Brodies LLP generates mandates from a long list of major insurers and blue-chip companies, and it has an enviable track record defending personal injury claims in Scotland. The 'fast-growing, well-respected and energetic' department is led by Elena Fry, whose practice centres on employer’s liability, public liability and disease claims. Another notable individual is Carly Forrest, who is 'personable, responsive, innovative and hugely effective'; she has decades of experience of high-value catastrophic injury and fatal claims. Elsewhere, Laura McMillan regularly appears in the Court of Session and in Sheriff Courts across Scotland, fusing her medical negligence know-how with expertise in industrial disease claims. Duncan MacLean principally focuses on advising marine liability insurers and international P&I clubs.
Personal injury: defender in Scotland
Brodies LLP
Practice head(s):
Elena Fry
Other key lawyers:
Duncan MacLean; Malcolm Mackay; Carly Forrest; Laura McMillan; Lynn Livesey; Gemma Nicholson
Testimonials
‘A fast-growing, well-respected and energetic PI defence team. Recent acquisitions underscore that.’
‘Carly Forrest is an exceptional PI defence lawyer. Personable, responsive, innovative and hugely effective. A first class communicator in every medium. She is a great advert for Brodies in Scotland.’
‘Lynn Livesey brings a common sense and pragmatic approach to cases and her advice is always well-considered, generally leading to successful outcomes for her clients.’
‘The team appears to be truly united and seems to get on very well, and this is reflected in the quality of the service we receive from them. The claim handling process is extremely clear with regular updates from the firm.
‘The team is knowledgeable and helpful for all cases they handle on our behalf, as well as generous in their sharing of information relating to changes in case law and the differences between the application of law in Scotland and England & Wales.’
‘The main strengths relate to the team’s knowledge of a fairly specialised area of maritime law, combined with their knowledge of Scottish personal injury procedure and legislation.’
‘Duncan MacLean is always willing to assist with general questions and enquiries. Good service and response times with a good knowledge of the area of law and the joint client.’
‘I personally feel the expertise is second to none from Brodies, their knowledge and guidance has always found to be the correct course of action.’
Key clients
Aviva
Zurich Insurance
Abellio Ltd
Axis Capital Insurance
Cape plc
Babcock International Group
Liberty Speciality Markets
National Express Group
Enstar/Starstone Underwriting Limited
Sunderland Marine Insurance
Work highlights
- Representing the insurers of Scapa Flow Charters in connection with a diving fatality at sea to which the Athens Convention applies.
- Advised a variety of corporates and leading shipowners and their liability underwriters on claims arising out of alleged historic exposure to asbestos.
- Advised both of Scotland’s lifeline ferry operators and their insurers to deal with any crew, passenger, cargo and other claims made against them, and other operational matters.
BTO Solicitors LLP
Led by Stephen Bryceland, BTO Solicitors LLP’s team is active in all stages of personal injury litigation, with its work ranging from pre-litigation advice to representing clients in the highest courts. It handles instructions from a variety of clients, including insurers, brokers and self-insured organisations. Reflecting of its broad expertise, the group's work spans motor, employer liability, public liability, disease, abuse, marine insurance, policy coverage advice and product liability issues. Within the team, Catherine Currie is a highly regarded name for catastrophic injuries cases, including amputations, spinal and brain injuries, as well as matters involving fatalities. Also highly visible in this space is Garry Ferguson, who is experienced in international cases that involve complex arguments about jurisdiction and applicable law.
Practice head(s):
Stephen Bryceland
Other key lawyers:
Catherine Currie; Garry Ferguson; Claire White
Testimonials
‘BTO has a justifiably highly regarded personal injury (defender) team, including their solicitor-advocate team.’
‘The depth of experience within the team, coupled with knowing exactly what is expected of them and the standards we as an insurer operate to.’
Key clients
RSA Group
AIG UK Limited
NFU Mutual Insurance Society Limited
CHUBB European Group Limited
MPS MDDUS MDU
Newline
Tokio Marine
Riverstone Europe
Gallagher Bassett
UK General Insurance
Work highlights
- Acted for RSA in a claim where a claimant was suspected of gross exaggeration and failure to disclose pre-existing conditions was settled for a significant discount of more than 90% against the claimant’s valuation.
- Acting for NFU in a summary application, both at first instance and upon appeal which, if allowed, would have provided an authority for pursuers to seek to challenge insurer’s decisions to recover otherwise private commercial agreements between insurer and customer with a view to challenging decisions to decline indemnity.
- Acting for RSA in an £8m claim involving a pursuer with life-changing brain injuries, resulting from a road traffic accident.
Clyde & Co LLP
Clyde & Co LLP is a ‘top-end firm with an enviable array of talent from partner level down and through its offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen’. Key practitioners in the team are ‘well-versed in personal injury claims of the utmost severity', acting for ‘almost all insurers in all areas’. Areas of expertise include high-value catastrophic injury claims, industrial disease litigation, employers' liability actions and historic childhood abuse claims. Vikki Melville, Mark Donaldson and Gilles Graham jointly lead the group, which is noted for its depth. Also recommended are Andrew Constable, Andrew Tolmie and Tanya Gordon, all of whom handle the full spectrum of road traffic and public liability claims.
Practice head(s):
Vikki Melville; Mark Donaldson; Gilles Graham
Other key lawyers:
Graeme Watson; Andrew Constable; Tanya Gordon; Andrew Tolmie
Testimonials
‘They are all very approachable, very experienced, very flexible and fully understand the needs of their clients.’
‘Top-end firm with an enviable array of talent from partner level down and through its offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. Probably the market leader in the Insurance – PI: Defender sector. Just a cut above the competition, given its strength in depth.’
‘Broad range of skills covering motor, EL, PL(both injury and property damage) and products liability. Very good in all those disciplines. Senior members of the team are well versed in personal injury claims of the utmost severity and are go-to people for them in Scotland.’
‘Vikki Melville is a proven performer, always on the lookout for protecting client’s position and intensifying the relationship.’
‘This practice is preeminent in personal injury work. It was a pleasant surprise to work with such an organised firm.’
‘They handle the claims proactively and try and deal on a consensual basis with their opponents. They settle claims for the optimum amount and have good knowledge of the relevant law required whether it be EL, PL, Motor.’
‘Tanya Gordon is extremely knowledgeable and a good negotiator achieving good results.’
Key clients
Aviva
AIG
Work highlights
- Representing a driver and his employer, after he hit and killed a foreman whilst reversing his tipper truck.
DAC Beachcroft Scotland LLP
DAC Beachcroft Scotland LLP fields ‘a highly regarded, competent and professional team of solicitors'. Its personal injury practice is divided into specialist sub-groups; chief among them are personal injury, motor and casualty fraud, disease, insurance property recovery, and defence and regulatory crime. Motor expert John Maillie specialises in catastrophic personal injury cases and fatal accident inquiries. Also recommended is complex injuries specialist Rachel Rough, whose work is ‘meticulous and of an exceptional standard’. Iain Buchanan, Gillian Rushbury, Louise Gallagher and Claire Newcombe are among other key members of the team.
Practice head(s):
John Maillie; Rachel Rough; Louise Gallagher; Claire Newcombe; Emma Fuller; Alan Taylor; David Magee; Grant Strathdee; Colin Bissett
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Ireland; Gillian Rushbury; Anne Logan; Iain Buchanan; Jamie Varney
Testimonials
‘Rachel Rough is one of the most dedicated and diligent solicitors I have encountered in over 30 years a the Bar. She really is remarkable. She has attention to detail. She has handled the highest value catastrophic injury cases in Scotland. Rachel has the knowledge, experience and acumen of a senior member of the bar.’
‘John Maillie is one of the most experienced in this field. He manages a team superbly. He has excellent judgement and clients know that he will steer them ably through the most complex cases to achieve the appropriate resolution.’
‘DAC Beachcroft LLP have a highly regarded, competent and professional team of solicitors in their personal injury (defender) team.’
‘They are extremely knowledgeable and on numerous occasions have gone out of their way to assist with discussing potential new threats against our company and in my opinion, actually love the challenge. A truly committed and dedicated team.’
‘Claire has always been a powerhouse in her approach to fighting and defending fraudulent claims. She is an extremely passionate individual, and in my experience of working with her, actually welcomes any challenge with a bring it on attitude!‘
Key clients
AXA
AXA Corporate Solutions
Allianz
NFUM
MCE
ERS
Ageas/Tesco
Aviva
Admiral
Zurich
Work highlights
- Working collaboratively with claimants solicitors to secure new accommodation and specialist prosthetics for motorcycle victim settling pre-lit.
- Acted in proceedings on behalf of 3 individuals who sustained injury whilst on holiday in Ibiza, Spain in July 2018, including issues surrounding policy interpretation.
- Acted in a claim on behalf of a young man who was fatally injured in England with applicable law arguments, saving insurers £500k.
BLM
The team at BLM primarily acts for major insurers and multinational companies, for whom it defends personal injury claims both in and out of court. According to a client, it is ‘knowledgeable, personable, experienced and hard-working’. Key areas of expertise for the group include abuse, casualty, catastrophic injury, indemnity, RTA, occupational disease, suspected fraud and travel claims. Karen Dance, Ian Leach and Frank Hughes share responsibility for leading the group. Elsewhere, Andrew Gilmour’s practice has an emphasis on disease and environmental matters, while Greg MacDougall is recommended for travel and holiday actions. Rachel Henry is a name to note for high-value catastrophic claims.
Practice head(s):
Karen Dance; Ian Leach; Frank Hughes
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Gilmour; Greg MacDougall; Rachel Henry; Kirsty Yuill
Testimonials
‘A team of approachable individuals with a range of knowledge not only across the field of personal injury, negligence and practice but also of opponents and tactics. All are engaging and aware of the need of insurer clients.’
‘Knowledgeable, personable, experienced and hard-working solicitors determined to work along with their clients to secure the best possible outcome.’
‘Frank Hughes is excellent. He has a pragmatic approach to getting a good outcome for his clients.’
‘The level of training provided and jurisdiction and third-party solicitor knowledge is exceptional and has always been like this.’
Key clients
1st Central
Admiral
AJG
Allianz
AON
Asda
AstraZeneca
Aspen
Aviva
AXA Insurance
BAI Claims Services Ltd
Broadspire
Catalina
Charles Taylor Adjusters
Chaucer
Chubb
City of Edinburgh Council
Clark Thomson
Compass
Co-operative Group
Davies Group Ltd
Department for Transport
Diageo
Ecclesiastical
Eldon
Fusion
Gallagher Bassett
Halfords
Hastings
HCC
Inter Hannover
Jet2 Holidays
John Menzies plc, including Menzies Aviation and Menzies Distribution
LV=
Mapfre
Marsh
Mitchells and Butlers
Mitsui
MS Amlin
Network Rail
NFU Mutual
NN Group
One Insurance
Peel Ports
Phoenix
QBE
Questgates
Resolute Management Ltd
Rio Tinto
Riverstone (AXA LM)
Sabre Insurance Ltd
Sainsburys
Sandals
Scottish Water
Syndicate 2525
Thomas Cook
Towergate
Whitbread
WH Malcolm
XL Catlin
Zurich
Harper Macleod LLP
Harper Macleod LLP's practice, which is led by Elizabeth Mitchell, primarily advises large insurers, public bodies and private individuals on personal injury matters. It excels in claims concerning road traffic accidents, employer and public liability, clinical negligence, industrial disease and product liability. Suzanne McGarrigle displays 'admirable and tireless dedication in working to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients’. She specialises in industrial disease claims, including those relating to exposure to asbestos, silica, coal dust and noise. Senior associate Amy Dickson stands out for her knowledge of fraud claims.
Practice head(s):
Elizabeth Mitchell
Other key lawyers:
Suzanne McGarrigle; Heather Calderwood; Amy Dickson
Testimonials
‘Suzanne McGarrigle is very hardworking, dedicated and tenacious. She appears to have a good relationship with her clients who trust her judgement about matters. This is well deserved, given her extensive experience in this field.’
‘Suzanne McGarrigle has a terrific work ethic and focus on the client interest and brings a keen understanding of litigation.’
‘Suzanne McGarrigle has considerable experience in this field. She is very professional and competent in the field. She is quick to get to the heart of the issues raised by a case.’
‘Suzanne McGarrigle is the main focus with support and back-up from Amy Dickson. They provide helpful advice and ad hoc comment from a Scottish perspective, which is most welcome for those who have to work in all four jurisdictions, so have to stay nimble and updated.’
Key clients
Forestry and Land Scotland (previously known as Forestry Commission)
Covea Insurance
Direct Line Group and Direct Line Insurance Services Limited including Direct Line Insurance, Privilege Insurance, Churchill Insurance, NIG Insurance, UK Insurance and Green Flag
Acromas Insurance Company Limited
Admiral Insurance / EUI Limited, including Elephant Insurance and Diamond Insurance
Work highlights
- Acted for a hairdressing salon operator, after the pursuer alleged that she sustained an injury to her neck after extending her neck for a significant period of time, resulting in her stroke.
Morton Fraser
Noted for its ‘strong reputation acting for public bodies’, Morton Fraser is retained by a variety of large government bodies across Scotland for advice on the whole range of personal injury claims. Its key areas of focus include industrial disease, wrongful death, employers' liability, public liability, road traffic accidents and historic abuse. The practice is led by industrial disease expert (and 'real star') Jenny Dickson, who acts as lead partner to the Ministry of Defence, Royal Mail, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government, among other high-profile public organisations. Another highly regarded practitioner is Jennifer Thomson, who is well-versed in complex cases involving psychiatric injury.
Practice head(s):
Jenny Dickson
Other key lawyers:
Jennifer Thomson
Testimonials
‘Jenny Dickson is a real star in her field. She’s very able, and I believe she’s a solicitor advocate so has a good grasp of what is involved in both the solicitor and advocate branches of the profession. She has excellent legal knowledge and very good judgment in relation to cases that should be compromised and those that should be defended.’
‘Strong reputation acting for public bodies.’
‘The team has a good knowledge of personal injury cases and gives clear and helpful advice. They communicate really well.’
‘Jennifer Thomson is a good lawyer who knows her stuff, is very good at communicating about cases and really helps us in our decision making process. She is a skilled negotiator and has achieved some good outcomes for us recently.’
Key clients
Ministry of Defence (MOD)
Royal Mail
Scottish Government
UK Government
Police Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland
Anderson Strathern
According to a client, Anderson Strathern 'does not only behave defensively, but takes the initiative when appropriate to advance the client's interests'. It is noted for its representation of the Scottish Prison Service in personal injury claims and fatal accident inquiries. Also notable is that Robert Carr and Sarah Philips (an ‘outstandingly bright and conscientious solicitor’) act for other clients in a range of employer’s, public and motor liability, indemnity, and occupational disease matters. Former group lead Jonathan Guy departed in November 2020 after being appointed to the Sheriffdom of Glasgow and Strathkelvin.
Practice head(s):
Robert Carr; Catriona Watt; Gillian Jamieson; Katrina Lumsdaine
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Philips
Testimonials
‘Anderson Strathern has a well-deserved reputation as a leading firm in this area in Scotland. Its practice covers all aspects of personal injury work, with regular appearances in the Court of Session, the All-Scotland Personal Injury Court and Sheriff Courts.’
‘Sarah Phillips is a stand-out performer in this area. She is highly experienced, knowledgeable in the law, thorough and well-organised. She is a pleasure to work with and respected by opponents.’
‘Good strong team, wide range of work for different clients including public sector. Uniformly professional and impressive individuals involved.’
‘The defender PI team works in close co-operation and constant communication about cases’ developments. They do not behave only defensively, but take the initiative when appropriate to advance the client’s interests.’
‘Sarah Philips is an outstandingly bright and conscientious solicitor who does not miss a beat.’
‘I worked with Sarah Phillips. Her instructions and were always clear and to the point as were all communications. She clearly knows her stuff and knows what she is doing. I would highly recommend Sarah.’
‘This is a team involved in defending personal injury claims which has strength in depth with a number of high quality solicitors engaged in this work.’
Key clients
Co-operative Insurance now Soteria Insurance Ltd.
The Scottish Government (in particular: Transport Scotland and the Crown Office)
The Scottish Prison Service
Scottish Water
Risk Management Authority
Scottish Midland Co-operative Society
Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service
Ineos
HSE
Work highlights
- Acted on behalf of COPFS in defending a complicated and high-value claim for damages in the Court of Session raised by a Senior Procurator Fiscal for stress at work.
- Acted on behalf of the SPS in defending a fatal claim for damages by 13 family members, whereby the deceased had committed suicide whilst in custody.
- Acting on behalf of the SPS in defending a number of personal injury claims by prison officers for symptoms from which they suffered following secondary exposure to unknown substances (NPS) which are being used by prisoners across the Scottish prison estate.
Burness Paull LLP
As opposed to receiving large volumes of claims through panel appointments, Burness Paull LLP is aligned to industry insurers, allowing it to selectively target high-value international cases. Led by Andrew Forsyth, the team places a special emphasis on offshore and marine claims, in which it represents a variety of global vessel owners, P&I clubs and marine insurers. Forsyth also regularly defends clients in occupational disease claims, including asbestos, noise and vibration cases. Another notable practitioner in this area is Lynne Moss, who was promoted to director in February 2021.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Forsyth
Other key lawyers:
Lynne Moss; Fiona Davidson
Testimonials
‘The standout features of this firm are their extensive knowledge of the offshore industry giving them and exceptional ability to understand working conditions and processes in the North Sea, and their ability to handle complex cases in particular where difficult psychiatric and other medical conditions are involved. They are knowledgeable, organised and efficient. It is a pleasure to work with them.’
‘Lynne Moss is very knowledgeable. She has an excellent rapport with her insurer clients who clearly respect her ability, her hard work and appreciate her advice. She is a first-rate lawyer who knows how to conduct a vigorous defence.’
‘The point of difference with this team is their ability to listen to what the client wants and to adapt their processes to achieve this objective.’
‘We work closely with the partner, Andrew Forsyth, who is always listening to the needs of his client and ensuring that the service his practice provides is what is required by the client.’
‘Burness Paull have been working for us for a few years now and their strengths and key capabilities are first class. Their attention to detail is second to none. They provide a bespoke service in respect of historic disease claims, which is far superior to any previous solicitors that we have used.’
‘Andrew Forsyth is knowledgeable in his field and always takes the time to explain anything that I’m not sure about. He treats me with respect and nothing is to much trouble for him. He always goes above and beyond, which is fantastic, and this makes both him and the company far superior to competitors.’
Key clients
Subsea 7
Resolute Management Limited
Cruden Homes
Student Loans Company Limited
Kier
Rever Offshore
Randall & Quilter Investment Holdings
City of Edinburgh Council
Work highlights
- Advised Subsea 7, a subsea engineering, construction and services company serving the offshore energy industry, on personal injury claims in Scotland.
- Advised Resolute Management, an insurance company, on asbestos and noise-related claims in Scotland.
- Advised Rever Offshore, a subsea vessel operator, on Scottish personal injury litigation.
DWF
DWF attracts plaudits for its counter-fraud offering, which is overseen by Jill Sinclair, who ‘achieves some outstanding results’. The team includes Andrew Lothian, who specialises in defending insurers and self-insured entities against catastrophic injury and fatal claims. Another key individual is Lynne Macfarlane, who undertakes a wide range of defence-side insurance litigation, with work ranging from employers' and public liability cases to road traffic and product liability claims. Senior associate Julia McDonald also handles a large number of motor claims.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Lothian; Jill Sinclair; Lynne Macfarlane
Other key lawyers:
Julia McDonald
Testimonials
‘What makes DWF Scotland unique is their tailored approach – they know our business well and listen to their client. They have considerable expertise and will achieve best outcomes as well as coach and advise.’
‘Andrew Lothian is very supportive, always responds quickly, very clear advices, will take time to explain options if complex and or have queries. Jill Sinclair is very engaging and willing and excellent advising on fraud detection and prevention.’
‘DWF Glasgow’s counter fraud team have a great knowledge of not only the law, but of the jurisdiction that they operate in and are able to give great insight.’
‘Jill Sinclair is incredibly knowledgeable and approachable, always making time to take queries from our handlers and provide advice wherever requested. Jill achieves some outstanding results, often managing to get rid of spurious claims very early in the litigation process.’
‘Lynn Macfarlane was invaluable in dealing with several complex and highly unusual personal injury cases. Her practical awareness and understanding of the law and procedure was exceptional. Lynn was attentive and diligent and was always on hand to assist with developments in the case on a daily basis.’
Key clients
RSA
Aviva
Zurich (Zurich Commercial, Zurich Municipal, Zurich Global Corporate Risks, Zurich Engineering and Zurich Risk Services)
Markerstudy
QBE
Tokio Marine Kiln
Tesco
Travelers
MS Amlin
Ageas
Work highlights
- Advising on a number of catastrophic injury and high profile accidents at work and occupiers liability claims
- Acting for Zenith Insurance plc, Covea Insurance plc & other insurance clients in counter fraud strategies used to identify fraudulent claims, prove the fraudulent behaviour and encourage claims to be abandoned, resulting in subsequent savings for clients.
- Acting for a major insurer in relation to a fatal claim arising from Covid 19 in a care home, offering advice and assistance on liability, causation and quantum.
Kennedys
Kennedys provides ‘a comprehensive service to insurers’, ranging from ‘friendly, off the record advice to comprehensive legal advice on the most complex of claims’. Instructed by a mix of insurer and corporate clients, the department receives a steady flow of claims related to employer, public and occupier liability, motor, catastrophic injury, healthcare, fraud, abuse, product liability and occupational disease. The practice is led by the ‘extremely professional, approachable and knowledgeable’ Rory Jackson. Peter Demick is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Rory Jackson
Other key lawyers:
Peter Demick; Louise Houliston
Testimonials
‘Rory Jackson is extremely professional, approachable and knowledgeable.’
‘Rory Jackson is a leader from the front, supportive, accessible, excellent ambassador.’
‘Kennedys Scotland provide a comprehensive service to insurers. From friendly, off the record advice to comprehensive legal advice on the most complex of claims. I have found that they also have a keen focus on commercial considerations when it comes to costs.’
‘Peter Demick is an outstanding lawyer who is a pleasure to work with. No claim too small or too large, Peter will assist with finding a robust defence or a commercial solution.’
‘Very capable defender practice. Strength in depth.’
‘Their knowledge of legal procedure, combined with the appreciation of our commercial interests, is beyond compare. As a firm, Kennedys are an absolute credit to the legal profession.’
‘No matter what time of day, or how urgent the matter is, Rory Jackson is always welcoming to and grateful for our instructions. He and his team are working exceptionally hard to advise and support us, particularly given that the cases fall under a different jurisdiction where the legal procedures are relatively unknown to us.’
‘Kennedys Scotland are a professional and friendly team who can be trusted to provide timely and detailed advice.’
Key clients
Admiral Insurance
Acromas Insurance Ltd.
AXA
Covea Insurance
Haven Insurance
HDI Global Insurance
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Plexus Law
Plexus Law is noted for its ‘very thorough and detailed approach to handling claims’. The team mainly acts for general insurers, Lloyd’s syndicates and corporate clients in an array of motor, employer’s liability, public liability, product, regulatory and disease claims. Department head Cameron McNaught specialises in catastrophic injury cases and fatal accidents, while Calum Mathieson has considerable expertise in health and safety prosecutions. Other key areas of focus include serious road traffic accidents, injuries at work and asbestos exposure.
Practice head(s):
Cameron McNaught
Other key lawyers:
Laurie Traynor; Calum Mathieson; Julie Fisher; Stuart Mackie
Testimonials
‘Very thorough and detailed approach to handling claims, ensuring all relevant liability and quantum enquiries are undertaken. Proactive approach in terms of trying to drive a claim to an early resolution.’
‘Having worked with Plexus for a decade, I can attest to their professionalism, value for money, courage, entrepreneurialism and versatility. Plexus manage to maintain excellent standards across their organisation and are particularly adept at fostering a “no surprises” culture.’
‘Excellent source of legal expertise, combining both practical advice in conjunction with future tactics on individual cases.’
‘Knowledge of the insured, their practices and policy are key in getting good results.’
‘The team is excellent as a whole and there are various levels of experience suitable for dealing with different types and values of claims. The level of detail provided in the reports are excellent. The team have really taken the time over the years we have been working with them to get to know and understand our business.’
Key clients
Direct Line Group Including Churchill, NIG, Direct Line and Privilege)
QBE
AIG
Ageas
EMR Group
Tesco
BMI Healthcare
Mears Group
Shetland Islands Council
CIS General Insurance
Work highlights
- Acted in a claim whereby the claimant suffered a serious hip injury at work while exiting the cab of a shear machine.
- Repudiated a claim for PI damages by a logistics company HGV driver employee.
- Defended the insured against allegations that they negligently exposed the deceased to asbestos during the course of his employment between the dates 1985 to 2001.
Keoghs LLP
Keoghs LLP acts for a variety of insurers, brokers, corporates and public sector entities. Its team specialises in motor, historic abuse and employers and public liability claims. Douglas Cowan works with the marine, ports and offshore department on complex personal injury matters. David Hennessy excels in asbestos, dermatitis and noise-induced hearing loss matters. Accredited counter-fraud specialist Emily Jeffrey and legacy abuse expert Calum Fife are also names to note.
Practice head(s):
Douglas Cowan; David Hennessy; Emily Jeffrey; Calum Fife
Testimonials
‘Calum Fife is a top-notch individual, pragmatic and intelligent.’
‘Keoghs team bring a pragmatic, commercial and client-focused approach to the work they do. Their experience in dealing and working with insurers is clear from they way they interact and the way their advice is presented in a clear, accessible and consistent way.’
‘While Douglas Cowan is not a specialist offshore or shipping lawyer, his experience in dealing with a wide range of other types of injury claims, and approaches taken there, has been in some ways a breath of fresh air.’
‘Mainly involved in our litigated EL/PL work, on Scottish claims, Keoghs’ Glasgow team tick all the boxes in terms of balancing our financial and reputational risks.’
‘David Hennessey is a safe pair of hands who understands the importance of brand values in claims management.’
Work highlights
- Acted for a large UK insurer in a claim involving a bicycle and car where it was important to demonstrate that liability does not always attach to the car driver in these cases.
Ledingham Chalmers LLP
Jointly led by John Chalmers, Victoria Leslie and Graeme Edward, Ledingham Chalmers LLP's team is renowned regionally for the large volume of work it undertakes for local authorities in Scotland. It is particularly knowledgeable about employers’ liability, industrial disease and public liability issues. The group also handles cases across Scotland for insurers, with particular expertise in fraudulent, catastrophic injury and fatal claims. Sarah Morris garners client praise as ‘a very able and experienced litigator'.
Practice head(s):
John Chalmers; Victoria Leslie; Graeme Edward
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Morris
Testimonials
‘This is a team of hard-working, highly skilled lawyers who deliver excellence.’
‘Victoria Leslie provides an excellent service to clients. She is highly skilled and thorough and leaves no stone unturned when achieving her client’s best interests.’
‘Sarah Morris is standout. She started with the firm as a trainee and is now a partner. She is really popular with clients because she demands excellence, whilst always being a pleasure to work with.’
‘Ledingham Chalmers do a huge amount of work for local authorities in Scotland, particularly in terms of defending personal injury litigations. They have an extremely able and experienced team in their Edinburgh office.’
‘Sarah Morris is a very able and experienced litigator who works extremely hard on her cases and has excellent attention to detail.’
‘Ledingham Chalmers offer an excellent service to a number of major public authority customers.’
‘Graeme Edward is a class act.’
Key clients
Gallagher Bassett International
Direct Line Insurance
North Lanarkshire Council
South Lanarkshire Council
Scottish Borders Council
Police Scotland
Zurich Insurance
East Lothian Council
Highland Council
Zenith Insurance
Markerstudy Insurance
Tradex
Work highlights
- Defending the insured in £5m catastrophic personal injury claim in the Court of Session.
- Defending high-value personal injury stress at work claim in Court of Session.
- Defending a house fire fatality claim brought against a local authority in Court of Session.
Weightmans LLP
Weightmans LLP handles a full range of claims, including those related to road traffic accidents and industrial disease. Pamela Stevenson and Seonaid Busby jointly lead the team, which is also active in cases arising from accidents at work, public liability matters and fatal claims. In September 2020, Douglas Keir was appointed to the Sheriffdom of Lothian and Borders.
Practice head(s):
Pamela Stevenson; Seonaid Busby
Testimonials
‘Weightmans’ team in Glasgow has very wide knowledge across the claims sector, and many practitioners are extremely knowledgeable about disease cases, which can be quite specialised.’
‘I find Pamela Stevenson very knowledgeable, quick to respond to emails and always eager to help. She provides comprehensive reports, updates and training sessions and is always pleasant and professional.’
‘An excellent firm with a strong reputation in defender reparation and a significant portfolio of insurance clients. The practice handles a full range of claims from road traffic accidents to disease related litigation.’
‘Seonaid Busby is a very hard-working, knowledgeable, experienced and respected solicitor, who is extremely personable and has a very strong relationship with those insurers and companies that instruct her.’
Key clients
AIG Europe
The Co-operative Insurance
Zurich Insurance
Sabre Insurance
First Central Insurance
PIB Insurance Brokers
First Underwriting
AXAXL
BAI
Peel Ports
Work highlights
- Acting in a fatal mesothelioma action, securing a heavily discounted settlement as a consequence of the detailed liability investigations undertaken.
- Acted in a foreign accident RTA action, successfully defended at proof and obtained an award of expenses against the pursuer.
- Acted in a cellulitis claim, securing a settlement at a nominal level following detailed liability and medical causation investigations.