Optimal Insights – October 2025

Legal process got you spooked? Never fear when Optimal is here

The make up is on and our fangs are out as Optimal HQ transforms into a Halloween hollow! But despite spooky appearances around the office, our team of advisors and solicitors aren’t as sinister as they look. In fact, they’re more like ghostbusters, protecting citizens in distress from the fright of faulty goods disputes, the horror of workplace injuries, and all the other hair-raising complexities that can occur during a legal process. 

Thinking about facing a legal dispute on your own? With an expert solicitor by your side, you can sleep easy knowing that your case is being dealt with, all hassle taken care of, and the Optimal outcome is being pursued on your behalf.  

Don’t let the thought of claiming for justice spook you – get in touch with Optimal today.

Legal briefing 

Lawyers say new report on clinical negligence costs sidesteps bigger picture on patient safety

The National Audit Office has reported that the greatest proportion of increased spending on clinical negligence claims relates to damages paid to injured patients. However, lawyers have been quick to jump to the defence of injured patients and their representatives, saying that none of the fault is on them but instead is on the increase of delays to claims, amongst other broader economic factors. The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers’ executive committee member Suzanne Trask said, “The rate of avoidable harm in the NHS has also increased. The bigger picture here is the human cost. Negligence and suffering are at the root of every penny spent on trying to put it right.”

Legal presumption of parental involvement in child contact cases removed

Campaigners have described the removal of the legal presumption of parental involvement in child contact cases in family courts as ‘momentous’. The government found that the presumption was not fit for purpose back in 2020 and proposed to repeal it from the Children Act 1989. The repeal marks a significant shift in the ‘pro-contact’ culture that has placed the ‘rights’ of abusive fathers over the safety and wellbeing of children.

The Optimal pulse

  • Our team of culinary maestros rolled up their sleeves and raised an amazing £610 at our Macmillan Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Take a look at the goods that were on offer (don’t open on an empty stomach!). 
  • We attended The Legal Briefing by Embryo, a focused digital strategy event for law firms. The team shared many insights into digital performance across the sector, the evolution of online search, and how to turn data into your most valuable asset.
  • Due to continued growth, we’re hiring for a number of exciting roles. Take a look at our opportunities on our careers page.

Employee of the month

Bravo to our October employee of the month (EOTM), Ryszarda Kozikowska Dub 🙌

Ryszarda is a Portal Case Handler in our Fast Track Personal Injury team. Her approach to clients and cases is rooted in determination, clear communication and human connection – and this mirrors exactly how she interacts with colleagues. She was nominated for her consistently great work ethic, always helping others with patience and understanding, and being a member of the team that can always be relied on. Congratulations Ryszarda, you are an asset to the business and to your department!

Time to spotlight our other EOTM nominations for this month who all shone in their own way and make Optimal the extremely well-oiled machine that it is 🤝

  • Walter Coupe – a unique sense of humour for any problem and very outcome focused. 
  • Paula Andrei – a warm, kind and professional person who is always willing to help others. 
  • Tracie Thomas – quick to solve difficult problems for others and help out.
  • Shah Uddin – stayed calmed and used active listening on a difficult call. 
  • Chris Hindle – always understanding, kind, and supportive in what the team needs.
  • Jayne Linaker-Smith – always helpful and a delight!
  • Jeff Sparke – always willing to help, share his knowledge, make others feel welcome and bring a smile to the team.
  • Grzegorz Szalas – simply the best!
  • Chris Germaine – taken on unplanned coverage while staying on top of his own duties, and remaining unshaken and positive throughout. 
  • Claire Gooch – an invaluable member of the team, always sharing her knowledge and helping others with file progression. 
  • Katarzyna Gryszun – a great help and always ready to assist.
  • Dagmara Maluszke – positive, hardworking, consistent, and ready to help the team, even when things got busy.

It’s a joy to work with you all, a true dream team that we are eternally grateful for 🤝

Work anniversaries

It’s an incredibly busy month of work anniversaries here at Optimal. Huge congratulations to all of you on reaching your milestones and thanks for all your hard work as always 👏

🎉 Chris Germaine – 11 years

🎉 Katarzyna Gryszun – 9 years

🎉 Charlotte Porter – 8 years

🎉 Clara Burns – 7 years

🎉 Paula Andrei – 4 years

🎉 Milana Zaborovska – 2 years

Latest blog – Supporting A Family Through A Mid-Claim Fatality And Achieving £470k

Traumatic brain injuries are often life-changing for our clients. Yet with empathy, dedication, and a skilled approach to recovering losses, our lawyers ensure clients and their families get the monetary support and extensive rehabilitation to move forward with their lives in as much comfort as possible. 

Sometimes, however, our clients sadly succumb to their injuries mid-claim. In this case, our serious injury lawyer Jeff Sparke was on the verge of securing £850,000 in compensation for our client until he passed away. Discover how Jeff navigated an already-complex case and pivoted to ensure the family received a total of £470,000 following their loss. 

Read the full case study here

Introducing… Dominika Beza 

Dominika Beza joined Optimal Solicitors in 2017 with an accomplished legal career behind her. Before moving to England in 2012, she was a barrister and legal advisor to the government in Poland. 

As a legal executive, interpreter, and Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority case handler here at Optimal, Dominika combines her expertise in the field with her deep-rooted drive to help everyday people that would otherwise be unable to find a solution without legal support. 

To unwind, Dominika gets lost in the keys of her piano – she’s an avid player and a skilful one too. She also loves spending time with her two cats, who never fail to keep her grounded. 

‘Knowledgeable and supportive at every step’

Expertise, clarity, and communication are three essential factors that Optimal excels in. We strive to always ensure our clients receive the best support possible – both professionally to achieve the Optimal outcome, and personally to provide additional empathy and assistance along the way. 

Thanks to ReviewSolicitors-Recognition for recognising the work we do by spotlighting Optimal Solicitors recently with this glowing client review:

Optimal outcomes, every time

It may be scary season, but don’t let the thought of seeking legal support give you the fear! Expert advice, sincere empathy around your situation, and simplified guidance on how we can help awaits you with our friendly team of first responders and solicitors.

So if you’re in need of legal support, who you gonna call? Optimal Solicitors! Get in touch on 0161 250 7771 or complete our online contact form.

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