Helen Goatley

I support people whose lives have been changed by serious injury, particularly acquired brain injury. For more than 35 years, I’ve helped clients and their families understand what has happened, access the support they need and move towards a more secure future. 

Much of my work involves representing people with complex brain injuries and guiding families through situations that can feel overwhelming. I am a Fellow of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, an accredited brain injury specialist and a long‑standing member of the Law Society’s Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Panels. I have been recognised as an eminent practitioner in Chambers UK for several years. 

Alongside my personal injury work, I have spent over 20 years acting as a professional Court of Protection Deputy for clients who have lost capacity. I continue supporting many of them long after their claims have settled, helping them navigate the practical and emotional realities of life after injury.

My career has been shaped by a commitment to helping people rebuild their lives after catastrophic injury. Acquired brain injury affects far more than someone’s health  it can change their independence, their relationships, their confidence and their future. Supporting clients through that journey, and helping them access rehabilitation and long‑term support, is the reason I do this work.  

From my time as a trustee for Headway Surrey, I saw first‑hand how difficult it can be for individuals and families to access the right help at the right moment. That experience continues to guide the way I support clients today, with a focus on clear guidance, early rehabilitation and long‑term stability. 

I know that bringing a claim can feel daunting, especially when someone is already coping with a life‑changing injury. I work to make the complex simple – explaining each step clearly, listening to what matters to the client and their family, and helping them feel more in control of the process. 

Rehabilitation is always a priority, and I work closely with medical experts, case managers and therapists to put the right support in place early, while progressing the legal claim towards a strong outcome. My approach is thorough and meticulous; clients often tell me I leave no stone unturned and that they value my empathy, clarity and calmness in difficult circumstances. 

My clients have described me as someone who “cuts through complexity”, “puts clients at ease”, and “is incredibly committed to helping her clients”. I do like to think that these qualities guide every case I take on. 

I have led many cases resulting in multi‑million‑pound settlements for people with severe brain injury, complex medical negligence and long‑term disability. My work often includes securing rehabilitation, care packages, adapted housing, specialist therapy and long‑term financial protection for clients and their families. 

I work closely with colleagues across personal injury and Court of Protection, as well as health and social care professionals nationwide. These relationships help me signpost clients to the services that will benefit them most and ensure a joined‑up approach to rehabilitation and long‑term support. 

My Court of Protection work means I understand what life looks like after a claim concludes – and I bring that long‑term perspective to every case. 

I value the opportunity to guide clients and families through some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Helping someone regain stability, confidence or independence is deeply rewarding. I also enjoy working collaboratively with professionals across disciplines, encouraging joined‑up thinking and improving support for brain injury survivors.

Outside my legal practice, I’ve spent many years supporting the wider brain injury community. I was a trustee of Headway Surrey for 19 years and remain an active supporter of Headway UK. I also founded the Surrey Acquired Brain Injury Forum to bring professionals together, share learning and strengthen the support available to brain injury survivors across the region.