Next Generation Partners

Personal injury and clinical negligence: claimant in East Midlands

Barratts Solicitors

Barratts Solicitors‘ team comprises of ‘experts at representing patients and families involved in clinical negligence claims and inquests’. Senior partner and highly regarded advocate, Alison Brooks heads the clinical negligence and Court of Protection team. Lesley Edwards heads the personal injury, and is an expert in cross border litigation and has acted in many high value claims abroad including RTAs, accidents at work, rail crashes and aviation. ‘Sensible and straightforward’ associate Mike Dodd is another top counsel for claimant work. Ross Brain is the managing partner. Emma Zukowska and Julie Hardy left the firm in early 2024.

Practice head(s):

Alison Brooks; Lesley Edwards; David Tomlinson; Ross Brain


Other key lawyers:

Mike Dodd


Testimonials

‘Ross Brain – great command and knowledge of substantial claims.

‘Mike Dodd – sensible and straightforward. Effective and good at explaining complex issues to clients.’

‘Barrett’s is a true niche firm meaning that they are very good at what they do. They are experts at representing patients and families involved in clinical negligence claims and inquests. They are pragmatic and sensible but fight hard for their clients.’

‘They are a really impressive outfit. Barratts are everything a boutique firm should be: a select team of great people who are really dedicated to their cases. I would use the firm myself if I ever needed to (and I don’t say that about many firms!).’

‘Lesley Edwards is a star. She has a lovely manner with clients. She gets excellent results on the trickiest of cases.’

‘Specialise in high value / catastrophic claims. Very experienced in this field and all clams are dealt with exclusively by a partner, which marks them out from other firms. From a client’s perspective, they are approachable, responsive, and totally committed to getting the best result.’

Work highlights


  • Represented the family of claimant who tragically died following a series of significant failings by East Midlands Ambulance Service.
  • Represented a claimant who endured serious trauma and mental health issues following a misdiagnosed breast cancer screening.
  • Acted for a young teacher, who suffered traumatic brain injury while driving on the A1, when a sheet of metal flew through her windscreen. She also suffered catastrophic facial injuries.

Freeths LLP

According to one client Freeths LLPis a stalwart of excellent personal injury and clinical negligence claims in the East Midlands’ and is headed by Jane Williams and Karen Reynolds , who are both known for their depth and breadth of experience in catastrophic injury claims, delay in diagnosis and misdiagnoses, surgical errors, incorrect treatment and Inquests. Williams currently leading the growing number of maternity claims against the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, while Reynolds leads on obstetric cerebral palsy claims and also brain injury cases. Personal injury team head, Jane Goulding is known for her work in catastrophic injury cases particularly brain injury and spinal cord injury cases for adults and children. Also recommended are senior associates Gemma Bedford and Adrian Denton , as well as associate Jessica Atkin, who’s involved in the maxillofacial, TVM mesh and the Nottingham Maternity Services Group actions. Consultant Paul Balen is part of the clinical negligence furniture in the UK’.

 

Practice head(s):

Jane Williams; Karen Reynolds; Jane Goulding


Other key lawyers:

Paul Balen; Gemma Bedford; Adrian Denton; Jessica Atkin


Testimonials

‘Freeths has been amazing dealing with my complicated medical negligence case. They have an incredible team of lawyers who are competent, professional and yet also personable and approachable for any questions you may have. Their knowledge and experience shines through at every stage. You can tell that they have a great work ethic and work really well as a team. What makes them truly unique in my opinion is there balance of complete professionalism but at the same time treating the client as a human, and being a human themselves.’

‘Jessica Atkin has been my lead lawyer since the beginning and I cannot say enough good things about her. Her knowledge on the field of clinical negligence is outstanding. She is a great listener, but also ruthless when she needs to be and can cut through any of my waffle to filter out anything that is irrelevant to helping us move forward with the case.’

‘These solicitors have a lot of experience in managing catastrophic injuries and particularly brain injuries. I would highly recommend them for their expert knowledge and skills in this highly complex and specialist area’

‘Freeths is a stalwart of excellent personal injury and clinical negligence claims in the East Midlands.’

‘Jane Goulding understands the problems her clients face post-accident, how complex the world of litigation is to them and how to gently guide them along their claim with clarity and expertise. A Legal 500 ‘Hall of Fame’ lawyer for very good reason. ‘

‘Paul Balen is part of the clinical negligence furniture in the UK. A pioneer of the use of mediation in such cases, it highlights his drive and determination to remove, as much as possible, the adversarial side of litigation. He is a lawyer focussed on finding answers rather than having arguments.’

‘Jane Williams has been a leading clinical negligence lawyer for almost 30 years. Jane is driven to do the very best she can for her clients, pulling together her team to achieve exceptional outcomes. It is always a complete pleasure to work with Jane, who gives clear advice and instructions, having thought of every angle and implication.’

‘Jane Goulding is one of the best claimant PI/ clin neg solicitors in the country. Her attention to the best interests of a difficult and complex client base (brain injury, often children or protected parties) is extraordinary, and she goes well beyond the usual professional norm for her clients.’

Key clients

Multiple Claimants against Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust relating to the maternity services


Multiple Claimants against multiple NHS Trusts relating to the use of electroconvulsive therapy


 


Work highlights


  • Instructed by multiple claimants to pursue claims against Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust in relation to maternity services together with supporting those clients who wish to take part in the ongoing formal inquiry.
  • Acting on behalf of a growing number of claimants with regard to the historic use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT, also known as electroshock therapy) to treat psychiatric conditions against multiple NHS Trusts.
  • Instructed to pursue a Gynaecological and Obstetric Group Action, against University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust relating to the treatment provided by a practitioner, on behalf of over 70 patients.

Nelsons Solicitors Limited

The ‘first class‘ clinical negligence and personal injury department at Nelsons Solicitors Limited is headed by Lisa Preece, who has a wealth of experience in child and adult brain injury claims, and cases involving severe orthopaedic injuries, including traumatic amputation. Likewise, senior partner Bruce Williams ‘is second to none as a lawyer for complex brain injury and clinical cases’. Matthew Olner also has a thriving clinical negligence practice in Leicester. Joining in March 2022 from Russell-Cooke LLP, Lucy Wilton handles the full spectrum of claims arising in the hospital, general practice and mental healthcare settings, as well as represents families involved in inquest proceedings. Senior associates Dianne Collins and Carolle White also provide significant support and expertise. The practice saw further expansion in early 2024 with the recruitment of Emma Zukowska and Julie Hardy from Barratts Solicitors.

Practice head(s):

Lisa Preece


Other key lawyers:

Bruce Williams; Matthew Olner; Lucy Wilton; Dianne Collins; Emma Zukowska; Julie Hardy


Testimonials

‘I work a lot with Carolle White who is incredibly industrious in tacking her significant workload. We truly work collaboratively on cases. Clients clearly respect her and are appreciate her endeavors on their behalf.

‘Matthew Olner is an old hand! Extremely experienced and again clients find his calm, reassuring manner of great comfort.’

‘Nelsons provide a first class service for clinical negligence and personal injury at a reasonable cost compared to their competitors.’

‘The team has some very experienced lawyers in the team and has a broad range of people so the team works well. They are experts in large complex brain injury and clinical cases. They are very good indeed with clients and experts alike. They have good relations with the other side, which is most important.’

‘Bruce Williams is second to none as a lawyer for complex brain injury and clinical cases. He is very thoughtful and notices things that others might miss. He is very careful to get excellent experts which is very helpful indeed. He gets very good outcomes for his clients.’

‘Matthew Olner is so lovely to work with and he gets very good results. He has very good knowledge of medicine and makes sure that he has got to grips with all the medical issues, which is very impressive. He is so courteous with all he deals with that he gets the best out of people, whether that be experts or the other side. It is enormously helpful and should not be underestimated.’

‘Dianne Collins is excellent. She seems to be expertly handling cases above her job title. She is highly experienced in personal injury work; a great communicator with clients, experts and counsel alike; and she shows a dogged determination in obtaining the best possible evidence to ensure that her client’s case can be presented at its highest. It is a rare delight to work with such a safe pair of hands!

‘Lisa Preece is adept at handling high value cases, with a keen instinct for negotiating a favourable settlement for the client.’

Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Shakespeare Martineau LLP‘s Nottingham and Leicester personal injury teams are headed by Kathryn Hart, who is the lead counsel for head injuries, including cycle claims, and fatal accidents at work. In clinical negligence, Robert Rose continues to be involved in cases against gynaecologists and GPs, as well as representing a number of women who have been affected by the TVT mesh scandal. They are also have significant knowledge in birth injury, wrongful birth and brain injury cases. Helen Rundle is recommended for oncology, general surgery, stillbirth/neonatal death, and fatal cases. Nicola Fahey moved to Lime Solicitors.

Practice head(s):

Robert Rose; Kathryn Hart


Other key lawyers:

Helen Rundle


Testimonials

‘Robert Rose- head of clinical negligence and a practitioner of the highest level of expertise and experience. He consistently builds a stronger and stronger team, both in the Midlands and London. Not only does he provide the valued adminstration and leadership of the team but he runs a heavy case load, with real expertise in high value birth injury cases. He is a modern Leviathan!

‘Kathryn Hart-Partner is a par excellence personal injury practitioner who has maintained her reputation as a leading claimant PI practitioner in the midlands. She is totally dedicated to her client’s interest and has accomplished client skills, which are matched only be her ability to negotiate beneficial settlements.’

‘Robert Rose is an experienced clinical negligence solicitor with a wealth of experience and knowledge. ’

‘A strong team in Birmingham and the East Midlands. Led by Robert Rose.’

‘Kathryn Hart is extremely personable and incredibly efficient. A solicitor and partner who really, truly cares about each and every one of her clients and their individual case. Kathryn will leave no stone unturned in her pursuit of justice and fair compensation for her clients. A brilliant lawyer, deserving of recognition for what she does for her clients and their cases.’

‘Kathryn Hart is exceptional in her approachability and she is always willing to help wherever she can.’

Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP‘ Northampton based personal injury team, led by Sharine Burgess, is highly regarded for its work pursuing claims involving serious life-changing and catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, amputations, serious psychological trauma, industrial disease and care home neglect. Senior associate Sarah Cunliffe and Simon Towler are also key figures in the team.  Clinical negligence specialist Andrea Rusbridge specialises in birth injury, spinal injury and misdiagnosis/delayed diagnosis of cancer cases.

Practice head(s):

Andrea Rusbridge; Sharine Burgess


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Cunliffe; Simon Towler


Testimonials

‘When working with this firm I have been extremely surprised with not only the professionalism I have received from Sharine and her team but the speed in which my emails are responded to is impeccable. Also collaboration with outside agencies (surgeon, pain specialist ect) is extremely fast and faultless.’

‘Sharine is so informative. I have never had to deal with anyone in the legal field and Sharine is extremely thorough with explanations and makes sure I understand what is going on. Sharine has always been extremely transparent with myself regarding costs/insurance/risk, she gives me all the tools that I need to make an informed decision.’

‘Andrea Rusbridge is a stand-out partner in the Claimant clinical negligence practice, she works tirelessly to promote the interests of her client to ensure that a satisfactory settlement is achieved.’

‘Simon Towler explained everything from start to finish.he had great knowledge of all parts of my case.he kept me informed his skills are excellent’

‘I have had a very positive experience with Shoosmith. I have found everyone incredibly helpful. The whole team are professional, friendly and approachable. I am confident that they are doing there best on my behalf.’

‘Andrea Rushbridge is absolutely amazing . She has a lovely manner and is kind and caring which is important to me. Her communication skills are second to none I feel I can contact her any time. She is always professional and I am confident that she has my best interests at heart .’

‘Simon Towler is excellent. Hugely experienced and very personable. He has an extensive knowledge of his subject including a large range of medical conditions.’

‘Sarah Cunliffe – Sarah is an exceptionally passionate and caring fee-earner who will always pursue her clients case with vigour and tenacity. She has a wealth of experience particularly dealing with inquests and care home injuries, and clinical negligence cases.

Work highlights


  • Representing a client who was injured when she fell at work, caused by an unsafe system of work and suffered serious orthopaedic injuries. Proceedings are ongoing in the High Court.
  • Acted for a client in a high value claim of delayed diagnosis of cancer cases, which has caused the need for more extensive treatment and a reduction in her life expectancy.
  • Acted for the bereaved family of a client who suffered from a delayed cancer diagnosis.

Banner Jones Solicitors

The ‘vastly experienced and capable team’ at Banner Jones Solicitors is led by chief executive Simon Wright with support from personal injury specialist, Sarah Sadler. The team’s key area of instruction include employers and public liability, road traffic, disease and in serious injuries and loss of life.

 

 

Practice head(s):

Simon Wright


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Sadler


Testimonials

‘One of the most efficient firms I deal with. Always exacting in their work and actually settle their accounts very quickly!’

‘Very professional, welcoming, understanding and most important trustworthy. Give you the best advice and get you the best help. It comes across your not just a number which makes you feel they have your best interests at heart, which they do. Would recommend them to anyone.’

‘Sarah Sadler is very attentive, understanding, friendly and very quick to reply to any query or questions concerning procedure. she is a very good listener and reassuring.’

Work highlights


  • Representing a joiner working on a new build house when a fall down an open stairwell rendered him paraplegic and doubly incontinent.
  • Representing a client in a complicated clinical negligence matter where the result of the negligence caused extreme psychological effects on the client, to the point where even after prolonged psychological treatment he is unable trust health professionals.
  • Assisting with a motorcycle accident claim where liability was disputed, and split liability was eventually agreed.

Smith Partnership

Smith Partnership is ‘excellent in all aspects of claimant personal injury work’, with team leader, David Clark continuing to carve out a reputation in the Derby market for workplace accidents, road and cycling accidents and industrial disease cases. Martin Bradbury takes the lead in clinical negligence instructions, particularly those involving brain injury, misdiagnosis, dental negligence and fatal claims. Anna McLeod also specialises in serious surgery errors, dental negligence and delays in cancer diagnosis.

Practice head(s):

David Clark; Martin Bradbury


Other key lawyers:

Anna McLeod


Testimonials

‘This firm is excellent in all aspects of claimant personal injury work.’

‘I would recommend Smiths partnership because of the great sensitivity my claim was handled with. I recommend David Clark for his kindness when dealing with very sensitive issues. The team guided me through a complicated case and we had the best outcome I could have expected.’

‘I have dealt most recently with Martin Bradbury, who strikes me as very competent. He deals promptly with matters, and his requests are sensible and appropriate.’

Wilkin Chapman LLP

The ‘extremely knowledgeable, approachable and professional’ department at Wilkin Chapman LLP is led by Mark Robinson alongside personal injury specialist, Steve Hennegan and clinical negigence team leader, Jonathan Baker. The group represents clients and families in all types of low and high-value personal injury claims from accidents at work and on the road through to fatality and dependency claims. Baker is sought after for comple cases involving brain injury at birth, neurological conditions and oncological cases, among others. Litigator Nick Shaw ‘is the hardest working PI solicitor in the East of England’.

Practice head(s):

Mark Robinson; Steve Hennegan; Jonathan Baker


Other key lawyers:

Nick Shaw


Testimonials

‘Wilkin Chapman LLP has a flair for identifying and focusing on the issues that matter which results in achieving top tier settlements for their clients. Their current expansion hasn’t diluted the quality of advice and the team led by Nick Shaw are one of the most technically astute in the nation. This regional team punches well above its weight and is the go-to-firm for savvy clients who want a quality service.’

‘Nick Shaw is the hardest working PI solicitor in the East of England. He leaves no stone unturned for his clients and places quality of service above costs. He takes on the most difficult cases and ensures that courts are presented with the best possible evidence.’

‘A dedicated team in a local firm with regional presence. Focused on client’s needs and requirements.’

JMP Solicitors

Grantham based JMP Solicitors is a boutique claimant personal injury practice with a ‘strong presence in the Midlands and further afield’, ‘representing local and national clients’. Managing director Ian Howard is assisted by Samantha Towle on accidents at work, road traffic accidents, public and occupier’s liability claims. The clinical negligence offering is led by ‘dedicated and determined’ senior associate Christine Bowerman, taking on higher value personal injury claims such as head injuries and misdiagnosis of cancer.

Practice head(s):

Ian Howard; Christine Bowerman


Other key lawyers:

Samantha Towle


Testimonials

‘JMP solicitors are dedicated to working in the best interests of their clients and to securing the best possible outcome for them. They are determined to ensure that the client’s interests are protected at all times. Their client care is very good. ’

‘Christine Bowerman is a dedicated and determined lawyer. She works hard all of the time and she dedicates her time to achieving the best possible outcome for her clients.’

‘Strong presence in the Midlands and further afield, representing local and national clients’

Roythornes Solicitors

Roythornes Solicitors‘ practice concentrates on catastrophic injuries, head injuries, fatalities and complex clinical negligence cases as well as acting for claimants who have had accidents overseas. Lead partner Victoria Stevenson has developed a niche in claims involving the brain and motor function and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Senior associate Robert Dempsey takes on clinical negligence cases and those with an international element. He also advises on workplace injuries, fatal accidents and high value road traffic accidents.

Practice head(s):

Victoria Stevenson


Other key lawyers:

Robert Dempsey


Testimonials

‘Robert Dempsey – a Senior Associate. I cannot recommend him enough. Rob was not only very professional and efficient but also supportive and compassionate in the reassurance that I needed. I would highly recommend Roythornes to anyone who was in need of a solicitor.’

‘Good quality and variety of PI work. Good client skills.’

‘Robert Dempsey: – very personable – responsive to clients’ needs – good variety of good quality PI work – sensible and good judgment – calm and knows when to say settle’

‘The team at Roythornes all provide a friendly and efficient service to their clients. They have been willing to take on national cases through helplines. They leave nothing to chance.’

‘Victoria Stevenson is very approachable and works extremely hard for her clients. She manages a team effectively and ensures the best outcome is achieved. She is a very effective negotiator and often achieves outcomes which exceed all expectations.’

‘Roythornes always do their best to support their client and to ensure that their client has absolute trust in them. My experience is that clients feel extremely well supported by Roythornes. They strive to achieve the client’s intended outcomes from any litigation, and invariable do so.’

‘Victoria Stevenson: dynamic, hard working and efficient. She is a great asset. When Victoria is in your corner, you know she will fight hard for your cause.’

Wilson Browne Solicitors

An ‘exceptional solicitor with an outstanding amount of knowledge’, Louise Tyler leads the clinical negligence team at Wilson Browne Solicitors, and routinely assists individuals and families bringing birth injury claims, and deals with sensitive cases involving suicide following failures from Mental Health Services and also inquests involving the death of a child. Associate Gemma Pabari is ‘a consummate professional and thoroughly recommended.’

 

Practice head(s):

Louise Tyler


Other key lawyers:

Gemma Pabari


Testimonials

‘The medical negligence team are knowledgeable and have a good understanding of the medical issues as well as the legal framework. They are approachable and respond to questions quickly. The whole organisation is efficient.’

‘Gemma Pabari has excellent communication skills, and knowledge within this area of law. Gemma does everything possible to alleviate any stress and addresses any concerns that you may have – a consummate professional and thoroughly recommended.’

‘Louise Tyler is an exceptional solicitor with an outstanding amount of knowledge. The communication from the firm broadly has always been excellent. There is a clear understanding that clinical negligence can be life changing and I have always been dealt with sensitively. The team are incredibly sensitive and don’t see a case but a person.’

Chattertons

Chattertons team is made up of ‘small but purposeful solicitors’ specialising in complex personal injury and clinical negligence claims such as serious birth, brain and spinal injuries. Ben Ellis continues to represents several claimants and children with life-changing injuries. Michael Pace is the lead personal injury lawyer.

Practice head(s):

Michael Pace; Ben Ellis


Testimonials

‘This a small but purposeful solicitors firm practising on a local scale but with the expertise and skillset to expand to broader horizons if it chose to do so. Its ambition seems to be to do its very best for existing clients rather than to expand the client base.’

‘Ben Ellis is the head of the clin neg and PI team, and is an excellent solicitor who brings the personal touch to his clientele whilst representing them effectively and with good objective judgment about how to prioritise their best interests.’

‘It is their pragmatic and problem solving approach to litigation that makes Chattertons unique. They are sensible; their advice is sound; and they never lose sight of the end goal: achieving a reasonable settlement for the client.’

Ringrose Law

Ringrose Law houses lawyers with ‘a wealth of experience in managing clinical negligence and personal injury litigation‘ involving birth, brain and spinal injuries, cancer, amputation, fatal incidents and cosmetic procedures. Senior partner and team head John Knight and Richard Teare are key counsel for major road traffic accidents, accidents at work and those resulting in death. Associate Shannon Brennan lends support in personal injury claims, while senior associate Lauren Kearse is active in claims involving surgical errors, delays in diagnosing cancer and other treatments.

Practice head(s):

John Knight; Richard Teare; Kelly Langworthy


Other key lawyers:

Lauren Kearse; Shannon Brennan


Testimonials

‘John and Shannon were so understanding, sympathetic and always explained things fully. I felt they always went the extra mile.’

‘Richard Teare has an excellent sense of judgment, and is adept at spotting issues and errors that many other solicitors miss.’

‘A very commercial and responsive team, with a range of skillsets.’

Rotheras

Rotheras head of department Greg Almond and his team, comprised of consultant Julie Walker and senior associate Hannah Manewell, have a breadth of combined personal injury and clinical negligence experience. They specialise in serious and fatal accidents with inquest representation, including brain and spinal injuries and amputation cases, and stillborn and neonatal death litigation.

Practice head(s):

Greg Almond


Other key lawyers:

Julie Walker; Hannah Manewell


Testimonials

‘Very strong commitment to client care; make strenuous efforts to ensure all of client’s difficulties are well covered in the lay and expert evidence. producing first class witness statements leaving nothing to chance. Always ensure first class expert evidence is available, only using experts of top quality.’

‘Greg Almond – very knowledgeable about catastrophic injury work. Highly skilled in cases involving serious brain damage, or very serious orthopaedic injury, including amputation. Always makes himself available, including if necessary at short notice, for urgent conferences with client and/or experts. Kind and compassionate, in an area of work where such qualities seem at times to be receding.’

‘The PI and Clin Neg team at Rotheras are knowledgable, professional, yet warm. They have a deep rooted understanding of how serious disability effects not just the individual concerned, but the wider support network and local communities. Rotheras have recently engaged more with their local communities and are committed to helping third sector organisations both with financial donations and voluntary work.’

Sills & Betteridge LLP

Alison Hurton heads the specialist personal injury and clinical negligence across Sills & Betteridge LLP Lincoln, Nottingham and Sleaford branches. Other ‘very knowledgeable and experienced’ lawyers include Louise Bush, a specialist in birth injury and cerebral palsy, brain and spinal injury, misdiagnosis cosmetic surgery, as well as negligence by GP’s, dentists and opticians. Simon Breeden is an ‘incredibly knowledgeable’ personal injury partner. Kim Overton has a niche speciality in recent or historic sexual, emotional and physical abuse.

Practice head(s):

Alison Hurton; Louise Bush; Kim Overton


Other key lawyers:

Simon Breeden


Testimonials

‘This firm are very committed to their clients, very hardworking and are willing to take on and run difficult and challenging cases. They show a good level of client care and are determined to get the best results they can.’

‘Very knowledgeable and experienced fee earners.’

‘I have know Louise Bush for a considerable time and as well as being an experienced practitioner will always try and do her best for her client.’

‘Simon Breedan is an incredibly knowledgeable solicitor who I trust to make good decisions with positive outcome. He has been a big factor in my personal recovery due to an RTC and I honestly believe that without him and his contacts (specialists), then I wouldn’t be where I am today. I owe a lot to this man’

‘Excellent communication and understanding of my claim and issues around it’

‘I think this practice is unique with the way it deals with their clients, nothing is too much trouble for them and their knowledge of their chosen field, in my case personal injury is absolutely second to none.’

‘Louise Bush is very professional and has an excellent approach to engaging with experts.’

‘Simon Breeden specifically, and his team generally, are excellent. They are professional but friendly, knowledgeable but understanding. They represent the best qualities needed in a good solicitor.’