Barratts Solicitors is a leading Nottingham-based firm for all manner of clinical negligence and personal injury cases. The sizeable team includes Alison Brooks , Julie Hardy and Emma Zukowska , all highly experienced advocates in clinical negligence cases, with Hardy and Zukowska holding additional specialist expertise in brain and spinal injury affairs. For personal injury claims, founder David Tomlinson is a name to note, as are Ed Myers and Lesley Edwards .
Personal injury and clinical negligence: claimant in East Midlands
Barratts Solicitors
Testimonials
‘This is a good regional team very ably led by David Tomlinson and Alison Brooks which has a wealth of experience and high standards.’
‘Alison Brooks is an excellent lawyer with vast experience in this field, no stone will be left unturned in a case she is instructed in.’
‘They are a niche personal injury and clinical negligence firm. They are all experts in their field. I think that they deal with their own cases (rather than work as a team) so they offer a very personal service.’
‘Julie hardy and Emma Zukowska stand out. They are very gifted technical lawyers but approach claims with common sense and always express empathy for the health professionals involved.’
‘Lesley Edwards has been instrumental in making sure my case moves forward quickly but also effectively and in my favour. Her excellent communication and willingness to answer any question, has meant my frustrations have been limited and my confidence in what is happening with the case, is secure.
‘Edward Myers and Hannah Percival were very professional and approachable. Nothing was too much trouble to explain.’
‘Barratts’ Partners all have the most extensive experience in personal injury and medical negligence cases. They keep themselves abreast with developments in these areas of the law. The client handling skills are of the highest. They achieve excellent results on behalf of claimants. Barratts are very well known and respected in their of practice.’
‘The small but vastly experienced personal injury and clinical negligence team at Barratts continue to provide an exceptional level of personal service to the claimants they advise. Outcomes in catastrophic cases more than match any of the larger firms in the area and they are very well respected, not just in the Nottingham region but far beyond. The lawyers are attentive to individual clients needs and adapt to suit the person, which makes for a very strong relationship. As a team, they have the same exceptionally high ethical standards, but it their ability to apply the human touch to clients that sets them aside.’
‘David Tomlinson and Ed Myers have enviable experience of personal injury, leading the team with authority and personality. Julie Hardy and Emma Zukowska are two of the nicest clinical negligence lawyers I have ever met; happy to go above and beyond for their clients.’
Freeths LLP
Freeths LLP is recognised for its deep bench strength in catastrophic injury claims, delay in diagnosis and misdiagnosis of cancer and other conditions, surgical errors, incorrect treatment and inquests. ‘Exceptional‘ department head Jane Williams is a renowned figure and is an expert in complex surgical, oncology and brain injury cases. Owing to its medical negligence pedigree, the firm acts for an increasing number of clients as a result of the Maternity Services scandal at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, with claims ranging from maternal injuries, stillbirths, birth injury claims and neonatal deaths. Consultants Paul Balen 
and Jane Goulding are equally lauded for inquest work and cases with brain and spinal injuries; senior associates Adrian Denton and Gemma Bedford are also integral figures in the practice.
Practice head(s):
Jane Williams
Other key lawyers:
Paul Balen; Jane Goulding; Adrian Denton; Gemma Bedford
Testimonials
‘The whole team were very helpful. Gemma Bedford was extremely helpful and supportive being our advocate every step of the way’
‘Jane Williams has always reassured and explained the process, her drive, knowledge and passion for her work is outstanding’
‘Freeths has a great clinical negligence pedigree. Their lawyers are pragmatic and sensible. They rarely pursue weak cases/or argue weak points. They are forward-thinking and ready to embrace new ideas to explore novel ways to resolve claims. They are confident in their assessment of liability and quantum such that they will discuss resolution of cases at an early stage, rather than painting by numbers.’
‘Jane Williams is a tenacious but sensible opponent. She is always open to discussing cases. She leads the way on collaborative working -that has probably short-circuited resolution by many months and enabled the Claimant to achieve some measure of closure through sharing her experiences. Jane has the insight to see that resolving claims is a healing process and is about more than money. Up-and-coming team members include Gemma Bedford.’
‘Jane Williams – exceptional communication and responsiveness and a clearly defined work programme with all players in the know. Fabulous and responsive to work with and genuinely caring about the client in the middle of all of it.’
‘Freeths are the leading clinical negligence law firm in Nottingham in my view. Paul Balen is a living legend in Nottingham and beyond, more than ably supported by Jane Williams. Being focussed on the clients’ individual needs and providing exception legal support, they continue to lead the way in the East Midlands.’
‘Paul Balen is an exception ‘been-there, done-that’ lawyer that is unflappable. A pioneer of the use of mediation to achieve the best results for clients, he has been a shining light for personal injury law in the Midlands.’
‘Jane Williams is an exceptional lawyer and one of the most caring individuals I have come across in professional life. Jane has devoted her life to ensuring the right outcome for her clients and long may that continue.’
‘The clinical negligence team is extremely experienced and knowledgeable, very determined, tenacious but whilst always putting the clients needs first. They are excellent to work with.’
‘The clinical negligence team at Freeths is small and tight-knit. They collaborate and share experience more than other teams, in my experience. There is strength in depth at all levels.’
‘Adrian Denton is a stand-out associate with a sensitive, balanced approach.’
‘Gemma Bedford – senior associate, very capable, rising star.’
Key clients
Leicester Maxillofacial Group Action
Vaginal Mesh Group Action
Work highlights
- Acting for over 30 patients in relation to a group action concerning the oral and maxillofacial surgery service at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.
- Acting for the Vaginal Mesh Group Action, representing a large number of ‘mesh-affected’ women on the basis that there was a lack of compliance with NICE guidelines and/or Montgomery informed consent.
- Acting for three families who have sadly suffered the loss of a loved one as a result of complications following ERCP procedures undertaken by the same doctor at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Nelsons Solicitors Limited
‘Professionals second to none’ and ‘the best in every aspect’, Nelsons Solicitors Limited‘s‘ well-established Nottingham and Derby practice retains its market leading position in personal injury claimant work, and particularly, in the case of severe and catastrophic injuries. Lisa Preece spearheads the medico-legal practice as specialises in child and adult brain injury claims, and cases involving severe orthopaedic injuries to include traumatic amputation. Also acting for children, Bruce Williams is another specialist for brain and spinal injuries. Other noted figures include Matthew Olner, Dianne Collins (a ‘tenacious pioneer’), Carolle White, and Baishali Clayton, who has developed a specialism in stillbirths and neonatal deaths.
Practice head(s):
Lisa Preece
Other key lawyers:
Bruce Williams; Matthew Olner; Carolle White; Dianne Collins; Baishali Clayton
Testimonials
‘Carolle White, who is an empathetic and diligent solicitor. She provides good and comprehensive instructions, is always available to speak about a case and has an excellent rapport with clients.’
‘The case has been dealt with by Bruce Williams who has always been available and happy to answer any questions and explained how these type of cases progress and what are the next steps.’
‘Genuine caring compassionate, Nelsons are the best in every aspect – professionals second to none. A rare gem.’
‘Dianne Collins who is an outstanding Senior Associate and Solicitor. Dianne did an enormous amount of groundwork, familiarised herself with the facts, the client becomes her client and she makes herself readily accessible and available. In my view, the main difference from other firms is that the client has a direct line of contact to the solicitor. Particularly with Dianne, there is a public spirited commitment and sense of duty for justice and righting of wrongs which overrides financial issues in relation to time and fees.’
‘From first contact with Dianne Collins she was supportive and inspired confidence. She demonstrated an amazing ability to identify main points and get straight to the nub of the issue in a sympathetic, understanding and pragmatic manner. Her advice was sound and balanced, outlining pros and cons. I think of Dianne Collins as a tenacious pioneer who contributed greatly towards paving the way for other historic cases.’
‘Baishali Clayton was professional, compassionate and very kind. Through Mrs Clayton, I got the answers that I desperately needed. I have so much admiration for Mrs Clayton and always will. She is a huge asset to Nelson’s.’
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Shakespeare Martineau LLP‘s Nottingham and Leicester personal injury teams are headed by Kathryn Hart , a top-tier advocate with over 30 years’ experience handling all types of fatal accidents, inquests, a niche specialism in work, agriculture and sports-related claims and a keen interest in protecting the rights of vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists. Robert Rose leads the clinical negligence practice, and has developed a strong specialism in birth trauma cases and female health issues. Leicester director Nicola Fahey is ‘becoming an established name in the Midlands’ for gynaecological and loss of fertility claims.
Practice head(s):
Robert Rose; Kathryn Hart
Other key lawyers:
Nicola Fahey
Testimonials
‘The team is headed up by Robert Rose, who has developed the clinical negligence team from a small Midlands base to a more national presence with a London office. The team is highly diverse and all the members have a high degree of expertise and specialism.’
‘Robert Rose is a highly efficient team leader who not only handles his own case load but also manages the team with real professionalism. ‘
‘Robert Rose – as a team leader he provides an affable and approachable presence that puts clients at their ease, and he ensures that the stresses of litigation are minimised as much as possible. He is an intelligent and cerebral lawyer who can identify key issues quickly and provide quality advice.’
‘Nichola Fahy: is a highly intelligent clinical negligence lawyer who is now becoming an established name in the Midlands. She is really efficient in getting to the core of complex cases, and managing them effectively to gain very beneficial settlements for clients. She is “one to watch” as she has a combination of a keen eye for detail and a practical knowledge of how to achieve the best for vulnerable clients.’
‘Robert Rose (clinical negligence) has inexhaustible energy and excellent judgment. His instructions are always well thought out and well prepared.
‘Nichola Fahey is very strong technically. She spots points most would miss. She also gets on brilliantly with the clients.’
Work highlights
- The claimant was a child of almost 13. He was cycling to school when he left the pavement and a car collided with him, projecting him into another stationary vehicle. He sustained a fractured skull and a brain injury. He made an excellent recovery, but still has ongoing problems in particular with memory and attention, which cause him difficulties at work. The head injury also caused him to underachieve at school. Liability was always in dispute and there were arguments about how fast the vehicle was travelling, the point at which the cyclist left the pavement and went onto the road, and whether he looked before doing so. He was not wearing a cycling helmet and there were arguments about whether a helmet would have reduced the injuries. He lacks capacity to conduct litigation so there had to be an approval hearing although he is now over 18. The claim settled on 75/25% basis in the claimant’s favour, subject to court approval, which has been granted on 05/02/21. The net sum is £900,000.
- Mrs T was born with a congenital abnormality, whereby she had two uteruses and one vagina. In late 2014, Mrs T underwent a smear test, which showed moderate dyskaryosis. Mrs T was advised to undergo a total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-ophorectomy. No alternative treatment options were explained to her (specifically the risks and benefits of a hysterectomy versus a colposcopy). Mrs T underwent an unnecessary hysterectomy procedure during which her caecum was perforated. Further and as a result of the Defendant’s negligence in 2017 Mrs T was diagnosed with vaginal cancer. It is Mrs T’s case that in addition to undergoing an unnecessary hysterectomy, there was a failure to refer her for HPV testing and a colposcopy in 2005, 2013 and 2014, which led to a delay in diagnose of a tumour on the lateral wall of the vagina. The defendant admitted that there was a breach of duty, which caused Mrs T to undergo an unnecessary hysterectomy and go on to develop vaginal cancer. Mrs T required radiotherapy and chemotherapy and it was alleged that this had caused pelvic insufficiency fractures and a left sided weakness as a result of which Mrs T was immobile. This case settled at an RTM in May 2021 for £1.55m.
Shoosmiths LLP
Northampton-based powerhouse Shoosmiths LLP
‘delivers impressive results across a wide spectrum’ of personal injury, such as spinal injuries, serious psychological trauma, industrial disease and care home neglect, in addition to its thriving clinical negligence practice. Andrea Rusbridge is a well-respected clinical negligent specialist in birth injury, spinal injury and misdiagnosis of cancer cases. Head of the personal injury unit, Sharine Burgess is another top partner acting in high value claims involving significant psychiatric illness, occupational stress, military claims, sexual abuse and industrial disease claims. Director Sarah Harper ‘is an effective litigator and with very good judgment’ while senior associate Sarah Cunliffe has a good reputation handling care home neglect cases.
Practice head(s):
Andrea Rusbridge; Sharine Burgess
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Harper; Sarah Cunliffe
Testimonials
‘The Shoosmiths team are well-established and it shows through the professionalism shown when working with their clients. I think potential clients would be thrilled to know that they act in a prompt manner and take all the stress and worry away by keeping you informed and up to date on the case and making you feel involved in it too.’
‘This is a very strong and cohesive team who show great commitment and tenacity to getting the best outcome for their clients. The junior lawyers are all very well supported by their senior colleagues.’
‘Excellent clinical negligence team. Attract high quality work across the Midlands and able to deliver impressive results across a wide spectrum of cases.’
‘Sarah Harper – thorough and very hard working, cares deeply about her clients.’
‘Shoosmiths has a well resourced clinical negligence team and is able to deal with cases of all values and complexity.’
‘Simon Towler is extremely experienced and pro active. His preparation is thorough, and he communicates with and manages client expectations extremely well. He is an effective negotiator and able to persuade others to come to the negotiating table at an early opportunity. I would happily recommend him to a family member.’
‘This firm is really a cut above. They are very smart, efficient and commercial. I would recommend them to any client.’
‘Sharine Burgess – excellent attention to detail, great judgment, super hard working and brilliant with clients.
‘Shoosmiths Northampton is headed by partner Andrea Rusbridge and is a relatively small clinical negligence team but is very experienced. They cover the range of cases and have experience in the catastrophic cases. The firm will go the extra mile for clients and customer care is exceptional.’
‘Andrea Rusbridge has a very detailed knowledge of the law and prepares her cases thoroughly so that as a barrister, I can always have a proper conversation with her on the merits and facts of the case, which is unlike many solicitors. She is also pragmatic as well as being empathetic and achieves exceptional settlements in high value cases’
‘Sarah Cunliffe is very professional, an excellent communicator who thoroughly investigates potential cases, is focused and highly intelligent.’
‘Sarah Harper: Sarah is very good at selecting the appropriate expert for the individual case and getting the best out of that expert. She works incredibly hard. Her instructions are detailed but she highlights the most important parts of the evidence, making my job significantly easier. It is a pleasure to work with Sarah. She is an effective litigator and she has very good judgment.’
Work highlights
- A delay in diagnosing a pituitary gland tumour that was impacting on the optic nerves for over 2 months. This led to our client aged 30 becoming totally blind. The claim was based on the fact that with reasonable treatment she would have retained reasonable vision in one eye. The claim included loss of earnings as a cleaner, equipment and considerable paid care needs. Breach of duty was admitted but there was a dispute as to causation, with the Defendant alleging that only minimalised sight would have resulted with reasonable treatment. Proceedings were issued and served and an Application for an interim payment was successful to allow for a care regime to be put in place. An Application for specific disclosure was necessary because of continual delay by the Defendant. The claim was settled at Mediation including periodical payments capitalised at £1.9m. Assisted by Tania Ardito, Counsel, Abigail Stamp of 9 Gough Chambers.
- Our client was a nurse who was at the time of the negligence employed by the Defendant. She had venous surgery for varicose veins in 2013. The surgeon failed to discuss alternative treatment options and to discuss the risks of surgery. Following the surgery our client was left with permanent pain and swelling in her leg and had to give up nursing which she loved. She was registered disabled and was dependent on others for care. It was our client’s case that she would have opted for a non-surgical procedure and would have avoided the injuries altogether. The Defendant admitted the allegations and Judgment was entered. The claim settled at a Round Table Meeting in April 2021 for the sum of £935,000 which included claims for loss of earnings, equipment and care.
- Our client had surgery in 2006 to remove a testicular cyst, he was not advised of the risks of the procedure or alternative treatment options. Years later in 2012 he married and the couple started trying for a family. After 4 years tests showed that our client had obstructive azoospermia caused by scarring on the side of the operation. In addition, the other testicle was found not to be producing sperm due to non-negligent reasons but because of the negligence our client was left infertile. The Defendant admitted that other treatments should have been offered including conservative management. The surgeon’s records were missing. The case settled pre-issue for £90,000 including claims for fertility costs.
Banner Jones Solicitors
Located in Chesterfield, Banner Jones Solicitors‘ ‘small but highly capable team’ comprises of Simon Wright and Sarah Sadler, both displaying bread and depth of expertise in all types of claimant personal injury and clinical negligent work. The duo are particularly sought after for their handling of physical and sexual abuse compensation cases, brain and spinal injuries and traffic accidents, among others. Robert Banner retired from practice in December 2021.
Practice head(s):
Simon Wright
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Sadler
Testimonials
‘The team are top professionals, in depth legal knowledge but more importantly contact is maintained with client on one to one basis throughout, easy access and availability that ensures the client does not feel alone in the matter. ’
‘Simon Wright as head of the department is a shining example of a leader who inspires confidence in his team and clients, making even the most complex matters relatively straightaway in terms of client understanding.’
‘Banner Jones are approachable and very thorough, with excellent communication skills and expertise in their field . They have a personal approach that puts clients at ease and makes them feel that they are treated as individuals. In medical negligence cases they are proactive and tenacious.’
‘Simon Wright worked diligently, exploring every avenue and eventually achieved an outcome beyond anyone’s expectations for his client. The positive and life changing impact of the family involved has been extraordinary.’
‘All employees at Banner Jones have been very friendly whilst still being professional and efficient. Sarah Sadler is simply outstanding, she has kept me up to date with my case, and has given very good advice throughout,’
‘Simon Wright has a wealth of experience in complicated and high value claims. Sarah Sadler has a growing practice and is very engaging. Both deal with high-value personal injury and clinical negligence cases.’
‘Small but highly capable team, ensuring a personal service which clients appreciate.’
Work highlights
- Advising on two separate and distinct complex clinical negligence claims, arising out of the same initial medical condition.
- Assisted the young victim of a Road Traffic Accident who suffered a serious and traumatic brain injury. The case deals with the complex requirements of rehabilitation, lack of mental capacity and advising on compensation protection trusts.
- Assisting with a motorcycle accident claim where liability was disputed and a split liability eventually agreed. The claimant is on the autistic spectrum and suffers with depression, which has made the case quite challenging, especially during the pandemic. The matter has been handled with the utmost understanding of the claimant’s condition and we await a mental capacity assessment before the claim can be finalised.
Bridge McFarland LLP
The personal injury and industrial disease department at Bridge McFarland LLP is ‘first class’ and partner-led’ and advises clients on a broad range of issues, including birth injuries, brain injuries, spinal injuries, while also handling inquest representation and judicial reviews. Key names in the firm's Grimsby office include personal injury specialist Kathryn Hudson, who offers niche expertise in acting for injured seafarers, and former medical negligence head Danielle Barney. The team is led from Hull by personal injury litigation head Leanne Keating and clinical negligence head Lorraine Taylor, with Keating recommended for workplace injuries, traffic accidents and industrial disease, among other areas, and Taylor acting as a key client relationship manager and supervisor on cases.
Practice head(s):
Leanne Keating; Lorraine Taylor
Other key lawyers:
Kathryn Hudson; Danielle Barney; Nicola Evans; Ian Sprakes
Testimonials
‘Kathryn Hudson has vast experience of all areas of personal injury. She is a ferocious litigator who never takes a backward step.’
‘They leave no stone unturned.’
‘Great interpersonal skills combined with an intelligent approach to evidence.’
‘The personal injury team at Bridge McFarland is first class.’
‘All well-versed in the Lincolnshire/Humberside legal community.’
‘They are all excellent lawyers who have a first-rate manner with clients.’
‘The team is well-used to dealing with complex disease cases and injury cases of the utmost severity and complexity, as well as fatal accident cases.’
‘The firm has a history of working for unions, and so is well used to dealing with accidents on ships and in the workplace but also has vast experience of RTAs and public liability claims.’
JMP Solicitors
Specialising in personal injury, clinical negligence and industrial disease claimant litigation, Grantham-based JMP Solicitors is a well-established practice in East Midlands and Lincolnshire. Managing director Ian Howard is the lead personal injury lawyer, while senior associate Christine Bowerman assists with clinical negligence claims.
Practice head(s):
Ian Howard; Christine Bowerman
Testimonials
‘They have a very high quality of work for a regional practice.’
‘The clinical negligence team is extremely client focused at JMP solicitors. They always seek to achieve the best possible result for their client and push Defendants to their limits. The way in which they work is sensible, clear and coherent. ’
‘Christine Bowerman: Christine ensures that everything that can be done for a client is done. She is prepared to negotiate with Defendants and is reasonable. However, she is also prepared to push Defendants in order to ensure that justice is done and that the interests of her client are put first, above all else. This ultimately ensures that admissions of liability are obtained and that the best possible settlement is achieved for the client.’
‘Impressive work-rated very highly and routinely attracts work both locally and from further afield.’
Smith Partnership
Smith Partnership‘s David Clark is the ‘one of best in Derby for claimant personal injury work’, and is routinely sought after for workplace accidents and industrial disease claims. Simon Rowley lends complementary expertise in catastrophic injuries and trauma as a result of car accidents or through criminal assaults, while Martin Bradbury and Anna McLeod lead the clinical negligence practice.
Practice head(s):
David Clark; Martin Bradbury
Other key lawyers:
Simon Rowley; Anna McLeod
Testimonials
‘Extremely easy to work with and communication with expert and client is excellent. Extremely thorough. Highly recommend them to all.’
‘Unique is a strong word, but the Smith Partnership ranks high among the firms of solicitors. Their instructions are always clear and to the point. Unlike some other firms that I have had dealings with, they are easily accessible by telephone and they acknowledge correspondence by return.’
‘Martin Bradbury provides precise instructions and invariably grasps the main points of the case. I have found him to be outstanding among medicolegal solicitors.’
‘David was always fast to respond to queries, empathetic, and easy to talk to. Always ready to answer any questions about what was happening with our case.’
‘Anna McLeod is passionate and professional with her clinical negligence cases; her clients are always her priority’
‘Very cohesive unit, always a team approach to providing the best client service. The team’s ethos is always to fight for client’s in correspondence and not simply accept an insurer’s denial.’
‘David Clark is one of the best in Derby for claimant personal injury work.’
‘A high street firm, with particular focus on the use of technology to deliver their services to the lay client. Extremely user friendly, and prepared to go above and beyond for their clients. They will take-on cases, which other firms may well have declined, and be prepared to get stuck in for the long-haul achieving results despite the odds.’
‘Anna McLeod – a passionate interest in clinical negligence cases. A real fighter for her clients, whilst providing realistic and pragmatic advice.’
‘Smith Partnership Solicitors are highly competent in the fields of dental personal injury and clinical negligence.’
Wilkin Chapman LLP
Wilkin Chapman LLP‘s personal injury department is home to expertise which ranges from road traffic accidents, specialised accidents at work and illness and fatality claims. Its clinical negligence team, headed by Jonathan Baker, houses solicitors with the experience in bringing claims on behalf of military personnel against the Ministry of Defence. Mark Robinson and Steve Hennegan are the key personal injury partners.
Practice head(s):
Mark Robinson; Steve Hennegan; Jonathan Baker
Testimonials
‘Professionalism and clarity. There advice was well considered providing pros and cons for a course of action and at no point did I feel out of control when it came to decision making.’
‘Steve Hennegan always goes above and beyond to get the job done.’
‘The team at Wilkin Chapman are knowledgeable in this area and provide forensic analysis and diligent working practice to each case no matter the value. Cooperative with opponents and on point when managing client expectations, they are a joy to work with.’
‘Jonathan Baker is a stellar lawyer who usually knows the answer before instructing Counsel. He is excellent to work with and brings a new angle to each case due to the depth of his experience. His range of expertise is extensive and he achieves exceptional results for each and every client. Jonathan will almost invariably obtain a higher level of settlement than might have been thought possible.’
Wilson Browne Solicitors
At Wilson Browne Solicitors, Louise Tyler heads the clinical negligence group and is experienced of all types of claims, with a specialism in representing claimants bringing birth injury claims. She also routinely acts for families in numerous inquests involving suicide following failures from Mental Health Services and the death of a child. Another key contact, Gemma Pabari is ‘incredibly knowledgeable and experienced’. Neelam Yusuf rejoined the practice in March 2021 and handles a busy caseload of delayed cancer cases, elderly care and orthopaedic cases.
Practice head(s):
Louise Tyler
Other key lawyers:
Gemma Pabari; Neelam Yusuf
Testimonials
‘The level of attention to ensuring that you are a valued client. They make sure that you are aware of every step of your case and know what will be happening.’
‘Neelam Yusam has been approachable and sympathetic during my case which is a very sensitive nature, she has ensured that I am aware of what is happening and has given me time to talk about my feelings.’
‘Neelam Yusaf has always been very professional. I would not hesitate to recommend her/the practice.’
‘’Gemma Pabari is both intelligent and courteous. She patiently listened to my problem and properly stated what could be done without giving me any false hope or misrepresentation in the beginning. She is very proactive and keeps me informed at all times. The most essential thing was that she took my case when another lawyer refused to take it on. She is, without a doubt, incredibly knowledgeable and experienced.’
‘Staff made me feel relaxed my case was very very hard the empathy of all of the team was real not put on. I feel now the company has a great team and anyone that would need to use them would feel how I do. I can never thank Louise Tyler enough through this sad time in my life .’
‘ Everything has been fully explained, no stone left unturned, and the medical knowledge of everyone involved has amazed me. The large amount of documentation required for my case has been sorted out, analysed, passed to experts for their opinions, apparently seamlessly.’
Chattertons
Following a 2019 merger with a Lincolnshire boutique, Chattertons continues to expand its claimant focused clinical negligence and personal injury practice with new client wins and an increasing demand for its counsel in several multi-million pound, clinical negligence cases. Michael Pace leads the team and is an expert in road traffic accidents while Ben Ellis complements the practice with his expertise handling serious birth, brain and spinal injuries, and cases of maximum severity. Robert Clark is another key litigator.
Practice head(s):
Michael Pace
Other key lawyers:
Ben Ellis; Robert Clark
Rotheras
Senior associate Greg Almond is the lead figure at Rotheras, a Nottingham boutique providing counsel in fatal accidents, public liability, and serious injuries including brain and spinal injuries and amputation cases. The practice has recently expanded its offering to include clinical negligence work.
Practice head(s):
Greg Almond
Testimonials
‘Well resourced PI Department able to provide teams of lawyers to work on high value cases requiring considerable input from the solicitors. A healthy diverse workforce but all seeking to provide a first class service to what are invariably severely injured clients. Provide their highly professional service with real skill and compassion. Excellent technological support, making good use of latest IT (for example home videos) to present a Claimant’s case as strongly as possible.’
‘Greg Almond, runs his own cases, many of which have values well in excess of one million pounds. Very experienced in high value brain damage and severe orthopaedic injury cases including cases involving limb loss or threatened limb loss. Also experienced in clinical negligence cases, including negligent plastic surgery cases. A really caring lawyer, working hard for his client’s best interests throughout the case. Always builds up a close and trustworthy relationship with his client. He is there for them every step of the way.’
‘The team at Rotheras are exceptional in their client care and quest for justice. There are dedicated to a successful cost effective outcome.’
‘The partners are comfortable dealing with multi track personal injury work, while at the same time retaining a personal touch. They are approachable and friendly and keen to develop relationships with Counsel. Greg Almond stands out.’
‘Small, friendly team of locals, attracting excellent work in the Midlands and achieving the best possible results for their clients.’
Roythornes Solicitors
Based in Lincolnshire, but with a regional Midlands reach, Roythornes Solicitors deals exclusively in personal injury claims with an emphasis on catastrophic injuries, head injuries, fatalities and acting for claimants who have had accidents overseas. Victoria Stevenson is ‘outstanding‘ and is the practice’s main contact; she has developed a keen interest in cases involving brain and motor function and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
Practice head(s):
Victoria Stevenson
Testimonials
‘Goes the extra mile for their clients and commits wholeheartedly to the cases they take on – through the ups and the downs’
‘Excellent all round performance’
‘One of the leading personal injury claimant firms in East Anglia. – Very sound on clinical negligence claims. – Have a comprehensive offering, which reinforces their clinical negligence practice, e.g. Court of Protection department in cases where capacity is in issue.’
‘The team are extremely efficient. There is a very effective screening process. The claims are extremely well prepared and there are exceptional levels of communication with clients, experts and lawyers.’
‘Victoria Stevenson is outstanding. She has a good relationship with her clients and helps them to understand the pros and cons of their case while achieving exceptional results for them through her hard work.’
‘I have worked with Roythornes solicitors over a number of years on a handful of complex cases. Solicitors have been careful and considerate of the client in very sensitive cases, always putting their needs and feelings first. The person-centred approach has led to successful outcomes in those cases. Roythornes have very good legal knowledge, great technical ability and excellent tactical awareness.’
‘Victoria Stevenson: Victoria is very good at putting the client’s wishes above anything else. She has pursued difficult cases and has achieved very successful outcomes due to her negotiating ability and her legal knowledge. She is very good when working as a team to achieve a desired outcome. It is always good to know that we are usually on the same page, and usually have very similar views on the cases that we are working on.’
Spencers Solicitors
Spencers Solicitors is a Derby-based claimant personal injury boutique handling a range of claims, from brain and spinal cord injury and employers’ liability through to motor-related accidents. Amy Smitheringale and Mary Kay are they main litigators.
Practice head(s):
Amy Smitheringale
Other key lawyers:
Mary Kay
Testimonials
‘Well-established PI firm’
‘Absolutely first class set up in which the client feels fully supported in their claim by ‘the whole firm’. An appropriate fee earner is allocated with excellent administration support and continuity is maintained as much as possible throughout the duration of the case. the client is ‘known’ to the firm who take in interest in the case and it is clear that the team are able to share their experience and knowledge effectively together, getting the best result in a case for the client.’
‘Exceptional client engagement and hands on case management makes this firm stand out in the East Midlands.’
‘Real concern for the well-being of their clients and a desire to find the best outcome for them.’
‘The team at Spencers are extremely knowledgeable. They are very effective at representing their clients’ best interests and achieve exceptional results. They are very good at communicating and liaising with other professional experts, lawyers and lay clients.’
‘Mary Kay is outstanding. She is exceptional at her job. She is always able to reassure her clients in very difficult circumstances. She has fantastic drive and determination. She has exceptional judgment and manages to achieve far more for her clients than can reasonably be expected.’