Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP‘s practice for defendant-side personal injury and clinical negligence claims has its main hub at the firm’s Ipswich office. The team handles high-value claims for large companies. ’Proactive, efficient and insightful’ practice head Nicola Lashmar jointly oversees the broader corporate claims team and specialises in crisis management. Louise Bland leads corporate claims alongside Lashmar and draws on vast experience in defendant personal injury work. Paul Coppin is another key figure to note when it comes to defendant personal injury, routinely leading on high profile, complex and multijurisdictional claims. At a more junior level, Elisa Vanhinsbergh is also frequently involved in this area.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘An outstanding team lead by Nicola Lashmar. They maintain a strong personal injury presence in their Ipswich office and this office services the corporate clients of Eversheds Sutherland (some of whom are very large corporations). In this sense they differ from the other leading PI firms and this makes them a niche practice. Because they service corporate clients they a very strong commercial and client-centred approach. Their knowledge and expertise at all levels of personal injury are a match for the well-known PI firms who I act for. ’

  • ‘Nicola Lashmar is a truly outstanding personal injury lawyer. She is brilliant with commercial clients who appreciate her tactically astute approach to litigation. She has certain specialisms which are not matched by any other player in the market. She is a true "litigator's litigator".’

  • ‘Specialist and in-depth knowledge of the gas supply & services industry, making them a valuable resource for insurers insuring &.or marking for clients in that sector.’

  • ‘Nicola Lashmar - very proactive, efficient & insightful in the investigation & handling of gas industry related cases, proving invaluable advice to insurers on strategy.’

  • ‘My view on the element which makes Eversheds stand out against its competitors stems down to its personnel. Those involved in my most recent dealings with Eversheds were high functioning and remarkably adept in all areas but particularly in terms of client communications, multi-stakeholder management, case strategy and tactical acumen. The team were able to grasp and understand complexities in within the UK gas distribution sectors and regulation and they were brilliantly astute in understanding all relevant details required to establish our position and drive strategy over a case spanning 7+ years.’

  • ‘The team offer a bespoke service so that clients can obtain all of the legal advice they require through the firm. However, in the personal injury field Eversheds Sutherland have all the expertise needed to deal with more straightforward claims through to claims of the utmost severity. They also have experience in group litigation.’

  • ‘Louise Bland stands out for her experience and commitment. She leaves no stone unturned to achieve the best outcome for her clients. She is pragmatic and never loses sight of her clients objectives.’

  • ‘Nicola Lashmar has in depth knowledge about our company, she straight way knows what to do in certain circumstances rather than us explaining our expectations.’

  • 'What impresses me is the bespoke nature of all round service which they provide their clients.'

  • 'Eversheds offer a highly personal and incredibly responsive service. The team are always available, including the Partners. They listen attentively, really get to know us and how business, and provide a highly personal and professional service.'

Key clients

  • ADT Fire & Security plc
  • Autoliv B.V. & Co KG
  • Alstrom
  • Batley Multi Academy Trust
  • Biffa Waste Services Limited
  • Booking.com Transport Limited
  • Buzz Group
  • Carbot Corporation
  • Cash Access UK Limited
  • EDF Energy
  • G4S
  • GE Aerospace
  • GE Vernona
  • GE Healthcare
  • Gov Facility Services Limited
  • Govia Thameslink
  • Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South
  • Leeds Trinity University
  • Liverpool Victoria General Insurance
  • Medical Research Council

Work highlights

Advised in a case involving a claimant who sustained serious brain injury following an RTA.
Advised the Insurance and Reinsurance Legacy Association on its strategic response to the Government Consultation Paper on Limitation Law in Child Sexual Abuse Claims following the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.
Aadvised an international car hire company on its potential liabilities and insurance coverage in respect of fatalities and injuries arising from accidents across multiple jurisdictions.

Lawyers

Leading partners

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Practice head

Nicola Lashmar

Other key lawyers

Louise Bland; Paul Coppin; Elisa Vanhinsbergh