The Manchester-based practice at Irwin Mitchell harnesses noteworthy capabilities in acting for claimants in the remit of PI matters of the utmost severity. Jonathan Betts leads the team and has a specialism in handling serious injury cases, including fatal cases, as well as those involving brain, spinal, and orthopaedic injuries and amputations, as does Deirdre Healy. Matthew Brown is experienced in handling liability and quantum aspects of serious matters, while Geraldine Coombs has a strong grounding in representing claimants in asbestos-related cases. Richard Biggs is an expert in amputation-related cases, while Liverpool-based Matthew Garson has experience in handling claims on behalf of adults and children who have experienced complex or multiple injuries. Carol Purang is noted for her ‘exceptional ability to handle complex trauma-related cases’ and acts for military clients in highly sensitive claims against the Ministry of Defence. Amanda Marsh and Cheryl Palmer-Hughes departed the team in November 2024 and February 2025, respectively.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The cases they handle are often complex legally, emotionally and psychologically, and yet the team presents them with clarity, clinical awareness, and sensitivity to the broader human context. They are among the most thoughtful and well-organised teams in this area.’
- ‘Carol Purang leads the military team with clarity, intelligence, and great empathy. Her instructions are exemplary—structured, sensitive, and well-informed. She has an exceptional ability to handle complex trauma-related cases involving long-term psychiatric consequences, and her communication with experts is consistently courteous, thoughtful, and precise.’
- ‘Geraldine Coombs is very professional and committed to getting the right result for your claim.’
- ‘Helen Tomlin is a very experienced asbestos injury claim litigator who is well-versed in the legal principles and has excellent client-care skills, which are vital in an area of law which involves terminal and fatal injuries.'
- ‘Geraldine Coombs has excellent knowledge of the sector and Helen Tomlin is a a real expert in this field.'
- ‘Matthew Brown is shrewd and intelligent, and able to navigate through a challenging landscape. He is a skilful communicator who ensures that clients and their families have the information which they require to make informed decisions at the right time. Harriet Trail is responsive and dynamic - she anticipates a situation before it arises and is prepared, and in doing so she smooths the process for clients and colleagues.’
Work highlights
Advised the claimant following a significant traumatic brain injury, working collaboratively to ensure he had access to a full rehabilitation package.
Advised the client in court proceedings issued in July 2024 against two employers in the Royal Courts of Justice which resulted in a judgment being successfully secured.
Represent former British military personnel and their families who have been affected by exposure to contaminated water at a military base in the USA.
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Practice head
Jonathan Betts
Other key lawyers
Carol Purang; Geraldine Coombs; Helen Tomlin; Matthew Brown; Steve Hill; Richard Biggs; Matthew Garson; Harriet Trail; Hannah Pearson; Deirdre Healy