Fifth Year That Irwin Mitchell Has Been Named Claimant Solicitor Of The Year

Top 20 law firm Irwin Mitchell has been named Claimant Solicitor of the Year in the Rehabilitation First awards which recognises the work the firm does on behalf of people who have suffered serious injuries. The award was made jointly to Irwin Mitchell and Ageas insurance company who insured the other party in the claim.

The law firm has now won the award in five of the past seven years and this year was recognised because of the work of Manchester Serious Injury Partner Jonathan Betts and his team’s work on a complex case which saw a significant improvement in her quality of life due to the intervention of the legal team.

The award recognised Irwin Mitchell’s collaborative approach with defendant insurer Ageas and because the client’s personal situation was complicated Jonathan and his team worked closely with their Public Law colleagues help protect our client’s welfare.

The case submitted to Post Magazine’s awards involved a lady hit by a motorcyclist while crossing a road between slow moving/stationary traffic during rush hour. She suffered a severe brain injury and has been left with severe disabilities including a catastrophic brain injury and lacks the capacity to make important decisions about her care.

The case was initially handled by previous solicitors but no progress was made because of their inexperience and therefore Irwin Mitchell, instructed by the Official Solicitor as the litigation friend and the defendant’s insurer, Ageas, worked together to progress the case, protect the client’s vulnerable position and arrange an extensive rehabilitation programme. At the conclusion of the case, an agreement was reached which represented a unique settlement combining compensation from the insurer and Local Authority funding to help provide the care she needs for the rest of her life. This lady is now residing in her own home in a very safe, comfortable environment with a settled care package and professional support being provided.

When approving the settlement, Mrs Justice Swift praised this “really excellent example of constructive cooperation in order to reach a most imaginative solution to a very problematic case.”

Jonathan Betts, Partner and serious injury specialist at Irwin Mitchell in Manchester, said:

Expert Opinion

Serious incidents causing head, brain and spinal injuries can cause huge disruption to the lives of both the injured individual and their family, so we work hard to make sure that, as well as securing a financial settlement for our clients, we help them get early access to the best rehabilitation and other specialist support so they have the best possible quality of life.

“We are delighted that our approach to these cases has been praised by the judges, as the most important point for us at Irwin Mitchell is putting the client’s interests first. This particular case serves as an excellent example of what can be achieved with proactive case management and combining the multiple skills and expertise of the different lawyers available within Irwin Mitchell.” Jonathan Betts - Partner

Irwin Mitchell’s Client Liaison Manager team was also shortlisted in the Unsung Rehabilitation Champions of the Year category.

Expert Opinion

“Our client liaison managers help our clients with day-to-day issues as often serious injuries are life-changing and it can be a struggle to adapt to a different way of living. We are very proud that they have been acknowledged at the Rehabilitation First awards and it was a great achievement for the firm to have been shortlisted and reach the final in two separate categories.” Jonathan Betts - Partner

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in helping clients with their rehabilitation.

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury, our specialist personal injury claims team could help you secure compensation. See our Serious Injury Claims page for more information.