Biography
I am an associate solicitor in the Newcastle workplace injury team and I specialise in claims for people who have developed asbestos-related illnesses. In particular, I have years of experience of dealing with claims for mesothelioma, asbestosis, asbestos-related lung cancer and pleural thickening. I also deal with other, non-asbestos related, workplace illness claims.
I qualified as a solicitor in September 2013 after having spent two years dealing with various types of personal injury claims, including catastrophic brain injury cases, various types of industrial accidents and clinical negligence work. As such, I have gained a broad range of experience to date, but my special interests are now focused on workplace illnesses and particularly asbestos-related illnesses.
I am an accredited APIL (Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) Senior Litigator and APIL accredited as an Occupational Disease Specialist, an Asbestos Disease Specialist and a Fatal Accidents Act Specialist.
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
I have always enjoyed a challenge and I find that the ever changing nature of the law ensures that I am always learning something new, even now after having done this type of work for several years. No two days are ever the same.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
Being able to obtain a sense of justice for clients who have suffered injuries and illnesses as a result of simply going to work every day to earn a living. Further, in some types of cases, being able to secure funding for clients to undergo private treatment, not currently available on the NHS, with the hope of helping to stabilise their condition.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
I like being part of a large national team with access to a number of resources and an ethos which places its clients at the forefront of the services it provides, maintaining an “expert hand with a human touch”.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I am an avid gym-goer; foodie and I enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Testimonials
"Hardworking and tenacious." - Legal 500, 2018/19
"In July 2018 I was diagnosed with mesothelioma and was told it was terminal and that there is no cure, my family and I were devastated. I sought a second opinion from an oncologist in London but the diagnosis was confirmed. Both of the oncologists emphasised to me the importance of getting legal advice as the NHS funds to treat this condition were limited but funding for private treatment from my former employers would necessitate legal action.
In August 2018 I approached Emma of Irwin Mitchell solicitors who regularly attends a Mesothelioma support group I now attend for advice. An appointment was made and arrangements were made for us to meet at my home where she took us through the procedures.
Ten months later my claim is settled, I have received a monetary award and more importantly, funding for private treatment including any treatments that may become available in the future. It is only through Emma’s diligence that a satisfactory outcome was achieved. Emma has been professional throughout and shown empathy to my wife and I. Emma has always kept us informed of progress in my case and dealt with other professionals on my behalf. I would not hesitate to recommend Emma to anyone, she was a pleasure to deal with." - Brian, client
"Since I was diagnosed with cancer and found out I could have a claim against some of the employers I worked for, I engaged the help of Irwin Mitchell and on my behalf they took up my case. I liaised with a lovely person called Emma Bell who has helped me enormously. She and the company has helped me and kept me informed in every step of my claim and offered me advise in every turn of events. I have nothing but praise for the hard work Emma and her associates have put in on my behalf. my claim has since been concluded successfully and I would recommend Irwin Mitchell to anyone thinking of hiring a good solicitor." - Joseph, client
"I had total confidence in Emma and her team, and cannot praise them highly enough." - Brian Carnegie, client
"My solicitor Emma Bell in charge of my case was very efficient and a true professional and her communication throughout was second to none.” - Jackie, client
"Excellent service - Emma Bell showed both respect and empathy whilst representing our family and provided an efficient, friendly and clear service at all times. Would not hesitate to recommend Emma and Irwin Mitchell to anyone." - Donna, client
"I found Emma Bell, Solicitor for Irwin Mitchell, to be extremely professional when dealing with my father’s asbestos claim. A difficult subject was handled with both sensitivity and efficiency. As a client, I found Irwin Mitchell’s vast experience in this area of law and the manner in which they handled our case to be invaluable. This greatly reduced the stress relating to what is a very difficult matter for anyone to have to deal with. I would without hesitation recommend them to anyone in similar circumstances." - Anthony, client
"I selected Irwin Mitchell to represent me in a compensation claim as I had developed pleural thickening as a result of being exposed to asbestos, during the course of my work. I contacted Irwin Mitchell simply because they one of the better known companies in the North East and I got lucky twice in picking the company and being assigned a super efficient solicitor. I write this tribute to the company with a special word of thanks to Emma Bell who was assigned my case and who guided me through the whole procedure from beginning to end. My case was successfully completed between May 2018 when I contacted the company and April 2019 when I received a final payment in a very successful case. I have no qualms whatsoever in recommending this Company." - Norman, client
Publications
APIL PI Focus Magazine (September 2018 issue) - I wrote an article about a successful case that I had pursued for a mesothelioma client in which I obtained a lump sum payment plus an agreement for the Defendant to fund private treatment (not available on the NHS). I believe this was one of the first cases of its kind and I have since gone on to settle many other cases on a similar basis.
