Biography
I head a team of specialist solicitors who act for adults and children who have sustained severe brain and/or spinal cord damage. Quite simply, our job is to try and make the lives of our clients and their families easier and more comfortable.
The cases my team pursues are often very complex and involve large amounts of money. Rehabilitation is always at the forefront of our minds and we aim to get our clients the help they need when they need it. This normally involves sorting out help with care and getting the client the therapies they need such as physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy.
Equipment/transport/housing/employment and education are some of the other issues that we look at during the course of the claim. Compensation can never turn the clock back but it can enable clients to have a decent quality of life again and reduce or eliminate the stress placed upon their loved ones.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is to listen to the client and find out what their priorities are and then sort those issues out for them. Seeing someone stand, walk or talk again after lots of therapy or seeing a client in their new purposely adapted house with proper bathroom and bedroom facilities always makes my job worthwhile.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
I like the fact that the staff of Irwin Mitchell genuinely care for their clients and always try to put the client's needs first. Over the course of my career I have taken over many cases from other firms of solicitors and am always appalled that people take on cases which they do not have the experience and expertise to handle.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I do Pilates Orbit in a quest to keep fit (basically it’s Pilates using a type of skateboard!). I have also recently bought a bike. I like to spend time with friends and family and enjoy eating out, walking and going to the theatre/cinema.
Testimonials
"She is a great listener and very proactive." – Chambers & Partners, 2020
"Carolyn Heaton is a truly exceptional partner who is very popular with everybody she works with, extremely conscientious and really delightful to work with. She gets brilliant results for her clients." – Legal 500, 2020
"The client is always first and foremost in her mind. She makes sure she understands their needs and always delivers". – Chambers & Partners, 2019
Sources commend her for her "exceptional forensic ability. She also has a remarkable ability to look ahead at problems that may arise but have not arisen yet." –
Chambers & Partners 2018
Interviewees describe her as "empathetic and sensitive" noting that "she is focused on the best possible rehabilitation and best outcomes for her clients" – Chambers & Partners 2017
"We can't praise you enough for the hours of work that have been done. We always knew it was a difficult case, but you worked hard to bring it to a successful conclusion. It has been a difficult time since our son's accident, but we are pleased that he now has funds to help provide for his needs." – Client
