Hall Of Fame

Next Generation Partners

Rising Stars

Personal injury: claimant in Yorkshire And The Humber

Irwin Mitchell

Irwin Mitchell retains its eminent reputation through the combination of its large team of personal injury experts, its track record of securing excellent rehabilitation, and its strong and established local and national presence. Adrian Budgen leads the practice in Sheffield, specialising in asbestos and workplace illness, while Sion Kingston heads the team in Leeds and focusses on a range of catastrophic injuries. The significant depth of the wider team is illustrated by the preponderance of seasoned experts, including Louise Jenkins, who specialises in brain injuries; Carolyn Heaton, who leads on neurotrauma; Rachael Aram, who manages work in serious injury; Ian Toft, who works on life-limiting disease; Claire Newstead, who is in charge of polytrauma matters; and David Johnston-Keay, who focusses on occupational disease claims. David Withers works on high severity claims and has advocacy experience before inquests and trials.

Practice head(s):

Sion Kingston; Adrian Budgen


Other key lawyers:

Louise Jenkins; Carolyn Heaton; Rachael Aram; Ian Toft; Claire Newstead; David Johnston-Keay; Hema Rana; David Withers


Testimonials

‘I have worked with the team for a number of years now, and in each case I have been involved in, regardless of who is handling the file, I have found the firm to be extremely diligent, forward thinking, and tenacious in their pursuit of justice for their clients.’

‘The individuals I have worked with from this team have all been diligent, honest, flexible, firm but fair, highly motivated, compassionate, sensitive and empathetic, and have operated with the highest level of integrity.’

‘The whole team were amazing and worked so well together. All were so helpful and understanding.’

‘Irwin Mitchell in my opinion are first class at personal injury claims. I would recommend this firm to anyone who needed their help.’

‘This is an excellent team that is pound for pound as good as any in the country. Exceptionally hard-working and well-prepared, very committed to clients, deep knowledge and experience, and excellently led.’

‘Carolyn Heaton is among the very best litigators and leaders of a team. She has outstanding ability. She is extremely ably assisted by Hema Rana (a very hard-working and caring lawyer who carries the heaviest of cases).’

‘The Sheffield and Leeds’ offices offer the perfect combination of a national reputation but local knowledge and regional pricing. Quality people, and great organisation.’

‘The quality of the team is maintained by frequent experience of difficult claims and difficult defendants and in-house training. I work with a number of other firms and, while they may have good individuals, they lack the overall quality, support and depth of expertise that IM are able to offer.’

Work highlights


  • Represented the claimant in a case relating to his exposure to asbestos during a limited 5/6 day period in 1987, with the defendant conceding liability.
  • Representing the family of Mrs Begum in a novel attempt to establish civil liability for the Smart Motorway network operators for her death on that network.
  • Secured a settlement for a PPO equivalent to a lump sum valued at 72.5% of £17.9m for a nine-year-old claimant pedestrian who suffered catastrophic brain injuries.

Stewarts Law LLP

Stewarts Law LLP is differentiated by its ability to offer clients representation by catastrophic injury specialists working smaller caseloads to provide bespoke services, primarily in relation to serious spinal and brain injuries, amputations, and other complex mandates. The Leeds team is headed up by Daniel Herman, who has an established track record in high-value spinal and brain injury claims. Ben Townsend is active on matters pertaining to severe brain injury, and has worked on a number of cases involving vehicle crashes overseas. Warren Maxwell focuses on issues relating to employers’ and occupiers’ liability, in addition to his specialism in acting on behalf of injured military personnel.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Herman


Other key lawyers:

Ben Townsend; Warren Maxwell; Chris Smith; Lauren Atkinson


Testimonials

‘They are excellent at assessing what professionals injured people need. They are clear in their instructions. They know the best expert witnesses and they use the best barristers. They have good relationships with clients and they don’t hide behind a suit. They are genuine and personable. They care for each client as an individual. They are creative in problem solving.’

‘This team have unparalleled experience in progressing claims to a successful conclusion. The real difference with this firm is that they genuinely engage with the client and have their best interests front and centre at all times.’

‘Lauren Atkinson has incredible attention to detail. Chris Smith is highly pragmatic and tactically astute.’

‘Dan Herman is an absolute titan in this field. Fights ferociously for his clients and has an extraordinary breadth and depth of experience. He is head and shoulders above the rest in the claimant PI market.’

‘Stewarts specialise in spinal cord, traumatic brain injury and amputation claims valued in excess of £1,000,000. The fee earners have a limited number of files, which ensures they are able to focus on the immediate needs of their seriously injured clients and there is excellent supervision and teamwork from head of department to paralegal. Stewarts are quite simply the best at what they do in the field of serious injury litigation.’

‘Dan Herman is at the top of his game. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law, works incredibly hard for his clients and has probably achieved more million pound plus settlements than any other serious injury solicitor in the country. He commands the respect of the insurer on the other side and adds significant value to any case.’

‘Simply the go-to firm in the north for high-value PI claims. Head and shoulders above the rest.’

‘Warren Maxwell is at the top of his game and has a superb manner with clients and experts alike. Ben Townsend has vast experience as a tenacious PI litigator.’

Work highlights


  • Acted for a 22-year-old man who sustained a thoracic spinal cord injury in a road traffic collision, settling the case for £10m.
  • Acted for a 29-year-old man who sustained a cervical spinal cord injury in an RTA, reaching a settlement of £10.75m.
  • Acted for a 29-year-old lady who sustained a severe brain injury in an RTA, securing a settlement of £3.5m.

Switalskis Solicitors

Operating from Doncaster, Switalskis Solicitors continues to 'combine a personal, local and individual feel with in-depth knowledge and expertise'. Mark Hollinghurst and his dedicated team have established capabilities in brain and spinal injury, while John McQuater leverages his market-leading expertise to advise clients on amputation, fatalities, and complex appeals. Diane Parker has a stellar track record in employers' liability, occupiers' liability, and road traffic accidents. The team additionally provides exceptional representation in relation to child abuse work, with David Greenwood bringing his eminent position in this space to the firm’s prominent lobbying and claims work; he works alongside Amy Clowrey, who is also noted for her leading work in this field.

Practice head(s):

Mark Hollinghurst; Diane Parker; David Greenwood; John McQuater


Other key lawyers:

Amy Clowrey


Testimonials

‘A middle-sized firm but with a huge knowledge of personal injury work and a massive dedication to the cause of their clients. Doggedly persistent. Achieve excellent results. Compared to the ‘giants’ of this sector, they are without doubt a better choice for most people looking for quality but with a personal touch.’

‘There is probably no better lawyer in the field of personal injury work than Mark Hollinghurst. He works tirelessly for his clients. He is calm and collected, almost unflappable, and invariably right. He achieves results. He will never give up on a cause he believes in.’

‘The serious brain injury unit led by Mark Hollinghurst is a stand-out team. As good as or better than any that you will find anywhere or at any firm. They work collaboratively as a team deploying several fee earners appropriately to a catastrophic case. The attitude to rehabilitation is exceptional and funding of litigation is never a problem. Mark is involved in every case. A terrific brain that you want on your side.’

‘Mark Hollinghurst has intellect in abundance, with good judgment and brilliant analysis and tactics. He gets results that others just could not.’

‘Switalskis Solicitors combine a personal, local and individual feel with in-depth knowledge and expertise. I cannot recommend them highly enough for high-value and complex personal injury and fatal accident litigation. Partner oversight and involvement is second to none.’

‘Mark Hollinghurst is a highly knowledgeable serious and fatal injury litigator. He combines a personable and measured approach with in-depth knowledge and huge experience. He is fantastic with clients. Mark is extremely hands-on, with a guiding hand on his fee earners’ cases above and beyond what I have seen at similar firms elsewhere.’

‘This practice is very client focused. You really gain the view that they are fighting hard for their clients and ensuring they are being very thorough. They are also very sensitive to client needs and always put these first, ensuring they feel safe and protected.’

‘Amy Clowrey and David Greenwood are standout lawyers. Just very client focused, efficient and work very well with experts. They are both respectful and appropriately challenging of cases. Ultimately I know they have their clients’ interests firmly at the forefront of their work and this makes it very easy to work with them.’

Work highlights


  • Represented over 25% of applicants to the Lambeth Children’s Home Redress Scheme, resulting in over £21m in damages for applicants to date and £3.3m in costs.
  • Successfully lobbied the Ministry of Justice to create a redress scheme for survivors of abuse in Medomsley Detention Centre.

Thompsons Solicitors LLP

Thompsons Solicitors LLP acts for national trade unions and charities, handling the full scope of both accident and disease claims. The accident team focusses on high severity cases, working on brain and spinal injuries, in addition to a range of occupational injuries; Simon Wilson heads up the national practice for this work, with a particular interest in severe brain injury and loss of capacity, and works alongside newly promoted partner Helen Shakespeare, who specialises in maximum severity cases, including neurotrauma, spinal injury, amputation, and fatalities. The disease team, led by senior associate Marion Voss, has substantial experience handling asbestos claims.

Practice head(s):

Simon Wilson


Other key lawyers:

Helen Shakespeare; Marion Voss; Mark Allen


Testimonials

‘Thompsons come from a union background that gives them an almost unique client-focussed objective. No other firm so prioritises the client’s interests (often over their own). They have a long history of fighting cutting-edge test cases that gives them a huge advantage when negotiating with insurers.’

‘Helen Shakespeare is superb. She marries huge experience and technical ability with an easygoing manner. She’s a real team player who is unafraid to get her hands dirty and fight when the need arises.’

‘The wealth of experience possessed by the team, their in-depth knowledge of all of the medical and litigation issues associated with serious injury claims, in addition to excellent resources, makes them an obvious first choice for seriously injured clients.’

‘Helen Shakespeare: excellent in dealing with clients and with opponents. She fights tirelessly for each client’s best interest and is particularly good in helping those who have serious brain injuries.

‘The Thompsons team has considerable experience in the field of asbestos disease claims and is one of the leading claimants’ law firms. They take on difficult cases without charge and progress claims speedily and efficiently.’

‘Very sick clients have their claims sympathetically and expeditiously handled.’

‘A great asbestos disease team.’

‘Marion Voss is particularly skilled and experienced.’

Work highlights


  • Settled a case for an above knee amputee for £1.5m.
  • Settled a multi-defendant mesothelioma case in less than 12 months for £177,500.
  • Settled a case for a client who developed bladder cancer from exposure to chemicals at work for £160,000.

Hudgell Solicitors

Hudgell Solicitors is highly regarded by clients for its focus on both immediate and long-term arrangements and its wide-ranging capabilities, which span all manner of catastrophic injury claims. Samuel McFadyen leads the team from Hull, with a focus on severe injury claims, particularly those relating to brain and spinal injuries. Sarah Kidd, who specialises in public liability and road traffic accidents, is another key group member.

Practice head(s):

Samuel McFadyen


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Kidd


Work highlights


  • Representing a claimant following a car accident in a claim with an estimated value of £10m.
  • Secured a settlement of £850,420 for a claimant following multiple injuries incurred in a car crash.
  • Representing a claimant following a spinal column injury suffered in a road traffic accident that left him paraplegic in a claim valued at £4-5m.

Morrish Solicitors LLP

Morrish Solicitors LLP acts for unions and associations, covering the full range of accident and disease claims, with niche specialisms in injuries occuring in the performing arts, education, and equine spaces. Working from Leeds, Laura Nabozny heads the team and works on matters concerning catastrophic injuries involving employers' liability, as well as leading on the firm’s work in the performing arts sector. John Morrison is another notable name.

Practice head(s):

Laura Nabozny


Other key lawyers:

John Morrison


Testimonials

‘Laura Nabozny has a niche expertise in claims arising from the entertainment industry; her expertise in this area is unrivalled.’

‘Laura Nabozny is excellent – very down to earth with excellent client care skills.’

‘Well known for their personal injury work generally with particular expertise dealing with claims involving horses. Leading claimant firm dealing with equine PI claims.’

Key clients

National Education Union


National Association of Racing Staff


Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association


National Association of Examination Officers


British Grooms Association


Musicians’ Union


Society of Union Employees


Social Workers’ Union


Pharmacists’ Defence Association


National Association of Probation Officers


SJP Law

SJP Law is active in relation to serious injuries, covering complex and high-value bone, brain, and spinal injury claims, arising largely from road traffic accidents. Neil Holland heads the teams in both Hull and York, working alongside director Simon Burgess, who is based in Hull and has a history of acting in major cases before the appellate courts.

Practice head(s):

Neil Holland


Other key lawyers:

Simon Burgess


Testimonials

‘From the start, SJP very strongly demonstrated legal and medical knowledge/understanding; there was great attention to detail and I always felt SJP fully understood the complex nature and extent of my set of injuries. It was unmistakable how well SJP, as a smaller firm, worked closely as a team. There was clearly mutual respect and a high value associated to each member of the team. SJP provided excellent value for money, they invest in developing skilled staff and sourcing reputable experts.’

‘All of the staff are very helpful and approachable at all times. They explain clearly every aspect of the process and do not make you feel under pressure.’

‘The solicitor I worked with showed great compassion and empathy to my situation and went above and beyond to support and reassure me.’

Taylor & Emmet LLP

Taylor Emmet covers a range of claims, with capabilities that extend to catastrophic injuries, industrial disease, criminal injuries and all types of fast track matters. John Green is the head of the department, working on the a number of serious brain injury claims arising from road traffic accidents, supported by highly experienced former practice head Jonathan Stittle.

Practice head(s):

John Green


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan Stittle


Testimonials

‘From the initial enquiry, Taylor Emmet make you feel at ease immediately. Everything at Taylor Emmett was simplified, avoiding time wasting.’

‘I was impressed by the teams collaborating to give me advice not only on the case at hand but other matters that were associated. Whenever I spoke with one section, they passed on my comments, questions and concerns and liaised with the relevant colleague so that our conversations were seamless.’

‘Although they maintained their professionalism, I found all the staff that I dealt with very personable and caring. I always felt at ease with whoever I dealt with there.’

Work highlights


  • Acting for a claimant who suffered a life-changing brain injury in an RTA.
  • Acting for a claimant who suffered a crush injury and psychological damage following an accident at work.
  • Acting for a claimant who sustained knee and spinal injuries following a slip at a supermarket.

The Asbestos Law Partnership LLP

The Asbestos Law Partnership LLP works exclusively in relation to claims arising from asbestos exposure and as such has developed specialist knowledge, with experience acting on behalf of clients who have suffered occupational, environmental, clothing-related, and familial exposure. Able to draw on a network of local charities and the firm’s wider national presence, practice head Paul Glanville is well regarded within the industrial disease space. Fozia Hussain's 'dedication and commitment to get the right outcome for her clients is second to none'.

Practice head(s):

Paul Glanville


Other key lawyers:

Fozia Hussain


Testimonials

‘The firm specialises in asbestos disease claims, acts only for claimants, and does not charge clients. The firm takes on difficult cases which other firms have turned down. The firm donates 10% of profits to charities which help asbestos disease sufferers.’

‘Paul Glanville is hugely experienced and is regarded as one of the leading asbestos diseases lawyers. Fozia Hussain is very experienced in asbestos disease claims and handles cases effectively and efficiently. Their clients, many of whom are very ill, appreciate their empathetic handling of claims.’

‘Fozia Hussain was always confident and assuring and motivated me to strive for a better settlement.’

Work highlights


  • Secured a six-figure settlement for a client exposed to low levels of asbestos dust when servicing vacuum cleaners used by asbestos removal specialists.
  • Settled an environmental mesothelioma claim for a client who was exposed to asbestos dust as a child.
  • Achieved a settlement in under six months for a mesothelioma client who lost his brother to the same disease months before his own diagnosis.

Emsleys Solicitors Limited

Emsleys Solicitors Limited are active primarily in relation to employers’, occupiers’ and public liability claims, but also have experience handling complex injuries arising from RTAs. Andrew Greenwood co-leads the team, working on serious brain, spinal, and fatal injury cases alongside counterpart John Hutchings, who specialises in employers’ liability.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Greenwood


Other key lawyers:

John Hutchings


Testimonials

‘A firm that stands out because of its approach to personal injury work: personal service, quality lawyers and great results. Large enough to have good resources but small enough to mean every client matters.’

‘Andrew Greenwood is an outstanding lawyer. Charming, considerate, vastly experienced and capable, he is not bettered by anyone in this field, in my opinion.’

‘The firm has got a great client touch which is crucial in the claimant personal injury market. Clients really feel Emsleys have their best interests at heart.’

Work highlights


  • Secured an early admission of liability for a claimant involved in a serious RTA, settling the claim for a value of £250,000.
  • Successfully negotiated a settlement for the claimant for the sum of £1.625m for an RTA.
  • Successfully negotiated a settlement of £1.3m for a claimant who suffered a serious brain injury in an RTA.

Graysons Solicitors

Graysons Solicitors acts across a range of different claims, with Peter Clark leading work on industrial disease and inquests, and Jonathan West heading up matters concerning occupational injury. Jane Cooper oversees the entire Sheffield-based team. The firm has a number of connections with local charities, and proven capabilities in relation to multi-track employers’, occupiers’ and public liability claims.

Practice head(s):

Peter Clark; Jane Cooper


Other key lawyers:

Jonathan West


Testimonials

‘Approachable, friendly, understanding, concerned and caring about the clients.’

‘Jane Cooper has always gone above and beyond my expectations with outstanding professionalism, knowledge, experience, competency and extreme diligence.’

‘Jane Cooper has dealt with my case very professionally. I have never had a major accident or made a claim before. I have been through a lot these past 3 years for something that wasn’t my fault and she has handled everything and put my mind at ease and with her help I have got the care that I needed.’

Harrowells Solicitors

Harrowells Solicitors covers both accident and disease claims, with proven capabilities in handling high-value mandates. Richard Wood heads up the York-based practice. Kim Daniells is also noted for her work in this area.

Practice head(s):

Richard Wood


Other key lawyers:

Kim Daniells


Testimonials

‘I found Harrowells very satisfactory in all respects.’

‘Kim Daniells very much felt “on my side” and was very quick to answer any questions I had. She was also very empathetic when my injuries or situation made certain elements of the claim difficult and would help finding solutions to these difficulties.’

‘The team, and Kim Daniells in particular, were extremely helpful from day one. We felt listened to and able to ask questions when we didn’t understand the legal process.’

Baxter Caulfield

Ramsdens Solicitors LLP covers the full spectrum of injury claims and related areas, focussing on litigation concerning employers’ liability, public liability, and RTAs. Natalie Marrison heads up the practice, working exclusively with those who have sustained significant orthopaedic, brain or spinal injuries.

Practice head(s):

Natalie Marrison


Testimonials

‘Ramsdens is a people-centred firm, whether it is with clients or staff. It is always timely with responses and explains all steps of any case from the beginning. All staff I have dealt with have been approachable on the phone and at conferences.’

‘Practitioners are caring and decisive and move cases along in a timely manner. They are available to speak to when needed. Support staff will always provide back-up with research, updates and technical advice.’

‘They always come across as very responsive and knowledgeable about their field of work. They also keep you informed on cases in a timely way and are open to discussion at any point if anything is unclear in their relationship with you and with the task itself.’