Biography
I am a solicitor specialising in dealing with adult brain injury, spinal injury and serious orthopaedic injury cases.
I work in the serious injury team in Sheffield and I manage a caseload of complex serious injury cases. I have experience in securing interim payments for the purpose of implementing care, case management and therapy packages for clients.
Charity, Community and Social Responsibility
I have offered support and assistance to numerous Headway groups across the country. Headway is a registered charity that works to improve the life of those who have suffered a brain injury, and their families.
I sit on a fundraising committee (Group of Champions) for the Sheffield based charity, Neurocare. The group specialises in raising funds to buy life saving equipment for use in the neuro theatres of Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital. Neurocare also fund research projects and specialist training so that people suffering from neurological conditions can receive the best care available.
Aspire is a national organisation which provides specially adapted houses for spinal cord injured people. I recently co-ordinated a team of Irwin Mitchell staff to put our DIY skills to the test and help set up a new Aspire property.
Cases of Note
- I carried out extensive trial preparation work in relation to a young lady who suffered a spinal cord injury in a road traffic collision. She was left tetraplegic as a result. A substantial amount of work was required to show our client’s lifelong future needs and to prepare the case for trial. The case settled for over £12m. That amount included an annual sum to be paid to our client for her care and case management needs for the rest of her life.
- The client suffered a severe brain injury and loss of sight as a result of a workplace accident. The case succeeded at a trial on liability for 100% of damages and a substantial settlement of a lump sum and periodical payments to pay for his care and case management package, as well as adapted accommodation.
- I was part of a team that secured a settlement for an elderly man who was injured when an advertising hoarding struck him while walking home from work. This was a complex public liability case which later resulted in clinical negligence investigations having to be undertaken. We obtained interim funds for a private care package and to fund a house purchase. A significant settlement was achieved to fund our client's future care and case management needs for the rest of his life.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect of Your Role?
The most rewarding part of my role is seeing the progress clients make with their rehabilitation goals. Securing interim payments and using it to implement tailored and bespoke rehabilitation packages for clients as soon as possible is very important. It helps to maximise rehabilitation early on and to make life easier for clients when they need help the most.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
I enjoy being part of a hardworking, passionate and dedicated team.
What Do you Do Away From The Office?
In my spare time I enjoy reading, travelling and relaxing with friends and family.
Testimonials
"Massive thanks to Joanne Witherington and Ellie Taylor for their help and support during a very difficult time. They have kept me informed throughout my case and went to exceptional lengths to help when I didn't understand anything. Their advice has been invaluable, both are professional, friendly and very supportive. I thank them and would recommend Irwin Mitchell. Outstanding!" - 5* Trustpilot review
"I have been so happy with the service I've received from Irwin Mitchell. Especially Joanne Witherington and her team. So friendly and helpful right from the start. Even with the small things as well as the biggest things. Would highly recommend for others to use them." -5* Trustpilot review
" I am very happy with the service from Joanne and Sarah, they are both true professionals and have supported me every step of the way and ensured that I feel comfortable with every situation and I am glad for their involvement as I know I am in safe hands. Irwin Mitchell is truly a 5 star company, every aspect of their service has been nothing but the highest quality; the staff are extremely polite and professional and do their utmost to ensure that the client is happy. I would not hesitate to recommend Irwin Mitchell as they are a company which goes above and beyond for their client whilst maintaining a true sense of professionalism." - 5*Trustpilot review
"Joanne Witherington and Ellie Taylor were assigned to deal with my claim they have been absolutely brilliant from the start to what has now been a very satisfactory end. They were constantly in touch with me letting me know what was happening all the way through I can’t thank both of them enough and wouldn’t hesitate to use them again if I was unfortunate enough to have another accident" -5* Trustpilot review
"Outstanding service: Having used Irwin Mitchell to take up legal proceedings on my behalf, I whole heatedly recommend their services. The solicitors responsible for my case, Sarah Parkin and Joanne Witherington, kept me informed at every stage of the process and clearly and articulately explained every detail, giving me a strong understanding of what was happening and what options were available to me.
I am very thankful to Irwin Mitchell and the services of Sarah and Joanne as they have advised me every step of the way and supported me in what was initially, an intimidating process; During the settlement stage they have both been 100% professional and ensured to secure the best possible result for myself. They are a credit to the company and I would definitely use Irwin Mitchell again based on this experience."-5* Trustpilot review
