Expertise

Clare specialises in catastrophic personal injury claims for claimants sustaining brain, spinal, amputation and brachial plexus injuries as well as dealing with fatal claims. The injuries have often arisen from road traffic collisions, at someone’s place of work or in public spaces.

Clare has worked on publicised claims involving liability apportionment in high speed road traffic collisions, contributory negligence and injury assessment of damages.

Recognition

Clare is regularly recommended by Chambers and Partners and  The Legal 500. In recent editions, she has been described as “very committed to her cases, hardworking and very competent” and able to get “the best results possible”. She is recommended for her “tenacious approach and provision of grounded, realistic advice” and summarised as “a class act”.

“Clare Salmon is truly exceptional. Her attention to detail, empathy, and expertise are remarkable. She surpassed the typical role of a personal injury claim lawyer, going the extra mile in every aspect. Clare not only secured financial stability for my partner’s rehabilitation but also leveraged her extensive knowledge and network to ensure access to the highest quality care available. She’s been instrumental in our journey toward recovery”. (The Legal 500)

“Clare is impressive – she is immensely experienced and runs cases in a collaborative way.” (Chambers)

“Clare is absolutely dedicated to ensuring the very best outcome for her clients.” (Chambers)

Career

Clare trained at Thrings in Swindon, qualifying in 2002, before continuing her injury claims work at Boyes Turner in Reading from 2003 until 2005 when she joined Stewarts. She became a partner in 2010, supervising a team of lawyers in the department.

Experience

In June 2024 Clare secured £41.7m for a seriously injured child pedestrian which included annual payments to fund their lifetime care needs.  They had sustained a severe brain injury in a road traffic collision when walking on the pavement and required 24 hour care and therapies for the rest of their life.  The claimant will receive a lump sum of over £18m plus periodical payments of £455,320 every year for their care which will increase in line with a carers’ earnings index.  The claimant had already received interim payments of £6.5m during the duration of the claim to fund their care, rehab and new accommodation required.

The total capitalised value of the settlement was over £41.7m which is thought to be one of, if not the highest settlement achieved at the current discount rate of -0.25%.

Clare puts great importance in forming close relationships with clients. One claimant told us: “Clare instantly put us at ease and clearly explained the initial process of instructing Stewarts. Getting started was clear and concise, and I’ve worked closely with Clare and the Stewarts team for four years now. Anyone that I have encountered there has been professional, highly skilled, personable but most importantly, kind and sensitive towards our situation.”

Clare was also involved in previously settling what was believed to be the highest personal injury settlement at that time for young Chrissie Johnson who sustained a severe brain injury as a passenger in a road traffic collision at the age of 16. The award was likely to be worth more than £17.5 million over her lifetime with her receiving part lump sum and annual payments. The case received nationwide press coverage.

Clare was also involved in reported cases Stark v Lyddon [2019] EWCH 2076 (QB), Gleeson v Court [2008], Smith v LC Window Fashions Ltd [2009] EWHC 1532 and the contested interim payments application for PAL (A child) v Davison & Ors [2021] EWHC 1108 (QB).

Accreditations and Memberships

Clare is accredited as Fellow and Brain injury specialist by the Association of Personal Injury Law (APIL), and is a member of the Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injury Special Interest Groups.

Publications and Media

Clare has provided radio and television interviews locally and nationally in relation to her work as well as being a regular speaker at industry and inhouse conferences, including hosting our annual Case Manager Training seminars.

Personal

In her spare time, Clare enjoys spending time with her young family, music and trying out new culinary dishes. She loves to explore new cuisine and restaurants during holidays abroad.