Claire Burnell
Solicitor
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Principal Associate
SRA ID: 273443
I am an Associate Solicitor within the Personal injury department at Higgs LLP and have over 20 years’ experience in the legal profession with more than 18 years’ experience of handling serious injury claims.
I have extensive experience of handling a wide range of personal injury claims, typically including complex injury, cross/multi-jurisdictional and other unusual or technical claims. I have considerable experience in dealing with serious, catastrophic and fatal injury claims.
Throughout my career, I have developed a niche practice for accidents involving the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (‘MIB’) claims against uninsured and untraced drivers; and also for injuries suffered whilst abroad, handling claims internationally, typically from package holidays and works accidents.
I focus on achieving both significant high level settlement awards and working to secure early access to rehabilitation in order to assist my clients in achieving the best possible recovery following what often are life changing injuries.
3 Waterfront Business Park, DY5 1LX
Licensed for 23 years
Practice Areas
Personal Injury
Personal Injury Claim
We used Claire at Higgs for a PI claim on behalf of an elderly relative. Claire was very on the ball with everything and kept us up to date with what was needed and what was happening. It did take a long time for the case to be resolved, however the accident happended just before Covid and throughout covid and beyond we where kept up to date and had timely reminders of when Claire was waiting for information from us. The claim has been resolved and will make a difference to my elderly relatives life going forward. We are very happy with the outcome and all the help and advice we received.
Lawyer named in this review: Claire Burnell
A representative from Higgs LLP responded to this review on 26 April, 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're pleased to hear that Claire provided attentive and thorough assistance with your Personal Injury claim, keeping you informed every step of the way. Your satisfaction and the successful resolution of your claim are our top priorities.
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Simply the best head injury solicitor you can find
From the first telephone conversation with Claire I knew she was the solicitor I could trust with my personal injury case.
Timely and professional in her first contact she also knew all about head injuries.
I compared three firms to determine who to place my case with and Claire’s obvious commitment to this particular injury along with her professionalism and knowledge in our call prompted me to choose to go with her.
And what a fantastic decision it was.
Over the space of 14 months Claire was in regular contact with updates, prompting me to take actions, and proactively finding ways and means to push the case forward with the goal of achieving the best outcome for me personally.
From the outset and throughout our contact I felt Claire cared about me as an individual and had my best interests at heart at all times.
Not only that but Claire’s thorough knowledge of her subject matter and me,as her client, allowed her to strategise my case with the insurer handling my claim.
Claire is the ideal solicitor, she never directs, but ensures you have all the facts to be able to make your own decision. Her advice, honed from her wide experience, is clear and second to none.
At the start of this process, I had no idea the seriousness of my situation, having sustained a traumatic brain injury. Claire ensured I was well informed and supported from a legal perspective as I progressed through my first year post accident, while at the same time securing health support and assessments from the insurer. This work laid the foundation for the insurer to make a substantial offer to settle much sooner than expected. Claire then quickly arranged a further neurological assessment of myself and discussion of my case with a barrister to help me decide what to do.
Claire’s personal advice, having considered all the detail available, was to make a substantive counter offer to settle. She then gave me several days to consider my position.
My trust in Claire by this point was total, so I confirmed my willingness to make a counter offer. Which she did immediately.
Despite the insurers attempts to avoid negotiation and play down my claim, Claire had ensured the health and legal evidence was water tight, and in her first conversation with them she secured the full amount of her counter offer, securing a substantially higher settlement than the insurer initially offered. I was delighted with her work.
I personally feel this outstanding result was only achieved by Claire’s tenacious focus on my case, her expertise with my specific injury and her strategic approach to my claim. I don’t believe another solicitor could have achieved this result and would likely have advised acceptance of the insurers initial substantive offer to settle.
As a client my experience was that Claire was totally on my side and had a laser focus on getting the best outcome for me. And, that’s what she achieved.
Lawyer named in this review: Claire Burnell
A representative from Higgs LLP responded to this review on 12 February, 2024
Dear Tom, We're deeply moved by your detailed recount of your experience with Claire. Her dedication, expertise, and compassion truly stand out in your case. It's gratifying to know that her strategic approach and commitment to your best interests led to such a successful outcome. Your trust in Claire and your appreciation for her work mean a great deal to us. Thank you for choosing her to represent you and for sharing your positive experience.
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Personal Injury Claim / Fatal Accident
We experienced an unimaginable tragedy – a fatal accident at work that claimed the life of a beloved husband and father. Initially overwhelmed and uncertain of our next steps, we were fortunate to be introduced to Claire Burnell at Higgs. The prospect of securing legal assistance seemed daunting, considering our financial constraints. However, from our first meeting with Claire, our perspective swiftly transformed.
Claire's profound knowledge, compassion, and professionalism became evident as she attentively listened to our concerns, providing invaluable advice. The looming question of costs and affordability was a significant worry for us, but serendipitously, Claire offered to take on our case on a 'no win no fee' basis. This gesture alleviated our financial concerns and allowed us to focus on the challenging journey ahead.
From that point onward, Claire stood by our side unwaveringly. She attended every Coroners Court meeting, meticulously addressed any delays in the case, and offered steadfast support to our grieving family throughout the entire process. Claire, along with the dedicated team at Higgs, ensured the best possible outcome for us, offering expert legal advice while maintaining a compassionate and caring approach.
We had never anticipated receiving such exceptional service within our budget constraints. Our gratitude towards Claire and Higgs LLP is immeasurable. They not only navigated the legal complexities skilfully but also provided unwavering support during our darkest times. Claire and her team have showcased their ability to tackle any challenges thrown their way while simultaneously demonstrating genuine care for their clients. We will forever remain thankful to Claire and Higgs LLP for being a beacon of support during our personal struggles.
Lawyer named in this review: Claire Burnell
A representative from Higgs LLP responded to this review on 09 February, 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience. We're deeply saddened by your loss and honoured to have supported you through such a difficult time. Claire and the team at Higgs LLP are dedicated to providing compassionate and professional assistance to our clients. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we're grateful for the opportunity to have helped you navigate this challenging journey. Best Wishes, Higgs.
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Personnel injury claim, motor bike collision
Overall with my case, Higgs solicitors, and Claire Burnell in particular have been very professional, helpful and approachable over a 2year period in all aspects of my case.
Lawyer named in this review: Claire Burnell
A representative from Higgs LLP responded to this review on 30 January, 2024
Dear Michael, Thank you for your positive feedback! We're pleased to hear that Claire and our team provided professional, helpful, and approachable service throughout your case. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out. Best regards, Higgs LLP
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Very professional dealt with at speed
Claire burnell dealt with my son with care and attention and knowledge the pain and suffering and was understanding throughout the process thankyou highly recommended.
Lawyer named in this review: Claire Burnell
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Very professional dealt with at speed
Claire burnell dealt with my son with care and attention and knowledge the pain and suffering and was understanding throughout the process thankyou highly recommended
Lawyer named in this review: Claire Burnell
A representative from Higgs LLP responded to this review on 08 February, 2024
Dear Claire, We're grateful for your kind words and happy to hear that Claire Burnell provided your son with the care, attention, and understanding he needed during such a challenging time. Thank you for recommending us.
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Highly recommend Higgs every time
We were fortunate to find Claire Burnell after a bad experience with a previous company. We have always found her to be extremely knowledgeable and professional. We attribute the size of our claim due to how Claire handles our claim. We are so glad we made that move. We cannot recommend her highly enough.
Lawyer named in this review: Claire Burnell
A representative from Higgs LLP responded to this review on 30 May, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to leave an excellent rating. We really appreciate your business. Please let us know what we can do for you in the future.
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Untraced driver
Having had my life turned upside down in a matter of moments by a driver that did not stop, I didn’t know at the time I would need a solicitor, but as time progressed I have learnt that having a strong, supportive, very knowledgeable solicitor is a must. The times I wanted to give up were numerous due to the physical and emotional roller coaster that had become my life, the constant through the turmoil was family and my solicitor. I highly recommend Higgs LLP
Lawyer named in this review: Claire Burnell
A representative from Higgs LLP responded to this review on 25 April, 2023
Dear Karen, thank you so much for leaving a review. We are so pleased we were able to support you during such a stressful time. Thanks again for your recommendation, we highly appreciate it. Kind Regards, Higgs LLP.
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In Appreciation for a Professional Support
I was approached by members of this great organisation while I was being treated I being for wounds I sustain from a very serious accident in December 1019. I didn't do anything or know about getting professional legal help to fight for compensation but Higgs, using their competent staff, followed up and did everything to get me looked after by the insurance company. Higgs, through the Claire Burnell, a substantial settlement including privately funded Case Management and treatment.
Claire Burnell is an exceptionally gifted lawyer with great personality. She never failed me and was very prompt with meeting her deadlines in terms of communicating with me and the case managers. Recovering from the accident, especially during the COVID 19 lock down was very challenging, and I did get frustrated but Claire was there and when she speaks with me i get assured. Claire is patient and has a way of getting things done which is very professional and humanly soothing. She reminds me of my late older brother who was a brilliant lawyer. Clair Burnell is a brilliant lawyer and a fantastic human being.
Overall, Higgs and the entire staff who were involved directly or indirectly were brilliant and actually over performed in my opinion. I got a settlement half of which I would have been happy with. And for all their efforts I was not charged any fees.
Thanks Claire Burnell and a big thanks to the staff and managemnt of Higgs LLP
Lawyer named in this review: Claire Burnell
A representative from Higgs LLP responded to this review on 25 January, 2023
Thank you for your rating and we are pleased to hear you are happy with your Higgs experience. The team will appreciate you taking the time to leave your feedback.
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