Biography
I am a Senior Associate Solicitor in the Serious Injury department of the Leeds office. I specialise in helping people who have suffered brain and/or spinal injuries, often as a result of a road accident or an accident at work. I hold specialist accreditations with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (‘APIL’) as a Senior Litigator and a Brain Injury Specialist.
Many of our clients have also suffered severe orthopaedic and/or psychological injuries. We help our clients to claim compensation and, importantly, gain access to appropriate rehabilitation.
In November 2021, a road traffic accident case of mine was featured in The Mirror, The Yorkshire Evening Post, and the Huddersfield Examiner as part of Road Safety Week.
The Dewsbury Reporter and the Bradford Telegraph and Argus have also featured another of my cases for Headway's Action for Brain Injury in May 2022. The case involved two clients who suffered brain injuries after a co-worker deliberately drove into them.
Following an accident in June 2022, I helped secure compensation for a client in Morecambe to help her access the ongoing specialist rehabilitation and therapies she requires to help maximise her recovery following a long hospital stay. (Lancaster Guardian)
I've also advised the Brain Injury Group on loss of earnings and capacity to litigate. Both of these are tools that can be used to best understand what a claimant can do.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
The most rewarding aspect of my role is assisting people who have suffered life-changing injuries and having the opportunity to make a difference for them and their families in a sector which really matters.
It is very rewarding to help people secure the care, therapy, accommodation, and transport that they need as a result of an injury which was caused by someone else.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
Irwin Mitchell takes pride in the quality of its work and has lawyers with genuine expertise in their specialist areas. It is an excellent environment in which to learn from some of the best lawyers in their field.
We adopt a team approach and always help each other out, making for a good work environment, as well as excellent results for clients. I get along well with my colleagues, who are a fun and caring team.
Securing the best possible outcome for the client is the primary objective. In personal injury cases, there is a rehabilitation-focused approach aimed at ensuring the best possible recovery for the client from their injuries.
At Irwin Mitchell, we are not afraid of taking on difficult cases and often secure excellent results for clients who have cases which are challenging in relation to liability.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I enjoy playing the guitar and singing and I occasionally perform at live events, either with my wife singing lead vocals or solo. Having retired from competitive amateur league football (11 a side and 5 a side), I take part in Yoga and running for my physical and mental wellbeing.
I love socialising with friends, attending concerts, family holidays and, most of all, spending time with my young daughter
Testimonials
"On behalf of my mum would look to extend our thanks and gratitude to both Emma Melia and David King for their unfaltering care, compassion and professionalism towards my mum with regards to her recent compensation claim following a life changing car accident in 2022.
"It’s been tough going for mum at times having to relive the trauma so frequently to go through all the expert assessments, but it’s been made easier by the understanding and compassionate approach of all the staff involved in her case. As a family we can’t thank you enough, mum can now start to move forward, received the physio and clinical psychology she so desperately needs and start to make adaptions at home to help her keep her independence going forward.
"Saying thank you doesn’t seem enough, as a family we would without hesitation recommend Irwin Mitchell, Best wishes to you all, you have made such a difference to mum’s life following a dreadful life even." 5* Trustpilot review
"What a life changing experience these amazing people have done for me. Firstly, they were recommended by a friend who had used them and he the same had an outstanding final settlement, from start to finish they have been incredible.
"David himself always made me feel comfortable as it was a long case but not once did I worry. Very professional and all I can do now is advise other people who have had an accident no matter how serious Irwin Mitchell will for sure get you the best settlement so you will be able to move on and have no worries in the future." - 5* Trustpilot review
“Irwin Mitchell provided us with a very professional and meticulous service. David king and his team in particular were very accommodating, ensuring our claim was dealt with to the best standard possible. Communication was superb, we were updated and kept in the know of all necessary details & progress regarding the claim from beginning to end.
"It's important to get the right help when dealing with a claim, especially brain injury related, and Irwin Mitchell did an excellent job helping us to achieve that.” - 5* Trustpilot review
“The service we received from Irwin Mitchell has been brilliant from start to finish. David King has been really supportive throughout the case, David was always happy to go through anything in depth if we were unsure or uncertain. A Massive Thank You to David and his team for all their help." - 5* Google review
"Our son had an horrific brain injury 3 years ago and we fortunately instructed Irwin Mitchell to deal with his claim recovery and rehabilitation. They have guided and supported us throughout this period and today delivered an extremely satisfactory conclusion. We would like to thank David King and his team at the Leeds office for their unswerving support and dedication throughout." - 5* Trustpilot review
"David King is a very strong member of this team - his contribution to the team is exceptional." – Legal 500, 2020
“David is a highly skilled and determined brain injury lawyer with considerable experience of the field and his judgement and management of these cases is second to none. Perhaps most impressively last year he had to take over conduct of a long running difficult “walking wounded" case from a colleague at short notice and late in the case. It was a case that had caused me considerable concerns over the years that I had been running it and a case in which the Defendants were , quite reasonably, adopting a negative attitude David’s involvement significantly improved the way in which we were able to advance the case to a successful outcome. For that I was personally not only grateful but impressed. David’s legal knowledge is impressive. More importantly, from my point of view , his practical approach and empathy to the family were even more effective.” Leading Counsel
"David has extensive experience and knowledge of this type of injury, and the general difficulties which those who have suffered brain damage have. He is very committed to those he represents, and displays sensitivity and empathy for the particular and individual challenges they face. In a general sense, David has had a very thorough grounding in the way that claims of this sort should be litigated. He prepares and litigates them in a methodical, detailed and efficient manner proofing the claimants and witnesses appropriately and thoroughly, identifying the correct fields of expertise, and instructing experts fully and properly. His skill, experience and knowledge have been demonstrated over a number of years in several cases involving claimants with varying degrees of brain damage, and often with demanding cognitive and behavioural issues." Leading Counsel
"I thank you for your continued support for all the work you and your colleagues have done on my case, and will gladly recommend your company to anyone." - Client
"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 need."-Client
"My experience with Irwin Mitchell but more particularly David King and Emily Greensmith was very positive and the professional manner in which they totally guided me through a claim for a road traffic accident leads me to recommend them if you unfortunately find yourself in the same circumstances. You can be assured that they will deal with all aspects of the matter immediately and professionally. There is no substitute for excellence." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Irwin Mitchell and David King dealt with my sons personal injury claim following a car accident. They are experienced dedicated professionals, and consistently thorough throughout with all details of the claim. I would highly recommend Irwin Mitchell."- 5* Trustpilot review
"After my accident David King took over and won the damages against the driver who knocked me over. A really good effort by the team and I appreciate all the work done to win the case. I would recommend them to everyone."- 5* Trustpilot review
"I can’t thank David King enough for his help and assistance in handling my claim. He contacted me on a regular basis to keep in informed with everything and his professionalism is next to none, highly recommend."- 5* Trustpilot review
"David went above and beyond to get the best result possible for me. Everything was explained in detail so i could understand everything that was going on and i always felt really comfortable talking to David. I couldn't have asked for a better experience." - 5* Trustpilot review
"David King, was extremely helpful and knowledgable at all points through my RTC claim. He was easy to contact, quick to respond and effective at dealing with the various stages of my recovery and rehab." - 5* Trustpilot review
Recent highlights
In July 2023, David achieved a settlement for a capitalised sum exceeding £18 million for a client who, at the age of 10, sadly sustained a severe brain injury when hit by a car whilst crossing the road.
Liability for the accident was initially denied by the driver’s insurer. Expert evidence was obtained from an accident reconstruction expert and an expert neurosurgeon (regarding the severity of the injury that would have been sustained had the collision occurred at a lower speed). Liability was eventually compromised on the basis of a 70% / 30% apportionment in the Claimant’s favour (to reflect his contribution to the accident), which was approved by the Court.
The Claimant received private rehabilitation (including case management, support workers, occupational therapy, neuropsychology and speech & language therapy) funded through his claim, initially paid for directly by the Defendant’s insurer under the Code of Rehabilitation and later by interim payments of his damages.
Various medical and non-medical expert evidence was obtained in relation to the Claimant’s condition and prognosis. The client presented as 'walking wounded', with no significant physical disabilities. He performed well on formal cognitive testing, but several detailed witness statements from the Claimant’s parent and his case manager illustrated significant dysexecutive problems in day-to-day life, including impulsivity and disinhibition, rendering him highly vulnerable to exploitation.
The settlement includes a full loss of earnings claim (on the basis that it is unlikely that the Claimant will achieve or sustain paid employment in future), 24/7 care, substantial case management and therapy input and (as he lacks capacity to manage his finances) a Professional Deputy for life.
The Claimant is also entitled to return to Court in future to have his damages re-assessed if he develops epilepsy which is not controlled by medication.
As the Claimant lacks capacity to litigate due to his brain injury, his settlement was approved by the Court.
The Claimant’s legal team also included his barrister, Henry Witcomb KC of One Crown Office Row Chambers.”
In March 2024, David achieved a £2.5m settlement for a client who sustained a severe brain injury and orthopaedic injuries when the motorcycle that he was riding collided with a car that had turned across his path.
Liability for the accident was initially denied by the driver’s insurer. Expert evidence was obtained from an accident reconstruction expert, a helmet expert and an expert neurosurgeon (regarding the impact that a helmet would have had on the severity of the brain injury, the helmet having become detached on impact). A liability compromise with a modest reduction to the Claimant’s damages to reflect his contribution to the accident was later approved by the Court.
The Claimant received rehabilitation (including case management, a support workers, occupational therapy, neuropsychology and physiotherapy), as well as orthopaedic surgery (to his shoulder), neurology (for seizures) ad neuropsychiatry (for mood) funded privately through his claim using interim payments of damages.
Various medical and non-medical expert evidence was obtained in relation to the Claimant’s condition and prognosis. Detailed witness statements were taken from the Claimant’s partner (who provides him with substantial support) and his case manager.
The settlement includes a substantial loss of earnings claim (on the basis that it is unlikely that the Claimant will return to paid employment in future), the cost of case management, support and therapy, and (as he lacks capacity to manage his finances) a Professional Deputy. As the Claimant lacks capacity to litigate due to his brain injury, his settlement was approved by the Court.
The Claimant’s legal team also included his barrister, Andrew Axon of Park Lane Plowden Chambers.
In March 2024, David achieved a £1m settlement for a client who sustained a severe brain injury and orthopaedic injuries when he fell from a ladder at work.
Liability for the accident was denied by the Claimant’s employer’s insurer throughout. In the event of a successful claim, the insurer alleged that the Claimant was partly responsible for the accident and that his damages should be reduced to reflect his contribution.
The Court listed a timetable to a joint trial of liability and quantum (value).
In relation to liability, substantial documentation was disclosed and the parties exchanged witness statements and expert evidence from HSE and engineering experts.
In relation to quantum, detailed witness statements regarding the Claimant’s difficulties were taken from the Claimant and his sibling (who provides him with substantial support) and various medical and non-medical expert evidence was exchanged in relation to the Claimant’s condition and prognosis.
Despite the denial of liability, the Claimant received rehabilitation (including case management, occupational therapy, neuropsychology and physiotherapy) funded privately through his claim using interim payments of damages.
The Claimant made an impressive recovery, returning to full-time semi-skilled work (in a different role) around 18 months after the accident, but had some ongoing cognitive difficulties, particularly in relation to memory and dysexecutive problems including emotional dysregulation.
The settlement includes a claim for future loss of earnings, plus the cost of case management, therapy and support, including with managing his finances.
The Claimant initially lacked capacity to litigate due to his brain injury. He later regained capacity, but the evidence suggested that was borderline and that he may lose capacity at times of emotional dysregulation, hence the settlement was approved by the Court as a protective measure.
The Claimant’s legal team also included his barrister, Henry Pitchers KC of No.5 Chambers
In July 2023, David achieved a settlement for a capitalised sum exceeding £18 million for a 19 year-old male who, at the age of 10, sadly sustained a severe brain injury when hit by a car whilst crossing the road.
Liability for the accident was initially denied by the driver’s insurer. Expert evidence was obtained from an accident reconstruction expert and an expert neurosurgeon (regarding the severity of the injury that would have been sustained had the collision occurred at a lower speed). Liability was eventually compromised on the basis of a 70% / 30% apportionment in the Claimant’s favour (to reflect his contribution to the accident), which was approved by the Court.
The Claimant received private rehabilitation (including case management, support workers, occupational therapy, neuropsychology and speech & language therapy) funded through his claim, initially paid for directly by the Defendant’s insurer under the Code of Rehabilitation and later by interim payments of his damages.
Various medical and non-medical expert evidence was obtained in relation to the Claimant’s condition and prognosis. The client presented as 'walking wounded', with no significant physical disabilities. He performed well on formal cognitive testing, but several detailed witness statements from the Claimant’s mother and his case manager illustrated significant dysexecutive problems in day to day life, including impulsivity and disinhibition, rendering him highly vulnerable to exploitation.
The settlement includes a full loss of earnings claim (on the basis that it is unlikely that the Claimant will achieve or sustain paid employment in future), 24/7 care, substantial case management and therapy input and (as he lacks capacity to manage his finances) a Professional Deputy for life. The Claimant is also entitled to return to Court in future to have his damages re-assessed in the event that he develops epilepsy which is not controlled by medication. As the Claimant lacks capacity to litigate due to his brain injury, his settlement was approved by the Court.
