Diane Rostron, recommended for her 'excellent judgement, tenaciousness, and compassion for her clients', leads the clinical negligence offering at Addies Solicitors, specialising in catastrophic birth injuries. Leanne Devine has experience representing clients at inquests. Alison Battersby joined as Court of Protection legal executive from Farleys Solicitors LLP in November 2019.
Personal injury and clinical negligence: claimant in North West
Addies Solicitors
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Diane Rostron has a rare combination of excellent judgement, tenaciousness, and compassion for her clients.’
‘The team provides an excellent and responsive service.’
‘Diane Rostron provides a consistent professional approach to all cases. She is noted to have a thorough understanding of their current situation and works tirelessly to find solutions to immediate difficulties they maybe facing. Diane ensures that the clients are up to date with the progression of their case and is happy to speak to them directly if required.’
‘Diane Rostron has a steely manner and alwyas does what she says she will. She has a drive to succeed and is very client oriented. She challenges red tape and has great lines of communications. Diane Rostron has excellent communication skills and is an outstanding individuaI.
‘Diane Rostron’s care of her clients and her dedication in pursuing their cases is extraordinary.’
‘The team’s outstanding characteristic is client care. They will take on cases that have been mishandled by other firms, pursue them doggedly and deeply sympathetically from the point of view of the clients.’
Work highlights
- Represented the parents of a child at her inquest, pursuing a claim for medical negligence.
- Handled a claim for medical negligence over a breech birth.
- Represented both a mother and child in two claims relating to medical negligence during birth, resulting in cerebral palsy and developmental delay.
AWH Solicitors
AWH Solicitors undertakes personal injury work, including claims relating to severe orthopaedic fractures, loss of limbs, brain injuries and spinal injuries, and also handles RTA and credit hire claims. The firm also has an industrial disease practice dealing with industrial injury and disability. Matthew Shiels heads the personal injury team and Lorna McGlone leads the industrial disease team.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team deal with difficult and high profile cases in which sensitive negotiation is required. They are tenacious and able to assimilate expert evidence and the claimant’s case to provide a winning solution.’
Butcher & Barlow LLP
Anthony Higham heads the clinical negligence and personal injury team at Butcher & Barlow LLP. The practice has significant experience in dental negligence, road traffic accidents and employers’ liability claims. Other key areas of work include cerebral palsy, brain injury and other birth trauma claims, industrial disease claims, medical misdiagnosis and cosmetic surgery claims.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team combines specialist experience and an approachable and down-to-earth manner with keen insight, intellect and robust negotiating skills.’
‘Butcher & Barlow is able to offer specialist lawyers in both personal injury and clinical negligence as part of a full-service law firm and who are spread over several local offices. In serious and catastrophic personal injury and clinical negligence claims, the facility to have a lawyer “on your doorstep” really matters to those clients and is a key part of delivering a specialist service.’
‘Anthony Higham deals with the most serious claims, based on 30 years experience.’
CFG Law
CFG Law specialises in serious and catastrophic injury work and personal injury cases valued over £25,000, and is known for 'great service and excellent knowledge of the sector'. Polly Herbert heads the team and has extensive experience with brain and spinal injury claims and fatal road traffic collisions. Other key areas of work for the group include eye trauma, cases involving multiple traumatic injuries, and the rehabilitation and early intervention aspects of cases. Senior associates Emma Jones and Michelle Cresswell are recommended.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Michelle Cresswell fights for you every step of the way to achieve the best financial outcome. She also works hard to provide the medical assessments and treatment you need.’
‘Polly Herbert’s complete dedication to the needs of the client goes way beyond the norm.’
‘Great service and excellent knowledge of their sector.’
‘CFG Law truly supports the client and all the family who require support after life changing injuries. They don’t just see themselves as a layer working in isolation, but they coordinate the legal team and treating and rehabilitation teams meaning the client achieves the best possible outcome.’
Clear Law LLP
Andrew Kwan oversees the personal injury department at Clear Law LLP. Iain Murray leads the employers’ liability and public liability team, and Hannah Beardsley heads up the department’s fast track road traffic accident team. Daniel Lee manages the firm’s clinical negligence and serious injury departments, and has significant experience in medical negligence and brain injury cases.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They provide an efficient and comprehensive service.’
‘In addition to providing a high level of legal service they are experts in assisting their clients with rehabilitation needs to promote the best possible outcome.’
‘Daniel Lee is very experienced and very capable.’
‘A good quality firm with very high quality work.’
Work highlights
- Advised claimant suffering a brain injury following a motorcycle accident.
- Helped client to reach a £2.6m settlement with the NHS when failure to treat their condition caused significant loss of sight.
Express Solicitors Ltd
Personal injury and clinical negligence firm Express Solicitors Ltd has experience in a range of claims, including employers’ liability, occupiers and public liability, road traffic accidents and kernicterus claims. Daniel Slade heads the firm’s complex liability department and leads on catastrophic injuries, while Kimberley Kirkby heads the road traffic accidents department.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘The team provides an excellent and highly personal service.’
‘Highly client focused, compassionate lawyers who focus on solutions not problems and drive a claim through to a successful conclusion.’
‘Express Solicitors is a team of distinguished lawyers that knows their onions. They are very professional in their dealing with clients/customers and have been extremely helpful in our claim. From the top to the bottom of their hierarchy, they have shown a deep knowledge of how personal injury claims should be done.’
‘This is a practice which ticks all the boxes for running complex clinical negligence claims. This is a well-run, efficient, caring and dedicated team, sensitive to the demands of clinical negligence litigation and delivering a superb service. This firm has established a well-earned name for persistently high-quality advice and representation, matched by efficiency and prompt progress of claims.’
Farleys Solicitors LLP
Farleys Solicitors LLP is best known for its specialist abuse and inquests team, which handles Human Rights Act claims, fatal accidents, civil claims following inquests, and claims against local authorities, and 'gets brilliant results'. Work within the wider personal injury department includes catastrophic injury and industrial disease claims. Nick Molyneux and Michael Corrigan jointly head the personal injury department, within which the well-regarded Jonathan Bridge leads the abuse and inquests team.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Jonathan Bridge has great experience and expertise. He stays on top of an impressive case load and has been involved in the highest settlements in the country. Calm under pressure and excellent case preparation.’
‘A uniquely successful child abuse team which gets brilliant results.’
‘Jonathan Bridge is a really excellent lawyer who is brilliant with clients and very practical and good at getting settlements in difficult cases. Definitely a top name in this area.’
‘Jonathan Bridge specialises in child abuse compensation claims – he is one of the best in the country, achieving very high awards on behalf of his clients for whom he leaves no stone unturned – he is very knowledgeable and a very able tactician.’
‘Personal touch; genuine caring for clients; good communication.’
Work highlights
- Successfully brought a claim against a local authority alleging negligence, breach of duty and breach of the Human Rights Act, on behalf of two siblings.
- Represented a man left with severe brain injuries after a hit and run accident.
- Brought a civil claim against the Probation Service seeking damages in negligence.
Fieldfisher
The Manchester-based medical negligence team at Fieldfisher is known for its handling of high value and complex medical negligence cases, including birth injury, cerebral palsy, spinal injuries and amputation claims. Other areas of expertise include delayed cancer diagnosis cases, paediatric surgery and acre and sepsis cases. Jenny Urwin, who has specialist experience in wrongful birth claims relating to severe congenital conditions, heads the team. Bridget Collier heads up the mesothelioma and asbestos claims practice. Claire Horton is praised for her 'empathy' and 'dedication to her clients'.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Claire Horton is brilliant and has been with us from the start – we didn’t want anyone else to take over my son’s case. She is very understanding, caring and very patient.’
‘A small team in Manchester of excellent clinical negligence solicitors, supported by a well-established London base. The Manchester partners have long careers dedicated to excellent claimant clinical negligence work.’
‘A small but strong team with many years of experience in asbestos disease litigation.’
‘The team includes some of the most impressive clin neg practitioners in the North West. They work very hard for their clients and achieve impressive results.’
‘Claire Horton’s dedication to her clients is immense, as is her capacity for hard work. Her empathy is tempered by sound legal understanding to enable her to give excellent advice.’
‘Bridget Collier – friendly and approachable, sensible and pragmatic, highly skilled.’
‘Jenny Urwin is always thoroughly on top of the case and determined to get the best possible result for her client.’
‘Claire Horton is a dedicated and effective solicitor who works well with difficult cases and overcomes challenging issues.’
Work highlights
- Handled a £24m settlement for a child with severe cerebral palsy due to negligent medical treatment at birth.
- Handled a £13m settlement for a young adult with a brain injury, hearing loss and cognitive difficulties due to negligently delayed birth.
- Handled a £10.3m settlement for the birth of a child with Down’s Syndrome following negligent antenatal care.
Fletchers Solicitors
Fletchers Solicitors specialises in serious injury and medical negligence, with a niche in motorbike accidents. Other areas of work include fatal claims, orthopaedic claims including amputations and delay of diagnosis of cancer and spinal injuries. Georgia Briscoe heads the medial negligence department and Peter Rigby leads the medical negligence serious injuries team, which deals with cases involving life-changing injuries caused by medical mistakes. Solicitor Kate Lozynska is also noted. The firm has a large and growing personal injury team based across Southport and Manchester; the department is overseen at board level by former head Adrian Denson - now the firm's chief legal officer - and director of personal injury Andrew Clark. Other key names in the team include Julia Eyton and head of serious personal injury Jennifer Nolan, while the recent hire of travel litigation head Mike Hagan has expanded the team's expertise into the areas of foreign jurisdiction.
Practice head(s):
Georgia Briscoe; Peter Rigby; Andrew Clark; Julia Eyton; Jennifer Nolan
Other key lawyers:
Trevor Ward; Julie Garner; Georgina Tither; Michael Gray; Kate Lozynska; Gerard Horton; Caroline Morris; Louise Riley; Mike Hagan
Testimonials
‘They are very tenacious in their pursuit of a case on behalf of claimants.’
‘Michael Gray is a very bright lawyer, sees through a case very well and understands the challenges and the strong points.’
‘Julie Garner is good at martialling experts in difficult cases, tenacious, makes full use of the resources available to her in running a case – she is not scared of a difficult case.’
‘Michael Gray is a superstar. He has a wealth of experience in clinical litigation, and heads up a team of very good lawyers who deal with cases of the most complexity and significant value. His analysis of issues arising in any given case is second to none. He is able to establish good relationships with clients who like him and trust him.’
‘I have found that everyone involved with my case at Fletchers have been supportive and caring. They display what seems to be a genuine ethos of caring and compassion to achieve the best outcome. They have excellent communication and are happy to take the time to patiently explain process and progress. They are highly professional, yet always show a friendly manner. I can find no faults in their conduct and level of customer service.’
‘The distinguishing feature of the firm is that although obviously a commercially minded business operation, they have not relinquished their acute client focus.’
‘The team are well organised, committed, professional and easy to work with.’
‘As a team, Fletchers were very proactive; they always kept me updated on the progress of my claim. Whether by phone, email or letter, they always liked to stay ahead regarding what evidence was required. They also provided the best experts to provide independent evidence.’
‘Impressive paperless office facilities enable Fletchers to provide outstanding service to seriously injured clients.’
‘The clinical negligence and personal injury teams are highly technically proficient from top to bottom.’
‘They are very tenacious in their pursuit of a case on behalf of claimants. They have access to excellent resources both in relation to the IT systems that they use (case management and document management) and they are not frightened of running unusual and difficult cases.’
Work highlights
- Secured £1.4m in damages for a claimant who suffered a brachial plexus injury following a motorcycle collision.
- Secured £910,000 for a 71-year-old claimant who suffered a below knee amputation following a motorcycle collision.
- Secured £12m in damages for a claimant who suffered incomplete tetraplegia following a motorcycle collision.
Forbes Solicitors
The clinical negligence practice at Forbes Solicitors is experienced in birth injuries claims, brain injury claims, hospital negligence and prescription errors. On the personal injury side, the team handles matters including accidents abroad, industrial illness and road traffic accidents. The key names are John Bennett and Peter Dugdale.
Other key lawyers:
Gorvins Solicitors
The personal injury practice at Gorvins Solicitors has significant experience in cases arising from industrial, serious and life-changing or debilitating injuries, including brain and spinal injuries. The practice also has a niche team specialising in military and serious sports injury claims, led by Gary Boyd. Stuart Biddle heads the wider personal injury department.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Gary Boyd has a wealth of experience in military matters and is a dedicated and innovative lawyer. ‘
‘The firm has strength and depth, and provides first class advice and clear direction over a wide range of legal activity.’
‘Gary Boyd is tenacious, a good lawyer, practical, pragmatic and determined.’
‘Stuart Biddle is very professional – he always kept me informed of where my case was and how my case was proceeding. He would regularly keep in touch with me just to see how I was doing, not just physically but also mentally. My opinion of him is of the highest regard – a true gentleman.’
‘The firm has strength in depth and provides first class advice and clear direction. The overall service is very professionally and personally delivered with senior staff taking clear ownership of client issues. The client quickly feels at the centre of the firm’s interests and knows exactly where ownership lies. Costs are explained clearly at the outset and expectations are realistic and pragmatic. The firm delivers high quality legal advice and client expectations are fully met.’
Work highlights
- Represented a client who injured his knee and suffered a moderately severe back injury resulting from an accident at work.
- Brought a claim for injuries sustained by the claimant at a hotel in Mexico.
- Brought a claim resulting from a road traffic accident.
Hilary Meredith Solicitors
Hilary Meredith Solicitors, led by 'superstar' name partner Hilary Meredith, focuses on high value personal injury and medical negligence claims for armed forces service personnel, their families and military veterans. A recent case involved legal issues regarding the scope of the defence of combat immunity. The team handles claims arising from both combat and training.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Hilary Meredith’s commitment to her clients and their cases is second to none.’
‘Hilary Meredith is a real superstar in the area of personal injury litigation for claimants ‘
‘Hilary Meredith Solicitors have looked after ex-service personnel (mainly army) for years and deliver a fantastic level of service.’
Work highlights
- Secured over £10m in damages on behalf of three former servicemen who suffered severe injuries when their vehicles struck IEDs in Afghanistan.
- Brought claims of behalf of service personnel who suffered physical and psychological side-effects from being prescribed malaria drug Lariam while serving overseas.
- Represented an army widow at the inquest into the death of her husband.
Horwich Cohen Coghlan Solicitors
Key areas of expertise for Horwich Cohen Coghlan’s personal injury department include catastrophic and life-changing injuries such as brain, spine and multiple muscular-skeletal trauma, amputation claims and road traffic collision cases. The team has experience of acting for children as well as adults. Brian Coghlan, Mike Molloy and Martin James jointly head the practice. Patricia Noone recently joined the team from Slater and Gordon.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘They have a strong personal touch, fight hard for their clients and are specialist serious injury practitioners.’
‘Mike Molloy stands out due to his willingness to go the extra mile. As well as being an excellent litigator, his client skills are first rate.’
‘Mike Molloy has an attention to detail and dedication to client care that is hard to beat in the industry. He has a detailed knowledge of clinical negligence claims and strategies to ensure the best results for his clients in often very difficult situations.’
‘Mike Molloy has an easy-going, straightforward approach which for clients in challenging circumstances is necessary. He ensures all facts are explained clearly and in a manner which can be understood. He shows great patience and pride in ensuring his clients understand the process and way forward.’
Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell is widely regarded as a 'market leader' in clinical negligence and personal injury, and is particularly known for its offerings relating to serious brain and spinal injuries and birth trauma, asbestos-related diseases, the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and its international serious injury team. Jonathan Betts heads the Manchester personal injury offering, while Kristofer Inskip leads on the medical negligence side. Jennifer Cawthorne, Lindsay Wise and associates Dina Lambourne and Margaret Ryan are noted for their clinical negligence work; Catherine Leech and associates Richard Biggs and Matthew Garson are recommended for personal injury matters; Amanda Marsh leads the Armed Forces Compensation scheme.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Catherine Leech; Amanda Marsh; Jennifer Cawthorne; Lindsay Wise; Richard Biggs; Matthew Garson; Dina Lambourne; Margaret Ryan
Testimonials
‘They are the best clinical negligence outfit in the country. Everything is covered and no stone is left unturned.’
‘A team made up of individuals who are dedicated in attaining the very best outcome for their clients. There is considerable strength in depth, with practitioners at all levels demonstrating excellent knowledge and skills.’
‘Lindsay Wise is hugely experienced and lives up to her surname.
Richard Biggs handles high value work with great sensitivity and commercial acuity.’
‘Jennifer Cawthorne always goes the extra mile for her clients.’
‘Dina Lambourne is a risen and yet still further ascending star.’
‘Cathy Leech is a stand-out solicitor who has oodles of experience and is capable of handling cases of the greatest severity and highest complexity.’
‘Jonathan Betts: the client is always at the centre of everything he does. A very engaging personality. Gets great results.’
‘Matthew Garson: an outstanding litigator and formidable tactician who leaves no stone unturned in pursuit of the best results for his clients.’
Work highlights
- Represented an individual in a case involving the applicability of European Motor Directives in UK insurance law.
- Represented the surviving spouse of a deceased serviceman in a personal injury claim related to a road traffic accident and a clinical negligence claim against a GP employed by the Ministry of Defence.
- Represented an individual in a claim against his employer for damages following his diagnosis with mesothelioma cause by exposure to asbestos.
JMW Solicitors LLP
JMW Solicitors LLP 'punches well above its weight in cases of high value and complex personal injury and clinical negligence work', handling a range of matters including catastrophic injuries, brain and spinal injuries. Key members of the team include the 'conscientious, efficient and sympathetic' Angharad Hughes and the 'outstanding' Sally Leonards; the practice has a record of work on cases involving amputations, industrial diseases including mesothelioma, and cycling and motorcycle accidents. The department also has specialist expertise in cerebral palsy, kernicterus and cauda equina syndrome claims, and has niche experience in accidents abroad and military claims. Richard Powell leads the personal injury team, and Eddie Jones heads the clinical negligence team. Joanne Brine heads JMW’s international personal injury department. Steven Brown is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘An exceptionally talented team of catastrophic injury lawyers. ‘
‘Angharad Hughes is a very impressive litigator. She is conscientious, efficient and sympathetic and shows good tactical judgement.’
‘JMW have a very good reputation for clinical negligence work and it is very well deserved. The enigmatic Eddie Jones leads the department but there are very many other standout individuals. There is a real sense of JMW caring about the injured people for whom they act.’
‘Sally Leonards is outstanding. Angharad Hughes is also excellent.’
‘Joanne Brine is the standout individual at this firm. She is brilliant with clients, friendly and wears her very considerable skills and talent lightly. She is a market leader in cross-border personal injury work. Clients and colleagues love her.’
‘An exceptionally talented team of catastrophic injury lawyers. The firm is large enough to provide the highest quality legal representation but small enough to maintain the client-friendly approach. Rehabilitation is a priority of the firm.’
‘Their work and profile in the international travel/cross-border sector is excellent.’
‘Sally Leonards and Steven Brown are superb examples of personable practitioners who readily command the confidence of their disabled clients.’
Work highlights
- Managed a catastrophic brain injury claim relating to clinical negligence for a child.
- Handled a cerebral palsy case arising from negligence at the time of child’s birth.
- Handled a claim on behalf of an adolescent who suffered a traumatic injury after being hit by a car.
Jobling Gowler Solicitors
Specialist firm Jobling Gowler Solicitors provide advice and representation relating to all types of medical negligence claims, with particular experience in birth injuries and cerebral palsy, as well as brain and spinal injury claims. Gill Peate heads the team and has significant expertise in wrongful birth and late diagnosis cases. Senior partner Simon Gowler handles both clinical negligence and serious personal injury cases; serious personal injury specialist David Mercer has now retired from full-time practice but continues to serve as a part-time consultant.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘This is an exceptional niche firm offering a product the equal of the larger city centre firms in clinical negligence and PI, as well as other private client work.’
‘The partners are diligent and knowledgeable. True experts.’
‘Simon Gowler is very experienced, wise, and relates well to clients.’
‘Louise Wilcox is tenacious and dedicated and works tirelessly for her clients.’
‘Gill Peate is experienced, good at seeing the outcome of the case from an early stage and giving realistic advice.’
KhanMather Solicitors
The personal injury department at KhanMather Solicitors is recommended for personal injury claims arising from road traffic accidents. Helen Penney heads the team from Altrincham and has particular knowledge of liability and causation issues. Aaminah Khan has a niche in Section 13 stress and anxiety claims. Saqib Khan is regarded as 'straight-talking, intelligent and well reasoned.'
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Hard working, always available and keen to ensure client contact and communication. A very smartly run organisation. Efficient, reliable and trustworthy in what they do.’
‘Saqib Khan is straight-talking, intelligent and well reasoned in his arguments. He is an excellent ambassador for the profession that he represents.
‘A well-led team with Saqib Khan at the top of the pyramid. Strong desire to succeed, deliver and be the best at what they do. Quick, efficient service with great advice and experts at what they do.
‘The relationship we have with KhanMather is one of family rather than client and solicitor. They are very passionate and really care about what they do for us and make us feel very special.’
Leigh Day
The team at Leigh Day is well-known for handling serious injury and maximum injury cases. The team has significant experience in serious matters including acting for children with cerebral palsy who were injured at birth; spinal claims; neonatal death; acquired brain injury; and amputation claims. 'Tactically astute' Stephen Jones heads the team. Andrew Bradley handles cycling and sports personal injury claims; Clare Campbell heads the travel team and acts for claimants injured abroad. Helen Ashton is recommended for claims related to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Stephen Jones has a brilliant mind, is tactically astute, and explains things clearly in a way that clients understand. It is clear he cares passionately about his clients.’
‘I can’t praise Brendan Hope highly enough. I have found him to be very professional, warm and friendly and very very supportive. He give the impression of having unlimited time to steer me through my case. He takes pains to explain things very clearly at every stage of the proceedings.’
‘Stephen Jones and his team are thorough and knowledgeable. They kept me informed and ensured that I was able to make informed decisions by explaining the risks and benefits of future action in a clear manner, without ever being patronising when it came to points of the legal system. I always felt able to trust them and take their advice. As a result of this trust and guidance I was able to achieve a very satisfactory resolution to my case.’
‘There is one thing that makes Leigh Day in Manchester unique and it can be summed up in two words: Steve Jones. He is at the heart of the department and is such an outstanding individual that is reflected in the rest of his team.’
‘Knowledgeable, professional, competent, personable and trustworthy. Very good communication and always punctual.’
‘The team at Leigh Day are the most impressive I’ve worked with. Their lawyers are very bright and technically exceptional, and yet they communicate in a down to earth way. As a team they are very knowledgeable and great communicators.’
Work highlights
- Handled a claim relating to spinal injury following failure to diagnose promptly a post-operative haematoma.
- Advised on clinical negligence claim arising out of the death of a middle-aged woman diagnosed with sepsis.
- Advised on neonatal death due to failure of hospital to recognise that the mother had appendicitis during pregnancy.
Nexus Solicitors Limited
Alison Connolly heads the personal injury department at Nexus Solicitors Limited. Key areas of work include workplace accidents, road traffic accidents and group litigation.
Practice head(s):
Potter Rees Dolan
Specialist catastrophic personal injury and clinical negligence firm Potter Rees Dolan is known for its work in complex brain and spinal injury cases, amputation claims, serious orthopaedic injuries and criminal injuries. Other key areas of work include accidents abroad, in the workplace, in public places, road traffic accidents, serious criminal assaults, fatal accidents and matters involving Post-Concussional Syndrome following minor brain injuries, where Rachel Rees has particular expertise. Fellow founding partner Hugh Potter leads the personal injury team. Richard Edwards is also recommended for his 'great expertise and experience'. On the clinical negligence side, Helen Dolan heads up the team, which also includes Lesley Herbertson, who is praised for her 'brilliant client care', and Gill Edwards, who has expertise in cases involving birth injury, brain and spinal injury and amputation.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Rachel Rees; Richard Edwards; Gary Herbert; Helen Shaw; Alison Hartley; Jeanne Evans; Lesley Herbertson; Gill Edwards
Testimonials
‘A forward-thinking specialist firm focusing on very high-value personal injury and clinical negligence work. They have great knowledge and links with local rehabilitation providers and therapists, ensuring clients have access to early support and maximise their recovery outcomes. All solicitors are highly knowledgeable, experienced and client focused.’
‘Personal attention and commitment to their clients, plus specialist knowledge of all serious injury work.’
‘Helen Shaw was an absolute god-send – she is an utter delight to be around, so much so that I looked forward to our meetings. She just understood me, completely and my friends and family who all felt the same as me.’
‘Richards Edwards helped set out my injury timeline in a clear and coherent way and in a way that reflected what I went though. Dealing with my employer who was forcing me from my career was particularly traumatic, and Richard helped shield me from the worst of this whilst also making me aware of the relevant facts. This sensitivity was uppermost in his mind, and this strengthened my confidence and in turn the case as a whole.’
‘How solicitors deal with family members is a very important skill, particularly witness statements made by family: these often contain material which can be difficult to read. All of this material was presented to me in a professional manner. If your case lasts four to five years its vital that your solicitor is engaged throughout and well-organised. Richard Edwards, in being all of these things, ensured that my five-year ordeal came to a end that benefitted my family.’
‘They completely understand and empathise with the many nuanced difficulties that comes with a serious brain injury. It feels like they want to help and care for you as a person, not just as as client’
‘I have high regard for Richard Edwards’ abilities as a solicitor. He approaches cases with huge attention to detail.’
‘Lesley Herbertson provides brilliant client care and attention to detail; maintaining momentum, delivering results and managing client expectations well.’
Savas & Savage Solicitors
Savas & Savage Solicitors handles personal injury claims arising from road traffic accidents, violent crime, accidents abroad, employers’ liability, and dental or medical negligence including misdiagnosis and delayed cancer diagnosis. Savas Argirou heads the department and has significant experience in work injury matters.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Understanding, helpful and friendly to approach.’
Serious Law LLP
Bolton-based Serious Law LLP has a strong record on work on complex cases involving spinal, brain and other catastrophic injury, with particular expertise in difficult liability cases. The team specialises exclusively in catastrophic personal injury matters. The 'empathetic and incisive' Tim Walters manages the firm; Ben Priestley is also recommended and has significant experience in cases involving brain and spinal injuries and rehabilitation. The well-regarded Jonathan Syddall was promoted to partner in May 2019.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘This firm is absolutely dedicated to providing access to justice to severely injured claimants. The experience they have developed in understanding the claim and providing support and rehabilitation sets them apart.’
‘Able to combine a team of absolutely top drawer lawyers, with a personal and personable service that is often difficult with the bigger firms. A truly stand-out group of partners.’
‘Serious Law are passionate and dedicated to supporting injury victims. Our organisation works with many law firms who support seriously injured claimants, and Serious Law are right up there with the best in terms of calibre of lawyers, methods of working, delivering tangible rehabilitation benefits to their clients.’
‘Ben Priestley is a superstar. He is calm, methodical and personable with clients, but he is a ruthless litigator with a first-class brain.’
‘Jonathan Sydall has a great manner with clients and an excellent profile of high-value and complex cases.’
‘Tim Walters is utterly brilliant at dealing with Court of Protection matters – he very obviously puts the client’s interests first.’
‘Tim Walters has the ability to be empathetic yet incisive as he ensures that the clients needs are paramount in negotiations. His client-first attitude set him apart from many other lawyers I have met that will sometimes look for compromise in negotiation to move on from certain issues. His integrity and strength of character cannot be doubted and I have amazing trust in him and the partners at Serious Law to deliver on promises.’
Simpson Millar LLP
Simpson Millar LLP is well known for its serious injury work, with specialisms in brain injury, spinal cord injury, loss of limb cases and chronic pain. Other key areas of work include road traffic accident and employers’ liability claims, and abuse law. Ian Cohen heads the practice, with specialist departmental heads Melanie Burden, Simon Stanfield, Deborah Krelle and Lee Anderson. Associate Caroline Fox is another key member of the team, with significant knowledge of child brain injury litigation.
Practice head(s):
Ian Cohen; Melanie Burden; Deborah Krelle; Simon Stanfield; Lee Anderson
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Melanie Burden’s ability to create an effective resolution pathway sets her apart from all others in the field.’
‘Ian Cohen has strategic and tactical vision tied to a strong work ethic.’
‘Simpson Millar are to my mind the leading North West firm, offering as they do a dedicated specialist team that combines knowledge with resourcing in a manner that is very unusual in the field. They manage volume effectively and are able to represent clients with a wide range of substantial issues and do so very well indeed.’
Key clients
National Accident Helpline
Unite
Co-operative Legal Services
Unionline
GMB
CWU
ISU
Union of Distributive and Allied Shop Workers
Work highlights
- Handled a £2.5m claim for an individual struck by a horse bolting from a horsebox.
- Represented an adolescent in a claim following a road traffic accident leading to severe traumatic brain injury.
- Acted for a woman knocked down by a car in a hit-and-run accident.
Slater and Gordon
Slater and Gordon’s personal injury and medical negligence teams handle matters relating to catastrophic injury, including brain and spinal injury, industrial disease, travel law, military law, abuse and sexual assault, and inquest law. The team represents a significant number of clients who live overseas, particularly in abuse and industrial cases. Madelene Holdsworth and Helen Goodfellow head the department. Pauline Chandler leads the industrial disease team, where David (Jon) Andrews is also noted. The 'well-respected' Richard Scorer heads the abuse team, where Kim Harrison focuses and has experience acting for families at inquests and in associated Human Rights Act claims.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Pauline Chandler; David (Jon) Andrews; Richard Scorer; Kim Harrison; Matthew Tomlinson; Michael Hardacre; Andrew Zajac ; Ben Gent
Testimonials
‘The team leave no stone unturned for their clients.’
‘Enormous experience acquired over many years at the front of the child abuse compensation claims sector.’
‘Kim Harrison is incredibly committed to her clients and fights tirelessly in their corner.’
‘Richard Scorer has great experience and expertise, particularly in claims arising out of abuse in religious organisations.’
‘Kim Harrison is a national leader in claims against public authorities. She is hugely compassionate and enables clients to feel at ease.’
‘Ben Gent is thoughtful and imaginative as a lawyer, effective as a litigator, and supportive of clients.’
‘Ben Gent is an excellent solicitor and is totally committed to his clients. He is intelligent, enthusiastic and very able.’
Work highlights
- Represented a woman in a personal injury case involving spinal injury.
- Represented nine claimants in a claim for compensation for carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Represented a claimant in relation to delayed diagnosis and treatment of a stress fracture of the right femur, leading to sever septicaemia with multiple organ failure.
Stephensons Solicitors LLP
Stephensons Solicitors LLP has extensive expertise in birth and brain injury claims, amputation claims, spinal injury and medical negligence compensation claims. Louise Griffiths and Judith Thomas-Whittingham jointly head the department. Thomas-Whittingham specialises in birth and brain injury claims. On the personal injury side, key areas of work include serious work accidents, public liability, road traffic accidents and industrial disease claims. Kate Sweeney heads the team. Laura Sheehan and Danielle Callaway are also recommended for clinical negligence and personal injury work respectively.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Laura Sheehan; Danielle Callaway; Claire Stockley; Tom Moody
Testimonials
‘Very good client care and people skills.’
‘They have a personal touch, which a lot of large firms lack.’
‘Judith Thomas-Whittingham is an excellent leader.’
‘Good communication; cases well prepared. One of the best for personal injury cases.’
The Dental Law Partnership
The Dental Law Partnership is a specialist claimant dental negligence practice, with a track record of work on vicarious liability and non-delegable duty of care-based cases. David Corless Smith, a dual-qualified solicitor and dentist, and Chris Dean, dual-qualified barrister and dentist, jointly head the firm with directors Helen Coleman and Heather Owen.
Practice head(s):
David Corless Smith; Chris Dean; Helen Coleman; Heather Owen
Testimonials
‘Their overall expertise and technical knowledge were exceptional.’
‘They stand out above all others in the dental negligence field.’
‘David Corless Smith fights a tireless battle to bring meritorious claims on a vicarious liability basis. A modern-day Robin Hood.’
‘Heather Owen manages a team of experienced solicitors with ruthless efficiency.’
‘Heather Owen is ridiculously efficient, a highly effective problem solver and is the driving force behind the legal team.’
Work highlights
- Represented a client in a dental negligence claim, achieving compensation of £120,000.
- Handled a multi-defendant vicarious liability claim, achieving compensation of £30,000.
- Acted in a complex dental claim, achieving compensation of £85,000.
The Roland Partnership
The Roland Partnership handles both personal injury and clinical negligence work; areas of expertise include cases involving cerebral palsy, head injuries and road traffic accidents. Nina Roland heads the firm.
Practice head(s):
Thompsons Solicitors LLP
Key areas of work at Thompsons Solicitors LLP include brain and spinal injury claims, cerebral palsy cases and cases involving maximum severity injuries, road traffic accidents, industrial disease and employers’ liability claims. The firms acts as panel solicitors for a range of trade unions - an area in which it leads the market. Louise Larkin heads a regional team of specialist lawyers dealing exclusively with asbestos-related illnesses. The Manchester-based Phil Liptrot is the national practice lead for the firm's multi-track accident team and senior supervisor in the North West, while on the clinical negligence side, Clare Jones heads the north west team from Manchester. Janet Finney is overall branch manager for Manchester and Liverpool.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Thompsons are the stand-out firm for trade union representation. Their work in the fields of employment and personal injury continue to provide a unique customer focused service for injured claimants.’
With a strong trade union client base and commitment to social justice, Thompsons provides a formidable personal injury practice. The team is known for excellent client care and technical knowledge in specialist areas within personal injury and clinical negligence litigation.’
‘Louise Larkin has vast experience of asbestos litigation claims. She is superb at handling clients and putting them at ease in stressful/emotional circumstances. An extremely safe pair of hands.’
‘Sarah Gardner – a highly impressive senior litigator. Sarah is known for her strong negotiation skills and has established connections with overseas lawyers and experts.’
Work highlights
- Acted for a German national in a claim after he was knocked over on a road in Leicester.
- Handled a claim for a British national who was injured as a result of a manual handling activity during his employment on a construction site in the Middle East.
- Acted for a British cyclist who was hit by a motor vehicle in Spain.
Your Legal Friend
Your Legal Friend handles claims relating to birth injuries, brain injuries, misdiagnosis, accidents abroad, occupational illnesses and road accidents. Director Laura Morgan heads the team.
Practice head(s):