Travel

Irwin Mitchell

The travel personal injury team at Irwin Mitchell is noted as being the ‘the leading firm for international PI work’. The team’s international scope is noteworthy, and its matters consistently involve representing claimant clients and their families in cases where severe or fatal injuries have been suffered outside of the UK; such matters involve high-profile incidents and high-value damages and form Demetrius Danas’ practice. The team, which is led by Tracey Storey, is equipped to represent individual claimants in addition to acting in group claims wherein claimants have been involved in a range of incidents, including RTAs, marine and aviation accidents, and terror attacks while working or travelling abroad. Birmingham-based Philip Banks is considered a ‘consumer champion’ and has appeared before the CJEU and the Supreme Court. Cheryl Palmer-Hughes is a name to note for her expertise in overseas medical negligence matters, as well as international convention claims; Jatinder Paul in Birmingham is described as ’the man of the moment in the travel sphere’ with experience in handling group illness claims; and Kylie Hutchison has notable capabilities in overseas sports injury cases. Leane Shanks has wide-ranging experience and is a strong example of the team’s foreign language abilities. Jennifer Lund departed to DAC Beachcroft LLP in May 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘James Riley is an excellent associate. He is very passionate about his cases, and will always fight hard for his clients. He is willing to work hard, roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty.’
‘Irwin Mitchell have long been the established firm to go to for claimant personal injury claims with a cross-border dimension. They are very experienced lawyers and continue to maintain an excellent reputation in this area of work, being both thorough and adept at client care relations.’
‘Philip Banks is a very personable and experienced litigator. He has standout client care skills and a wealth of experience in this area. Mention should be made of Cheryl Palmer-Hughes who is making her name. Associate James Riley should be mentioned as a safe pair of hands.’
‘Gemma Newton is a first-class lawyer adept at taking on difficult cases and winning them. Leane Shanks has deep knowledge in this area and displays commercial nous.’
‘The biggest player in the market with a very strong consumer presence, known for doing the full-range of work in the area – package travel, overseas insurers, maritime and aviation are all areas of specialism.’
‘Philip Banks is the well-regarded team leader, known as a consumer champion. He litigates cases which have had a meaningful benefit in enhancing consumer rights. Cheryl Palmer-Hughes is particularly known for her expertise in overseas medical negligence cases, particularly in cosmetic surgery. Demetrius Danas has experience with large and complex cases.’
‘Irwin Mitchell are the leading firm for international PI work. Their travel team are excellent collectively and individually, which sets them apart from their competitors. They are regularly involved in high-profile cases in this area, and secure fantastic outcomes for their clients. Their knowledge of international personal injury law is, quite frankly, exceptional.’
‘Jatinder Paul is quite simply outstanding. He is the man of the moment in the travel sphere so it is no surprise that he is instructed in the leading cases in this area. Cheryl-Palmer Hughes is a beacon in cross-border clinical negligence work; she is untouchable in this field. Phil Banks often strikes a killer blow to the other side in negotiations, securing significant settlements for his clients.'

Work highlights

Acted for the claimant in a UK Supreme Court case regarding the general application of expert evidence in personal injury cases.
Acted for the claimant in a catastrophic personal injury case which resulted from a bus crash in Malta in April 2018.
Acted for a number of former British Military personnel and their families who have been affected by exposure to contaminated water at the military base known as Camp LeJeune in North Carolina, U.S.

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