Weightmans LLP’s international personal injury team is recognised for its expertise in cases involving overseas drivers involved in accidents in the UK, as well as representing foreign insurers in driving offence prosecutions. The team is led by Simon Ball, a specialist in French accident law, who has advised on numerous landmark cases concerning applicable law and the Rome II Regulation. Principal associate Belinda Normandale focuses on catastrophic injury work and is praised for her strong understanding of the complexities surrounding cross-border claims.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Simon Ball, as head of the practice, sets the tone for excellence across the team. He brings a commanding understanding of international personal injury litigation and cross-border claims, coupled with a calm, considered approach that inspires confidence even in high-pressure situations. Simon Ball is commercially astute and pragmatic—always focused on outcomes that balance legal risk with client priorities.’
- ‘Simon Ball has the ability to lead complex, multi-party matters while maintaining approachability and clear communication, which is genuinely impressive.’
- ‘Belinda Normandale is a standout practitioner. She combines sharp legal insight with meticulous attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.’
- ‘Belinda Normandale is highly responsive, organised, and attuned to the nuances of cross-jurisdictional claims. Her written work is consistently of the highest quality, and she has a natural ability to anticipate issues before they escalate—something that adds real value in fast-moving or sensitive cases.’
- ‘What I have valued most in both Simon Ball and Belinda Normandale is their professionalism, integrity, and ability to strike the right balance between legal rigour and practical client service.’
- ‘The individuals I work with at Weightmans demonstrate not only deep technical expertise but also an exceptional ability to deliver advice with clarity, empathy, and strategic focus—qualities that are particularly crucial in the travel-related personal injury space.’
Key clients
- MACIF
- MAIF
- AXA FRANCE
- MATMUT
- PLUSULTRA
- ETHIAS
- DALLBOGG
- Anglo French Adjusters Ltd
- FONDS DE GARANTIE
- Dekra Claims Services
- AIG Europe Assurances
- MIB
Work highlights
Successfully defending GAN Assurances on a claim for Weil’s disease contacted by claimant in France.
Defending PZU on a £multi-million RTA claim with one fatality and four others sustained life-changing injuries
Acting for Belgian insurer where three Claimants brought a claim in England following a multi-vehicle road traffic accident in Belgium. We disputed jurisdiction on behalf of the Belgian insurer. Following the Belgian court ruling on liability, the civil proceedings proceeded in England. Damages settled shortly after the Defendant obtained Belgian law evidence
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Simon Ball
Other key lawyers
Belinda Normandale