I’m an industrial disease solicitor with almost two decades of experience in handling mesothelioma and other asbestos related injury claims.
Get to know Ryan
I began handling asbestos disease claims as a trainee solicitor in 2005 later going on to qualify as a solicitor in 2007. I then spent the next five years acting for Claimants at the firm I had trained with. As well as handling my own case load, I assisted a partner in the preparation of asbestos claims to be heard at the Court of Appeal and subsequently at the Supreme Court. In 2012 I joined a Defendant law firm acting for the insurers of companies which had employed those exposed to asbestos. I worked exclusively on a, as then, new stream-lined approach to dealing with asbestos claims swiftly. The aim of this was to ensure that asbestos disease sufferers, especially those with mesothelioma, were either compensated quickly or, where liability was disputed, could seek a decision through the courts. At the beginning of 2023 I stopped representing defendants and returned to representing the victims of asbestos diseases. I have a thorough, 360-degree, understanding of asbestos disease claims and the litigation which results from disputes involving them. It is unusual for a solicitor to have both pursued and defended asbestos disease claims and my almost unique experience in this regard has equipped me to obtain the best results for those I represent.
Career highlights
I acted for the widow of man who had died from asbestosis and whose claim for compensation had been turned down by a competing firm of solicitors on the grounds that the claim should have been brought several years earlier. This specific issue was the subject of a trial where it was successfully argued that the claim should be allowed to proceed even though it was indeed outside the time limit for bringing a claim. This resulted in my client being compensated by the Defendant for the death of her husband.
I also represented a former maritime engineer whose negligent employer had gone out of business leaving him facing the prospect of going uncompensated for his asbestos illness. I traced insurance for my client’s employer, however the insurer refused to accept that they were on cover and denied that they had any liability to my client. Having obtained insurance documents from a physical search of a public archive, proving that the insurer held cover for the company in question, I then brought a case against the insurer who ultimately compensated my client.
I obtained crucial witness evidence in relation to the successful Supreme Court case of Willmore v Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council [2011] UKSC 10. It was very satisfying to play a significant part in a claim which was decided by the most senior court in England & Wales.
Ryan represented our family on an industrial disease case against a former employer of a family member. We were advised upfront of possible outcomes, fees and timescales. In this respect Ryan acted completely professionally providing thorough explanations when required. His handling of sensitive issues in what was a particularly difficult time for our family was excellent. Ryan gathered the information needed from us early in the case at the first attempt and therefore avoided asking the family to go over upsetting details. The case was handled by Ryan in full and required little input from the family once underway and we were regularly updated at intervals that were appropriate and significant to the case.
Ryan achieved the result we were after – we would have no hesitation in recommending his services to others
Client testimonial for Ryan
This is the second time we have used Slater Gordon this time we had Ryan O'Hara dealing with a case for us and I cannot praise him enough. He was thorough and efficient keeping us fully informed of what was happening and explained everything throughout the case. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him. He returned all my emails and phone calls promptly making me feel at ease and confident in the process. He was compassionate and supported me through out at some very difficult times. I wouldn't hesitate to use Slater Gordon again if the need arose.
Client testimonial for Ryan
We approached Slater and Gordon regarding a claim my father wished to make for contracting mesothelioma from asbestos exposure. Throughout the process my father was supported and given clear explanations regarding his options. I felt the discussions with him were handled sensitively given he has a life limiting condition. Throughout the process I felt our solicitor (Ryan O’Hara) was wholly focused on obtaining the best outcome for my father. He was pleased with the settlement that the solicitor obtained for him which will allow him to afford the support and care that he wants in the future.
Client testimonial for Ryan
Ryan represented our family on an industrial disease case against a former employer of a family member. We were advised upfront of possible outcomes, fees and timescales. In this respect Ryan acted completely professionally providing thorough explanations when required. His handling of sensitive issues in what was a particularly difficult time for our family was excellent. Ryan gathered the information needed from us early in the case at the first attempt and therefore avoided asking the family to go over upsetting details. The case was handled by Ryan in full and required little input from the family once underway and we were regularly updated at intervals that were appropriate and significant to the case. Ryan achieved the result we were after – we would have no hesitation in recommending his services to others Client testimonial for Ryan
This is the second time we have used Slater Gordon this time we had Ryan O'Hara dealing with a case for us and I cannot praise him enough. He was thorough and efficient keeping us fully informed of what was happening and explained everything throughout the case. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him. He returned all my emails and phone calls promptly making me feel at ease and confident in the process. He was compassionate and supported me through out at some very difficult times. I wouldn't hesitate to use Slater Gordon again if the need arose. Client testimonial for Ryan
We approached Slater and Gordon regarding a claim my father wished to make for contracting mesothelioma from asbestos exposure. Throughout the process my father was supported and given clear explanations regarding his options. I felt the discussions with him were handled sensitively given he has a life limiting condition. Throughout the process I felt our solicitor (Ryan O’Hara) was wholly focused on obtaining the best outcome for my father. He was pleased with the settlement that the solicitor obtained for him which will allow him to afford the support and care that he wants in the future. Client testimonial for Ryan