid in order to achieve a significant outcome.

‘Jamie Day is bright, pragmatic and not afraid of tackling cases which others might refuse. He has been expertly developed by Tracey Benson and the pair work very well together on high-value cases.’

‘Will Cornwall was our main contact, and kept us informed promptly of all developments. He and his team acted with great empathy and compassion. They ensured we understood every step of the process and went over any questions we were unsure about. This, at a time when we as a family were navigating a truly torturous time, we were grateful for.’

‘Very experienced and quality team led by Tracey Benson. They produce outstanding results for their clients by ensuring that they are on top of the detail, instructing the right experts and counsel and leaving no stone unturned when preparing evidence.’

‘Kieron Campion has an impressive intellect and the perfect mix of experience, charisma and judgment to drive a case to a successful conclusion. He only deals with the most complex of cases.’

Work highlights


  • Represented a claimant when his leg was crushed by a 300kg concrete dispensing tube resulting in a traumatic amputation as well injuries to his kidneys, spleen, and a pulmonary embolism.
  • Successfully represented a claimant in a liability only High Court trial after he was truck by a tractor and suffered a severe brain injury.
  • Represented six of the core participants in Phase 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Horwich Cohen Coghlan Solicitors

Patrick Maguire continues to head up the serious and catastrophic injury department at Horwich Cohen Coghlan Solicitors, having formed the team in 2021. The team’s ‘ethos of empathy’ is evidenced in its work with a variety of brain injury and bereavement charities, along with its workload of serious injury claims from spinal cord injury to amputation, as well as polytrauma and psychiatric trauma claims. It also acts for clients in inquests and public enquiries. Amber Braybrooke has particular expertise regarding fatal accident claims.

Practice head(s):

Patrick Maguire


Other key lawyers:

Amber Braybrooke; Joe Dodman


Testimonials

‘Patrick Maguire is the lead partner of the London office. He has vast experience previously at Slater and Gordon but has extended his well-deserved reputation heading up the HCC London office. He is ably supported by two excellent lawyers on his team Joe Dodman and Amber Braybrooke. There is a team ethos of empathy whilst going further than simple conduct of the case.’

‘The team’s strengths for me is that if a referral is made they make contact very quickly and make a point of personal face-to-face visits which helps the client to have confidence in who they are dealing with.’

‘Patrick Maguire is very personable and able to put clients at ease. I have full confidence in my ability to signpost potential clients towards HCC and Patrick knowing that they will get a first-class service.’

Work highlights


  • Represented a claimant with a spinal cord injury, securing a settlement of £21.5m.
  • Representing all of the families of Kate Shepherd, Stephen Washington, the widow of Lee Martyn and the mother of Sophie Martyn following the Plymouth incel shootings.
  • Acting on behalf of DCI Nick Bailey, the police officer who was poisoned in Salisbury following the Novichock incident.

Russell-Cooke LLP

Sarah Towler and Grant Incles jointly lead the personal injury team at Russell-Cooke LLP, which is praised for its ‘nerves of steel’ and ‘wonderfully personal touch’. The team has particular expertise regarding brain injuries, an area in which Towler specialises alongside Janice Gardner. Incles has a recognised niche in cycling claims, dealing with maximum severity claims, including those involving tetraplegia and paraplegia. Dominic Fairclough leads the firm’s inquest offering. The team is also noted for its expertise in sexual abuse claims, and has notable experience regarding historic claims in this area. Senior associate Nimmisha Aslam is currently instructed in a number of claims arising from the Grenfell Tower fire.

Practice head(s):

Grant Incles; Sarah Towler


Other key lawyers:

Janice Gardner; Lucy Lawson; Dominic Fairclough; Nimmisha Aslam


Testimonials

‘Nimmisha Aslam is on the ball with giving updates, explaining things I don’t understand in a simple manner so I can understand, always actively listening to what my needs are and what I want from my personal injury claim, always making me aware of the legal implications of the decision I choose.’

‘I found the firm very technically competent but also extremely responsive and fast. They were able to get up to speed very quickly with my case, explain the process and my options very clearly and then give me strong, well argued advice. They made the whole process easy and trouble free.’

‘Grant Incles is outstanding.’

‘Janice Gardner is a stand-out star: down-to-earth, diligent and with a keen sense of what will and will not work. Her clients love her.’

‘Janice Gardner is an outstanding partner. She always goes the extra mile. She is tenacious and spirited, fighting for the best possible result. She is popular in the industry and a joy to work with.’

‘Russell-Cooke’s personal injury team are a strong claimant-facing team with a good level of experience. I have worked with several of the solicitors and have always found their instructions to be thorough, with good identification of issues and clear guidance. All of the solicitors I have worked with have been diligent, efficient, and empathetic.’

‘One of top firms in sexual abuse claims with good resources and good lawyers.’

‘Nerves of steel with a wonderfully personal touch.’

Work highlights


  • Represented a claimant and secured close to £1m in a case which was defended to trial over six days on the basis of fundamental dishonesty.
  • Achieved a settlement in excess of £1.4m for a claimant who suffered a traumatic brain injury as a motorcyclist in a road traffic collision.
  • Acted for the family of Ashley Bullard at the jury inquest over eight days into his death whilst working as a mechanic.

Royds Withy King

RWK Goodman has ‘a wealth of experience handling complex personal injury claims’. The team is co-lead by Helen Childs, who is 'tenacity personified', and Richard Brooks, a ‘font of information’ regarding equine cases under the Animals Act 1971. Brooks also handles chronic pain and functional neurological disorder cases. Sarah Wolf is a key contact for mesothelioma claims and wider asbestos-related litigation. The team also has niche expertise regarding permanent health insurance, specifically in regards to invisible conditions including chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and psychiatric illness.

Practice head(s):

Richard Brooks; Helen Childs


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Wolf; Annabelle Neilson; Rachel Hicks


Testimonials

‘RWK Goodman has a wealth of experience handling complex personal injury claims. The team is very impressive.’

‘They have no fear of taking on challenging cases and are tenacious in pursuing them.’

‘Helen Childs is very experienced and leads from the front. Sarah Wolf is extremely empathetic with the clients and tactically very astute.’

Work highlights


  • Represented a living mesothelioma client in a claim for compensation that settled at a round table meeting on an enhanced lifetime basis for in excess of the likely fatal value, including provision for worldwide future medical treatment.
  • Settled a claim for a living mesothelioma client within just 11 months.
  • Represented a groom at the High Court liability trial in her claim for £150,000 worth of damages.

Taylor Rose MW

Taylor Rose MW‘s personal injury team is jointly led by Sean McCormack, Caroline Kempster and Ian Latimer. The team’s wide-ranging expertise stretches from spinal to urological injuries. Working alongside the firm’s other departments, including conveyancing and probate, the team is able to support clients with related issues including obtaining adapted accommodation when needed. Allen Myers is singled out by one client as ‘just amazing‘, while Simon Rooney is described as ‘a joy to deal with’.

Other key lawyers:

Simon Rooney; Allen Myers


Testimonials

‘Sean McCormack is an exceptionally committed, thorough and conscientious solicitor. Never gives up and is a tough negotiator on behalf of his claimants.’

‘Taylor Rose were brilliant. They listened to what happened in my accident, showed empathy and real care in making me feel at ease. They genuinely wanted the best outcome for me and ensured I felt part of all their decisions and discussed all the important matters with me.’

‘Simon Rooney was a joy to deal with and really made me feel at ease. He really cared about the outcome and what he believed was in my best interests and I am really appreciative of all the effort he put into dealing with my case. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending him and if I ever needed to use him again, I would in a heartbeat.’

Thompsons Solicitors LLP

The ‘strong and committed group of claimant lawyers’ in the personal injury team at Thompsons Solicitors LLP act for both trade union and private clients. Work is overseen by regional managing partner Henrietta Phillips, a specialist in severe brain injury cases, and national head of serious injury Samantha Hemsley, who has particular expertise regarding early bespoke rehabilitation for clients. The group also has notable experience in amputation cases, an area in which ‘astute tactician’ Nicola Saunders specialises. Christalla Christodoulidou and Kam Singh are also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Henrietta Phillips; Samantha Hemsley


Other key lawyers:

Christalla Christodoulidou; Nicola Saunders; Kam Singh


Testimonials

‘Kam Singh was very personable and very interested in my welfare, as well as being very professional and knowledgeable.’

‘Kam Singh made sure that whatever I needed to get as good as I could, he made sure I got it, this included another complex operation which really improved my life.’

‘Thompsons are a class apart in claimant lawyers. They have a union background that leads to the highest level of client care, often prioritising the client’s interests over their own.

‘Samantha Hemsley heads up the national catastrophic injury practice and is one of the best solicitors in this area nationally. She’s bullish and ready to fight while being pragmatic and hugely experienced. Nicola Saunders has experience of the most complicated of cases. She’s a very impressive operator.’

‘In the last year I have particularly worked with Samantha Hemsley and Nicola Saunders. They have good judgment which is crucially important and are sympathetic to and will fight for their clients.’

‘A strong and committed group of claimant lawyers who will fight tooth and nail for their clients. They know the market and how defendant insurers will respond to claims. Very hard working and effective.’

‘Kam Singh is an extremely knowledgeable and effective litigator.’

‘Nicola Saunders is an astute tactician who covers all risks and consistently gets superb results.’