Martyn Gwyther

Martyn has significant experience representing victims of accidents which have happened abroad or those who have contracted illnesses overseas. Martyn also represents clients where accidents have happened in England or Wales, but where there is an international element to the case.

Based in Manchester, Martyn is national head of Thompsons Solicitors cross-border claims department and covers the greater part of the United Kingdom.

Martyn's expertise centres on personal injury and deals with Accident claims that occurred from holidays abroad or while clients were working overseas. The accidents can involve transport of all kinds, accidents on oil rigs and offshore platforms and diving accidents. Martyn has experience in representing clients who have sustained major injuries to the brain and spine, or where the accidents have resulted in amputations or serious burns.

A key element of Martyn's expertise is in dealing with litigation involving disputes over which country's law is applicable.

Martyn's aim is to secure rehabilitation for the client at the defendant's expense, while fighting for the highest possible compensation. He believes in securing justice for the injured party as quickly as possible while ensuring that a painstaking enquiry is carried out to establish the full liability of the defendant.

Martyn combines an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law in his specialism with strong negotiating ability which clearly affects the outcome of out-of-court settlements.

Martyn's renowned attention to detail is vital in dealing with the kind of complex litigation that arises from serious injury and cross-border legal disputes. He also likes to keep a close eye on the rehabilitation of his clients, funded by insurance companies or those legally responsible for the injuries.

Martyn values Thompsons' philosophy which encourages the kind of close relationship he develops with clients who are invariably undergoing extremely stressful circumstances.

Martyn's case experience

• Secured a six-figure settlement for a client fell from a height whilst working at Lintrathen Water Works in Scotland, fracturing his leg and ankle, which resulted in the shortening of his limb, and fracturing a lumbar vertebra.

• Recovered £28,000 for a holidaymaker who suffered a dislocated shoulder, a torn hamstring and post-traumatic stress disorder after falling head first down a flight of temporary stairs while boarding a flight, making a claim under the Montreal Convention, which covers accidents during international carriage by air.

• Secured roughly double the amount of compensation available to a severely injured motorcyclist, who suffered widespread injuries and lost his leg after being knock off his bike by a US citizen while watching the Isle of Man TT races, by pursuing his case in Massachusetts.

Professional membership

Martyn is accredited as a senior litigator with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. He is also a member of the Law Society and the Pan European Organisation of Personal Injury Lawyers [PEOPIL].

Testimonials

I would like to say a very big thank you for the successful outcome of my case. I am very impressed at the way you progressed my case. The other side needed constant pushing to keep the case progressing. It was very settling to see and know that I could have full confidence in you. Your down to earth manner left me in no doubt as to the direction my case was running. The clear pros and cons you gave as to the possible outcome of the case, helped me greatly in making decisions. This helped to take away the stresses of indecision and left me a clearer way forward. This helped me to accept the outcome of my case. Your response times to any letters, phone calls and emails were very prompt. I will never know the scale of input required, but I am very thankful to have had you on my side. You inspired great confidence and gave me comfort at a time when I felt dejected. A heart-felt thank you for all that you have achieved for me and to all who have been involved in my case.

Martyn's former client

Martyn Gwyther is a figurehead and team leader who is excellent in highly technical cases, has encyclopaedic knowledge of travel law and is commercially astute.

Legal 500 2025

Martyn Gwyther is a very steady and experienced litigator who is both thorough and personable. Neil Richards is also very experienced with knowledge of both claimant and defendant sides of the fence who is an effective and pragmatic operator.

Legal 500 2025

Martyn Gwyther is a hugely knowledgeable and well-known solicitor in cross-border claims. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law and procedure of foreign jurisdictions who really stands out in the field. Neil Richards is a solicitor with over 20 years of experience who knows how his opponents think.

Legal 500 2025

Martyn Gwyther is extremely good at handling clients and making them feel their claim is in the best hands (and it certainly is). He will always be there for his clients, making them feel they are not alone in this difficult world of cross-border ligation.

Legal 500 2025

Martyn Gwyther is a long-standing practitioner in this area with considerable skill and knowledge of cross-border claims. He also is very pragmatic with good client skills

Legal 500 2026

Martyn Gwyther does an excellent job coordinating a very good team of lawyers and ensuring that they all deliver first class quality work in this complex field of travel law

Legal 500 2026

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