Laura has a varied personal injury practice and is regularly instructed on complex personal injury cases, including claims against the police and local authorities. She represents both Claimants and Defendants, advising, drafting, negotiating as well as representing the client in court at every stage of proceedings, in joint settlement meetings and in mediations.

Laura’s personal injury practice covers a wide range of claims, including employer’s liability, occupier’s liability, serious road traffic accidents and travel accidents. Laura has a particular specialism in stress at work claims.

Many personal injury clients are vulnerable, whether as a result of brain injury or as a result of other trauma or mental health issues. Laura provides a reassuring presence and takes time to ensure that advice is clear.

Fundamental dishonesty is a regular issue in personal injury cases and Laura represents both Claimants and Defendants in cases involving allegations of fraud.

Recent cases:

Sara Kawsar -v- Met Police Commissioner - Courts and Tribunals Judiciary - Laura was successful in representing the Claimant, SK, in her claim for psychiatric injury against her former employer the Metropolitan Police, resulting in an award of damages of over £300,000 plus costs. 

Dr Y v a NHS Trust - A claim for psychiatric injury resulting from stress at work in circumstances where a senior consultant had been overworked and subjected to unwarranted criticism and bullying. Liability was admitted only in relation to a small element of the claim which was likely non-causative. Laura drafted the Particulars of Claim and advised on liability and settlement. Ultimately the claim settled for £850,000.

A v B - Judgment of over £500,000 was entered against the Defendant, who at the time was unrepresented, following a High Court trial of an Occupiers’ Liability claim that took place in his absence. Laura advised the Defendant following trial, and drafted grounds of appeal on the basis that the judge did not properly scrutinise the claim both as to the legal basis of the claim and as to quantum. The Court of Appeal granted permission to appeal on all grounds.

C v D - Instructed by the Claimant in a high-risk claim for psychiatric injury brought against her employer. All issues were firmly in dispute. Of particular concern, the Defendant’s expert psychiatrist made a diagnosis that would have been problematic for the client professionally had the judge accepted this evidence. The case settled for £200,000.

E v F - Representing the Claimant in a claim by a passenger against defendant driver for serious injuries sustained in a road traffic accident. The claimant has been left permanently disabled. Complicating features included: possible alcohol and drug use causing the accident in which the Claimant was a potential participant, meaning that the Defendant had potential defences of Voluntary Assumption of the Risk and Illegality; the Claimant’s past earnings were sporadic; causation of the claim for childcare was disputed due to her history; other unrelated medical issues. The claim settled for £125,000.