Key People

Profile

David Horwich (Director) David qualified as a Solicitor in 1987, and joined the practice in 1993. He was responsible for opening the Manchester City Centre office, and became Managing Partner in 2007, before becoming Managing Director in May 2014. David has an in-depth experience in Personal Injury and was responsible initially for setting up the Defendant department which acts for Insurers, and together with Brian Coghlan & Robert Myer manages the combined Personal Injury Department, which comprises of both Claimant and Defendant work. He has been involved in many cases involving catastrophic injuries and awards in excess of £1M. David has developed a bespoke case management system for Claimant Personal Injury cases. Phone: (0161) 830 4600 Email: david.horwich@hccsolicitors.com

Profile

Brian Coghlan (Director) Brian joined the practice as a Trainee in 1994 and qualified into the Personal Injury Department in 1995. In 1998 he spent nearly 2 years managing the London office, and was made a Partner of the firm when he was transferred back into the Manchester office in 2000. Brian has specialised in Personal Injury litigation since qualification, and has a particular interest in improving rehabilitation pathways for seriously injured clients. For the last few years he has been responsible for supervising and training lawyers, as well as overseeing operations and procedures generally across the department. Brian has overseen a steady expansion of the injury department in recent years, and works closely with David Horwich and Rob Myer managing the Personal Injury department of the practice. Phone: (0161) 830 4600 Email: brian.coghlan@hccsolicitors.com

Profile

Rob Myer (Director) Rob originally joined the practice as a Trainee in 1995. After qualifying as a Solicitor in 1997 Rob has specialised in Personal Injury. He became a Partner within the Practice in 2004. Rob has built up an extensive knowledge of all areas of Personal Injury during his career to date. He has been actively involved in developing the case management system in recent times to cater for all the various changes that have occurred in the Personal Injury sector. Together with David Horwich and Brian Coghlan, Rob manages the Personal Injury Department. In addition to providing supervision and training to other lawyers within the practice Rob is also Compliance Officer for Legal Practice & Finance & Administration. He is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. Phone: (0161) 830 4600 Email: rob.myer@hccsolicitors.com

Profile

Mark Woodall (Partner, Manchester) Mark specialises in defending complex and high value personal injury claims.  He receives instructions from clients to handle Motor, Employers Liability and Public Liability claims. He receives an increasing number of instructions from foreign insurers to defend claims brought by UK Nationals relating to injury sustained whilst they are visiting foreign countries (for example Mark is currently handling claims for incidents occurring in the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Portugal, Spain and Italy).  Mark regularly attends International Law Conferences and has lectured to Lawyers from other jurisdictions regarding English Law. He is instructed in relation to high value claims.  Examples include defending high quantum claims arising from motor vehicle incidents (for example a mini-bus which fell from a road into a ravine in Spain); a multi-million pound claim for a scarring injury; a claim under Modern Day Slavery; and claims brought by dependants arising from fatal accidents. He acts for insurers, self-insured Defendants (for example transport companies) and UK Claims Handlers for foreign insurers. Phone: (0161) 830 4600 Email: mark.woodall@hccsolicitors.com

Profile

Mike Molloy (Partner, Manchester) Mike qualified as a Solicitor in 1993 and joined Horwich Cohen Coghlan in 2001. Mike has specialised in personal injury litigation since qualification, and over the last 20 years the years has developed a particular expertise in high value and complex claims. He is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and now deals with claims involving catastrophic and life-changing injuries, including injuries to the brain, spine and multiple muscular-skeletal trauma. He has enormous experience of the complexities of serious and catastrophic injury cases, and has also developed an extensive network of leading experts and barristers. In addition to his technical legal knowledge, Mike understands the wider challenges and problems that life changing injuries pose for for both the injured party and their immediate family, and he is dedicated to supporting them as best he can from the earliest possible stage. Mike regularly attends clients in their homes, and makes himself available for communication with clients and their families at all times. Mike has an in-depth knowledge of the Rehabilitation Code which (as revised in 2015), and seeks to maximise the benefits it can provide for clients with serious injuries. This will include working intensively at an early stage to deliver the necessary treatment and rehabilitation to clients following discharge from hospital. Although he places a particular focus on delivery of treatment, Mike also ensures that the damages awarded are maximised. He regularly secures awards in excess of £1 million for clients, and recently negotiated an award of £5.9 million for a client.

What Mike's clients say:

Amy Lynch:

I was recommended to HCC by a family friend in the legal field. I lost confidence in solicitors I previously instructed to deal with my claim and transferred to HCC. I’m so pleased I did. Mike Molloy was brilliant. I felt very well looked after. I found hospital correspondence particularly anxiety-provoking but Mike always dealt with any concerns or queries I had promptly and efficiently, even providing me with responses during weekends. His friendly and straight-to-the-point nature made things very easy to understand – he didn’t use all that legal jargon. I felt that I was in very good hands and I could not have asked for more. Thank you Mike, you made the whole process easier – I couldn’t have asked for more.

Diane Woodall:

I had no hesitation in using Mike Molloy because he dealt with a smaller legal matter for me some time ago and I would not have wanted to choose anyone else. From the word go, I was impressed that Mike kept me updated with everything. I never needed to chase him for anything and I received all my documents by email and post, which I found really useful. I was always anxious when I had to talk about any aspect of the claim, as the whole thing has upset me. When I needed to contact him, Mike always put me at ease straight away. I am so grateful to him. The accident was life-changing for me. I am a qualified radiographer and had taken a part-time local position as a physiotherapy assistant to keep me active. I had just relocated from the London area to the North-West. I knew when I slipped that I had fractured and badly damaged my ankle. When the plaster cast was removed, I knew that this was not going to be the end of it. Mike was fantastic. I can’t thank him enough and I would thoroughly recommend HCC, without a doubt, 100%. I am very happy with the outcome.

Phone: (0161) 830 4600 Email: mike.molloy@hccsolicitors.com

Profile

Philippa Simpson (Partner, Manchester) Philippa qualified as a solicitor in 1997 and has specialised in the field of Personal Injury ever since. She is is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), and has a special interest in high value and complex injury claims, for example cases involving;

• Head and brain injuries
• Serious Orthopaedic injuries
• Chronic and Regional Pain syndromes
• Fibromyalgia

Philippa is a member of the Major Trauma and Serious Injury team at Horwich Cohen Coghlan Solicitors, and from an early stage in any Major Trauma case she and her colleagues work to identify and establish a client’s needs, and then take steps to ensure they get the treatment and rehabilitation they need. Philippa makes sure that she is available for seriously injured clients and family members at all times, and where appropriate she will visit them at hospital and/or in their own home. She knows that seriously injured clients worry about the future for both them and their families, and does everything she can to give them peace of mind and ensure that their future needs are catered for. Over nearly 20 years of working with injured clients, Philippa has developed relationships with leading barristers and a network of highly respected independent experts across the country, and their input is vital to ensuring delivery of outstanding service and the best possible advice. Philippa cares passionately about her clients, and is committed to supporting them wherever possible in addition to providing expert technical legal advice.

What Philippa's clients say:

Tom Bird was riding his motorbike when he was seriously injured in a road traffic collision:

"With Philippa and her team managing my case at HCC I had absolutely no worries about anything. Everything was streamlined and they kept me up to date at every step of the way during my case. Philippa and her colleague Emily kept everything on track and I was happy with the payout I received. Philippa and HCC have done an amazing job and far beyond what I was expecting from a law firm. I recommend them to anyone else who has also been injured on their motorcycle in a road traffic collision. Thank you HCC!"

Mr Plant:

"I would like to thank you for your everlasting patience, diligence, and kind understanding in dealing with all my woes and tribulations, you have been an absolute star and credit to your profession. I am relieved that we finally reached some sort of closure and I can finally put the traumatic events behind me and move on. I am looking forward to putting the money to good use and to help me in the future. I would also like to wish you and yours all the very best for the future. Thank you once again Philippa,  I will recommend you to any prospective client who I think may benefit from your expertise in the future."  Phone: (0161) 830 4600 Email: philippa.simpson@hccsolicitors.com

Profile

Andrea Green (Partner, Manchester) Andrea joined the Practice in the year 2000 as a Legal Secretary within the Personal Injury Department, and with the support of the Partners she was promoted to the position of Litigation Executive and began running cases under supervision in 2003. She qualified initially as a Legal Executive in 2007 and thereafter as a Solicitor in 2010. Since 2009 Andrea has been responsible for managing and supervising a team of Solicitors and Litigation Executives, in addition to running her own caseload. Andrea was promoted to Associate in 2012, and made Partner in 2014. Phone: (0161) 830 4600 Email: andrea.green@hccsolicitors.com

Profile

Jane McCullagh (Parter, Manchester)  Jane qualified as a Solicitor in 1994 and joined Horwich Cohen Coghlan in 2015, achieving Associate status 12 months later. Initially upon qualification, Jane worked as a general civil litigator for approximately 5 years before specialising in Claimant personal injury litigation. Jane has experience in undertaking claims arising from all kinds of accidents, but has developed a particular specialism in the areas of public and employer liability claims and heads up the Employer/Public Liability team. Jane has also been instrumental in setting up and overseeing the firm's Food Poisoning Claims team. With over 20 years experience as a solicitor, Jane has a particular interest in high valued and complex cases, and is a member of the the Major Trauma and Serious Injury team at Horwich Cohen Coghlan Solicitors. Phone: (0161) 830 4600 Email: jane.mccullagh@hccsolicitors.com

Profile

Emma is Associate Partner at HCC. She was originally called to the Bar in 1999, and cross qualified as a solicitor in 2007. She specialises exclusively in claimant clinical negligence and joined the firm in early 2016 to head up our Clinical Negligence Department. In her almost twenty year career she has acquired extensive litigation experience, building up long standing relationships with barristers and experts. In addition she has a valuable practical perspective regarding clinical procedures after working with a team of midwives and nurses for a number of years. Emma understands that a clinical negligence claim can often include very real feelings of isolation and distrust as claimants seek to find answers for the decisions made in their care. She prides herself on her supportive and compassionate approach and aims to give realistic advice from the outset. Phone: (0161) 830 4600 Email: emma.richards@hccsolicitors.com

Profile

Kelly is a partner at HCC. She qualified as a solicitor in 2013 having worked in the field of complex Personal Injury claims for a number of years previously.  Since qualification Kelly has acted solely for Claimants who have suffered catastrophic and life-changing injuries including injuries to the head, brain, spine and multiple muscular-skeletal trauma including cases where clients have been required to undergo amputation. Kelly deals with cases involving both adults and children.  As a member of  the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) Kelly has a particular interest and focus upon securing early and appropriate rehabilitation, which has led her to be appointed as a member of HCC’s Major Trauma team. She also understands the wider challenges catastrophic injuries present, including the effects that can be felt by her client’s family members. Kelly works with a number of dedicated and specialised case managers to ensure that all her client’s rehabilitation plans have a multi-disciplinary approach so to achieve the best possible outcome, both physically and mentally. Kelly chose to complete her Law Masters upon the issue of Rehabilitation, which has placed her in a position to not only be able to focus and implement early treatment but also how to maximise her clients final settlement awards.

What Kelly's clients say:

"Again, thank you for all your help and work on this case. It’s really been a pleasure. You always made me feel confidant in my case even when the defence was picking at it and you trusted me fully throughout. I never felt like you questioned my integrity at any point, and that is huge to me. So again thank you." (SE)   "I would like to send  a few words to thank HCC on the completion of my claim.  You have been very professional though out. Also I would like to give a very special thank you to Kelly Hutton who has been extremely helpful. She has spent a lot of time explaining everything to me to the finest detail and nothing has been a problem to her. I'm very happy with the outcome and service I have received from you and all your staff. Keep up the great work." (Mr K) “Thanks Kelly.  Just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and your team for all your help, from the way that you handled things with empathy and sensitivity when I met you in the hospital, to everything else in between until now. I know it's been a long process, but this has been made much easier in the way that you have handled the case. Having a direct line to yourself instead of a claims handler has made all the difference, and your prompt attention and responses have really helped.”

Phone: (0161) 830 4600 Email: kelly.hutton@hccsolicitors.com

Profile

Martin qualified in 2003 and joined HCC Solicitors from Slater & Gordon where he was the National Head of Serious Injury. Martin is a partner and our Chief Operating Officer (COO). An expert in serious injury and fatal incident litigation, Martin has a hands on approach to helping people and families rebuild their lives. This has allowed him to achieve numerous landmark results for clients. Never afraid to push the boundaries in pursuit of people's rights , Martin changed the law for the benefit of injured people seeking interim payments at the Court of Appeal in the case of Berry v Ashead. Another landmark verdict was at the High Court in the case of Lewington v Motor Insurance Bureau where the Judge ruled that the MIB must comply with the applicable EC directive and compensate Ms Lewington for serious injuries caused by an off road vehicle. Martin is a keen supporter of numerous charities including Brake (the road safety charity), The Spinal Injuries Association and Headway. Recognised in the Legal 500 as an excellent practitioner he is also an accredited serious injury solicitor by the Association of Personal Injury lawyers. Martin also lectures regularly and helps educate people on the subject of personal injury litigation as well as campaigning for the rights of injured and bereaved people. Phone: (0161) 830 4600 Email: martin.james@hccsolicitors.com  

Profile

Joe Speed (Partner, Birmingham) Joe is a partner at Horwich Cohen Coghlan and heads up our office in Birmingham. He represents clients across the country and those who are abroad but who have suffered life-changing injuries whilst in England and Wales. He has worked in law since 2006 and has a superb eye for detail which gives him the edge when handling difficult cases for our clients. Joe excels at working on high-value and complex claims and has handled actions for clients suffering from wide-ranging and life-changing injuries, including:

• Catastrophic, serious and complex brain injuries.
• Complex spinal cord injuries.
• Upper and lower limb amputations.
• Multiple serious orthopaedic injuries.
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
• Fatal injuries.
• Cases involving children and secondary victims.
• Criminal injuries resulting in life-changing impairments.

Joe always endeavours to approach cases with sensitivity and takes time to help his clients understand the legal process in the hope of making it less daunting. Joe and his team routinely secure significant settlements, including multi-million pound settlements, but adopts the same level of care and compassion to every client who he gets to meet and represent. The vast majority of clients that Joe represents experience a combination of issues and pressures, ranging from physical and emotional pain; issues affecting their ability to live independently; pressure and strain on their home life, relationships and employment; and financial difficulties arising from the life-changing event they have had to endure. Joe meets his clients when they are often in the most difficult circumstances they have ever faced and at their most vulnerable. He places a real emphasis on trying to secure rehabilitation for every client at the very first opportunity and to ensure that, where desired, clients are signposted to all avenues of help and support. Joe is proud to represent and get to know so many truly inspirational clients and to try and help them in any way he can on their individual journey. He is passionate about ensuring his clients get the right settlement and strives to give realistic advice at every step of the way to help his clients understand the likely outcome. Joe has been ranked as a “Recommended Lawyer” in the independent legal guide, the Legal 500. What Joe’s clients say: ‘EW’ (family member of client): “Following our family member being in hospital after a serious head injury, we were unsure and worried about what the future would hold. In an instance life changed for all of us. Taking one day at a time we never thought at any point about professional help through a solicitor, but after some advice at the hospital we ended up in contact with Joe Speed and his team at HCC Solicitors.” “We were initially worried as we didn’t want it to be about financial gain, well what can I say, Joe and his team were the furthest away from our worries. They understand the person injured is the most important thing, concentrating on rehabilitation and supporting our family has always been their priority, as a family we can honestly say we wouldn’t have got through the past year without their help and support throughout it all, genuine people that care for those they are helping. Thanks again Joe and his team.” ‘MA’ and family: “We will be forever grateful to you Joe for all the support you have given to us over the last 4 years, on our journey through life we meet many different people, but some, you will always remember, and Joe we will always remember you.” And: “In this fast and troubled world we live in Joe, to me you are like a breath of fresh air, when needed you reach out to others, thank you Joe for reaching out to us. We will always be grateful, and we will keep in touch.” A client who settled his claim following complex orthopaedic injuries said: “I was involved in a serious car collision through no fault of my own and received a serious injury, broken pelvis and damaged femur. I was put in touch with Joe Speed, he was a recommendation made to me. To add insult to injury the other drivers insurers accepted no liability, Joe stood firm alongside me and explained that this was common and this I found reassuring and professional of him. I found Joe to be honest professional and clear about our position every step of the way even if it was to state that things were unclear because of the various dynamics of an insurance claim. My word of advice to anyone going through a similar experience would be this: find an honest reliable and professional solicitor like Joe Speed, I write this today as some guidance for anyone going through something similar but also as a credit to Joe Speed, I would recommend him to anyone.” A client on achieving personal success post-injury: “I don’t believe that I could have done this without you and the support that you have given me.”

A client who was a pedestrian struck by a vehicle said following the conclusion of her claim: "I would like to thank you for your patience, kindness and helpfulness throughout these last weeks. You made the proceeding less of an ordeal than it might have been, and I count myself fortunate to have had you acting for me."

A client who was struck by a vehicle whilst crossing the road said: “Thanks Joe for your understanding on all levels.  You really are a wonderful team at HCC. Glad I chose you.” Email: joe.speed@hccsolicitors.com Phone: (0161) 830 4600

Profile

Amber is an Associate Partner specialising in serious and catastrophic personal injury claims.  She acts for people who have suffered life changing injuries.  The claims are complex, high value and/or high-profile in nature and consist of Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI), Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) and Orthopaedic Injuries requiring amputation. Amber has a particular interest in Fatal Accident Claims and represented those that have lost loved ones or sustained serious injury during the London Bridge Terror Attack in June 2017.  Amber has also provided legal presentations to the Police Federation, Family Liaison Officers (FLOs), Senior Investigating Officers (SIOs) and The British Transport Police (BTP) regarding the Civil Claims Process. Amber has successfully concluded hundreds of personal injury cases in her 12 years’ experience with settlement values over £1m.  She has dealt with cases arising from road traffic collisions, accidents at work and public and occupier’s liability claims.

"I am extremely passionate about helping those affected by fatal, serious or life changing injury.  I actively engage insurers on getting early access to rehabilitation and / or interim payments to help support clients and their families through this difficult time.  I believe in a collaborative and personable approach with my clients to ensure the best outcome." Amber Braybrooke, January 2021

Email: amber.braybrooke@hccsolicitors.com

Profile

Patrick Maguire (Partner, London) Patrick is a Partner and the Head of the HCC London office.  Patrick and his team in London only represent people that have suffered serious or catastrophic injury and families who have lost a loved one.

Patrick is often instructed on behalf of victims of spinal cord injury, brain injury, amputation, fractures to bones and psychiatric trauma. Patrick has strong links with various charities and organisations that help provide support to his clients beyond a compensation claim. Patrick has strong relationships with many of the leading insurance companies in the UK which means he can often access rehabilitation and financial support for his clients very quickly.

Patrick is often instructed on high profile cases. For example, being personally instructed by a number of those that were injured or killed in the Westminster attack, the London Bridge/Borough Market attack and the Novichok nerve agent attack in Salisbury.   He represents bereaved families at Inquests at various levels from local Coroners Courts to the Old Bailey.   Patrick is well versed in dealing with the press in such cases.

Patrick has been instructed by clients from all over the world but where the incident has taken place in the UK.  In the last 3 years he has received instructions from clients in the US, France, Canada, Germany, Hungary, India and New Zealand.

All of Patrick’s clients instruct him on the basis of recommendation.  He is often asked to take over cases from other firms who are not providing the appropriate level of service.

Patrick and his team pride themselves on the relationships they build with their clients and their families.   Clients have commented that the care and support provided by Patrick and his team would be the sort only expected from close family and friends.

Email: patrick.maguire@hccsolicitors.com Phone: (0161) 830 4600

Profile

Victoria is a partner at HCC and she represents clients nationally and internationally. She is best known in the North West region for representing the families of 12 of the 22 victims killed in the bomb at the Manchester Arena. Victoria specialises in catastrophic claims acting for clients who have sustained life changing spinal cord injuries brain injuries and limb loss alongside other orthopaedic and psychiatric injuries she also represents bereaved families through inquests, public inquiries and civil actions. She is described as a fearless litigator and thrives on complex cases.  She's not afraid to push the boundaries for her clients to ensure the best possible outcome. Her career to date includes a number of landmark cases and she has represented many clients securing millions of pounds of financial compensation and rehabilitation services. Recent results include:

• £12.6 million on behalf of a young cyclist struck by vehicle sustaining a traumatic brain injury.
• £7.9 million on behalf of a front seat passenger.
• £4m on behalf of a pedestrian who was struck by vehicle as he walked along the pavement.
• £1m and £3.5 million for clients who sustained traumatic brain injuries.
• £3 million for an elderly pedestrian who sustained an incomplete spinal cord injury.

Victoria appears regularly on the TV and radio including BBC Breakfast and supports various charities including Brake and the Spinal Injury Association (SIA). Email: victoria.higgins@hccsolicitors.com Phone: (0161) 830 4600  

Profile

Corey is a solicitor in our Birmingham office. He has been working in serious and catastrophic personal injury for over 6 years and he represents people who have suffered life changing injuries resulting from road traffic collisions and injuries sustained in the workplace seeking to secure rapid rehabilitation to help severely injured people achieve independence and normality. Corey also  represents clients who have suffered brain injuries, spinal and spinal cord injuries, amputations, complex orthopaedic injuries, severe psychological trauma, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, locked-in syndrome and victims of criminal injuries including assaults, domestic abuse and terrorism. Corey also works closely with bereaved families and works tirelessly to achieve justice on their behalf. Corey believes in an empathic approach to give a voice to the families who have needlessly lost loved ones and supports various bereavement charities in order to ensure a reduction in avoidable deaths and to provide dedicated support to those that are left behind. Phone: (0161) 830 4600 Email: corey.smith@hccsolicitors.com

Profile

Joe is an Associate Partner with over 20 years’ experience dealing with fatal and catastrophic injury claims. He acts for people nationwide who have been involved in road traffic collisions, accidents at work or have been injured or killed as a result of public and occupier’s liability or medical negligence. He also acts for victims of crime. He has dealt with a wide variety of cases and is particularly focused on meeting and supporting clients with severe and life changing injuries or bereaved families, assisting them obtain a settlement to help rebuild their lives. Joe regularly supports people throughout the criminal, coronial and civil process and engages insurance companies at an early stage to assist people who have an urgent financial need and obtain access to private rehabilitation. Joe is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (ACILEx) and member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). Email: joe.dodman@hccsolicitors.com Phone: 07939 801 440