Law firm launches new service for military personnel

North West based law firm Gorvins solicitors is expanding its portfolio of services with a new department dealing exclusively with military injury and serious sports injury claims

Heading the department is Belfast-born Gary Boyd. The 49 year old lawyer intends to establish a nationwide centre of excellence at the firm, offering legal expertise for ex and current military personnel – as well as those suffering serious injury in sport and other areas

Married with two children, Gary has extensive experience in these areas, winning claims against the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for military personnel who have suffered terrible injuries.

Notable cases include a £3.5 million settlement for a young soldier who sustained a severe brain injury during a drill in the UK, a substantial settlement for a soldier who required a below-knee amputation due to injuries sustained whilst engaged in combat fitness training and substantial ‘six figure’ settlements for Armed Forces personnel who sustained non-freezing cold injuries during training.

Gary said: “Our servicemen and women deserve the greatest respect, In recent years ,due to increased involvement in campaigns abroad, many have suffered while serving this country. As a lawyer, it is vital that the Armed Services Covenant is met.`

[The Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly].

The new department will also specialise in serious and catastrophic sports injuries.

Gary’s previous successful civil actions in this area include the case of a mountaineering trainer who suffered a traumatic brain injury in an avalanche and an RAF parachutist who was paralysed on a training exercise Many clients have won settlements of several million pounds or more

Gary also spends much of his leisure time enjoying outdoor activities such as cycling, canoeing and kayaking, which, he says, enhances his nuanced understanding of catastrophic sports injuries.

Married to Caroline, a clinical psychologist, Gary qualified in 1997 after studying for his professional exams at Manchester Metropolitan University. As an undergraduate he read surveying at the University of Portsmouth.

Prior to joining Gorvins, Gary, who lives in Cheshire, worked for some of the larger national Personal Injury specialist practices in the country.

Managing partner of Gorvins, Martin Hoare, said: “We are delighted that Gary is spearheading our move into military injury claims and catastrophic sports injury claims.

“As a leading expert in this highly specialist area, Gary will make an enormous contribution to Gorvins` and the excellent service we provide for our clients.”

Added Gary: “Unfortunately there are many men and women who suffer serious injury whilst on active service.

“My intention at Gorvins, is to establish a nationwide centre of excellence where ex and current military personnel – as well as those suffering serious injury in sport and other areas – feel they will get the expertise, integrity and specialist service to help them gain the compensation they deserve.”