Leading Associates

Personal injury: pursuer in Scotland

Digby Brown LLP

Digby Brown LLP houses a broad offering known for handling the full spectrum of industrial disease claims, group actions, and historic abuse cases. Mark Gibson heads the firm’s travel and product liability practices, often acting in fatal claims and workplace accident cases with cross-border elements. Gordon Dalyell is recommended for his vast knowledge of major road traffic accidents (RTA), workplace accidents, and claims for miscarriages of justice. Chris Stewart leads the firm’s serious injury group and stands out for his specialism in spinal cord injuries, an area in which Moira Kay is also an expert. Stuart Barton routinely appears before the Court of Session in complex cases, often representing adults who lack capacity.

Responsables de la pratique:

Fraser Oliver; Brian Castle; Mark Gibson; Gordon Dalyell; Chris Stewart; Euan Love; Dawn McCafferty


Autres avocats clés:

Moira Kay; Stuart Barton


Les références

‘I have worked with many different firms in this area for over 25 years and consider Digby Brown to be the best. Their lawyers are always superbly well prepared, and achieve time and time again, the very best results for their clients. They deal with the highest value and most complex cases, including those relating to spinal injury, brain injury, amputation and death.’

‘Gordon Dalyell is one of the most experienced and highly respected solicitors in Scotland in this area, Moira Kay is experienced and tenacious, and Stuart Barton is a big hitter with a real presence and authority.’

‘The team led by Chris Stewart and comprising partners Moira Kay and Stuart Barton is the best team on the market dealing with high-value/complex cases for pursuers. They collaborate where appropriate in order to drive cases forward to resolution and they know the issues arising in these cases better than any other firm.’

Principaux clients

Spinal Injuries Scotland


Headway


Asbestos Action


Clydebank Asbestos Group


Brake


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted in a £ 11.9 million extra-judicial settlement secured for a child car passenger left paralysed after an RTA.
  • Recovered £ 3.88 million for victims of a rickshaw crash.
  • Acted in a £ 7 million action on behalf of victims of the Post Office/Horizon IT scandal.

Balfour+Manson LLP

Noted for its strong focus on cross-border work, the team at Balfour+Manson LLP is noted for bringing its ‘considerable experience and expertise to bear in getting excellent results’ for its clients. David Short co-leads the team from Edinburgh and is an expert in mesothelioma and aviation accident cases. In the Aberdeen office, Julie Clark-Spence is particularly adept at handling offshore accident claims. Ann Logan is well-known for her longstanding experience in handling high-profile cases involving air and sea accidents, often involving cross-border elements. Peter Littlefair often handles pedestrian incidents and road traffic accident claims. Michaela Guthrie is a key name for both fatal and non-fatal claims relating to occupiers’ liability.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Short; Julie Clark-Spence


Autres avocats clés:

Peter Littlefair; Ann Logan; Michaela Guthrie; Adelle Walker; Iona Campbell


Les références

The team took a personal interest in my case, always on hand to offer advice and reassurance. We were made to feel like individuals and always listened to, not just treated as clients but as friends.’

‘Ann Logan has taken great care with my case and always ensured I was well looked after and protected. She is always on hand with advice and responds quickly and efficiently to all enquiries. I’ve found her to be a fantastic negotiator.’

‘Understanding and knowledge of a complex personal injury claim. Key strengths were knowing what medical specialist to contact to support my claim, who had medically assessed similar claimants and won. They communicated relevant details prior to, during and after my claim on the process and of using protected technology to ensure my confidentiality was protected at all times to check on the accuracy of reports.’

Harper Macleod LLP

Noted for acting with the ‘highest standards of professionalism and ethics’, Harper Macleod LLP is well-equipped to handle catastrophic injury claims arising as a result of RTA, often involving amputation, pedestrian claims, and both brain and spinal injuries. ‘Incredibly hard working, efficient and client focused’ practice head Heather Calderwood works out of the Glasgow office, and is recommended for her vast knowledge of public and employer liability claims. Amy Dickson is particularly adept at handling wrongful death cases and claims relating to accidents at work, while Christina Wason stands out for her expertise in complex pain disorder claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Heather Calderwood


Autres avocats clés:

Amy Dickson; Christina Wason; Laura Ann Sheridan


Les références

‘Heather Calderwood heads up this exceptionally strong team. Her leadership is second to none. The team is organised and well prepared with a wealth of experience, and they communicate and support each other very well.’

‘Heather Calderwood combines her considerable experience with a client-centred and pragmatic approach. She is always thinking about getting the best results.

‘A dedicated team of pursuer solicitors, covering the full range of reparation claims with skill and expertise.’

Lindsays

David Armstrong leads the team at Lindsays, which is recommended for its vast knowledge of loss of society claims arising as a result of industrial disease and fatal accidents. Armstrong is a key name for claims concerning overseas accidents and claims for loss of society. Jonathan Cornwell is well-equipped to handle cases involving workplace accidents, with a strong focus on respiratory illness and industrial deafness claims. Lauren Pasi specialises in amputation and brain injury cases, while Kathleen Willis stands out for her expertise in chronic pain-related work and claims relating to exposure to vibration tools. The ‘clever, exceptional’ Rachel Holt is adept at handling fatal claims relating to RTA and public liability.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Armstrong


Autres avocats clés:

Jonathan Cornwell; Lauren Pasi; Kathleen Willis; Rachel Holt


Les références

‘The team at Lindsays are professional to work with and are highly passionate about their work. They will work collaboratively with the counsel whom they instruct and will strive to achieve the strongest results for their clients.’

‘Rachel Holt is a vibrant and standout individual within the personal injury team. She is highly motivated, responsive and is able to give realistic and measured advice to her clients in a comprehensible manner.’

‘I have worked extensively with Lauren Pasi and Rachel Holt, and I have also worked with Kathleen Willis. The greatest strength they have is that they work as a team. As a team, they are very strong indeed.’

Principaux clients

Calio Claims


First Central Insurance Management


Lindsays Alliance


Society of Radiographers


LIM Insurance


The Legal Advice Group


Trust Claims


SGCUK


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted in a £5 million claim for a pedestrian run over by a bus.
  • Acted in a claim for £ 1 million for serious physical and psychological injuries sustained by a 3-year-old child in a RTA.
  • Acted in a £3 million claim for amputation injury suffered by a fisherman whilst working on a fishing vessel.

Thorntons Law LLP

Gordon McBean leads the team at Thorntons Law LLP, which is primarily based in Edinburgh. The group is well-equipped to handle the full spectrum of workplace accidents and RTA claims. Kathleen-Erin Lawson is particularly adept at handling group litigation, while Michelle Adam regularly appears before the Court of Session in cases involving amputations. The ‘truly outstanding’ Stephanie Watson is a key figure within the team, known for her expertise in public liability claims, often acting against local authorities.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gordon McBean


Autres avocats clés:

Kathleen-Erin Lawson; Michelle Adam; Stephanie Watson; Gary Mannion


Les références

‘We have experienced exceptional commitment to client care, legal excellence, and collaboration. What truly sets Thorntons apart is their people-focused approach—their team is not only highly skilled but also incredibly approachable and responsive.’ 

Stephanie Watson is truly outstanding in her field. Her ability to balance complex legal considerations with clear and practical solutions sets her apart. Beyond her legal skills, Stephanie excels in team leadership, fostering a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and excellence.’

‘Gary Mannion – His pragmatic approach, combined with a strong work ethic and commitment to achieving the best outcomes for clients, makes him a standout in the field.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for a client in a £250,000 fall at work claim.
  • Acted for a client who suffered permanent hearing loss after a workplace accident.

Anderson Strathern

Noted by clients for combining ‘professionalism with genuine care’ when handling cases, Anderson Strathern routinely assists medical professionals and individuals with claims concerning accidents at work. Practice head Gary Burton stands out for his broad experience spanning accidents abroad and workplace accidents, with a strong focus on representing nurses. Described by clients as ‘one of the star individuals in the field’, Robbie Wilson leads the firm’s medical negligence group and is noted for his deep knowledge of cases concerning stress at work. Pamela Bradshaw joined the firm from Jackson Boyd LLP in December 2024, and Lauren Doherty is a key name within the team, known for her specialism in RTA and workplace injury claims involving assault.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gary Burton; Catriona Watt


Autres avocats clés:

Pamela Bradshaw; Robbie Wilson; Lauren Doherty


Les références

‘Anderson Strathern is one of the market leaders in clinical negligence work in Scotland. In Robbie Wilson, they have one of the star individuals in the field.’

‘Robbie Wilson is by far and away the standout individual at Anderson Strathern from my perspective. He’s an experienced and incredibly capable clinical negligence litigator.’

‘Anderson Strathern offers a refreshing approach that balances professionalism with genuine care, which truly differentiates them in the industry. Unlike other firms, they provide regular updates and are always available for a discussion.’

Principaux clients

Royal College of Nursing


Quantum Claims


Irwin Mitchell Scotland

Irwin Mitchell Scotland houses a broad offering known for its ability to handle a wide variety of workplace accident and industrial disease claims, in addition to its vast knowledge of both fatal and non-fatal RTA cases. Assuming joint leadership of the practice, Kim Leslie and Fern Mapp joined from Digby Brown LLP in May 2024 and January 2025, respectively. Leslie is noted for her ‘considerable talents and drive’ and her experience in handling historic abuse work, while Mapp is a key name for travel-related work relating to aviation and package holidays. David Bell is recommended for his extensive expertise in complex workplace accidents, industrial disease, and RTA cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kim Leslie; Fern Mapp; Mark Higgins


Autres avocats clés:

David Bell; Izabela Wosiak


Les références

‘Kim Leslie is a tenacious litigator who has a reputation for working for victims of child abuse and in complex personal injury. She has a great way with vulnerable clients. Strategic and determined, she is focused on getting the best result for her client.’

‘Fern Mapp is a skilled expert in aviation and international serious injury. A great communicator who puts her client first.’

‘Izabela Wosiak is a senior associate who handles complex cases and is client-focused.’

Jackson Boyd LLP

Jackson Boyd LLP handles a diverse caseload of workplace accident and injury matters, in addition to handling public liability work and overseas injury claims. Practice co-head Alan Macdonald‘s primary areas of focus are RTA and workplace accident claims, and co-head David McKinney leverages his longstanding experience in both fatal and catastrophic injury claims arising as a result of RTA.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alan Macdonald; Dave Berry


Autres avocats clés:

Debbie Milne; David McKinney


Les références

‘Dave Berry is very well organised, his instructions are clear and detailed, papers are full and well organised, he is on top of all the issues, and the case is well prepared.’

‘The PI team at Jackson Boyd are excellent in terms of their depth of knowledge and client care. They are not afraid to take on challenging cases and robustly represent their clients. A definite strength is their practical approach to resolving cases for clients by smartly applying the law.’

‘Dave Berry’s client care and management of cases are excellent. He pays particular attention to detail and can apply challenging legal arguments, in terms of liability and causation, to his client’s advantage. He has first class interpersonal skills.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for the family of a 90 year old male motorist who was killed in a head on collision with another vehicle.
  • Acting for a 35 year old woman who suffered life changing injuries in a road traffic accident
  • Acting for a woman who suffered life changing injuries after being knocked over by a dog.

Morton Fraser MacRoberts

Morton Fraser MacRoberts‘s practice routinely acts for the families of victims of fatal accidents, and is experienced in handling complex historic sexual abuse cases. The team is also well-equipped to act in workplace accident matters. Jenny Dickson leads the team and is noted for her deep knowledge of catastrophic injury cases relating to RTA, while the ‘fantastic’ Nicola Edgar is well-placed to assist clients with historical sexual abuse and fatal claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jenny Dickson


Autres avocats clés:

Nicola Edgar


Les références

‘Nicola Edgar provided an excellent service. She ensured that the case continued to progress and gave support and clear advice at each stage. She very much understood the situation and gave clear advice based on her extensive previous knowledge of the legal processes and outcomes involved.’

‘Nicola Edgar has an excellent reputation for personal injury claims, depth of expertise and market recognition. I would also like say I’m very impressed with the professional practice service, especially explaining in detail each step of the process.’

‘Great customer service. Kind and thoughtful representatives. Patient and diligent. Felt more like a friend than a solicitor.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Acting on behalf of the family of a pedestrian who was fatally wounded when hit by a vehicle.
  • Acting on behalf of an individual who sustained serious, complex injuries as a cyclist following a collision with a vehicle.

Slater and Gordon

Slater and Gordon handles a varied caseload of RTA claims and workplace accident cases. The group is also noted for its expertise in public liability and historic abuse cases, often handling industrial disease claims. Practice head Stuart Cochran is particularly adept at handling amputation-related claims, in addition to advising on employers’ liability and RTA cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stuart Cochran


Autres avocats clés:

Karyn McPhee; Shuiken Chan


Les références

‘The team has experience and ability in the area of personal injury. It compares very favourably with other firms.’

‘Stuart Cochran and Karyn McPhee are both very experienced and knowledgeable, and I value their clarity of instructions.’