Irwin Mitchell maintains its stellar reputation for handling the full scope of personal injury claims. Jonathan Betts
heads up the practice, and is well-known for his longstanding expertise in catastrophic brain, spinal cord, and orthopaedic injury claims and inquests, and Matthew Brown is a seasoned litigator, who handles the full range of catastrophic injury cases. Asbestos claims specialist Geraldine Coombs is praised by clients for her ‘superb range of knowledge’, while Cheryl Palmer-Hughes is noted for her extensive knowledge of cross-border cosmetic surgery claims. Amanda Marsh is particularly adept at assisting injured military personnel with applications under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, and Carol Purang is known for her distinctive focus on noise-induced hearing loss, and bullying and harassment claims against the Ministry of Defence. Richard Biggs often assists clients with polytrauma and amputation related cases, while Liverpool’s Matthew Garson acts for both adults and children who have sustained severe injuries, and often handles fatal claims.
Personal injury: claimant in North West
Irwin Mitchell
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Betts
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Brown; Cheryl Palmer-Hughes; Geraldine Coombs; Amanda Marsh; Carol Purang; Richard Biggs; Matthew Garson
Testimonials
‘Geraldine Coombs stands out as as an excellent example of the high quality of individuals within the team. She is a respected authority in the field of asbestos litigation with a superb range of knowledge. Her feet remain firmly planted, allowing her to identify with her clients and remain loyal to the team. I respect her judgment immensely.’
‘Cheryl Palmer-Hughes has long-standing expertise in this area, and in particular understands the complexities post-Brexit. Her client care skills are also exceptional.’
‘Carol Purang is the driving force of Irwin Mitchell’s military personal injury practice. She is tenacious and has no compunction on facing down ebullient defendant practitioners. Carol is highly intelligent with excellent tactical skills, and a down to earth approach. Carol is simply one of the foremost practitioners in this area of the law.’
‘They are very capable and experienced, particularly in cases involving serious traumatic brain injury. They are entirely unafraid to take a case to trial. They pull the stops out for their clients and get fantastic results.’
‘Matthew Brown is a really strong minded, indefatigable in promoting his clients case and very happy to take the fight to the other side. He has a very good strategic overview of the case and plans meticulously.’
‘Probably the strongest team of industrial disease lawyers in the country with enormous experience and a dedication to pursuing cases, including the most difficult and demanding cases. This is a stand out team with strong leadership.’
‘Jonathan Betts has decades of experience. He has a thorough understanding of his clients needs. Wherever possible he works constructively in collaboration with defendant representatives to ensure his clients have access to prompt rehabilitation.’
‘This is the go-to team in the travel sphere. The team has an outstanding reputation and is at the forefront of cutting edge cases in this area.’
JMW Solicitors LLP
Gordon Cartwright and Andrew Lilley jointly co-head the ‘exceptional‘ practice at JMW Solicitors LLP, which handles a vast array of cases concerning catastrophic injuries sustained as a result of road traffic accidents. Cartwright is an ‘extremely capable, conscientious and diligent‘ litigator, known for his vast knowledge of pediatric brain and spinal injury claims, and Lilley handles a varied case load of brachial plexus injury, amputation, and cauda equina matters. Catherine Leech is a spinal cord injury specialist, while Joanne Brine stands out due to her focus on cross-border personal injury cases concerning traumatic amputations and incomplete paraplegia. Noted for his specialist knowledge of motorcycle accidents, Paul Breen handles a range of polytrauma injury cases caused by road traffic and work related accidents. Clare Stevens leads the firm’s military group, handling noise-induced hearing loss and fatal military accident cases, and claims under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
Practice head(s):
Gordon Cartwright; Andrew Lilley
Other key lawyers:
Joanne Brine; Catherine Leech; Paul Breen; Clare Stevens
Testimonials
‘Paul Breen is at the top of his game for catastrophic personal injury cases. He is who you would want on your side if a family member has been seriously injured.’
‘What makes them stand out besides their knowledge and experience is their teamwork and dedication to their clients. The entire team is easy to work with, personable and always willing to go the extra mile to assist.’
‘Gordon Cartwright is an extremely capable, conscientious and diligent litigator who is always very well prepared. Andrew Lilley is equally capable, with a laid-back manner but certainly not laid-back in the preparation of cases or the thought which goes in to preparation and execution.’
‘JMW are an exceptional group of solicitors who work together to manage clients holistically, with a 360 view of not only the case but the people involved. They are quick to respond to issues and have an excellent knowledge of the processes that cases such as ours go through. ’
‘I had an unusual case that I knew would be troublesome but JMW filled me with confidence, at every opportunity so far they have been friendly and informative. Nothing is ever too much trouble and I can call them at any point with confidence that they will set my mind at ease.’
‘Joanne Brine was excellent. We had a traumatic and stressful time going through legal proceedings and Joanne was so kind, compassionate, informative and patient. We were delighted with the level of service and reassurance we received. ’
‘Clare Stevens has a leading reputation in the field of military claims. Her knowledge and understanding is phenomenal.’
Work highlights
- Representing a claimant who is a child, who has been supported by the Child Brain Injury Trust after suffering life changing injuries.
- Acted for a claimant who suffered a brain injury due to a road traffic accident.
- Acting for a claimant who sustained a brain injury in a road traffic accident.
Leigh Day
The outstanding team at Leigh Day is known for its deep knowledge of cycling injury, industrial disease, and travel-related personal injury claims. Working out of the Liverpool office, asbestos claims specialist Kevin Johnson acts in a range of international claims for Maltese clients who were exposed while working for the Royal Navy, and UK expats in Australia. Andrew Bradley leads the firm’s cycling and sports injury practice, routinely acting for both athletes and commuters who sustain major brain and spinal injuries as a result of road traffic accidents, and accidents at work. Steven Dickens leads the Manchester-based asbestos team, often acting for mesothelioma sufferers. Clare Campbell heads up the firm’s travel litigation group, often handling catastrophic injury and fatal claims sustained through road traffic accidents and employment overseas with the support of Colin Murphy. Andrew Zajac routinely handles cases involving chronic pain, acting for both adults and children who have experienced severe spinal, orthopaedic, or amputation injuries.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Bradley; Clare Campbell; Kevin Johnson; Steven Dickens
Other key lawyers:
Colin Murphy; Andrew Zajac; William Broadbent; Rachel Botterill
Testimonials
‘The teams in Liverpool and Manchester are unparalleled in the North West for their breath of knowledge and experience. I would recommend them unhesitatingly. I know from first hand experience how much they care for their clients and how hard they fight for them.’
‘Kevin Johnson is the leading light of asbestos litigation in the North West.’
‘Leigh Day have a very experienced team. They have experienced solicitors who are always very professional and personable. They get to know their clients well.’
‘Andrew Bradley is an extremely knowledgeable, personable and empathetic solicitor. He manages a team who provide excellent support to our membership.’
‘Andrew Zajac – It has been great to work with Andrew. He is extremely caring and compassionate about his clients and achieving the best possible outcomes. His curiosity and collaborative approach when working with clients and families is exceptional, and he has great judgement, and in depth knowledge of the law.’
‘Leigh Day very much put the client first, ensuring a quality service. Whilst Leigh Day fight hard for their clients they adopt a collaborative approach to ensure the best possible outcome for their clients. ’
‘Leigh Day achieved a very good outcome while handling my case with great sensitivity and efficiency.’
‘I have never dealt with such a caring, professional and efficient practice, Leigh Day have been outstanding. Communication has been key.’
Work highlights
- Representing a client who was cycling home when he collided with a vehicle turning right across his path, resulting in a severe traumatic brain injury.
- Acting for more than 1,100 football fans who were subjected to kettling, crushing, assaults and indiscriminate tear gassing at the 2022 UEFA Champions League final at the Stade de France in Paris.
- Representing a UK ex pat who moved to Australia and developed mesothelioma.
Serious Injury Law Limited
Praised by clients for its ‘experience and humanity‘, Serious Injury Law Limited specialises in catastrophic brain injury claims. Ben Priestley, Tim Walters, and Matthew Dixon lead the team. As a ‘distinguished’ advocate, Priestley routinely represents both adults and children in cases concerning cerebral palsy, fatal accidents, and spinal cord injuries, and Walters often acts for Court of Protection clients, advising on deputyship issues. Oliver Shaw handles a range of road traffic accident related claims, where claimants have sustained severe orthopaedic and traumatic brain injuries. Jonathan Syddall left the firm in May 2023. Chris Lecky is a key name for traumatic brain injury cases.
Practice head(s):
Ben Priestley; Tim Walters; Matthew Dixon
Other key lawyers:
Chris Lecky; Oliver Shaw; Claire Hutchinson
Testimonials
‘Local but hard hitting, they have the power to deliver excellent results with a well resourced team with depth in knowledge.’
‘This firm stand out for their deep compassion for clients who have suffered traumatic injuries. Many clients are facing extremely difficult times in their lives after serious collisions, and they make it a priority to treat each client with dignity, respect, and care. They also collaborate exceptionally well as a team, pooling their expertise to win cases.’
‘Ben Priestley stands apart due to his compassion, diligence, knowledge, and teamwork within the firm and ourselves which all works well towards obtaining justice and maximum compensation for those who have suffered serious injury due to road accidents. These qualities make Ben a distinguished advocate for seriously injured clients.’
‘The team are very skilled and experienced in their specialist area and treat every client as an individual. Nothing is too much trouble and there is always a very professional, holistic and open minded approach to requests and issues as they arise.’
‘Their level of experience and humanity. They see every client as an individual and base decisions on a balanced, open minded thought process ensuring no one is expected to conform or fit into a box. Every decision is unique and the client is always central to the process.’
‘Serious Injury Law is a market leader in dealing with cases of the utmost severity – primarily brain and spinal cord injuries, but also fatal accident cases. If a member of my family suffered a very serious injury, I would undoubtedly instruct Serious.’
‘The team consists of specialist solicitors with substantial experience in catastrophic injury litigation. Through many years of undertaking work in this area they have developed strength in depth and handle cases of the utmost severity with professionalism and care.’
‘Claire Hutchinson is an exceptional litigator dealing with catastrophic cases. She is able to master complex expert evidence and distill the crucial issues in a case with professionalism whilst maintaining an easy approachable manner with the client. An excellent all round performer.’
Slater and Gordon
Noted for its expertise in historic abuse claims and industrial disease cases, Slater and Gordon handles the full spectrum of personal injury issues for claimants. Madelene Holdsworth co-leads the team, utilising her expansive expertise in industrial disease and military injury, often advising on chemical poisoning, asbestos, and noise-induced hearing loss claims, while practice head Jordan Bell specialises in claims concerning both occupational and non-occupational asbestos exposure. Practice co-head Kim Harrison is an expert in abuse, often acting in public inquiries into child sexual abuse, while co-head Richard Scorer‘s primary areas of expertise are church and clerical abuse claims. Industrial disease specialist Pauline Chandler handles a range of bladder and nasal cancer cases, acting for both domestic and overseas clients, and Richard Crabtree is noted for his longstanding expertise in neurological trauma cases. Michael Hardacre has since left the practice.
Practice head(s):
Madelene Holdsworth; Jordan Bell; Kim Harrison; Richard Scorer
Other key lawyers:
Richard Crabtree; Pauline Chandler
Testimonials
‘I worked with Richard Scorer very closely, and his unyielding personal support throughout the claim was some great comfort to me and gave me considerable strength.’
‘Slater and Gordon have a large team, all of whom have considerable expertise and experience in handling child abuse compensation claims.’
‘Kim Harrison has a wonderful manner with vulnerable clients. She has a detailed knowledge of the law and is always abreast of recent developments. Richard Scorer is an industry leader, having been involved in many of the high profile cases in this area.’
‘Kim Harrison is a standout lawyer, with a commitment and passion for her work that is impressive. In disease work, Pauline Chandler has huge experience, and Madelene Holdsworth is very efficient and dedicated to her work.’
‘Strong experience at top of the tree with Richard Crabtree, who is a leader in his field. He has excellent client skills and also manages to maintain very good relationships with insurers and solicitors acting for defendants which is very much in his clients’ interests. He also has very good judgment is approaching tactical and settlement issues.’
‘The team consist of specialist solicitors with substantial experience in catastrophic injury litigation. Through many years of undertaking work in this area they have developed strength in depth and handle cases of the utmost severity with professionalism and care.’
‘Pauline Chandler has no equal. Has been in the job forever and her experience is second to none. Madelene Holdsworth is experienced, careful and takes on difficult cases. Jordan Bell has great experience and manner with clients, he does not back down from a fight.’
‘Very professional. Kept me informed at every stage of claim. Took the time to research information particular to my case. And explained thoroughly everything about my case.’
CFG Law
Vicky Whitney leads the ‘outstanding’ Cheadle-based practice at CFG Law alongside Emily Kalwak, which is known for its distinctive focus on catastrophic injuries sustained due to road traffic incidents. Whitney is known for her vast knowledge of traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury cases, routinely securing interim payments for clients. Kalwak routinely assists clients who have sustained life changing injuries, often obtaining early payments from defendant insurers. Promoted to partner in April 2023, Emma Jones stands out due to her expansive expertise in cases involving traumatic brain injuries caused by road traffic accidents, with her main focus being rehabilitation for claimants, while Katie Pendower regularly acts for both adults and children in severe orthopaedic injuries in the course of employment.
Practice head(s):
Vicky Whitney; Emily Kalwak
Other key lawyers:
Emma Jones; Katie Pendower
Testimonials
‘CFG are amazing in every way. They help solve any problems or concerns, no matter how small and silly you may think they are.’
‘My experience with CFG Law is exceptionally good. The team regularly updates me on each step of the case and also arrange personalised support to ensure my mental health and overall well-being are supported during the entire case.’
‘Vicky Whitney went the extra mile to put us at ease and explain every process. She is kind, supportive and understanding whilst being so professional. She got to know the whole family, ensuring our best interests were at the forefront.’
‘Emily Kalwak ensures that everything runs smoothly and helps to guide us through some of the traumatic processes we face with a care and understanding, for which we are eternally grateful for.’
‘Vicky Whitney is a stand-out large loss solicitor. If I, or a family member required a large loss solicitor, Vicky is the person I would recommend. She combines a real understanding of the rules governing personal injury law and practice with a terrific aptitude for client care and serious injury case management.’
‘This practice is unique in its dedication, compassion and expertise in handling complex and sensitive cases. The team has a wealth of experience in dealing with the Court of Protection, the Office of the Public Guardian and other relevant authorities.’
‘Emma Jones is engaging, thoughtful and tenacious.’
‘This is an outstanding practice with experienced, committed and experienced lawyers delivering great outcomes for clients.’
Work highlights
- Represented a client with complex life-long needs after sustaining a severe traumatic brain injury in a pedestrian road traffic collision.
- Represented a client who sustained a spinal cord injury in a tipper truck accident.
- Represented a client who sustained severe orthopaedic injuries in a road traffic collision with an uninsured driver.
Farleys Solicitors LLP
Praised by clients for the ‘care and consideration‘ taken when handling claims for abuse victims, Farleys Solicitors LLP maintains its distinctive focus on clinical negligence, personal injury, and sexual abuse cases. Jonathan Bridge co-leads the team from Manchester, and is well-known for his handling of sexual abuse cases. With ‘forensic attention to detail‘, Nick Molyneux co-heads the practice from Accrington, and is noted for his strong focus on industrial disease claims, and catastrophic brain and spinal injury cases; and Michael Corrigan leads the team from Blackburn, utilising his longstanding expertise to achieve settlements in catastrophic injury and medical negligence claims. Manchester’s Kelly Darlington is an expert in inquest proceedings and civil claims.
Practice head(s):
Jonathan Bridge; Nick Molyneux; Michael Corrigan
Other key lawyers:
Kelly Darlington; Alice Wood
Testimonials
‘This is a firm that genuinely cares for its clients; from day one I’ve had the most outstanding support, they make everything easy to understand, have kept me updated every step off the way which has built my confidence in dealing with my claim much easier.’
‘They’re dedicated and go above and beyond their roles. They checked in regularly with me to see how I was coping with my mental health and even got me a proper diagnosis. They changed my life.’
‘Jonathan Bridge and his team have been compassionate, caring and sensitive throughout the whole process and made it a little less daunting. They truly showed care and consideration to my circumstances. I would recommend them to anyone who has experienced assault, abuse, or violence, they’re the best firm to handle your case with care.’
‘Jonathan Bridge is a consummate leader in the field who is exceptionally well prepared and across all of his departments cases but retains the ability to relate warmly and compassionately with client victims. I am confident in the ability of Jonathan Bridge to deal with the most arduous of cases.’
‘Farleys’ abuse team handles more claims arising out of failings by social services than any other firm. They have enormous experience and unrivalled expertise, having achieved the highest levels of settlements.’
‘Farleys is second to none when it comes to the representation of claimants. Clients come first and each partner and associate forms a close personal relationship with their clients. Throughout the department there is extensive personal injury law experience and knowledge with some exceptional lawyers.’
‘Michael Corrigan – negotiation skills second to none. Very client centred, they love him! Nicholas Molyneux – exceptional lawyer with forensic attention to detail. Extensive knowledge of personal injury law and a skilled tactician.’
‘Kelly Darlington and Alice Wood. Exceptional skill, Sharp.’
Work highlights
- Represented the family of a deceased person during the inquest into his death and subsequent civil claim, due to mould in his home.
- Represented the family in the inquest into the death of person who died on 3 October 2020 whilst an inpatient at the Gardener Unit, a medium secure adolescent mental health unit in Prestwich run by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.
- Represented the father and the wider family in respect of the inquest into the death of a person who died of anorexia.
Fletchers Solicitors
Primarily based in Southport, Fletchers Solicitors handles a vast array of road traffic accident cases, often representing injured protected parties. Team co-head Caroline Morris has longstanding expertise in fatal accident and catastrophic injury cases, while Polly Herbert, who joined the group from Hugh James in December 2023, routinely acts for children and adults who sustain severe brain injuries. Siobhan Thacker joined the team from CFG Law in September 2023, contributing her knowledge of complex fracture, amputation, and spinal injury claims. Adrian Denson is a key name for serious injury claims, often handling PPO settlements.
Practice head(s):
Caroline Morris; Michelle Heyes; Claire Barnes; Victoria Marsden
Other key lawyers:
Polly Herbert; Siobhan Thacker; Gerard Horton; Adrian Denson
Testimonials
‘This team is going places. They have continued to provide their clients with a very detailed and personal service always seeking to achieve the best result for their clients.’
‘Real strength in depth and led by personable and switched on lawyers with a wealth of experience in high-end personal injury litigation.’
‘The standout partner is Caroline Morris, with a fierce intellect and steely determination combined with a special talent for communicating with the most difficult opponents to achieve the right result.’
‘A boutique travel team which is increasingly punching above its weight in the market. It provides a full package of client care underpinned by a very impressive depth of legal knowledge.’
‘Siobhan Thacker is a very astute individual who is excellent with clients, and tactically superb.’
‘Fletchers has tremendous expertise in handling high value and catastrophic injury claims. They have unrivalled expertise in claims involving motorcyclists who are prone to a range of orthopaedic, spinal and traumatic brain injuries. They combine a high level of technical black letter legal competence with an empathetic and caring approach when dealing with their clients.’
‘Gerard Horton is a class act. He is very engaging and affable, putting clients at ease and maintaining their confidence. He combines this with first-rate legal analysis and technical ability. A star performer. Quite possibly the best of all the solicitors.’
Work highlights
- Secured a settlement of £3.4m in a complex case on liability, including allegations of criminal activity and joint enterprise.
Gorvins Solicitors
Gorvins Solicitors houses a broad team in Stockport, known for its broad specialism in military claims, and cases of serious injury. ‘Tenacious and hard working‘ practice co-head Stuart Biddle handles a vast range of personal injury cases, acting in cases involving traumatic brain and spinal injuries as a result of road traffic accidents, and injuries sustained in the course of employment. Gary Boyd co-leads the team, and is known for his exceptional knowledge of military and sports injury cases, particularly in relation to amputation, brain, and spinal cord injuries, supported by Cerys Jones, who is well-versed in chronic pain and non-freezing cold injury claims.
Practice head(s):
Stuart Biddle; Gary Boyd
Other key lawyers:
Cerys Jones
Testimonials
‘The expert knowledge and caring understanding of clients is exceptional.’
‘Gary Boyd and Cerys Jones were so supportive, understanding and caring. They carefully explained each process and went through what could/would happen. Nothing was too much trouble. Cannot thank them enough.’
‘Gorvins are a very competent group of solicitors who are dedicated to their craft and very patient focused. I would have no hesitation in recommending them in the field of personal injury.’
‘Gorvins are a fantastic firm. The quality of the work is second to none. There is rich diversity in the type of claim the firm will take on. However, irrespective of the subject matter each claim is prepared and run to the highest quality.’
‘Stuart Biddle is a tenacious and hard working lawyer. He goes the extra mile for his clients. He will not give up any claim without a fight.’
‘Gary Boyd has a specialist military claims practice. He is the one you want for challenging liability actions, particularly involving adventurous training or outdoor activities. He really is unsurpassed.’
‘Gorvins is one of the best firms of solicitors which specialise in pursuing serious personal injury claims on behalf of military personnel.’
‘Very capable and determined with a clear mission to serve their customers well. The team exhibit a high level of professionalism and have a huge amount of experience to fall back on.’
Work highlights
- Represented a now ex- soldier who was seriously injured whilst off-duty in a vehicular head-on collision due to the third party’s loss of control of their vehicle at high speed.
- Acted for claimants who pursued a claim as dependents of the deceased under the Fatal Act 1976.
Hugh James
The ‘consistently outstanding‘ practice at Hugh James handles a varied workload of cases involving major orthopaedic and criminal injuries. Practice head Hugh Potter has longstanding expertise in cases where claimants have sustained severe brain and spinal cord injuries. ‘Excellent‘ litigator Gary Herbert routinely acts for pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers in road traffic accidents, particularly where there are allegations of helmets and seatbelts not being worn. ‘Absolute star‘ Richard Edwards stands out due to his focus on amputation and traumatic brain injury cases as a result of workplace accidents, in addition to handling occupier’s liability claims.
Practice head(s):
Hugh Potter
Other key lawyers:
Gary Herbert; Richard Edwards
Testimonials
‘Hugh James works incredibly hard and efficiently to get the best possible deal for their clients.’
‘The team always listened to us, they collaborated with each other in an excellent way. The whole team was very helpful, gentle and polite and guided us through any technological issues we might have had.’
‘Gary Herbert was extremely professional and understanding, as with my brain injury, communication was a problem, he made sure I had the time and information as well as understood all aspects of what was going on in the case.’
‘Hugh James provides a consistently outstanding level of practice. Their experience and expertise in brain injury stands out and their solicitors have very impressive levels of medical knowledge.’
‘Hugh Potter and Gary Herbert are standout individuals. Hugh has years of unrivalled experience, and Gary is focused on securing the best outcome for his clients.’
‘Richard Edwards leaves no stone unturned in his efforts to prepare the case for litigation in order to put his clients in the best possible position. If I needed a personal injury solicitor, he would be my man.’
‘Richard Edwards is an absolute star. His technical ability is second to none and he is not afraid to take on challenging cases. He works very hard to achieve excellent results, with a careful, forensic approach to preparation. His client care skills, especially with vulnerable clients are superb.’
‘Gary Herbert is an excellent litigation partner. He is extremely knowledgeable, tenacious yet friendly, cooperative and approachable. He exudes credibility and is very welcomed by clients, families and rehabilitation professionals alike.’
Thompsons Solicitors LLP
Thompsons Solicitors LLP is known for handling the full range of claims arising out of workplace accidents. Philip Liptrot acts as the firm’s national head of personal injury. Practice co-head Peter Stringer routinely acts for adults and children in brain injury cases, while team co-lead Matthew Corby specialises in multi-track claims arising as a result of public liability, road traffic, and work related accidents. David Roberts is a ‘very passionate‘ expert in severe brain injury claims, and both poly-traumatic and orthopaedic injury cases.
Practice head(s):
Philip Liptrot; Peter Stringer; Matthew Corby
Other key lawyers:
David Roberts
Testimonials
‘Thompsons are at the forefront, fighting hard for each and every client on each and every point in dispute.’
‘Probably the strongest national team of any in the personal injury sector. Uniquely experienced given their trade union roots. Very, very client friendly with an unusually client-focused approach.’
‘Peter Stringer is a safe pair of hands.’
‘I have worked with Thompsons for many years and always found them to be thorough, experienced and always having their client’s best interests at heart.’
‘Thompsons are an excellent team to work with. They care about their client’s needs on a personal level and I have no doubt secure the best results.’
‘David Roberts is very passionate and goes beyond his call of duty to serve his clients. His desire to help his clients is clearly visible in all his interactions.’
Express Solicitors Ltd
Daniel Slade, Richard Lowery, and Kimberley Kirkby jointly lead the team at Express Solicitors Ltd, which displays broad expertise spanning road traffic accident claims, and cases involving occupiers’, employers’ and public liability. Slade routinely assists claimants who sustain severe spinal cord injuries and suffer from pain syndromes, while Lowery is particularly adept at cases involving serious injuries sustained as a result of workplace accidents. Michael Hardacre joined the group from Slater and Gordon in 2023, bringing his longstanding experience in catastrophic injury and fatal claims.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Slade; Richard Lowery; Kimberley Kirkby
Other key lawyers:
Katryn Mercer; Michael Hardacre; Nicola Simmons; Seetal Sagar-Jhanji
Testimonials
‘My experience of the personal injury team at Express Solicitors is that they are a very dedicated team with a wide breadth of experience and cases. ’
‘Richard Lowery is obviously dedicated to getting the best results for his clients. Richard achieves excellent results.’
‘Nicola Simmons is superb. She is particularly experienced in the highest value catastrophic personal injury claims and fights harder than anyone. It is very rare to find a solicitor who cares so much for their clients. She is a safe pair of hands, legally strong and delivers an almost unsurpassed service.’
Work highlights
- Acted for a motorbike passenger who suffered a traumatic brain injury, securing provisional damages for epilepsy.
- Represented a pedestrian struck by a vehicle when running through a car park.
- Represented an HGV driver who suffered an accident at work and could not return to his previous role or working pattern.
Fieldfisher
Fieldfisher‘s ‘professional, kind and efficient‘ team is noted for handling large-scale mesothelioma cases, in addition to brain injury and amputation claims. The ‘absolutely stand out‘ Bridget Collier leads the asbestos and mesothelioma claims group, utilising her vast knowledge to assist clients with the recovery of compensation for life lengthening drugs and professional care. The ‘very perspicacious‘ Keith Cundall heads up the serious injury practice, acting in a broad range of cases involving workplace accidents, road traffic accidents, and adventure sports related injuries.
Practice head(s):
Bridget Collier; Keith Cundall
Testimonials
‘Bridget Collier provides a highly personalised service, demonstrating genuine compassion and patience throughout her dealings with us whilst simultaneously keeping us on track, leading us and navigating the process for us.’
‘Bridget Collier is fantastic – wonderful at explaining difficult concepts at an emotional time for clients that may not be familiar with legal terms of procedures. On top of that a top practitioner clearly with a great deal of experience of strategy.’
‘From day one, everyone at FF was professional, kind and efficient. All specialists I was referred to were of a high standard. My allocated case manager was excellent. From start to finish FF were excellent.’
‘Keith Cundall is beyond professional and at the same time very personable. He communicates consistently and in a way that I knew at all times what was happening and why.’
‘Bridget Collier is an absolutely stand out performer for the asbestos litigation in the North West. Extremely experienced and knowledgeable, and she is able to offer a bespoke and personal service that many larger teams aren’t able to replicate.’
‘Bridget Collier stands out for her empathetic approach to handling the claims of badly injured claimants.’
‘Keith Cundall is a stand out performer. Relates very well to clients, and diligently pursues their claims with a tenacity masked by a courteous demeanour and professional approach. Very perspicacious lawyer.’
‘Bridget Collier is the go to solicitor in Manchester for asbestos claims. Unparalleled experience and superb client skills.’
Simpson Millar LLP
The team at Simpson Millar LLP handles a varied caseload of both recent and historical abuse claims, and international personal injury claims arising from accidents and sickness on holiday. Melanie Burden left the group in January 2024, and newly appointed practice co-head and ‘first-class lawyer‘ Liam Goggin leads the abuse claims practice. Deborah Krelle heads up the industrial disease team, and Kate Sweeney leads the firm’s clinical negligence group. Paul Rimmer leads the firm’s travel practice, advising on claims for accidents and incidents that occur overseas.
Practice head(s):
Liam Goggin; Deborah Krelle; Kate Sweeney
Other key lawyers:
Darrel Jardine; Paul Rimmer; Nathalie Swanwick
Testimonials
‘Liam Goggin is a first-class lawyer. He is a very able solicitor and runs a very pleasant team.’
‘Specialist team with many years of experience which is pooled well thanks to their open and collaborative approach. They have an excellent client manner which is especially important given that they work with vulnerable clients more often than not.’
‘The abuse team specialises in historic abuse claims and are one of the strongest teams in the county doing this. They are very experienced in this area.’
Stephensons Solicitors LLP
Danielle Callaway heads up the Wigan-based practice at Stephensons Solicitors LLP, which is praised by clients for its ‘wealth and depth‘ of experience. Callaway’s workload consists of fatal injury cases, and Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) and abuse claims, often concerning both adult and child claimants. Routinely settling claims through joint settlement meetings and at trial, Shahina Sakeria is noted for her strong knowledge of road traffic accident and industrial disease claims.
Practice head(s):
Danielle Callaway
Other key lawyers:
Shahina Sakeria
Testimonials
‘I was very impressed by Shahina Sakeria. She spent plenty of time discussing the case with me. She is clearly highly dedicated, but also showed an excellent grasp of the case, and was clearly experienced.’
‘Stephensons’ personal injury claimant team are well known and respected within the industry. They use their expertise to achieve the best outcomes for their clients.’
‘The team is made up of hard working, experienced lawyers. Every member of the team is professional and approachable, always putting the needs of their clients first. Danielle Callaway is thorough and professional.’
Work highlights
- Represented a client whose mother was fatally injured in a road traffic accident when the client was 19 months old.
- Represented a client who had developed progressive asbestosis and had a reduced life expectancy as a result.
- Represented a client, who was a cyclist who suffered multiple injuries when he was knocked off his bicycle by a motorist.
Bond Turner
Bond Turner houses a ‘fantastic‘ team in Liverpool, which is well-equipped to assist motorbike and bicycle users, and pedestrians. Sara Stanger leads the clinical negligence group, while co-head James Tomlinson routinely acts for adults, children, and protected parties with ‘real steel and fantastic judgement‘ in psychiatric and spinal cord injury cases. Chantal Rabbetts focuses on fatalities and orthopaedic injury claims, while the ‘outstanding‘ Hamida Khatun is a traumatic brain injury specialist. Co-head Melanie Burden joined the group from Simpson Millar LLP in 2023, contributing her deep knowledge of poly trauma and chronic pain cases, in addition to group Covid-19 claims.
Practice head(s):
Sara Stanger; James Tomlinson; Chantal Rabbetts; Melanie Burden
Other key lawyers:
Hamida Khatun; Tony Oliver; Jonathan Shields
Testimonials
‘A high quality team of fantastic lawyers. The quality of the work is second to none. They have fantastic client service, and go the extra mile to ensure that their needs and expectations are superbly met.’
‘Chantal Rabbetts is an experienced litigator and a safe pair of hands. She has great experience dealing with complex claims of significant value and where causation is difficult.’
‘Hamida Khatum is an outstanding solicitor in this area. This relates to her understanding of cases, her good communication skills and her impressive legal work.’
Work highlights
- Acting in a group action on behalf of healthcare workers with life-altering physical, psychological and cognitive injuries after they contracted the Covid-19 virus at work while caring for patients throughout the pandemic.
- Represented a client who sustained a traumatic brain injury and complex pelvic fractures.
- Represented a client who was run over by a tractor and sustained significant internal injuries along with a hemipelvectomy.
Horwich Cohen Coghlan Solicitors
Often handling inquests concerning negligent medical treatment, the team at Horwich Cohen Coghlan Solicitors routinely represents both adult and child claimants. Practice head Mike Molloy routinely acts in cases involving severe spinal cord and brain injuries, amputations, and polytrauma sustained during road traffic accidents. Kelly Hutton is well-versed in fatal road traffic accident claims.
Practice head(s):
Mike Molloy
Other key lawyers:
Kelly Hutton
Price Slater Gawne
Price Slater Gawne routinely acts for claimants who have sustained both physical and psychological injuries. Victoria Price heads up the practice from Altrincham, utilising her broad experience to assist clients with CICA sexual abuse and trafficking claims, and cases against government bodies, NHS trusts, and employers. Gemma Stanley is noted for her vast knowledge of cases where claimants have suffered multiple orthopaedic and psychological injuries as a result of public liability breaches and road traffic accidents.
Practice head(s):
Victoria Price
Other key lawyers:
Gemma Stanley
Brian Barr Solicitors
Brian Barr Solicitors houses an ‘excellent‘ practice, known for its focus on claims relating to disability and chronic pain caused by accidents which have resulted in serious injury. Practice head Steven Akerman is renowned for his specialist expertise in fibromyalgia and complex regional pain syndrome claims, and chronic pain expert Phillip Cohen stands out for his handling of cases where there are potential elements of fundamental dishonesty, and his distinctive focus on critical illness litigation.
Practice head(s):
Steven Akerman
Other key lawyers:
Phillip Cohen
Testimonials
‘This is an excellent firm. They have huge experience in dealing with specialised claims particularly involving chronic pain and fibromyalgia. They are a tight-knit, well-run firm who clearly make every effort to ensure the best settlement for their clients.’
‘The partners are outstanding. Phillip Cohen has huge experience and is widely recognised as a leading light in the matters of fibromyalgia and chronic pain. Steven Akerman is outstanding in his thoroughness and approach. He has excellent legal and medical knowledge and a rapier like ability to get to the meat of the matter.’
‘Brian Barr solicitors is probably the most experienced and specialist firm in pain cases. The breadth and depth of their experience is un surpassed.’
Work highlights
- Represented a client who suffered a life-altering workplace accident due to negligence that left her with severe injuries.
- Represented a client who developed fibromyalgia after a workplace incident.
- Represented a client who suffered a seemingly minor workplace incident, that led to life-changing consequences.
Butcher & Barlow LLP
The ‘very experienced and knowledgeable‘ Greg Porter leads the ‘friendly, approachable and knowledgeable‘ Northwich-based group at Butcher & Barlow LLP, which handles a wide array of public liability, road traffic accident, and sickness claims. Porter leads the firm’s dispute resolution group, and acts for a diverse range of clients who have sustained life-changing injuries.
Practice head(s):
Greg Porter
Other key lawyers:
Thomas Sedley
Testimonials
‘The staff are friendly, approachable and knowledgeable.’
‘Greg Porter is excellent. He is calm, approachable and goes the extra mile for clients.’
‘Greg Porter is hard working, forward thinking and strives to achieve the best results for his client.’
‘Greg Porter is a very experienced and knowledgeable lawyer who goes the extra mile for his clients, I have always had a first class relationship with him.’
Work highlights
- Represented a claimant in a claim valued in the region of £550k arising from a road traffic accident in which the claimant suffered life-changing abdominal injuries requiring complex surgery.
- Acted for a claimant in a claim of approximately £100k arising from an accident at work causing crushing injuries to the claimant’s hand and a partial detachment of his thumb.
- Represented a claimant in a claim arising from a road traffic accident involving an ambulance, in which the claimant was travelling as a patient.
Clear Law LLP
The team at Clear Law LLP handles a range of claims arising out of road traffic accidents. Iain Murray is noted for his broad knowledge of personal injury cases, while the ‘amazing‘ Daniel Lee leads the firm’s clinical negligence and serious injury teams, using his longstanding experience to assist with brain injury claims. Alex Bruce‘s primary area of expertise is industrial disease, handling a wide array of noise induced hearing loss cases.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Corbett; Andrew Kwan; Hannah Bardsley; Iain Murray; Daniel Lee; Alex Bruce
Testimonials
‘Alex Bruce talked and advised me on the case throughout, giving me the confidence that it was being dealt with in a proper manner.’
‘Over the time that my personal injury claim was being represented by Clear Law LLP, the amount of input from the whole team was exceptional. The team became more like family members fighting my corner. I cannot thank and praise them enough. My words could never do them justice.’
‘Alex Bruce explained everything in great detail to reassure me, and was able to always put a positive spin on things that made me feel we were all heading in the right direction. I never once lost faith in his and the team’s determination to win me the best outcome. What an amazing act of kindness that will never be forgotten. Thank you so much Alex, for everything.’
Work highlights
- Represented a child who had suffered from chest and breathing problems since they moved into their rented property as a result of excessive damp and mould growth.
- Represented a claimant in a successful claim for occupational skin cancer caused by exposure to sun.
Hudgell Solicitors
Hudgell Solicitors is known for representing numerous survivors of the Manchester Arena Bombing in civil actions for compensation, in addition to handling CICA claims for victims of sexual and domestic abuse. Paul McClorry leads the team, and is well known for his travel litigation capabilities. Rachel Di Clemente is well versed in cases concerning industrial accidents, which result in catastrophic physical and psychological industries. Kerry Gillespie is a key name for amputation and spinal cord injury cases.
Practice head(s):
Paul McClorry
Other key lawyers:
Rachel Di Clemente; Kerry Gillespie
Work highlights
- Representing injured survivors of the 2017 Manchester Arena Bombing.
- Represented a victim of child sexual abuse in a compensation settlement.
Oliver & Co Solicitors
Oliver & Co Solicitors houses a broad practice in Chester, which is known for its vast experience spanning amputation, fatal mesothelioma and asbestosis, and post-death industrial disease claims. Team co-head Maria Pilkington‘s primary area of focus is employers’ liability cases, while practice co-head Allison Pepper routinely handles cases involving serious leg, hip, and wrist fractures, and spinal injuries sustained during road traffic accidents. Co-head Helena Cameron is a key name for industrial disease claims, and James Cameron is an asbestos claims expert, handing mesothelioma claims, and also representing the families of individuals who have died due to asbestos related illnesses.
Practice head(s):
Maria Pilkington; Allison Pepper; Helena Cameron
Other key lawyers:
James Cameron; Angela Cross
Testimonials
‘James Cameron and Helena Cameron are both very experienced in asbestos related disease litigation. They handle cases effectively, speedily and and sensitively for sick people with short life expectancies.’
‘Maria Pilkington stood out, she made my individual case seem of upmost importance and made every effort to accommodate and support me throughout! She kept in constant contact throughout and was always there to answer any questions I had. I couldn’t thank her enough!’
‘Kept me informed of progress at all times. Explained the claim clearly. Took me through to a successful claim. ’
Work highlights
- Acheived settlement for an above-knee amputee following a road traffic collision.
- Represented a claimant in a tragic mesothelioma claim where the deceased passed away quickly at the young age of 60 following light, bystander exposure to asbestos in an office environment.
- Negotiated settlement for a claimant in relation to a contested accident at work claim for £200k.