The large Southampton-based team at Clyde & Co is recommended for its expertise in defending the full spectrum of personal injury claims, with particular strength in catastrophic injury cases involving brain and spinal trauma. The department handles serious motor claims, including incidents involving pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, as well as employers’ and public liability matters. A trio of partners lead the practice: Andrew Hibbert, who has experience across all major injury types including brain and spinal injury, amputations and fatal accidents; Stephanie Atkinson, who is a specialist in complex liability and damages issues in catastrophic and child injury claims; and Joe Wakeford, who brings additional expertise in Court of Protection matters as well as equestrian and livestock claims.

‘Providing insurers with high-quality services’, DWF is recognised for its expertise in severe injury cases, including brain and spinal injuries, amputations and functional neurological disorders, with a focus on claims arising from road traffic accidents, workplace incidents and public spaces. Rhys Sanchez, who joined the team from the firm’s London office, now leads the Southampton office, bringing extensive experience in defending claims related to employers’ liability, motor liability and public and products’ liability. Stuart Giddings specialises in road traffic accidents and liability claims, while Rachel Coombs is particularly noted for her expertise in spinal injuries and her ‘incredible attention to detail’. Michael Renshaw departed the team in May 2024.

Fielding a ‘highly professional and experienced team’, Kennedys represents global insurers, corporates and public sector bodies on complex brain and spinal injury claims, large-scale group litigation, along with additional matters such as those relating to abuse, legacy disease, motor and casualty claims. Jennifer Harris leads the department, focusing on defending claims related to catastrophic injuries and fatal accidents, including those involving children and cases crossing multiple jurisdictions. Richard West heads the firm’s global liability defence group, known for his expertise in catastrophic injury and motor coverage claims, while Joy Middleton has been described as ‘tenacity personified’ in her handling of the full spectrum of multi-track cases. Nicola Hammerton works closely with West, with a particular interest in brain injury, spinal injury and amputation claims.

Working closely with leading insurers, managing general agents, brokers, corporates and public sector clients, Keoghs LLP ‘delivers expert, practical advice’ on casualty, abuse and catastrophic injury claims. Practice head Matthew Perkins specialises in representing insurers on motor risks, with additional experience in orthopaedic and brain injuries. Andrew Williamson advises on a wide range of road traffic accident and casualty claims, including those related to spinal injuries and amputations, while Paul Baxter is praised for being ‘sharp, practical, and approachable’ in handling Motor Policy, Road Traffic Act and Motor Insurers’ Bureau liability matters.

Handling mandates from insurers, businesses and self-insured entities across the UK and Europe, Trethowans LLP (part of Lawfront) is particularly well-equipped to handle cross-border work and farming-related accidents. Kelvin Farmaner leads the team with experience in catastrophic injury matters arising from road traffic accidents and has specialist knowledge in animal-related cases, earning praise for his ‘excellent tactical awareness’. A further key figure in the team, the ‘tenacious’ Bethany Blamire excels at managing a variety of motor claims on behalf of both domestic and international insurers.