Biography
I am a Partner and Head of the Asbestos-Related Disease Team in Leeds. I have over 20 years’ experience working exclusively for claimants with mesothelioma, asbestosis and pleural thickening. I've helped a wide range of people including teachers, architects, policemen, office workers, surveyors, joiners, plumbers, and electricians.
I'm passionate about my work and lecture widely about this specialist field. I also work closely with healthcare professionals to support the needs of sufferers.
I recently secured a ‘landmark agreement’ with defendant insurers to cover the costs of future cancer treatment for a client with mesothelioma. The agreement creates a Periodical Payments Order and means that a settlement did not have to wait until doctors actually advised that he should receive immunotherapy treatment. This avoided the need to estimate treatment costs ahead of time in an area of breath-taking change both in terms of the drugs available and their cost.
The team and I raise funds for charities and we've participated in the Leeds and Hull 10k run. The Leeds team has recovered over £330,000 for hospices within the region following a landmark High Court ruling in a 2010 case led by Irwin Mitchell.
I have extensive experience in both the High Court and Court of Appeal. I always strive to provide swift, accurate and expert assistance to people suffering from the effects of mesothelioma.
Testimonials
Ian Toft is "compassionate and incredibly thorough." – Legal 500, 2021 (Next Generation Partner)
"As a family, we cannot speak highly enough regarding Nicola Handley and Ian Toft, and the rest of the IM team that looked after us, after the sad passing of our Mother. Right from the start, they dealt with our family incredibly sensitively and professionally, and were always on hand to answer any questions we may have had, throughout some very hard and emotional times..." – Client (read full 5* Trustpilot review)
"We instructed Irwin Mitchell when my husband David was diagnosed with Mesothelioma. We were introduced to Ian Toft, a top expert in his field of expertise and a kind & compassionate man. The process of starting the civil claim against David’s former employer and concluding a final settlement was 3.5 years in total - a very long process. We always felt assured that Ian was “one step ahead” in the negotiations. Ian always tried his best to explain any progress in a clear way having called in expert reports from Dr Rudd the Doctor and Henry the barrister etc....
So would I recommend Ian and the IM team? Yes I would! Ian also made sure that St Catherine’s Hospice in Scarborough received a financial payment to cover the cost of David’s care towards the end of his life. Thank You Ian and the Irwin Mitchell Team." - 5* Trustpilot review
"We engaged Irwin Mitchell to pursue a claim on behalf of my father-in-law, who tragically died from mesothelioma. At all stages of the process the team demonstrated exceptional skills, experience, professionalism and empathy. I would strongly recommend Irwin Mitchell to anyone who is thinking of pursuing a compensation claim for Mesothelioma or any other occupational illness and injury." – Client
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
I wanted to pursue a challenging career that would make a difference to people, groups and organisations.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
The one thing which I enjoy the most is meeting people: discussing their problems and trying to find solutions.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
Both my wife and I were born in Yorkshire and returned to bring up our young family in 2008 (two daughters, one aged six and the other eight weeks old). At the moment life is on hold following the birth of our second child in April 2014!
