Biography
I qualified as a Solicitor in January 2014 and joined the Serious Injury Team at Irwin Mitchell in 2019. I’ve dedicated my entire career to representing clients who’ve suffered catastrophic injuries and fatalities in road traffic accidents, accidents at work and other negligent acts. I’ve previously worked at a number of award-winning catastrophic injury departments in law firms across the Northwest.
I’m exclusively instructed on behalf of claimant’s who’ve suffered severe life-changing injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Severe orthopaedic injuries including amputation
- Chronic pain
- Burn injuries
- Psychiatric injuries.
In my experience, each serious injury case is unique and their road to recovery depends on their approach and the support they receive. I take great pride in ensuring my clients have access to early bespoke rehabilitation and treatment to help meet their goals. I often secure early interim payments to help fund and facilitate a multidisciplinary team of therapists, carers and suitable housing.
Throughout my career, I’ve successfully acted for clients in multi-million-pound settlement awards. I help them access long term care, suitable accommodation, support, therapies aids, and equipment needs.
I often represent clients who lack mental capacity as defined in the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Over the years, I’ve worked with leading specialists across the country who specialise in assessing mental capacity following neuro-trauma. I’ve also worked with a team of specialist professional deputies of the Court of Protection.
I’m a volunteer at Headway in Stockport & South Manchester.
In 2021, I was elected as Coordinator for APIL’s Damages Special Interest Group.
Recent cases
- Colley v Shuker & Ors [2020] EWHC 3433 (QB) heard before Mr Justice Freedman.
- A Francovich claim for damages arising from his directly effective rights under the Codified Motor Insurance Directive 2009/103/EC.
- Colley v MIB [2022] EWCA Civ 360 heard before LJ Stuart-Smith
- The Court of Appeal found the UK implementation of the Directive was in breach of EU law. As a consequence of this breach, the Claimant did not receive the compensation from the Insurer that, as a matter of European law, he should receive. On appeal, the Court found the MIB had a (directly enforceable) obligation under Article 10 to provide compensation for personal injuries to Mr Colley.
- WS- £1m settlement at JSM
- Case arises from a head on road traffic collision which resulted in the Claimant suffering a complex non-union patella fracture and spinal injuries. The Claimant underwent multiple surgeries from which he developed repeated and protracted wound infections. The only surgical option available was an above the knee amputation. Liability and causation were both firmly denied. A settlement was reached at a JSM between the parties.
- A v B – traumatic brain injury settled at JSM for £1.5m
- Case arises from a road traffic collision where liability had been admitted. Quantum and causation were firmly denied. The Claimant’s experts stated he suffered a mild-moderate (Mayo classification) traumatic brain injury resulting in him lacking mental capacity and permanent cognitive impairments. The Defendants expert evidence stated the Claimant’s suffered post-concussion syndrome which he had recovered from within 12-18 months post-accident and any symptoms thereafter were considered to be non-accident related. At JSM, the Claimant was successful in securing a substantial settlement which included provisions for lifelong carers, therapies and court of protection deputyship costs
- SH – complex orthopaedic case settled £300k
- Case arises from an accident at work where a heavy printing machine fell and resulted in a crushing injury to the Claimant’s leg. He suffered serious ankle fractures resulting in ankle fusion surgery, permanent chronic pain and impaired mobility. The Defendant raised fundamental dishonesty and sought to rely upon surveillance footage. A successful application was made to resist the Defendants permission to rely upon surveillance footage served over 5 years post-accident, following the exchange of witness and expert evidence.
- PJ – crushing injury arising from accident at work – settled at JSM £500k
- Case arises from an accident at work where a 3 ½ tonne frame fell on the Claimant. He suffered serious life threatening orthopaedic injuries including a broken pelvis, bilateral lower limb fractures, internal injuries including a ruptured bladder & urethra and chest injuries. He now requires long term supra-pubic catheterisation and has permanent impaired mobility. The claim settled at JSM.
What inspired you to get into law?
From a very young age, I’ve always wanted to have a career in helping others. I aspired to become a doctor but became fascinated with Law during my studies at college.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
Knowing that my input, however little, has contributed in changing the lives of those who’ve suffered injuries.
What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?
I enjoy being part of an award winning personal injury team, with a sterling reputation as leaders in their field.
What do you do away from the office?
I regularly participate in fundraising events for charities including: BRAKE (Road Safety Week), MacMillan Cancer Support and Manchester Central Foodbanks. I am a volunteer at Headway, a charity close to my heart.
In my spare time, I enjoy watching (and occasionally playing) football and cricket. I regularly attend the gym and enjoy walking treks in the country’s many National Parks.
