The team at Clyde & Co is ‘top of the class‘ when it comes to representing public sector entities, corporations, and insurers in claims involving fundamental dishonesty, and catastrophic personal injuries sustained in the course of employment or road traffic accidents. Chris Murray and Stuart Furniss jointly lead the team from Manchester and Liverpool respectively. Furniss routinely achieves early settlement for public and motor liability claims where claimants have sustained severe head or orthopaedic injuries, while Murray handles a broad range of serious injury and psychological injury claims. Nicola Overmire has broad expertise in subtle brain injury and amputation claims, and ‘hugely intelligent‘ large loss claims expert Andrew Kerr primarily acts for corporate policyholders, local authorities, and insurers. David Spencer is noted for his ‘unparalleled knowledge‘ of fatal and catastrophic injury claims in motorsports, while the ‘outstanding‘ Chris Eccles is particularly adept at acting for insurers in road traffic accident, employers’ and public liability cases. Jonathan Clay and David Wynn have since left the firm.
Personal injury: defendant in North West
Clyde & Co
Practice head(s):
Chris Murray; Stuart Furniss
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Kerr; David Spencer; Chris Eccles; Rebecca Scott; Nicola Overmire
Testimonials
‘Clyde is a large hub of excellence which deals with the highest value and most complex cases nationwide. Highly rated by all major insurers. The partners are second to none.’
‘Andrew Kerr is hugely intelligent, well respected and calm. Rebecca Scott is a first rate practitioner.’
‘The team is steeped in defendant insurance practice. In addition to the very high quality of work offered by the team, it is also able to call on its related teams to offer a genuine full-service to clients.’
Key clients
Aviva
Forbes Solicitors
Spread between the Blackburn, Manchester, and Leeds offices, the ‘first-class‘ team at Forbes Solicitors acts for a diverse client list of commercial insureds, sports associations, and national housing builders. Chris Booth heads up the firm’s insurance, anti-fraud, and disease groups, handling a broad range of industrial disease cases and fraudulent claims. Paul Geldard‘s caseload consists of high-value, life-changing personal injury construction claims, while Kella Bowers leads the inquests, social services, and abuse claims practice, with her primary focus being child sexual exploitation and human rights cases. Elizabeth Bower is the firm’s casualty and insurance housing lead, Ridwaan Omar regularly represents local authorities and construction companies, and Andrew Ellis stands out due to his longstanding experience in motor and public sector claims, with a distinctive focus on harassment and bullying issues. Nicola Dawn is a key name for occupational disease claims involving hand arm vibration syndrome and noise induced hearing loss. Lucy Harris left the firm in September 2023, and Jonathan Clay joined the team as a consultant.
Practice head(s):
Chris Booth; Paul Geldard; Kella Bowers; Elizabeth Bower; Ridwaan Omar; Andrew Ellis
Other key lawyers:
Nicola Dawn; Jonathan Clay
Testimonials
‘The team’s excellent communication skills are invaluable in navigating complex legal matters, and their integrity and ethical conduct are beyond reproach. They adhere strictly to professional standards and regulations, earning the trust of our clients and us.’
‘An amazing personal service from Andrew Ellis who goes above and beyond to not only deal with any claims professionally but also in a friendly way. They pick up the phone without fail and talk you through something if necessary, nothing is ever too much trouble.’
‘The team pride themselves on understanding the values of their clients and tailor their approach to support those values. The team are very approachable, very knowledgeable and always think innovatively to provide solutions for clients.’
‘Andrew Ellis deserves special mention and praise. He is readily available, always willing to engage in matters, listen, and advise accordingly in an amicable and easy going manner, yet never with any drop in the quality and legitimacy of advice. Where there is an opportunity to do so, he will take extra steps to explain a particular point or element, which demonstrates, and also imparts his vast knowledge and experience.’
‘A first-class team led by the outstanding Chris Booth.’
‘Chris Booth. Absolutely first-class solicitor. He has his finger on the pulse and leads by example.’
‘Forbes seem to have an excellent, unique skill in explaining complex, legal matters in simple layman’s terms. We also feel that they are genuinely very mindful of protecting funds and reputational issues.’
‘The quality of customer care is second to none and I have had a number of successful outcomes because of their expertise and attention to detail. Chris Booth has been invaluable regarding a large claim involving fundamental dishonesty and has anticipated any potential loophole.’
Key clients
Co-operative Group Ltd
Galliford Try Plc
Rochdale Borough Council
Sportscover Europe
AXA Liabilities Managers
Cunningham Lindsay International
Zurich Insurance
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
Lloyds Syndicate 2525
Charles Taylor Adjusters
Morgan Sindall Plc
Salford Council
Gallagher Bassett
Broadspire
RSA
Wigan Council
Travelers
Guinness Partnership
Kepak Group
AIG
Calico Homes
Carlisle Council
Conwy Council
Cumbria Council
Cumbria Fire and Rescue
Flintshire Council
Gwynedd Council
Lancaster City Council
Manchester City Council
Preston City Council
Symphony Housing Group
Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
Warrington Borough Council
Doncaster Council
Highways Wales
LTE Group/Manchester College
Calderdale Council
QBE
Protector
Together Housing
Lincolnshire Housing Partnership
EMH
Stockport
Wrexham
Salix Housing
Work highlights
- Represented Tameside MBC in a claim relating to an alleged fall by a cyclist due to uneven highway, and obtained finding of fundamental dishonesty.
- Acted for Lloyds Syndicate Insurer with regards to a multi-million pound claim for catastrophic injuries sustained by a Steeplejack including severe fractures to both legs and spinopelvic disassociation.
- Acting for various local authorities in multiple child sexual exploitation claims.
Kennedys
The ‘hugely impressive‘ team at Kennedys stands out for its strong focus on sporting injury, occupiers’, and employers’ liability claims. Gordon Davidson has longstanding experience in HSE investigations, and Richard McKeown is noted for his ‘encyclopaedic‘ knowledge of the hospitality sector, while Christopher Oldfield often acts for leisure clients, in addition to sporting bodies. Ian Ford often acts for logistics and construction sector clients in severe injury claims. The ‘fantastic‘ Lauren Gosnell stands out for handling catastrophic injury claims, often in relation to brain and spinal cord injuries, and neurological functional disorders.
Other key lawyers:
Gordon Davidson; Richard McKeown; Christopher Oldfield; Ian Ford; Lauren Gosnell; Natalie Hardy
Testimonials
‘Christopher Oldfield. Very knowledgeable with reliable judgment.’
‘Ian Ford has great attention to detail which is invaluable when fighting cases, but he also exercises good commercial judgment and is able to readily see the bigger picture.’
‘Richard McKeown has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the hospitality sector. He is exceptional at delivering results for his clients in large financial loss claims.’
Key clients
Hilton Hotels
Applegreen Plc
JD Wetherspoon Plc
Chubb
British Heart Foundation
Abellio Transport Holdings Limited
MJ Gleeson
Green Fingers Landscape Limited
Marston’s Plc
The Innovation Group
UK Athletics
OCS Group UK & I Limited
The Go Ahead Group
Lanes for Drains PLC
Revolution Bars Group Plc
British Cycling
Warburtons Limited
Keoghs LLP
Keoghs LLP‘s ‘outstanding‘ practice handles a myriad of claims for public bodies, self-insured companies and insurers. Ian Carroll leads the abuse team in Liverpool, acting for insurers, religious organisations, and sports clubs in both historical and recent abuse cases. Sarah Swan specialises in group actions and cases involving failures to remove or protect, and Lauranne Nolan is known for her knowledge of safeguarding issues. In Bolton, Mark Whalley handles major road traffic collision and public liability claims involving severe injuries for insurers, while Emma Spencer is a specialist in premature birth cases. Manchester’s Mike Pope is renowned for acting in brain injury and polytrauma cases, and fundamental dishonesty cases. Bolton’s Gary Herring is a credit hire claims expert.
Practice head(s):
Ian Carroll; Gary Herring
Other key lawyers:
Mark Whalley; Mike Pope; Emma Spencer; Sarah Swan; Lauranne Nolan
Testimonials
‘Keoghs are one of the outstanding major players in defendant insurance personal injury litigation. Absolutely top-tier firm.’
‘Emma Spencer stands out, she is truly excellent and is regarded with real respect. She is on top of the detail in all their cases, yet is also experienced enough to be able to stand back and give pragmatic advice to insurers.’
‘The Keoghs abuse team has wide-ranging sector expertise and in-depth knowledge and understanding of abuse claims in the context of sport. The team’s strengths can be found in their unrivalled expertise, forensic attention to detail and strong work ethic.’
Key clients
Esure
LV
Allianz
Zurich
Motor Insurers’ Bureau
Mulsanne
First Central
AXA Insurance
Work highlights
- Represented Hastings Direct in a fundamental dishonesty case.
- Acted for Allianz in a case concerning the need to raise the issue of impecuniosity pre-litigation.
Weightmans LLP
The ‘excellent‘ Liverpool-based practice at Weightmans LLP is divided into sub-groups for casualty, large loss, motor, disease, and public authority claims. Will Quinn primarily acts for insurers in catastrophic injury claims, and David Holt is an expert in non-indemnity insurance, and claims involving severe head and spinal injuries. Peter Forshaw is well-placed to assists insurers and corporates with employers’, public, and product liability claims, and is noted for his strong focus on drone-related work. ‘Star player‘ Rebecca Blythe routinely advises clients on indemnity, and catastrophic injury and chronic pain cases.
Practice head(s):
Will Quinn; David Holt; Peter Forshaw
Other key lawyers:
Rebecca Blythe; Louise Mutch
Testimonials
‘Excellent team who represent the interest of their commercial insurance clients and lay clients to a very high level indeed.’
‘Rebecca Blythe is a star player. She is approachable, hard working, has an eye for detail and is acutely aware of the commercial implications of any litigation decision. A great solicitor!’
‘Rebecca Blythe has a pragmatic and sensible approach to litigation. Favoured by insurers at the top of their game.’
‘Weightmans’ team is top-notch, right down to the most junior members. I always have full confidence that the cases are prepared to a high standard and their lawyers are over all relevant detail.’
‘Weightmans are prompt and efficient whilst also being extremely knowledgeable and supportive. Weightmans treat clients respectfully and explain claims procedures and prospects clearly.’
‘Peter Forshaw is the standout solicitor. Peter is always available to help and has a unique ability to explain and clarify complicated matters, and he has worked hard to win confidence of clients.’
‘There is a great depth of knowledge and ability. Attention to detail is very important and a close eye is kept by Weightmans on tactics and legal timescales.’
‘All staff are highly competent and personable. I can trust them to get on with the management of a claim without worrying.’
Key clients
Zurich
Motor Insurers Bureau
AIG Europe
AXAXL Insurance
PwC
Municipal Mutual Insurance
Tesco Underwriting
First Central Insurance
InterEurope AG Insurance
Covea Insurance
Octagon Insurance
Travelers Insurance Co
HDI Global
Hiscox Insurance
Esure Insurance
Prometheus Insurance
Hastings Direct
Berkshire Hathaway Speciality Insurance
Liberty Mutual
Markel Insurance
DCL Insurance
Broadspire
Tradex
Insure the Box
Protector Insurance
Vinci
Rolls Royce
Jaguar Land Rover
Lidl Stores
Nestle
BP
DHL Logistics
Severn Trent
Gallagher Bassett
DWF
Praised by clients for its ‘enviable knowledge and experience‘, the team at DWF is well placed to handle a broad range of claims involving elements of fraud, and traumatic brain and orthopaedic injuries. Practice co-head Jewels Chamberlain‘s primary focus is on motor related litigation, while Stuart Poole leads on the counter fraud side. Manchester based co-head Ian Slater is a catastrophic injury expert, and Dave Young has vast knowledge of cases concerning brain injuries and amputations. Hannah Fitzgerald is noted for her broad expertise, spanning public and employers’ liability claims, and her distinctive focus on fraudulent claims. David Wynn joined the team and leads the firm’s casualty practice.
Practice head(s):
Jewels Chamberlain; Stuart Poole; Ian Slater; Rob McKee; Tom Higson
Other key lawyers:
Hannah Fitzgerald; Giles Kellner; Dave Young; David Wynn
Testimonials
‘Hannah Fitzgerald – particularly good at fatal claims. Liked by clients for her approachability, she is robust but sensible.’
‘The team have real strength and depth in dealing with the most complicated liability and quantum disputes in the catastrophic injury world.’
‘Dave Young is a very safe pair of hands. He is a legal expert with a shrewd tactical brain and excellent client handling skills.’
Key clients
RSA
RSA Ireland
NFU Mutual
Direct Line Group
Allianz
LV
First Central
Sabre
Admiral
Aviva
QBE
Markerstudy
Insure the Box
Covea
Ageas
Esure
Action 365
Zego
KGM Underwriting
Work highlights
- Represented DCL, which brought a successful private prosecution of an individual who staged an accident and then tried to claim for personal injury, vehicle damage and credit hire.
- Represented an insurer in a claim involving a professional golfer on the DP World Tour. The claimant was involved in a head on collision and suffered multiple complex fractures to his left foot, and a back injury, aggravating a pre-existing asymptomatic lytic spondylolisthesis, and psychological symptoms.
- Represented a defendant and their insurer, RSA, in the defence of a personal injury claim.
Horwich Cohen Coghlan Solicitors
Mark Woodall and Leanne Thomson jointly lead the practice at Horwich Cohen Coghlan Solicitors, which acts for a diverse client base of self-insured defendants, insurers, and UK claims handlers. Thomson handles numerous motor claims, acting for both UK and foreign insurers. Woodall is known for his expertise in employers’ and public liability claims, in addition to advising on overseas claims made by UK nationals.
Practice head(s):
Mark Woodall; Leanne Thomson