Victoria Martin

I’m an Associate Solicitor in our Serious Injury Team, with over 28 years of experience. I represent clients and families who’ve suffered catastrophic, life-changing injuries or the loss of a loved one, providing support throughout criminal proceedings, inquests and the civil litigation process including rehabilitation wherever possible.

Building strong trusting relationships with my clients and their family, allows me to gain a deeper understanding and connection to them as individuals. This enables me to be the best possible legal advocate I can.

I have a vast wealth of knowledge working on claims involving road traffic accidents (cycling, motorcycle and pedestrian), public liability claims, and employers’ liability claims – providing sound advice and guidance throughout these types of cases. I play a significant role in mentoring our junior lawyers developing their legal and interpersonal skills.

No two cases are the same and that’s why I enjoy what I do, as I learn something new with every case I work on.

I’m passionate about helping families and individuals find a way to rebuild their lives following a traumatic event, whether this is collaborating with rehabilitation providers or charity groups such as Headway.

Where possible, I prefer home face-to-face visits but failing that will always encourage clients and their families to take part in a video call, as I find the first initial meeting creates a foundation of initial trust.

Watching and hearing what they have to say and how it is said can make a big difference to the action I then take in case. I achieve a much greater understanding about a client and the family dynamic by seeing them in their home or familiar environment.

I have strong communication skills, and this is essential when it comes to advocating for my clients with opponents. If communications cease or become stagnant, I have no difficulty taking the action necessary by means of litigation if this is necessary in order to advance a point. I feel I gain clients’ trust quickly by being open and transparent when discussing cases and the issues that will need to be faced going forward.

“We would like to thank you for your continued support, patience and hard work. The past five years have been an extremely difficult time for us, and your advice and empathy has really helped us along the way. We are so grateful to you because we can now move forward.”

ANON

“I have recently completed instructions on a complex personal injury case from Victoria Martin. I felt compelled to write a note as testament to the delight that it was to work with her. At every stage of the case, Victoria was personable, approachable, professional and exceptionally well organised.

What struck me most, however, was how caring and compassionate she was towards her client. It was evident that Victoria was going the extra mile for her client at every stage of a very complex, traumatic and arduous journey.

I would have no hesitation in receiving instructions in other cases again from her but also, would have no hesitation in recommending Victoria in a professional capacity to anyone who finds themselves in the unfortunate situation of requiring legal representation. I know that Victoria would be an outstanding advocate on their behalf.”

ANON

“They have been incredible from start to finish. They have just negotiated a 6-figure settlement in compensation for my dear husband’s passing in a road traffic accident. This has been a very complex investigation, due to the limited evidence, yet their persistence and hard work have paid off. They have consistently shown such empathy, compassion and determination to help me. My solicitors, Victoria and Dale, have at all times been proactive and kept me up-to-date, not only regarding the civil investigation but also on the criminal investigation. If I ever needed a solicitors again, I wouldn’t hesitate to contact them.”

ANON

Notable cases

ANON

A 17-year-old boy suffered a traumatic amputation of three-quarters of his dominant hand, in an industrial accident. Victoria spent four years on the case, where she secured an interim payment of £100,000. This ensured the client was set up to trial his functional hand during the litigation process, meaning a future claim for functional prosthetics could be secured.

ANON

Young man suffered significant facial fractures when a gas cannister blew up in his face, losing a lot of teeth and cutting through the lips and into the chin, leaving significant scarring and related mental health issues. Settlement of £200k was agreed for dental repairs, along with damages and future losses.

ANON

The claimant, aged 60 years and an existing below left knee amputee, was hit by a reversing waste truck. The vehicle pulled him under the wheels of a truck, trapping and crushing both legs. Following attempts by the treating surgeons to keep the remaining leg, he required a further below knee amputation to the right leg. The claimant, now being as a bi-lateral amputee, required extensive rehabilitation which was funded under the code at Steps Rehabilitation in Sheffield. A settlement of £1 million was secured before legal proceedings were issued.

Motorcyclist Secures £626,955 After Severe Accident Injuries

Our 32-year-old client suffered severe injuries, including a Schenck Type IV knee dislocation, spinal and scapular fractures, and psychological trauma, after a collision caused by a driver pulling out from a minor road. The injuries significantly impacted his ability to work, limiting him to part-time employment. Led by Associate Victoria Martin, handled his claim, securing liability admission and a settlement of £626,955. The compensation included provisions for orthotics and vocational support, enabling him to rebuild his life and explore future employment opportunities.

£600K Settlement for Pedestrian Injured in Hit-and-Run

A 77-year-old pedestrian suffered life-changing injuries after being hit by a car on the A4074. The driver fled the scene, leaving our client with severe orthopaedic and brain injuries. Due to his condition, a Professional Deputy was appointed to manage his care and finances. We secured a £600,000 settlement in under two years, ensuring ongoing rehabilitation and support for the client and his family.

£425,000.00 B v D – Fatality

Following a head on collision on a country lane B was fatally injured. There were no witnesses to the collision. Extensive investigations were completed by the police and various attempts to prosecute by the police were made but unfortunately there was insufficient evidence for the CPS to be confident of securing a conviction. We spent extensive time with the deceased’s wife to support her through the criminal investigations and finally the inquest which after four years was a stressful time for the family. Our own investigations and consideration of GPS expert evidence and accident reconstruction provided some evidence that on balance the deceased was less at fault than the defendant driver and an eventual settlement was agreed at 75/25 in favour of the deceased and a financial agreement at £425,000.00.

£425,000.00 ANON

53-year-old male sustained multiple serious injuries in car vs motorbike collision. The client endured multiple surgeries, skin grafts which resulted in respective surgical complications and infections, along with severe pain and discomfort. Our client had been a delivery driver prior to incident and could no longer fulfil his role. Due to the nature of the job, the employer could not facilitate a return to work either. A settlement of £425,000,000 was negotiated for the client.

£300,000.00 Jones v D (Tricycle v Car)

While approaching a T-junction, our client believed he had clearly signalled to turn right. As he prepared to make the manoeuvre, a driver attempted to overtake, resulting in a violent impact that threw him from his trike into a nearby field. He has no memory of the moments that followed. The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and dangerous driving. However, despite the seriousness of the incident, the criminal case was dismissed due to uncertainty around whether the cyclist had been signalling.

By securing detailed police evidence, including reports and body-worn camera footage, we were able to build a clearer understanding of what happened and liability was admitted in full. But the true outcome goes far beyond the financial figure of £300,000.00. It’s about restoring independence. Rebuilding confidence. And supporting someone to return, in their own way, to the life they value. Helping our client recover, rebuild and thrive.

£110,000 Client was given no PPE and suffered an accident at work

A machinist at Comfort First Limited suffered a severe injury at work when, due to a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), they slipped while cutting a memory foam mattress and deeply cut their left index finger. The injury required surgery, but complications, including MRSA infection and painful nail regrowth, led to partial amputation of the finger and ongoing hypersensitivity. The incident also severely impacted the client’s mental health, resulting in Chronic Adjustment Disorder. The client received a settlement of £110,000 to recompense for the pain and suffering they endured following their accident in the workplace. The client no longer works for Comfort First Limited, or in a manufacturing position, but now works part-time in both a bar and at a school. “Thank you to Katie and Victoria for all your help, advice and guidance throughout my claim. I have really appreciated how you have kept me fully informed in every step of the process with patience, care and professionalism.

I work with a team of other lawyers and paralegals solely on my cases. This enables work to be delegated throughout the team and means we work efficiently and proactively for our clients. Clients are introduced from day one to the full team so that they are clear on who the points of contact are and for what reason.