Clinical negligence: claimant in South East

Boyes Turner

Boyes Turner has a demonstrably strong record on high value and both medically and legally complex cases of maximum severity. Critical brain injuries, including child brain injuries, and cerebral palsy claims comprise the bulk of the team's caseload. Pre-eminent clinical negligence lawyer and brain injury expert Susan Brown leads the practice, specialising in child brain injury arising from birth asphyxia and trauma. Richard Money-Kyrle is 'an unflappable personality who is calm under pressure and secures great results for his clients'. 'Outstanding claimant solicitor' Julie Marsh and the 'bright, efficient, really hard-working' Vanessa Wand come highly recommended by clients.

Practice head(s):

Susan Brown


Other key lawyers:

Richard Money-Kyrle; Julie Marsh; Vanessa Wand


Testimonials

‘They fully understand our circumstances and this means they understand the speed we can all reply and offer our responses on our side. This does mean a lot when having a very busy family and work life.’

‘Vanessa Wand has from the beginning been a credit to Boyes Tuner. She has a lovely manner which is both caring and considerate but professional. She regularly keeps me informed of any developments and as such I never feel that I’m left in the dark.’

‘Communication with them was brilliant, they explained everything to see and explained what steps it would take and at what step we were at each time’

‘Susan Brown was really good, made me feel at ease throughout the whole process. When ever I had a question or wasn’t sure about something she took the time out to answer time or explain things to me. I wasn’t stressed throughout any of this and I think Susan helped me not get stressed’

‘Boyes Turner are an excellent claimant clinical negligence firm in Reading who are led by Susan Brown who has approaching 30 years’ experience in the field. They have a great team of associates who are each dedicated to their clients’ cases and ensuring that they achieve the best possible results.’

‘Susan Brown has a very calm and collected manner and she is a real team player in deploying her experience and expertise to good effect for her clients and supporting the more junior solicitors in the firm with their case load.’

‘Julie Marsh is an outstanding claimant solicitor who is clever, dedicated, hard-working, down-to-earth and tenacious. Vanessa Wand is a real asset to the team at Boyes Turner, as she is bright, efficient, really hard-working, always cheerful and empathetic to the client’s needs.’

Work highlights


  • Secured 100% liability judgments in a premature obstructed vaginal breech birth injury case arising from the defendant hospital’s failure to deliver the known breech presentation baby when the mother expressed concerns about being in premature labour.
  • Secured a £1,330,000 settlement in a cauda equina syndrome (CES) spinal cord injury clinical negligence claim.
  • Secured a £750,000 settlement for a young woman with physical and psychological injuries in a cervical cancer delayed diagnosis clinical negligence claim.

Collins Solicitors

Collins Solicitors' Watford handles a wide variety of clinical negligence and personal injury cases - the key names are founding and senior partner Des Collins and fellow civil litigation expert Danielle Holliday . The pair are currently representing 1500 participants on the high-profile Contaminated Blood statutory inquiry, established to investigate the NHS giving out inflected blood and blood products from the 1970s, and the duo can both draw on significant experience of working on other high-stakes matters. Senior associate Anna Murduck is another key contact within the team.

Practice head(s):

Des Collins; Danielle Holliday


Other key lawyers:

Anna Murduck; Julie Taberer


Testimonials

‘Having dealt with Collins Solicitors for the past 4-5 years , I have always found them to be professional and supportive. Their knowledge and expertise in the law in all its aspects is of the highest quality. They make the client feel respected and listened to.’

‘All of the team have been so supportive and informative. Throughout the past years whilst representing my husband and I in the Infected Blood Inquiry they have been more than solicitors , they have provided additional support and guidance when required. Following the death of my husband they reached out to offer their condolences not just with flowers but with words. The support and friendship which as been offered to me following his death has been exemplary.’

‘Approachable team, understanding. Always willing to explain any concerns or findings in full. Senior team and junior team very easy to approach.’

‘Danielle Holliday and Des Collins are always at the end of the phone, and if not they will always return your call. You are treated with respect and each step of the way they will meet with you put you at ease and explain plainly in your terms.’

‘Thoughtful and hardworking boutique firm who always put clients first.’

‘Des Collins – a genius who simply wins difficult cases. Julie Taberer – a hardworking and trusted solicitor with years of experience.’

‘The team at Collins make strong efforts to ensure clients have a personal touch and really feel heard. I have dealt with several other firms, including the big national firms, where that is totally missing.’

‘They are available pretty much 24/7. Dealing with Collins doesn’t feel like you’re dealing with someone just doing their job. It feels like you are dealing with a friend who is trying to help you. In particular, Danielle Holliday is one of the most dedicated people that I have come across, not just in the legal profession, but in life generally.’

Enable Law

Enable Law, which is part of the Foot Anstey group, has a  medical negligence offering which is praised as ‘hugely experienced with great strength in depth… approachable, pragmatic and hard working’. Two lawyers jointly head up the team: Alison McClure acts as a court appointed deputy and as a professional trustee on catastrophic injury cases. She leads in conjunction with Robert Antrobus. Partner John White has the rare benefit of being both a dual-qualified lawyer and doctor – he lends his expertise to a suite of serious brain injury cases, whilst ‘absolute star’ Kym Provan has a specialist interest in cases involving spinal injury, acquired brain injury and delayed cancer diagnoses. Managing associate Eleanor Armstrong is another important port of call.

Practice head(s):

Rob Antrobus; Alison McClure


Other key lawyers:

Kym Provan; Stewart Young; Eleanor Armstrong; John White


Testimonials

‘The firm has a growing reputation across the south and southwest regions, providing a range of experienced practitioners across clinical negligence and. personal injury claims.’

‘Kym Provan is an absolute star. She works tirelessly to get the best results for her clients. She gets on with everyone and puts huge amounts of work in on her clients’ behalf.’

‘Hugely experienced clinical negligence team. Great strength in depth. Approachable, pragmatic and hard working.’

‘John White is at the top of his game. His grasp of complex issues is outstanding.’

Freeths LLP

Freeths LLP's ‘very well led and professional’ clinical negligence team is known for undertaking high value, complex cases that include multi-million pound, complex brain and cerebral palsy cases, alongside being instructed in relation to relation to potential group actions. Carolyn Lowe leads the practice group and is praised as ‘highly experienced and very impressive’. Catherine Bell  has a strong reputation for brain, birth and life-changing injury claims. Lynne Foster  is a key point of contact for fatal and catastrophic injury work.

Practice head(s):

Carolyn Lowe


Other key lawyers:

Catherine Bell; Lynne Foster


Testimonials

‘Excellent and helpful team.’

‘Catherine Bell is a tenacious and efficient force for her clients.’

‘Well organised team with a varied caseload within this area of specialism. Not afraid of difficult cases which they fight tenaciously to get a good result for the client.’

‘Very well led and professional team. I always get the impression that the junior lawyers are well supported and confident in their work. They seem to enjoy working with Freeths. The claims are always particularly well run. Great empathy and compassion for the clients.’

‘I work with Carolyn Lowe who is highly experienced and very impressive.’

‘I have worked with many of the junior lawyers who appear very confident and well supported. There is a strong sense of confidence with Freeths. The team work with with great sensitivity and compassion, which is critical and greatly appreciated by the client.’

‘Catherine Bell is incredibly diligent, determined and committed to her clients. She is highly intelligent and vastly experienced in the field of birth brain injury, Her technical knowledge is second to none and makes her stand out from many competitors. I would rate her in the upper echelons of the clinical negligence solicitors I work for.’

Irwin Mitchell

Irwin Mitchell's clinical negligence offering in the South East is led by Southampton head Justine Spencer, who specialises in highly complex obstetric and neonatal neurological injuries, working alongside Bristol practice head Julie Lewis, who focuses her practice on birth, neonatal and other brain injury claims. Senior associate Rebecca Brown handles the full suite of medical negligence issues, including spinal injury, general surgical negligence, sepsis, amputations and oncology. Obstetric cases leading to cerebral palsy is a core focus of fellow senior associate Kate Easy.

Practice head(s):

Justine Spencer; Julie Lewis


Other key lawyers:

Rebecca Brown; Kate Easy


Testimonials

‘Our experience with Irwin Mitchell’s team, led by Rebecca Brown, was extremely positive. We, as clients, were a family with a personal injury that impacted our daughter. Rebecca was the key strength in our case. Rebecca’s team understood our case, and she was very organised, and always on time with notifications, reminders and appointments. We always felt that we had enough time to review and comment on the documents, and that we were well taken care of.’

‘Rebecca Brown was my lead lawyer. She was excellent in both her professional ability but also her personality/client interface skills.’

‘Irwin Mitchell continually demonstrates a highly impressive level of competency. Everyone in Irwin Mitchell treats you with the utmost respect and dignity.’

‘Justine Spencer has an extreme level of expertise and sophistication. She effortlessly adjusts her explanations as appropriate to make you feel very heard, understood and in control.

‘Kate Easy is very professional and compassionate, which makes a vast difference when talking about such personal matters.’

‘Rebecca Brown is a particularly outstanding senior associate who does a brilliant job in difficult and complex cases .’

‘Rebecca Brown is an outstanding lawyer. Clever, hard working and fearless. Really goes the extra mile for her clients. A brilliant person to have in your corner.’

‘Justine Spencer sets the tone for the team. She is an excellent solicitor and is totally committed to her clients. She is intelligent, enthusiastic and able. Despite her responsibilities as head of the team, she has a large and loyal client following.’

Moore Barlow

Moore Barlow‘s national clinical negligence practice is frequently instructed on case of critical seriousness, particularly those involving brain injuries. Richmond-based Anne Cassidy leads the team. In Southampton, Maya Sushila is the senior clinical negligence partner, renowned for her expertise in cases involving cauda equina syndrome and was further praised in client feedback as ‘an acknowledged authority on spinal injury claims’. Victoria Jones is well-experienced in the area, especially in neurological and spinal injuries.

Practice head(s):

Anne Cassidy


Other key lawyers:

Maya Sushila; Victoria Jones; Mala Sidebottom; Paul Kingsley; Ruth Hewitt


Testimonials

‘The team always helped with any technical terms and explained all situations which did comfort me when looking at daunting paperwork. It was all explained to me and they made extremely easy to understand.’

‘They were all very informative, caring and was always showing they were fully supportive in all aspects Would recommend to all of my contacts if they ever needed.’

‘My experience of the firm has been exemplary and I’m confident of their abilities to handle complicated cases such as my own.’

‘The people I’ve had working for me have been excellent. I feel valued as a client and I’m confident they’re taking the best care of myself and my case as is possible.’

‘The team was just excellent and this was evident when our main contact, Ruth Hewitt was on leave or unavailable the team at Moore Barlow covered this period of leave expertly.’

‘Ruth Hewitt was just outstanding and continues to be. Ruth’s empathy, understanding and compassion throughout this case was just so reassuring we felt that we were always at the forefront of her work. We cannot praise Ruth enough for the way she communicated the patience she exhibited in such a long protracted case.’

Nockolds Solicitors

Nockolds Solicitors frequently advises on complex medical negligence claims that stretch into millions of pounds, with particular expertise in serious brain and spinal injuries. Practice leader Jennie Jones is highly experienced and comes highly recommended by clients. Yasmin Ameer has specialised in high value medical negligence litigation for over 30 years.

Practice head(s):

Jennie Jones


Other key lawyers:

Yasmin Ameer


Testimonials

‘The team at Nockolds all are there for you when you need them most. After such life changing events, this firm have been a rock, always so empathetic and understanding. Throughout the whole process my family have been treated with honesty and respect. No matter how tough the situation, Nockolds will get you though. If the worst has happened, you need Nockolds.’

‘I could not possibly list all of the amazing humans at Nockolds whom have been there for my mum and dad. They’re all top tier.

‘I would like to again thank Yasmin Ameer, Yasmin really is so deserving of her top tier status, so calm and collected. Experienced with such the wealth of knowledge. Yet always so very approachable and empathetic. Manage to raise my spirits countless times. If a catastrophic injury affects you or your family’s life you need the best! You need Yasmin Ameer! Thank you again Yasmin.’

‘Jennie Jones has always been there if we needed her, Jennie has a way of explaining things so that us layfolk can really get our heads around the bigger picture. Honest, efficient and yet still so very human. Thanks Jennie, we look forward to all of our dealings with you.’

‘Very personal service, excellent knowledge, reliable and personable.’

Work highlights


  • Acted on a case where a baby’s skull was fractured during forceps delivery, as a result the baby suffered a brain haemorrhage which went undiagnosed for five days. Received a favourable judgement (100% on liability) and quantum is currently being resolved.
  • Acting on a case where delivering a baby caused hypoxic brain damage. As a result, the client suffers from severe cognitive and physical impairment and will not be capable of independent living.
  • Represented client on medical negligence case where surgeon left the gall bladder stones in the retention bag inside the 69-year old’s client’s abdomen. Received judgment on liability in 2021 and settled the case for £2.1 million in November 2022.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Catastrophic injury cases, with emphasis on those involving severe birth brain injuries and conditions including cerebral palsy, alongside adult brain injury, and fatal cases make up the heavy-duty caseload at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP. The practice is co-led in Basingstoke by ‘highly accomplished’ Alison Appelboam-Meadows – her expertise lies in obstetric and neonatal negligence, including cerebral palsy, alongside catastrophic injury cases. Co-leader Philippa Luscombe  works out of Guildford, with her practice emphasising birth injury cases and claims on behalf of parents who sustain psychiatric injury relating to traumatic birth claims.

Practice head(s):

Philippa Luscombe; Alison Appelboam-Meadows


Other key lawyers:

Stephanie Code; Alison Johnson; Elise Bevan; Andrew Clayton; Helen Hammond; Lucie Prothero


Testimonials

‘They are really excellent. They have real strength in depth; they treat every cases with the thoroughness and skill it deserves.’

‘Alison Johnson is a star. She is very dedicated – she shows tremendous effort and skill to achieve excellent outcomes for her clients.

‘Alison Appelboam-Meadows is highly accomplished. She brings wisdom and a steely calm-headedness to her cases.’

‘It’s a joined up team so everyone plays their part If solicitor dealing with my case was away it would be fully handed over.’

‘The team are excellent at advising through the legal process. Regular updates on progress given with clear advice.’

‘Stephanie Code has very good judgment and is exceptionally thorough in handling her cases. She develops a great rapport with clients and barristers.’

Work highlights


  • Advising the parents of a child who sustained a severe brain injury due to them suffering acute profound hypoxia during their delivery.
  • Settling a claim for a young man now in his 20s who suffered severe brain injury during performance of neurosurgery to remove a benign cyst when he was a teenager.
  • Instructed by the wife of a man in his 40s who had died suddenly following development of an undiagnosed DVT which resulted in a pulmonary embolism.

RWK Goodman

RWK Goodman is home to a 'really classy clinical negligence team with strong experience, first-rate expertise and excellent client care'. Oxford's Richard Coleman leads the team and received praised as an 'outstanding clinical negligence solicitor'. His practice has a focus on cerebral palsy, spinal injury, bariatric surgery, fatal, cardiac and Erb’s palsy claims. Tracy Norris-Evans also comes highly recommended and heads the new firmwide injury unit.

Practice head(s):

Richard Coleman


Other key lawyers:

Tracy Norris-Evans; Lucy Norton; Lucy Crawford


Testimonials

‘Richard Coleman is an outstanding clinical negligence solicitor.’

‘They have been very honest from the beginning, taking time to clarify areas I did not understand. I would have struggled without their support and explanation. Their work ethics has helped me to get through the stressful time in my life.’

‘This team is exceptional in taking on cases which are potentially riskier from the outset and putting in resources to give them a chance of success.’

Work highlights


  • Obtained judgment in complex injury claim involving mismanagement of birth leading to hypoxic ischaemic brain damage.
  • Obtained £950,000 for Claimant who suffered permanent bowel damage leading to malnutrition following inappropriate private surgery and a failure to promptly diagnose anastomotic leak during that surgery.
  • Obtained £750,000 for Claimant who suffered permanent Erb’s Palsy following mismanagement of shoulder dystocia during birth.

Shoosmiths LLP

Denise Stephens leads the clinical negligence department at Shoosmiths LLP, with her individual expertise pertaining to catastrophic injury cases. Stephens is renowned for her work involving birth injuries – she was described as ‘a stellar individual and one of the best clinical negligence lawyers in the country’. Susan Prior deals exclusively with claimant clinical negligence work, particularly that which involves delayed or failed diagnosis. Teri Guage-Klein has wealth of experience in acting for women following mismanaged labours and for families following bereavement.

 

Practice head(s):

Denise Stephens


Other key lawyers:

Susan Prior; Teri Guage-Klein


Testimonials

‘I have worked with Denise Stephens for over 30 years and she has never wavered from being excellent with clients, experts and counsel. She knows the complex law and medical issues in every case but never lets this distract her from the compassion she shows her clients. Simply superb.’

‘Denise Stephens is a stellar individual and one of the best clinical negligence lawyers in the country. Fights incredibly hard for her clients. Not afraid to go to trial. Not happy unless she gets the very best result achievable for her clients.’

‘The Shoosmiths team covers a wide range of clinical negligence work, but each case, regardless of value, is given very detailed consideration and is approached with a level of commitment and support for clients which is second-to-none. Junior fee earners are brilliantly supported by senior members of staff. They have excellent relationships with experts and counsel, and all their dealings are highly professional and instructions are prepared to a very high standard’

‘Denise Stephens has huge experience and has a deep and impressive knowledge of catastrophic injury cases. She has a brilliant manner with clients and cases are preapred with exceptional thoroughness and with an eye for detail which is hugely important in these types of case. It is hard to think of a better solicitor for maximum severity cases.

‘Sue Prior is excellent with clients and has a great grasp of the facts of the case and the issues. Her case load covers a variety of different clinical negligence cases and she offers client a huge breadth of experience across a number of medical disciplines. She is also very good an helping and managing her team of younger fee earners and helping them deal with some of the complex issues that can arise even in cases of low value.

‘Sue Prior is exceptional. Sue has effective oversight over the cases run by her team, becoming personally involved at key junctures, including expert conferences, where her astute observations can change the shape of a case. Sue is kind and compassionate, putting clients at ease.

‘Denise Stephens is my main contact and is a truly outstanding practitioner in terms of her client centred approach, her legal knowledge, her attention to detail and her tenacity and out of the box thinking.’

Work highlights


  • Successfully settled a complex claim, to include an award for provisional damages which was resisted by the defendant.

Thomson Snell & Passmore

Thomson Snell & Passmore is well known for undertaking the full range of clinical negligence work, and is home to a deep bench of seasoned litigators. The team is led out of Tunbridge Wells by Fiona Follis who is praised for her 'wealth of experience'. Graham Bell is an important port of call, acting for both adults and children who have suffered critical brain injuries. James Cahan  is experienced on the full range of clinical negligence litigation and is recognised by the AvMA Specialist Clinical Negligence Panel.

 

 

 

Practice head(s):

Fiona Follis


Other key lawyers:

Graham Bell; James Cahan


Testimonials

‘Graham Bell is astute, utterly determined, really thoughtful, incredible knowledge – quite simply a leader in his field. Fiona Follis is really thorough, exceptional client handling skills.’

‘Thompson Snell & Passmore’s clinical negligence team is made up of a really pleasant and talented bunch of lawyers. Very down to earth and approachable. They have a great spread of experience and delivery an excellent service to clients, most of whom have suffered terribly with their injuries.’

‘James Cahan is thoughtful, focused and dedicated to get great results for his clients. Easy to work with, a great team player.

Trethowans LLP

The 'stand-out clinical negligence team' at Trethowans LLP represents claimants across a full suite of clinical negligence cases including cerebral palsy, birth injury cases, misdiagnosis and other complex surgical injuries. The practice is jointly headed up by two lawyers: John Hall in Salisbury and Southampton-based Clare Carter, who is an expert in birth injury and cerebral palsy cases. Gavin Lane is a go-to name for catastrophic injury cases including head injury, spinal injury, amputee, and multiple fractures.

Practice head(s):

John Hall; Clare Carter


Other key lawyers:

Chris Whiteley; James Braund; Fran Gillett


Testimonials

‘The firm’s clinical negligence team is stand-out, both on circuit and nationally. The team’s expertise covers complex and difficult cases, including catastrophic injury, military and fatal injury claims. Members of its team are intelligent and commercially astute litigators. It has an excellent reputation for providing a personal, but professional service to its clients.’

‘James Braund is a very smart, diligent, and meticulous litigator. He demonstrates technical ability and is a strong negotiator. He achieves impressive results for his clients.

‘Frances Gillett is an impressive lawyer with very good judgement. She is approachable and pragmatic.’

‘This is a fantastic firm. Clients enjoy first class facilities and legal advice, with experienced and well trained lawyers. They are tireless in getting good results for their clinical negligence clients and handle really big cases with no difficulty.’

‘Trethowans provide a high quality, reliable regional service in clinical negligence. There is good interrelationship between modern well equipped offices in Poole, Southampton and Salisbury to provide facilities local to clients across a wide area. In my experience they operate at the higher end of the regional practices.’

‘Chris Whiteley is hugely experienced and unflappable. He instills confidence in clients and approaches cases with common sense assessments and efficient preparation, which reduces successful outcomes.’

‘James Braund is a very good lawyer – very personable and excellent with clients and experts.’

‘Trethowans continue to be one of the leading clinical negligence team on the south coast. They manage to retain the feel of a local family firm whilst providing the service of a very professional and well organised team, providing excellent work across a whole range of claims.’

Dean Wilson LLP

Dean Wilson LLP handles both personal injury and clinical negligence cases from its long-established base in Brighton, and is known as 'an excellent regional firm which can be trusted with the heaviest of cases'. Alex Brown heads up the team - he is described as 'wise well beyond his years.... rivalling the most experienced solicitors in the field'. He works alongside the formidable Frances Pierce and well-regarded senior chartered legal executive Ben Davey - 'an up and coming lawyer taking on cases of increasing complexity and value and doing them really well.'

Practice head(s):

Alex Brown


Other key lawyers:

Ben Davey; Frances Pierce


Testimonials

‘In my experience of this practice, they are thorough, well organised and appear to leave no stone unturned in their attention and preparation of cases. It is evident that they hold a particular specialism in PI and CN cases.’

‘I work regularly with Alex Brown and Ben Davey. I find them both to be highly professional, and clear and concise. I find that they, along with all other more junior members of their team that I have dealings with, are approachable and open, which helps establish a proactive and efficient approach.’

‘Ben Davey thinks outside the box – he sees and acknowledges my struggles.’

‘Small but perfectly formed team – all very able and very committed lawyers with high standards driven from top down, but with a human touch that is integral to the type of work the department does and the clients they work with.’

‘I would highlight Alex Brown in particular – he is knowledgeable, industrious, has good tactical awareness and is an absolute pleasure to work with. Lawyers would have a better reputation if there were more people like him in the profession.’

‘Alex Brown has personal experience with the complexities of people with certain disabilities which has been very helpful in preparing me for future issues that I may not have considered.’

‘Frances Pierce is a formidable lawyer. She combines enormous knowledge, experience and tenacity with emotional intelligence and empathy.

‘Alex Brown is a real star. His insight is second to none: he knows exactly what needs to happen to bring a claim to a successful conclusion and quite simply gets the job done. He is wise well beyond his years and rivals the most experienced solicitors in the field. He is a pleasure to work with.’

Work highlights


  • Set up a compensation scheme for victims David Fuller worth in excess of £10,000,000 for over 150 victims.

DMH Stallard LLP

DMH Stallard LLP offers expert advice on all types of clinical negligence claims including misdiagnosis, incorrect treatment and surgical errors. Errors in treatment at birth and obstetrics is a particular specialism of the 'very caring' team. Practice group leader Tessa Grayson and is highly experienced on complex birth injury claims. Lucienne Westbrook is another key contact in the department.

Practice head(s):

Tessa Grayson


Other key lawyers:

Lucienne Westbrook


Testimonials

‘Tessa Grayson and her team are to be highly commended for their patience in explaining the law, which can be quite frustrating to a non-legal person. Tessa and the team she leads have achieved so much.’

‘Tessa Grayson’s willingness to repeat explanations in different ways to make sure you fully understand what is achievable and what is not, is to be highly commended. You are never rushed to make a decision and you are made to feel you are the most important client to the firm. Tessa also knows how to be human when dealing with someone’s pain.’

‘The team are very caring and very quick to respond to any queries and keep you advised of updates. Especially impressed with Tessa Grayson.’

‘My big takeaway from my experience with DMH is their professionalism – the advice I received was spot on through every stage, all the necessary correspondence was sent through quickly and on time, their ability to explain things in a manner that anyone could understand.’

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is known for its 'hardworking, client focused' and diverse team, attracting praise for its 'collaborative attitude', which means that 'working with the team is a dream'. The key names are Rebecca Thomas, who handles both personal injury and clinical negligence cases, and Renu Daly, who focuses on clinical negligence while also having expertise in the area of abuse. Daly - who was previously head of legal services for a multi-site acute NHS Hospital Trust - 'brings a real energy and buzz to every case'; other well-regarded members of the team, which operates from offices in Harrow and London, include the 'kind, considerate and extremely hardworking' Ifrah Ahmed.

Practice head(s):

Rebecca Thomas; Renu Daly


Other key lawyers:

Nazir Mirza; Ifra Ahmed


Testimonials

‘Duncan Lewis have a vast level of diversity – I have been in contact with several of their team ranging from Muslim, Jewish, Christian, African, Caribbean, English and Indian. I was super impressed as this is quite unique. The beautiful thing is all their team are consistent in building good rapport and spend their time to get to know the client better.’

‘I can not find the right words to describe my son’s solicitor Renu Daly as words will not do justice to describe her qualities. Renu is the most honest, transparent, compassionate, kind, understanding and unique individual. My children absolutely love her to bits as she is excellent when it comes to children. Renu Daly has been the best thing that has happened to our son’s life.’

‘Ifrah Ahmed displayed expert knowledge in the area of obstetrics and gynaecology. She showed great patience and understanding regarding the nature of my injuries. She worked relentlessly to make sure I got the settlement that I deserved.’

‘Ifrah Ahmed – kind, considerate and extremely hard working but with a good sense of humour. Ifrah has will always place a client at ease even in the most difficult of cases.’

‘Renu Daly is an excellent clinical negligence lawyer.’

‘Renu Daly is greatly valued by all her clients, she brings a real energy and buzz to every case.’

Holmes & Hills

Holmes & Hills‘ personal injury and clinical negligence team acts for a clients on a wide range of cases, including birth, head, brain and spinal injuries alongside negligent surgical procedures. The group is described as ‘strong and client focused, ensuring it succeeds in obtaining favourable outcomes for its clients’ and is headed up by experienced litigator Jason Brady. Complex birth injuries are Brady’s forte.  Zoe Diss represents vulnerable individuals on a full-suite of claims, specifically cosmetic surgery, orthopaedic and obstetric negligence.

Practice head(s):

Jason Brady


Other key lawyers:

Zoe Diss


Testimonials

‘They are very professional with a good understanding of client’s needs. They communicate clearly and promptly.’

‘Jason Brady is a partner responsible for clinical negligence. He is very experienced with a thorough knowledge of the subject. He is very professional and analytical and is able to explain the legal aspect clearly.’

‘In the main I have dealt with Zoe Diss. I have found her to be diligent, efficient, perspicacious, empathetic, approachable and amiable.’

‘The team are efficient in their approach to the litigation service by requesting steering information as to whether there is a case to answer, therefore minimising costs which may not be proportionate to the claim.’

‘The personal injury and clinical negligence team is strong and client focused ensuring it succeeds in obtaining favourable outcomes for its clients. The staff are knowledgeable and rigorous in analysis of the cases they pursue. They adopt a collaborative approach to the their work by bringing in the necessary expertise to a case at an early stage. They are excellent in their client care.’

‘Zoe Diss is a conscientious and determined solicitor. She knows her area well – clinical negligence – and is not afraid to challenge medical experts about their conclusions. She will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the claimant is successful in any case that she works on. She is incredibly thorough and always well-prepared. Jason Brady, the partner in this department, is an excellent lawyer in his own right who clients trust and rely upon. He has also managed to ensure that the department goes from strength to strength, recognising those individuals who shine in his department and promoting them accordingly.’

‘Jason Brady is approachable, excellent with clients and always looking for pragmatic solutions.’

Zoe Diss has been exceptional in the service she has provided me with. Her knowledge, communication skills, attention to detail and empathy have made a difficult process so much easier. She has gone above and beyond to help me.I have never once doubted that she has put 100% effort and commitment in my case.’

Work highlights


  • Representing the claimant (a young adult) who has suffered visual impairment as a result of a delay in treatment in a case that has required extensive specialist medical experts.
  • Representing the claimant, a double amputee in a case with multiple defendants.
  • Representing the client who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in a high value case requiring multiple medical expert reviews.

Pinney Talfourd LLP

Pinney Talfourd LLP maintains a robust, well-regarded medical negligence offering, handling multi-track, complex and sensitive matters including oncology cases against local hospital trusts. Hornchurch-based Stephen Eccles is the key name in the team for all things medical negligence, with his recent cases concerning negligent stillbirths and negligent breast surgery claims.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Green; Stephen Eccles


Testimonials

‘I have worked on behalf of this firm for many years. It is always clear what is expected. Also their clients know what to expect. My opinion is that this is a firm that operates very efficiently. There has never been a problem in dealing with this firm.’

‘My opinion is that the success of the firm comes from the top in the way in which the lawyers manage the firm.’

‘Very knowledgeable and good with clients’

‘Good mix of work – a small team but handling numerous cases.’

‘This law firm has a very good reputation. They were willing to listen to my situation and offered sound advice as to whether it was justifiable to pursue a particular claim. They always returned my calls, gave me realistic advice and were happy to discuss any matters that concerned me.’

‘The qualities that I valued were making sure that I understood proceedings and being most willing to clarify anything that I didn’t understand. Giving me choices, but always making clear what the best course of action would be.’

‘A firm who know what they are good at and are determined to maintain their position at the top. Keen to adopt useful new technologies by understanding what options benefit their clients the most.’

‘Stephen Eccles excels in high value and complex litigation, particularly in clinical negligence work. Extremely efficient.’

Work highlights


  • Advising client in connection with a life changing foot injury caused as a result of a workplace accident. The claim settled for £400,000.
  • Advising client in connection with the tragic death of his wife as a result of the negligence of an Ambulance NHS Trust. Securing an admission of liability from the Trust.
  • Advising client in connection with the tragic death of her husband as a result of a fatal road traffic accident. Securing an admission of liability from the Driver’s Insurer.

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Complex and high value neonatal and birth injury claims, alongside amputation, spinal and brain injuries are the core specialisms of the ‘first rate' clinical negligence team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP, all of whom moved across from  Mayo Wynne Baxter LLP in the spring of 2023. Praised as ‘knowledgeable, experienced and well-organised’, practice head Melanie Minter's caseload includes failed surgeries and child brain injury cases. Nick Garrish exclusively handles clinical negligence claimant work, from minor fractures to catastrophic injury cases. Gail Waller is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Melanie Minter


Other key lawyers:

Nick Garrish; Gail Weller


Testimonials

‘Great communication. Excellent at keeping me up to date. Professional yet friendly. No jargon and brilliant explaining things in laypersons terms.’

‘Always treated with kindness, empathy and respect.’

‘All the members of the team that I have come across have been helpful and efficient, and have dealt with compassion in difficult circumstances.’

‘Melanie Minter is compassionate, understanding and deals very sensitively with clients. She listens attentively to views and opinions expressed by others and doesn’t impose her own views where these may not coincide with those of the client. She responds to messages and emails promptly. Her background in nursing is a great advantage and she can explain medical terminology when necessary.’

‘A well known south coast clinical negligence practice with a first rate team doing the whole range of serious clinical negligence work.’

‘Melanie Minter: focuses on catastrophic birth injury cases: knowledgeable, experienced, well-organised, and brings her cases to successful conclusions. Nick Garrish: particularly strong on amputation cases and hip dysplasia cases. Builds up a good rapport with clients. Gail Waller: carries out a broad range of clinical negligence work to a high standard. Strong on delayed cancer diagnosis cases.’

‘Gail Waller is a pleasure to work with and extremely skilled in the area of clinical negligence. She knows her cases, and her clients, inside and out.’

Work highlights


  • Negotiated settlement of £300,000 for a man whose wife died as a result of an undiagnosed pulmonary embolism following a routine hip replacement.
  • Negotiated settlement of £850,000 for a man whose wife was negligently discharged from A&E and subsequently died of an aortic dissection. The claimant found her dead next to him in the morning. He had cerebral palsy and was heavily dependent upon his wife.
  • Negotiated settlement of £1,150,000 for a man who was negligently discharged from hospital following a fractured leg. He went on to develop compartment syndrome and required fasciotomy and a knee amputation.

Taylor Rose MW

Taylor Rose MW‘s clinical negligence department is headed up by Lauren Phillips in Wallington. Specialist practitioner Jacqui Hayat focuses on general clinical negligence with emphasis on surgical, birth claims and wrongful birth claims. Her practice is focused on critical injury cases, including spinal, bladder and cerebral palsy claims. Nisha Sharma left for Slater and Gordon in August 2023.

Practice head(s):

Lauren Phillips


Other key lawyers:

Jacqui Hayat


Testimonials

‘Taylor Rose MW has offered an impeccable service, advice and attention to detail that I could possibly have hoped for in an arduous legal case.’

‘I have so much to thank Jacqui Hayat and the specialists for their professional guidance, for their transparency and for easing the uncertain in an ardent extremely thorough case. I have no reservation and cannot speak highly enough in recommending Jacqui Hayat’s services to standards that exceeded my expectations.’

‘A very reliable firm for clinical negligence work.’

‘Jacqui Hayat is brilliant and a total joy to work alongside and with. She is fantastic with clients, has huge experience, excellent judgment and goes the extra mile for her clients.’

‘Taylor Rose’s clinical negligence solicitors are highly experienced, knowledgeable about the law, effective litigators and they really care about the people they represent. They are a delight to work with and real team players.’

Tees Law

Tees Law has a longstanding reputation for clinical negligence claimant work. Cambridge-based Janine Collier is the overall department head and specialises in cases involving cerebral palsy, adult brain injuries, sepsis and ophthalmology. Gwyneth Munjoma advises on all aspects of clinical negligence.

Practice head(s):

Natalie Pibworth; Janine Collier


Other key lawyers:

Gwyneth Munjoma; Georgina Wade


Testimonials

‘From the initial contact with this firm all of the team have acted professionally in both not only a legal situation but being compassionate, fully understanding the gravity and personal trauma this negligence claim brought to all my family.’

‘It is a real pleasure to work with this firm. Communication is prompt and clear, files are available well ahead of the required time, they follow up on every matter, and if I have any additional requests in respect of my responsibilities they are very helpful.’

‘My legal team have all been excellent. My solicitor in particular has been excellent in various areas. He has always responded very promptly to emails and phone calls, and has kept me updated with progress. He is very approachable and I feel I can ask him questions at any time. I feel I can trust his opinion and am confident in his ability to take decisions.’

‘Communication with the client is always very good. The specialists are clearly experts in their fields.’

‘This practice has a history of high competency and good experience of dealing with clinical negligence claims. Clients can therefore feel reassured that any decisions made are in their best interests. I trust this practice to give me the best advice based on previous knowledge and experience built up over time.’

‘This is an excellent team led by Janine Collier. A clever, resourceful, highly committed team.’

‘Janine Collier is a stand-out. She would be coveted by all top firms. An excellent leader, an excellent litigator.’

Work highlights


  • Achieved an eight-figure settlement for a child who suffered TB meningitis and an acquired brain injury as a result of a failure in the contact tracing system.
  • Successfully concluded claim against a private surgeon who refused to admit liability for substandard mastectomy surgery and substandard follow-up care, and only entered into settlement negotiations shortly before trial following joint experts’ meetings in which the experts for the Claimant demonstrated the strength of the claim.
  • Representing the Claimant in this claim concerning negligent failings which resulted in a 10 year delay in diagnosis and treatment of an adrenal growth, and has proactively secured early comprehensive admissions of liability.

Thompson Smith and Puxon

Thompson Smith and Puxon has been praised in this area for its ‘excellent local knowledge and a passion for securing the best result for their clients’. Litigation department head Steve Webb  heads the clinical negligence team and handles critical seriousness brain injury cases. Spinal injury, brain injury and wrongful birth claims are key areas that Hasina Choudhury excels in - she is commended for being 'thorough and compassionate' and for having an 'extremely good grasp of the key issues for claimants in clinical negligence cases'. Stacey Anderson 's diverse caseload includes gynaecological and obstetric cases involving injuries to both mother and baby during labour and birth.

Practice head(s):

Steve Webb


Other key lawyers:

Hasina Choudhury; Stacey Anderson


Testimonials

‘Stacey Anderson was very supportive. Right from the beginning of this lengthy and emotionally difficult process was with us all the way. She pursued this claim and we are now approaching a successful conclusion due to her tenacity and professionalism.’

‘Stacey Anderson has been from the first very professional, and understanding and compassionate with the matter she has been dealing with on my behalf.’

‘Hasina Choudhury has an extremely good grasp of the key issues for claimants in clinical negligence cases. Her instructions reflect a sophisticated understanding of complex neurodevelopmental issues coupled with the ability to frame these into accessible questions to help guide the expert. She is thorough and compassionate.’

‘In my six years of being their client, my case has been handled efficiently and with great care to my personal wellbeing. I have always felt confident in their skills and services and would highly recommend them to any seeking to claim medical negligence.’

‘Stacey Anderson and Hasina Choudhury have been so supportive throughout my claim. They go above and beyond their professional remit to make sure you are secure in the knowledge they are handling your case with the time and care required to get the best outcome. I have always felt safe in the knowledge that I have had their support throughout the process of my case.’

‘Thompson Smith and Puxon have been extremely professional, caring and supportive throughout our case. We can not fault the rigour and humanity they have brought to what could otherwise be an extremely traumatic time.’

‘Hasina Choudhury and Steve Webb have been exemplary in their support and care for us. We have complete faith in their work.’

‘Hasina Choudhury was fantastic throughout the whole experience, ensuring we were always up to date at every stage always willing to explain anything or answering any concerns. Her honesty and professionalism really shone through the process and is a real credit to the firm.’

Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors

Attwaters Jameson Hill Solicitors handles clinical negligence claims ranging from minor injuries to seven-figure settlements. Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, birth injury and cerebral palsy are key areas of focus, among others. Serious injury specialist Joanne Westbrook and 'well established leader in her field' Sheenagh Parsons jointly lead the team. Penny Fitzpatrick is another important point of contact.

Practice head(s):

Joanne Westbrook; Sheenagh Parsons


Other key lawyers:

Penny Fitzpatrick; Elaine Prewer


Testimonials

‘Absolutely superb level of service and beautifully and very carefully prepared instructions.’

‘Sheenagh Parsons is a well established leader in her field. Any client that receives the benefit of her expertise is a client receiving the highest quality legal representation possible.

‘Elaine Prewer has excellent judgement and is able to demonstrate exceptional strategic thinking which is always to the benefit of her clients. I have no doubt that Elaine is an associate that is going to the very top.’

Blaser Mills Law

Blaser Mills Law handles multi-track, high complexity serious injury workm routinely involving brain and spinal injuries. Partner and CEO Dave Matthews jointly leads the team alongside Victoria Harvey who is praised for her 'wealth of experience, which she draws upon to great tactical effect, especially in complex and high-value cases'.

Practice head(s):

Dave Matthews; Victoria Harvey


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Castle


Testimonials

‘Empathetic, tenacious, and focus on local clients and local knowledge (in a way many larger firms simply cannot or will not do).’

‘Victoria Harvey and Andrew Castle both stand out. Both are really determined, and push their cases as hard as they can, right to the limit of what needs to be done (but without going beyond that limit which would be almost invariably counter-productive in this sector).’

‘The clinical negligence team at Blaser Mills is very user-friendly, knowledgable and experienced. They always put their clients first and will do everything to secure the best possible result for them.’

Clarkson Wright & Jakes

Clarkson Wright & Jakes' Orpington-based personal injury and clinical negligence department is led by AvMA panel accredited lawyer and experienced litigator David Greenhalgh; the clinical negligence side of his practice is broad but emphasises birth related complications and general surgical negligence. Partner Alex Wormald specialises in negligence arising from birth including all types of palsy claims, as well as misdiagnosis claims, general surgery claims and gynaecological claims.

 

Practice head(s):

David Greenhalgh


Other key lawyers:

Alexander Wormald; Michelle Easton


Testimonials

‘The solicitor who dealt with our case was very knowledgeable in his field and very easy to talk to keeping us well informed throughout the case, answering any questions we had within a day.’

‘David Greenhalgh is very experienced and knowledgeable in his field.’

‘High-quality clinical negligence department undertaking higher value cases such as cerebral palsy.’

Gardner Leader LLP

Gardner Leader LLP's clinical negligence offering is housed within the wider firm's dispute resolution practice group and handles high-level and complex claims. Alastair Goggins heads up both, with expert knowledge of fatalities and inquest claims, cancer delays, head and spinal injuries, amputations and infant birth complications.

Practice head(s):

Alastair Goggins


Testimonials

‘Strong leadership and a detailed knowledge and understanding of their clients make this practice stand out.’

‘Alastair Goggins has a firm grasp of his cases, a good tactical understanding and a practical approach to resolution.’

Lennons Solicitors

Lennons Solicitors is frequently instructed on high-value and complex claims, particularly sensitive cases involving children. Andrew King heads the department, with his caseload including serious brain injuries, inquests and child cases.

Practice head(s):

Andrew King


Testimonials

‘Excellent regional firm providing City level service at local rates.’

‘Andrew King is the standout solicitor. An excellent negotiator and utterly reliable. Commercially minded with an eye on the final outcome at all time.’

‘Excellent although small team. Very nice to work with.’

Lester Aldridge LLP

Lester Aldridge LLP handles birth, brain and spinal injury claims, with a special emphasis on those cases which involve life changing injuries. Southampton-based Liz Oaten leads the clinical negligence team; she specialises in birth injury cases and stroke cases. Divisional head David Healy  is a go-to name for brain and spinal injury claims.

Practice head(s):

David Healy; Liz Oaten


Testimonials

‘David Healy is building a powerhouse of a team with his senior colleagues.’

‘David Healy has enormous experience and is a great manager.’

‘David Healy has a huge amount of experience; he has dealt with high value catastrophic injury work and clients love him.’

‘Liz Oaten is a hugely experienced clinical negligence solicitor.’

‘I would single out Liz Oaten who has huge experience and good tactical flair. She is an excellent solicitor.’

‘A very experienced team, particularly in the area of clinical negligence.’

‘Liz Oaten has a ruthless dedication to her clients. She has an incisive appreciation of the complexity of clinical cases. Her interaction with her clients, counsel and medical experts is impressive.’

‘Liz Oaten is fantastic. She is highly experienced with working knowledge of both sides. She has a wonderful ability to see into the heart of a problem. She is tenacious and does not give up.’

Morr & Co LLP

Morr & Co LLP‘s small but highly specialised team is led by Charlotte Rees-Knowlden who oversees the team’s caseload of claims, including complex breach of duty and causation issues. Rees-Knowlden’s particular area of specialism lies within spinal injury claims – particularly cauda equina cases.

Practice head(s):

Charlotte Rees-Knowlden


Testimonials

‘Competence, kindness and compassion sums up my experience with the team.’

‘A small team which punches well above its weight but is also able to provide a very personal service with a very experienced, hands-on partner, Charlotte Rees-Knowlden.’

 

BTMK Solicitors

BTMK Solicitors deals with a range of critical injury work which includes action against GP practices and NHS Trusts, dental negligence claims and claims arising from negligent cosmetic surgery. Based in Southend, the team is led by Johanne Turner, who has a particular interest in cases involving brain injury and obstetric or neo-natal issues, alongside acting for bereaved families in fatal claims.

Practice head(s):

Johanne Turner


Testimonials

‘Professional team that also cares.’

‘Very professional but also very empathetic. Helped with my traumatic accident case efficiently but also genuinely cared. Johanne Turner in particular was amazing. I highly recommend her and her team.’

‘BTMK offer outstanding expertise in a local firm. Johanne Turner, who leads their team, would be a star in any firm.’

Hart Brown

Hart Brown is well known for negotiating and litigating a range of clinical negligence cases, receiving praise for its 'great collaborative team with depth of knowledge'. Gerard Sanders leads the team, advising on claims involving orthopaedic injuries and general surgical claims, among others.

Practice head(s):

Gerard Sanders


Other key lawyers:

Mark Wisby


Testimonials

‘Great collaborative team with depth of knowledge.’

‘Staff always very approachable, friendly and can literally not do enough every time we visit. Very professional service. Regularly recommend this firm to friends who require help.’

‘Our solicitor, Mark Wisby has been extremely supportive and we feel he has gone above and beyond in helping us through our case in progress. My wife and I feel we are part of the Hart Brown family!’

Work highlights


  • Acting a claim involving a routine hip surgery which later became infected.