Biography
I am an Associate Solicitor who specialises in working with individuals who have sustained a brain injury, spinal injury or an amputation following their involvement in a road traffic collision, accident at work or another type of accident. I work in our Newcastle office and represent clients across the Northeast of England. I am an APIL accredited Brain Injury Specialist and Senior Litigator.
Key Highlights
- I am responsible for the management of my own complex caseload valued at over £500,000.00 and represent clients in multi-million-pound cases, and work as part of a team.
- I work collaboratively with insurers to secure interim payment funding to improve our client’s quality of life at the earliest possible stage, and provide access to private case management, care, therapies, equipment, and other support to meet our client’s rehabilitation needs.
- I recently represented an elderly female claimant who suffered a brain injury in a road traffic collision obtaining a settlement of £460,000.
- I recently represented an elderly male claimant who suffered a brain injury and orthopaedic injuries in a road traffic collision obtaining a settlement of £625,000.
- I was part of the team that achieved settlement of over £13,000,000 for our client who suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury in a road traffic collision resulting in him being a ventilated quadriplegic for life. It was a proud moment in my career to help secure the funds to meet his needs and allow him to purchase and adapt his new home.
- I was part of the team that represented a young child who suffered a catastrophic brain injury in a road traffic collision caused by an off-road motorcycle. This was a complex case in which liability was denied by the Motor Insurers Bureau, involving domestic and European legal issues. We secured a full liability admission 10 days before Trial and recovered a multi-million-pound damages settlement. Helping this young claimant and her family was one of the happiest memories from my career.
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
From an early age I have always wanted to work in a profession which helps people, so a career as a Serious Injury Solicitor really appealed to me. I wanted to practice an area of law where I could help people receive the support, they need following the difficult time that can occur following a serious accident.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
The feeling of making a difference to a client and their family's life following an injury, by ensuring that they receive the right support to assist them in their recovery and to move on with their life safe in the knowledge that they have received the financial award to allow them to do so.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
Irwin Mitchell is the leading personal injury firm in the UK, so it was always my ambition to work here. I am proud of Irwin Mitchell’s commitment to ensuring all clients have access to early rehabilitation where possible, even if their claim is not ultimately successful. The firm is very client focussed and prides itself on this, and also has an excellent focus on being a responsible business and staff wellbeing.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I have two young children and love spending time with them and having days out and travelling to new places with my wife and children. I am also a big fan of football and support my team, Everton FC, and I am passionate about Karate.
I also enjoy running. I particularly enjoy the Great North 10k which I have ran on behalf of Day One Trauma Support and taking part in the annual Day One Trauma Support June 100k challenge. I enjoy supporting local charity initiatives and regularly take part in the Back Up Trust wheelchair skills sessions at James Cook University Hospital.
Testimonials
"I was recommended to Irwin Mitchell by a friend’s sister who works for an insurance company in London. She told me that Irwin Mitchell were the best in the country for head injuries. My mum of 79 years of age got ran over and suffered three bleeds on the brain which left problems. We noticed over the next 9 months a change in character and a deterioration in her as a whole person.
"So, at this point i contacted Irwin Mitchell and an associate called Alan Ball who spoke to me at length about what had happened. My mum didn't have any insurance to cover the claim so Alan took over and sorted everything out from finances to case management and a team of specialists to assess and get my mam back to as close as they can to the way that she was before.
"Over the next year and a half, the full team worked on my mam every week with ups and downs but at the end she is back to her normal full of life self. The improvement this team made with my mam was life changing not just for my her but for the whole family. I’ve ran a business for 27 years and have a disabled son of thirty with autism I’ve been around management and the disabled industry for a long time and this team of solicitors and specialists are second to none." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I have received excellent service from Irwin Mitchell so far. Alan Ball is very helpful and understanding, nothing is too much trouble and if I have any queries he will always find the time to answer. I do feel like I couldn’t have got through this really tough time without them there to help." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Alan especially has guided and helped me through some very tough decisions I have had to make. In the end it may not have been the outcome we both expected but without Alan’s assistance I don’t think I have got through it." - 5* Trustpilot review
"My solicitor from Irwin Mitchell, Alan Ball, was informative, clear and professional throughout our 24 month working relationship. He successfully concluded my personal injury claim with a financial award I never imagined possible. 5 star service from day one. IM aren't industry leaders by chance, they put the work in and I couldn't be happier with the result. Thank you for giving me back the life I thought I had lost after my injury. I am forever grateful." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I would highly recommend Carolyn and Alan for their expert work in being able to secure millions of pounds for their clients which have suffered a catastrophic life changing injury. They not only managed to deal with each stage of my claim, but also empathised with my lack of patients and somewhat short tempered language. Through the stress of the claim, they was able to approach each situation delicately to help me understand the work that was required whilst giving me the best advice. The standard of professionalism was impeccable and their duty of care to their clients is 1st class." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Thank you so much once again to Alan Ball. Always I have been feeling fully support in this 18 months from Alan and I really appreciated all the hard work he put down in my case and help me in every matter. All been inside of the time scheduled he was expecting what is amazing thinking in all the difficulties we had considering I had two accidents." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I cannot praise my solicitor Alan Ball and Irwin Mitchell enough. Alan Ball went above and beyond for my partner and I. He took the time to explain everything in the detail that I needed so that I was able to make an informed decision and was very kind, considerate and patient of my mental health throughout the whole case. I couldn’t fault the service I received at all, he gave my partner and I amazing support and reassurance during difficult times which we will be forever grateful for." - 5* Trustpilot review
"What can I say, my experience with Irwin Mitchell and my solicitor Alan Ball Was 10 out of 10. He was so helpful and reassuring every step of the way. My case was a little complicated and took longer than usual due to COVID but Alan and Irwin Mitchell constant updates and check ins along the way were great. I feel like I got the best possible outcome considering my situation. I want to thank Alan ball at Irwin Mitchell and would 100% recommend them." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Would like to thank Irwin Mitchell especially Alan Ball and Holly Hoy for everything they have done for me in representing me in my recent case. Alan especially has guided and helped me through some very tough decisions I have had to make." - 5* Trustpilot review
Publications
How to succeed against the MIB’s off-road vehicle defence, Journal of Personal Injury Law - June 2019
How to beat the MIB’s off-road vehicle defence, PI Brief Update Law Journal - July 2019
