Hall Of Fame

Rising Stars

Firms To Watch: Personal injury: claimant

Trethowans LLP opened its Poole office at the beginning of 2022, supplementing the firm’s personal injury expertise in Salisbury. The group represents claimants in personal injury cases such as industrial disease claims and catastrophic injury cases.

Personal injury: claimant in South West

Clarke Willmott LLP

Clarke Willmott LLP‘s serious injury practice is praised for its ‘excellent judgment‘ and ‘high level expertise’ and handles a variety of claims involving issues ranging from catastrophic injuries and fatal accidents to psychiatric disorders and amputations. The team can also leverage the firm’s capabilities in other practice groups within its Taunton office, including family law, private client and Court of Protection knowledge. Lee Hart and Chris Thorne act as joint practice head and have longstanding experience dealing with claims arising out of serious injuries. James Edmondson is a name to note at senior associate level.

Practice head(s):

Lee Hart; Chris Thorne


Other key lawyers:

Philip Edwards; James Edmondson


Testimonials

‘Lee Hart – exceptional, astute, calm, with excellent judgment and a determination to achieve the best outcome for his clients.’

‘I am impressed by the high level of expertise within this firm and the care they take to treat each client as an individual person. They are professional, efficient and trustworthy.’

‘Lee Hart is a highly skilled and competent solicitor whom I have worked with for many years. He truly cares about his clients and goes the extra mile to meet their needs and do the best for them. Lee Hart is efficient, responds quickly to correspondence and is, overall, a genuine and friendly individual. I would have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone, as indeed I already have done in the past.’

‘One of the leading firms specialising in PI work in the South West. Very experienced in a broad range of personal injury work, including high value/catastrophic injury cases.’

‘Lee Hart is very experienced in head and spinal injury claims. Sound judgment, very good with clients, quiet authority. Able to conduct complex litigation with ease.’

‘The team are headed up by highly experienced and approachable solicitors, particularly in the complex and catastrophic injury field. I feel confident that they put the client’s interests first and understand the role of others working alongside them.’

‘I would go to the Clarke Wilmott team if I ever needed to myself, and enjoy a positive professional relationship with them.’

‘As leaders of their teams, Chris Thorne, Lee Hart and Philip Edwards are all knowledgeable, approachable and collaborative, making for positive working relationships.’

Enable Law

Enable Law significantly expanded its practice with the acquisition of Ince & Co’s personal injury practice in April 2023. Kay McClusky and Gillian Clark are two of the key additions to the Bristol team, which sports expertise across a number of areas including child neglect, head injury and abuse cases. Huw Ponting leads the practice and Pamela-Jane Riley is a key name to note.

Practice head(s):

Huw Ponting


Other key lawyers:

Tim Jones; Juliette Clarke; Pamela-Jane Riley; Gary Walker; Kay McClusky; Gillian Clark


Testimonials

‘Enable Law are a very easy team to work with. Their knowledge of their specialist areas shines through from top to bottom with each member of the team being well versed in both the needs of the clients and what is being asked of the experts being instructed to support them.’

‘Enable Law has a very strong abuse law team.

‘Gary Walker is an obvious standout, and has remained a recognised leader in the area of abuse law for many years now.’

‘The Enable Law personal injury practice has drawn together a number of talented individuals from other firms in the South West over the past 10 years and so built upon an existing reputation as a top tier claimant PI/CN team.’

‘Tim Jones – a really hardworking and tenacious lawyer who genuinely cares about his clients and achieves excellent outcomes.’

‘All of the team I have come across at Enable Law are highly capable and experienced individuals.’

‘The practice offers a specialist service dealing with complex and high-value personal injury and clinical negligence. They have experienced lawyers and can offer strength in depth.’

‘Very experienced, impeccable attention to detail and considerable knowledge of the subject matters.’

Irwin Mitchell

With a ‘highly professional, realistic, friendly and accessible service’, Irwin Mitchell‘s personal injury department counts serious injury, industrial disease, and cross-border claims among its core pillars of work. James Davies leads the serious injury team and has in-depth experience acting on behalf of adults and children in spinal cord and brain injury matters. The industrial disease group is headed up by Virginia Chalmers, who is qualified in Canada in addition to England and Wales, and is well versed in asbestos-related claims. Catastrophic injury matters form part of Deborah Rose‘s advisory portfolio.

Practice head(s):

James Davies; Virginia Chalmers; Philip Banks


Other key lawyers:

Deborah Rose; Rebecca Buxton; Alexandra Lausen


Testimonials

‘Amazing team – very professional and personable.’

‘I always feel as if I am well informed and that I have a whole team of people working hard for me to get me the best possible outcome for me and my future financial stability.’

‘Irwin Mitchell provided me with a highly professional, realistic, friendly and accessible service.’

‘I work with their asbestos team – highly experienced, they are very good lawyers.’

‘Virginia Chalmers – one of the best in the business, I would trust her with the most high value and complex cases.’

‘Ginny Chalmers is a fantastic lawyer who always goes the extra mile.’

‘Rebecca Buxton is brilliant – very clever and with a strong strategic sense.’

‘Alexandra Lausen – fights the corner for her clients.’

RWK Goodman

Claims relating to CRPS, polytauma victims, brain and spinal cord injuries, as well as amputations are at the core of RWK Goodman‘s personal injury practice, though the group’s expertise extends to other areas such as mesothelioma and animal cases. The team acts in high-value and complex claims across the South West under the leadership of ‘excellent lawyer’ Louise Hart as well as brain and spinal cord injury expert Stuart Brazington. Jennifer Seavor is the key contact for industrial disease cases and is particularly well versed in matters arising out of asbestos exposure.

Practice head(s):

Louise Hart; Stuart Brazington


Other key lawyers:

Jennifer Seavor; Abbie Porter; Mark Hambleton


Testimonials

‘RWK Goodman were incredibly supportive of my claim from day one. They kept me up to date with regular updates. The whole team were on hand to answer my questions and I was never made to feel as though I was bothering them.’

‘Louise Hart always puts the client at the heart of everything she does. She is an excellent lawyer, and is always sensible and measured when dealing with opponents. She has a real eye for detail.’

‘Jennifer Seavor and Abbie Porter were both professional and friendly throughout the process of my claim.’

Humphreys & Co.

Humphreys & Co. is known for its specialism in mesothelioma cases, although the practice is also well versed in claims relating to other asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and pleural thickening. Handling matters at a domestic as well as international scale, the team is led by Stephen Burbidge, who is hailed as a ‘very experienced asbestos litigator’. Fabio Seccatore is another asbestos specialist with experience relating to other serious injuries such as paralysis and amputation.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Burbidge


Other key lawyers:

Fabio Seccatore


Testimonials

‘Amazing team – highly professional and reliable.’

‘Stephen Burbidge is extremely good and knowledgeable.’

‘The personal injury team at Humphreys & Co are quick to respond to queries, highly knowledgeable and aware of the complexities of industrial diseases in the lungs.’

‘Stephen Burbidge has a clear understanding of the medical issues involved in asbestos related lung disease.’

‘Humphreys & Co were professional, knowledgeable, diligent, and generally went to great lengths to explain the claims process and associated costs in layman’s terms. I felt that they gave a very compassionate and personal service, particularly given the sensitive nature of the claim.’

‘Stephen Burbidge is a very experienced asbestos litigator who has been undertaking these complex disease claims for many years.’

‘I dealt mainly with Stephen Burbidge. His knowledge and expertise is outstanding. He explained each part of the claim process in great detail, taking care that I understood what was going on at all times.’

‘Stephen Burbidge was extremely professional throughout. His knowledge of the subject in hand was first rate. All communications were carried out in a friendly and reassuring manner. My claim was carried out to a satisfactory conclusion.’

Lester Aldridge LLP

Reputed for its work on brain and spinal injury claims, Lester Aldridge LLP predominantly deals with cases arising out of road traffic accidents. As head of both clinical negligence and personal injury, David Healy is adept at handling cases spanning both practice areas and has a particular specialism in motorcycle accident issues. Associate Fiona Brooke regularly handles orthopaedic injury, fatal accident and dependency claims.

Practice head(s):

David Healy


Other key lawyers:

Fiona Brooke


Testimonials

‘I have worked with David Healy with a number of clients. I have found him extremely easy to work with. He has a high level of knowledge of medical conditions and difficulties which impacts greatly on him ensuring his clients get the support and input they need.’

‘Specialist and experienced personal injury team dedicated to deriving the optimal settlements for clients.’

‘David Healey is an extremely good communicator who goes over and above to ensure his clients are part of the whole process and understand the legal process.’

‘David Healey works well as part of the wider team. He understands the need for a multidisciplinary team and all of their roles. He always obtains funds early to ensure that rehabilitation occurs for the client.’

‘Good mix of experience levels. Able to manage both low and high value cases with equal care.’

‘Fiona Brooke – very personable and down to earth. Excellent with clients.’

‘David Healey has taken over cases from other solicitor firms and turned a case around.’

‘I would highly recommend David Healey and would feel confident that any client will be well supported and have the best of outcomes possible.’

Lyons Davidson

With a particularly active personal injury practice, Lyons Davidson is adept at representing claimants who have suffered from both road traffic accidents and non-motor injuries. The serious and catastrophic injury team is led by Emma Saville, while Laura Merry spearheads the practice’s brain and spinal injury department. The ‘efficient and tenacious’ senior associate Oliver Marsh leads on foreign claims work and counts matters relating to road traffic accidents as well as injuries arising from animals among his areas of focus.

Practice head(s):

Emma Saville; Laura Merry


Other key lawyers:

Kerry Dutton; Christopher Kemp; Oliver Marsh


Testimonials

‘An excellent team both for defendant and claimant work.’

‘Kerry Dutton is an excellent personal injury solicitor.’

‘Lyons Davidson Solicitors proved to be very knowledgeable in personal injury law.’

‘Christopher Kemp was my case handler and showed great understanding and professional knowledge, including compassion, which was much appreciated. He provided clear advice, information and guidance.’

‘They understand the problems and deal with them in a discreet and confidential manner.’

‘Christopher Kemp was understanding and fully supportive with the information that was required from myself.’

‘Very personable and reliable, always on hand to explain and answer any questions. Really felt as though our best interests were the top priority.’

‘Oliver Marsh – a rising star in travel law personal injury claims. Efficient and tenacious. Very competent and reliable.’

Work highlights


  • Representing a 45-year-old male who was involved in a high velocity head-on collision with another vehicle in January 2020.
  • Representing a 58-year-old woman who brought a claim which arose out of two separate accidents at work in 2018 and 2019 in which she sustained serious injury.
  • Representing an 80-year-old male who was struck by a car whilst crossing a road in September 2021.

Thompsons Solicitors LLP

Thompsons Solicitors LLP‘s core pillars of expertise in the personal injury space span traumatic brain and spinal cord injury claims as well as amputation mandates. The firm also sports an active practice in relation to mesothelioma issues and has close ties with trade unions at a regional and national level. Praised for being ‘well-versed in applicable legal and procedural issues’, Nicholas Seymour leads on asbestos-related claims, while Lisa Gunner ‘steers a calm ship in rough seas’ and is noted for her experience in serious injury claims, ranging from spinal cord injuries to amputations.

Practice head(s):

Nicholas Seymour; Lisa Gunner


Testimonials

‘Thompsons Bristol office has a strong team dealing with asbestos litigation.’

‘Nicholas Seymour is well-versed in applicable legal and procedural issues. His work is always well-prepared and he is efficient and responsive. His clients have every confidence that he will fight their corner “tooth and nail”.’

‘Excellent communication. Very well presented and appropriate materials.’

‘Fantastic nationwide team.’

‘Lisa Gunner is very experienced, knowledgeable and fantastic to work with. She steers a calm ship in rough seas.’

Work highlights


  • Handled a $4.75m claim for injured claimant following RTA with complex injuries.
  • Handling schools asbestos litigation with a value over £1m.
  • Handling an RTA brain injury case with a value over £15m.

VWV

Trading under the name Augustines Injury Law, VWV‘s personal injury group remains a go-to port of call for claimants with a broad range of injuries, including traumatic head injuries and spinal fractures. The practice is steered by Nicola Bickham, who is experienced handling claims pertaining to RTAs and accidents at work. With experience in both clinical negligence and personal injury mandates, Jonathan Peacock is a key contact for brain injury claims.

Practice head(s):

Nicola Bickham


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Peacock


Testimonials

‘Nicola Bickham – very knowledgeable. Understands the importance of detail. Deals with clients, experts and opponents brilliantly.’

‘A compassionate group of lawyers who aim to achieve the best result for their clients.’

‘Jonathan Peacock brings a wealth of industry knowledge to bear on his cases and is able to advise and represent the very seriously injured.’

‘Jonathan Peacock is a long-standing serious injury solicitor. Considerably experienced and willing to fight.’

‘It is a rarity to have a smaller specialist personal injury firm to represent claimants in a market flooded by larger firms. VWV retains a local presence with quality advice for injured claimants where you know you will be able to speak to your solicitor at the end of the phone.’

‘Nicola Bickham deals with complex and often high value serious injury work covering both personal injury and clinical negligence practice areas. She is absolutely dedicated to her clients and never leaves a stone unturned.’

‘From the moment I made my initial inquiry with VWV, I was made to feel like an individual rather than just a claim number.’

Barcan+Kirby LLP

At Barcan+Kirby LLP, the personal injury practice works closely with other departments within the firm, including the probate and court of protection teams, to handle complex claims arising out of road traffic incidents or at work. Samantha Castle is hailed as ‘someone who fights her client’s corner’ and leads the team with deep-seated experience in a variety of matters including occupier’s liability cases and cycling accidents. Serious injury claims such as spinal injuries and fatal accidents are a central area of focus for Myfanwy Buckeridge.

Practice head(s):

Samantha Castle


Other key lawyers:

Myfanwy Buckeridge


Testimonials

‘A small firm punching beyond its size.’

‘I work with Myfanwy Buckeridge – immensely experienced, unflappable, has the benefit of sitting as an assistant coroner which gives her an extra perspective of what is required, relentlessly efficient, and delightful.’

‘Myfanwy Buckeridge can draw on partners where needed, and they are supportive.’

‘The team at Barcan Kirby are very impressive. Each one of their partners, solicitors and paralegals brings a wealth of knowledge, understanding and practicability to their cases.’

‘Barcan Kirby’s team is rigorous and has a knowledgeable approach to their cases. They are effective communicators and seek to bring cases to a swift conclusion whilst obtaining great results for their clients.’

‘The team have a thorough approach with a personal touch. They know their area of law well, and will make sure that no stone is left unturned.’

‘Samantha Castle is someone who fights her client’s corner. Myfanway Buckeridge really cares about her clients.’

Slee Blackwell

Slee Blackwell is sought out for claims relating to fatal accidents, injuries caused by animals, abuse, and matters arising out of stress at work. Practice head James McNally has built a niche specialism representing claimants in incidents arising out of dog bites; this is also a particular area of expertise for Jasmine Moxey-Butler alongside representing children in personal injury cases. Claims pertaining to stress at work as well as historic abuse are focus areas for the ‘knowledgeable, efficient and professional’ Elizabeth Duncan.

Practice head(s):

James McNally


Other key lawyers:

Jasmine Moxey-Butler; Elizabeth Duncan


Testimonials

‘Slee Blackwell have vast experience of complex claims arising out of sexual abuse. They are the clear market leaders in the West Country.’

‘James McNally, Elizabeth Duncan, and Jasmine Moxley-Butler are three senior and stand out individuals. Their priority is consistently the client’s well-being and satisfaction, and they always go the extra mile.’

‘I am very satisfied with my experience with Jasmine Moxey-Butler. I appreciate her professionalism and her ability to work under unique conditions.’

‘Excellent advice from the start and gave me confidence to continue with the action for compensation. I couldn’t have asked for better service.’

‘Jasmine Moxey-Butler was professional yet reassuring throughout the process. She was incredibly efficient and kept me updated every step of the way.’

‘They genuinely care about their client.’

‘Elizabeth Duncan goes above and beyond to provides an exceptional service and genuine concern for her client. She is knowledgeable, efficient and professional whilst making the client feel valued and understood.’

Work highlights


  • Representing a claimant who suffered severe dog bites and psychological injury when he was attacked by the defendant’s dog.
  • Acted for a client in an abuse claim against Devon County Council and his former primary school headmistress.
  • Acting for a 35-year-old Barnstaple man who lost all eight fingers in an accident at work.

Wards Solicitors LLP

Wards Solicitors LLP‘s personal injury division has a strong reputation for managing claims related to various types of accidents, including those that occur on the road, at work, or due to industrial diseases. The team is headed up by Alison Underhill, a seasoned litigator whose work includes handling claims arising out of sexual abuse, and occupiers and public liability issues. Helen Boyd is a key name for catastrophic injury work.

Practice head(s):

Alison Underhill


Other key lawyers:

Helen Boyd; Richard Green


Testimonials

‘Friendly and helpful. Always kept in touch throughout my case.’

‘I worked all of my case with Helen Boyd and l honestly don’t think she could have done anymore to support, help and advise me.’

‘The practice is helpful, understanding and responsive to needs and protective and reassuring to those who are vulnerable. Helen Boyd in particular, has an understanding of medical issues which can only be a product of hard work and experience.’

‘Richard Green was excellent. Always kept in touch and information was quickly exchanged. He was also caring.’

‘Richard Green is a stand out PI solicitor within the firm. Knowlegable, approachable, and makes himself available to his clients as a priority.’

‘Kept informed every step of the way.’

‘Helen Boyd and Alison Underhill are both lawyers of the highest calibre with unmatched experience in the South West.’

‘I found Richard Green to be extremely helpful with all his advice.’

Coles Miller Solicitors LLP

Coles Miller Solicitors LLP‘s personal injury team, headed up by Adrian Cormack in Poole, represents clients who have suffered life-altering injuries due to various types of accidents, including those that happen abroad. The group’s workload includes cases concerning brain injuries and catastrophic injuries, as well as providing after-the-event insurance advice.

Practice head(s):

Adrian Cormack


Other key lawyers:

Chris Whittle


Testimonials

‘Team of experienced Solicitors and Paralegals who are available to support clients throughout the journey.’

‘Approachable and reactive to any queries or questions, especially Adrian Cormack.’

‘Adrian Cormack is extremely kind, understanding, courteous and unbelievably thorough. I’ve put my entire trust in him.’

Work highlights


  • Representing a client who suffered from bilateral shattered heels and broken ankles, and underwent surgery 2-3 weeks later to repair the damage once the swelling had subsided.
  • Representing a client who sustained a moderate severe traumatic brain injury.
  • Representing four members of the same family who were injured in February 2019 when a tree fell on their moving car. One occupant of the car, a friend of the family, was killed instantly.

GA Solicitors

‘With an excellent mix of experience’, GA Solicitors has a diverse personal injury practice that focuses on representing children as well as clients involved in motorcycle and cycling injuries and asbestos-related claims. Matthew Sheather heads up the PI and clinical negligence teams, with James Walsh leading on industrial disease and asbestos work.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Sheather; James Walsh


Other key lawyers:

Kevin Digby


Testimonials

‘Matthew Shearer was a very understanding, empathetic and professionally caring solicitor.’

‘Good quality team with some talented lawyers.’

‘The PI team at GA is a strong unit with an excellent mix of experience.’

‘Kevin Digby – a leading occupational disease and workplace injury lawyer. Few compare nationally.’

‘Matthew Sheather – A highly experienced solicitor who has a keen eye for detail. He delivers excellent results for his clients by ensuring that their claim has been forensically analysed.’

‘James Walsh- A real specialist in the field of industrial disease. A market leader in the South West who really knows his field of expertise.’

‘Kevin Digby – A solicitor you would want on your side when it comes to employers’ liability disputes.’

Hugh James

Hugh James is highly specialised in handling claims related to diseases caused by exposure to asbestos, with a specific focus on cases involving mesothelioma. Andrew Walker in Plymouth is adept at representing clients who have been exposed to asbestos during their military service.

Other key lawyers:

Andrew Walker; Graeme Chisholm


Testimonials

‘Andrew Walker is a stand out solicitor in his field. He has brilliant judgment and can see where a case has merits where most would not.’

‘The team from Hugh James are, in my opinion, unique, in that they really care and will always help if I ask for it. The team collaborate very effectively with their American counterparts in dealing with claims to the benefit of patients in the south west.’

‘Andrew Walker and his team are an integral part of my working life. They are ever ready to offer a listening ear, will contact individuals to support and inform them of processes in “layman” terms.’

Trowers & Hamlins LLP

Injuries caused by accidents abroad, through road traffic accidents or at work are part of Trowers & Hamlins LLP's personal injury workload. Bronwen Courtenay-Stamp and Ian Brown, who regularly handles cycling injury claims as well as claims relating to leisure activities, jointly lead the practice.

Practice head(s):

Bronwen Courtney-Stamp; Ian Brown


Other key lawyers:

Tom Sampford


Testimonials

‘Trowers is a first-class national firm with wide experience in a large range of legal fields.’

‘Tom Sampford – great experience of running injury cases for claimants and defendants. Wise intuition and excellent judgment. Works hard and effectively to get the best results for his clients.’

Wolferstans

Hailed as a ‘local leader in personal injury’, Wolferstans‘ claimant-side personal injury practice specialises in claims arising out of fatal accidents and sports additional experience in matters brought by veterans against the Ministry of Defence. Headed up by Jill Burrows, the group counts ‘fantastic lawyer’ Linda Woollams and senior associate Paul White among its key practitioners.

Practice head(s):

Jill Burrows


Other key lawyers:

Linda Woollams; Paul White


Testimonials

‘A local leader in personal injury. They offer unparalleled service in the Plymouth area with a good breadth knowledge throughout the firm.’

‘The practice is supportive of their clients and provides them with realistic expectations of the legal process, both in time and costs.’

‘Paul White is a fantastic member of the firm.’

‘Linda Woollams stands out as an exceptional solicitor.’

‘The firm is long established in Plymouth and in my experience can be relied on to do a high quality and timely job.’

‘Linda Woollams – A fantastic lawyer who fiercely pursues her client’s cause. An expert when it comes to claims involving the military.’

‘The team has an outstanding breadth and depth of expertise in personal injury claimant work.’

‘Paul White is a very able and experienced practitioner; an excellent lawyer with intuitive people skills.’

Work highlights


  • Represented a client in a settlement of £145,000 plus GIP benefits for life for an Able Seaman injured in an accident involving two RIB powerboats.
  • Represented a client in a settlement of £25,000 for a traumatic head injury caused by a lamppost whilst on private land.
  • Acted as personal representatives of the Estate of a deceased individual in a settlement of £225,000 for a fatal RTA involving 34 separate vehicles.