I have specialised in representing clients with asbestos-related illnesses and their families for 25 years now, one of a small number of specialist lawyers with this level of experience. I lead Irwin Mitchell’s asbestos disease legal team in Manchester, having joined the firm in 2006 and having been made a Partner in 2009. Since I qualified as a solicitor in 1998, I have represented many hundreds of clients with asbestos-related illness successfully. I have a very wide understanding of the ways in which people were exposed to asbestos in the past and extensive knowledge of employers and relevant job sites.
I secured one of the highest awards of damages (£2.2M) for a mesothelioma claimant in his lifetime. Most of my clients live in England/Wales but I have also represented many clients in Australia who were exposed to asbestos in the UK before emigrating. I have also had experience of taking cases to the appeal courts; I represented the late Edwin Matthews (one of the claimants in the landmark Fairchild case) in 2001/2 and I also represented one of the lead claimants in the pleural plaques litigation.
I am proud to use my legal skills and experience in the most deserving of causes working on behalf of those with asbestos-related illnesses. I work very closely with the asbestos victims support groups in the North-West and other charities supporting people with mesothelioma. I am an active campaigner for the rights of those affected by asbestos and have frequently provided training on the subject of asbestos disease litigation to lawyers and medical professionals. I am a APIL Senior Litigator with specialist asbestos disease and occupational disease accreditation.
"The knowledge that Gerry has of this subject is extensive, she is obviously at the top of her game from a professional point of view and her manner is so caring and compassionate. Whilst taking my statement Gerry went out of her way to put my wife and I at ease. Throughout the whole process Gerry has provided us with so much help and support, not just from a legal aspect, but medical also as she has such a wide knowledge of her subject. I could not speak highly enough of Gerry and the team at Irwin Mitchell, they are easy to talk to, always prompt to reply to any queries and in my opinion have provided a world class service to my family and I." 5* Trustpilot review
"Geraldine Coombs has a long-standing reputation as an expert in asbestos-related industrial disease matters"
“Noted for her handling of complex cases”
"Personable and dedicated."
Chambers & Partners
"Works hard to get the best results for her clients in a firm and conciliatory way"
Legal 500