Hall Of Fame

Clinical negligence: claimant in North West

Irwin Mitchell

Irwin Mitchell has long held a place as one of the top firms in this arena, with practice head Kristofer Inskip having over two decades of experience in bringing medical negligence actions on behalf of claimants. Lindsay Wise specialises in matters involving serious brain and spinal injuries, while Jennifer Cawthorne is known for her expertise in birth injury cases and claims resulting from the delayed diagnosis of cancer. Margaret Ryan, also a specialist in wrongful birth claims, was promoted to partner in May 2022. At the senior associate level, key names are Dina Lambourne, who has first-hand medical experience having been a cardiac nurse, and oral cancer and cauda equina expert Kevin Saul. Cases of delayed diagnosis are one of the firm’s main areas of strength.

Practice head(s):

Kristofer Inskip


Other key lawyers:

Jennifer Cawthorne; Dina Lambourne; Kevin Saul; Lindsay Wise; Margaret Ryan


Testimonials

‘Understands needs of clients.’

‘They know the best ways of providing appropriate legal advice for the benefit of the client.’

‘The Manchester clinical negligence team at Irwin Mitchell is the stand out department in the North West.’

‘Kristofer Inskip leads the team applying the highest of standards and giving real encouragement. His individual case load is handled with meticulous care.’

‘Irwin Mitchell have a deserved national reputation. The solicitors I work with are dedicated and extremely able, with a well-resourced team behind them.’

‘Jennifer Cawthorne and Kevin Saul: these practitioners are sharp and creative in their litigation, always promoting the client’s interest.’

‘The practitioners have outstanding experience in complex clinical negligence cases. There are fee earners with particular expertise. This means that clients get a solicitor with real experience of dealing with similar cases which is often invaluable in identifying the stand out experts etc.’

‘They have expertise in so many different types of clinical negligence. It is so important that a solicitor has dealt with similar cases.’

Work highlights


  • Represented a claimant in a claim relating to failure/delay in diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis.
  • Acted for a claimant in relation to a delay in diagnosis of a brain tumour, due to negligent reporting of a CT head scan.
  • Succeeded with a claim that involved negligent brain tumour surgery, where healthy tissue was removed instead of the tumour.

JMW Solicitors LLP

JMW Solicitors LLP, recommended for providing ‘a high standard of care and consideration‘ to its clients, is one of the larger firms working on the claimant side and consistently handles high-value brain and spinal injury cases, in addition to offering specific expertise in cerebral palsy and cauda equina syndrome matters. The practice is led by cauda equina expert Eddie Jones. Also key are Sally Leonards and Angharad Hughes, both of whom are highly recommended by clients. Jodie Miller made partner in May 2023, is another name to note in this large and accomplished team, as are Melissa Gardner and Steven Brown.

Practice head(s):

Eddie Jones


Other key lawyers:

Steven Brown; Angharad Hughes; Jodie Miller; Clare Stevens; Joanne Brine; Melissa Gardner; Sally Leonards; Mark Havenhand


Testimonials

‘Angharad Hughes handled my case since the start and though it was long and complicated she was always available when I had questions or fears – her speed at replying to emails is fantastic. She genuinely cares.’

‘People are kind, compassionate and dedicated.’

‘Eddie Jones in particular has been sympathetic and honest throughout our trial.’

‘The team at JMW are both professional and efficient at their roles. I was always treated with the utmost respect by all members of the team in a caring and compassionate manner.’

‘Eddie Jones was my solicitor at JMW. During the seven years that my case ran I received a high standard of care and consideration which was consistent throughout. Their work was always exceptional as well as professional throughout.’

‘They are very transparent and meet expectations. Keep you well informed, provide best advice and are there each step of the way. They explain every single process. Build the best rapport with you so that you feel confident and well aware of how your case is proceeding.’

‘Sally Leonards – very professional, her knowledge of the field is fantastic. Keeps you well informed.’

‘The team have all been amazing. Nothing is too much trouble. So much more than a legal team. They showed empathy and compassion.’

Work highlights


  • Secured a £24m lifetime care package for child with severe cerebral palsy due to maternity errors.
  • Obtained £3.75m in compensation for a woman with severe cauda equina syndrome after a delay in diagnosis.
  • Obtained a £11.7m compensation settlement for a seven-year-old client who sustained severe kernicterus brain damage when a new-born baby.

Fieldfisher

Fieldfisher‘s comprehensive clinical negligence practice is led by ‘class actJenny Urwin, an experienced specialist in brain injury with particular expertise in cases involving children. Urwin is supported by Claire Horton, who works on cases involving delayed diagnosis of brain tumours, compartment syndrome and birth injuries. Also integral to the team are child cerebral palsy specialist Lindsay Holt and Julia Hamilton, who handles catastrophic injury claims, including those involving spinal and orthopaedic injuries.

Practice head(s):

Jenny Urwin


Other key lawyers:

Claire Horton; Lindsay Holt; Julia Hamilton


Testimonials

‘At Fieldfisher in Manchester, Jenny Urwin is the very best lawyer anyone could ever have as their solicitor. She’s very professional and knowledgeable in her field and her work quality is very different from others. She always makes sure you get the best outcome and prepares you for everything.’

 ‘I wholeheartedly endorse Fieldfisher and, most especially, Lindsay Holt, who is simply brilliant at her job and a wonderful person too. She was unbelievably compassionate, understanding and sympathetic to me right from the start and never made me feel rushed or pressured. She attentively listened to my difficult story and was very patient, providing me with the time and space to express my emotions. She also had great insight into the various options available to me and, more importantly, made sure that I was clear about the process I would be taking if I chose to go ahead.’

‘Claire Horton is an amazing practitioner. Professional and empathetic. I could always contact Claire when I needed to. Her experience and friendliness made her very approachable at a very diffficult time. Claire was my solicitor for many years prior to settling my claim, if I had to go through the process again, knowing what I do now, I would choose Claire over and over again. I have complete trust in her and she is excellent at what she does. The best – in my opinion.’

‘Lindsay Holt is the full package – she has the knowledge and good judgment. A delight to deal with.’

‘Jenny Urwin is a credit to the business. She is warm, approachable and extremely client focussed.’

‘Jenny Urwin is a class act.’

‘Fieldfisher are a great law firm with national coverage. Claire Horton is the most committed and zealous solicitor I know in this field, with huge skill and compassion for her clients.’

‘Very personal approach to the client’s rehabilitation needs. Understanding of the competing demands from the client and family to ensure that team are able to effective support the plan. Open to feedback about priorities.’

Work highlights


  • Obtained a £28m settlement for a child suffering brain injury at birth due to delay in delivery.
  • Obtained a £19.5m lump sum settlement for the wrongful birth of a child with congenital disabilities.
  • Obtained a £18.8m settlement for a child with cerebral palsy following negligent management of birth by failed attempts at forceps delivery.

Fletchers Solicitors

Fletchers Solicitors fields a large team of lawyers who are described as 'specialists in what they do‘, covering a wide range of work and handling a growing workload of high-value claims. Trevor Ward handles birth injury cases, while Iain Dodd and Michael Gray specialise respectively in brain and spinal injuries. Julie Garner and Georgina Tither are both experts on amputation cases, and Francesca Paul focusses on group actions. At associate level, Kate Lozynska is highly recommended.

Practice head(s):

Trevor Ward; Iain Dodd; Michael Gray; Julie Garner; Georgina Tither; Francesca Paul


Other key lawyers:

Kate Lozynska; Kirsty Thomas


Testimonials

‘I have experienced working with the team on a CSR/charitable basis, my charity has had great pleasure and ease, always being fully supported in such a professional yet friendly and understanding manner.’

‘Specific recognition to Kate Lozynska and Kirsty Thomas for their exciting and diverse collaborations with giving back to the third sector in such a passionate way.’

‘Fletchers has been at the forefront of using and developing IT systems to manage and progress cases effectively.’

‘Iain Dodd has an incredible eye for detail. The thoroughness of his preparation is second to none.’

‘They are specialists in what they do, and give a personal service to their clients.’

‘Thoroughly professional.’

‘They become someone you can turn to for anything. Friendly, helpful, nothing is a problem.’

‘There for you every step of the way. They always answer your phone calls and emails – no waiting around. They go above and beyond.’

Work highlights


  • Achieved a settlement of £13.2m for a 42-year-old male who suffered meningitis at age 31 following alleged negligence in A&E which caused a brain and spinal cord injury.
  • Acted in the case of a 57-year-old male who was provided with substandard care during spinal surgery, resulting in paraplegia.
  • Secured a settlement in a birth injury case.

Hugh James

Hugh James acquired Potter Rees Dolan in late 2022, taking on a team which specialises in brain injuries and spinal conditions such as cerebral palsy and cauda equina, with further areas of expertise including instances of failure to diagnose, surgical negligence, amputations and fatal injuries. The practice is noted for its ability to develop ‘a client relationship which is compassionate and understanding, but which in no way compromises the professional goals‘. Helen Dolan, who is highly experienced in complex brain injury cases, including those involving children, heads up the team. Also integral are Lesley Herbertson, recommended for birth injuries and amputations, and Gill Edwards, whose caseload primarily comprises brain and birth injury, spinal injury and amputation matters. The firm further acquired The Roland Partnership in early 2024, adding the highly experienced Nina Roland and Trevor Roland to the practice.

Practice head(s):

Helen Dolan


Other key lawyers:

Gill Edwards; Lesley Herbertson; Nina Roland; Trevor Roland


Testimonials

‘From day one, the team put us at ease and fully explained the process, the expectations, the costs and all potential outcomes, and once the claim was underway they clearly communicated with us at every step in the process. They were always available and happy to answer questions and explain the legal process. The found the right special expert witnesses to help.’

‘The practitioners in the team are a real pleasure to work with. All are very efficient and effective, as well as focused and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes. Of inestimable value, a further key strength is their person-centred approach, that is to say, the sensitive development of a client relationship which is compassionate and understanding, but which in no way compromises the professional goals.’

‘This practice is definitely unique. For me, I have had the best service possible. My solicitor Gill Edwards and her team have kept me informed every step of the way.’

‘During the last five years, Gill Edwards has been the most caring and understanding professional I have had the pleasure of knowing. Her knowledge of my condition and her understanding of my needs has been of immense help to me through some very difficult times.’

‘Without any doubt when I think about the last five years, Gill Edwards and her PA have surprised me – I never expected to be given advice when required, with so much understanding and not just in a professional manner but in such a caring way.’

‘Everyone – from the receptionists to the solicitors – is wonderful.’

‘They have a deserved reputation for excellence and promotion of their clients’ interests to the maximum. I have found them unafraid to take on and pursue a challenging or difficult case.’

Leigh Day

Practitioners at Leigh Day are recommended by clients for being able to 'conduct themselves with kindness as well as having the expertise required'. The firm regularly handles complex cases of clinical negligence, including those involving cerebral palsy, spinal injuries and brain injuries. Inquests where fatalities have occurred are a particular area of strength. The practice is led by ‘exceptionalStephen Jones, whose standout claims experience includes representing children suffering from cerebral palsy. Brendan Hope, who handles a range of matters, including cases involving meningitis, is also integral. At associate level, Lauren Tully is the name to note.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Jones


Other key lawyers:

Brendan Hope; Lauren Tully


Testimonials

‘I have found that everyone I have dealt with at Leigh Day has been thoroughly professional, courteous and helpful during this very difficult time for me and my family.’

‘Stephen Jones is an exceptional lawyer who has guided me and my family through a process that we never thought we’d ever have to go through. His attention to detail is incredible and he has such an engaging personality that we totally trust him.’

‘Leigh Day are the best legal firm I have dealt with by far in any capacity. I trust them implicitly and would recommend them to those with a clinical negligence claim without hesitation because they conduct themselves with kindness as well as having the expertise required. This is a rare combination in my experience.’

‘Everyone I have spoken to at Leigh Day has been empathetic and made me feel like a valued client. They are approachable and professional. They always respond in a timely and considered manner.’

‘Stephen Jones was outstanding in his drive and professionalism towards my personal case.’

‘From the first consultation the team at Leigh Day were supportive, understanding and professional. Every process was explained to me.’

‘Combining expert legal advice with a caring approach to clients.’

Work highlights


  • Acted in the Beth Matthews inquests.
  • Obtained a settlement for a claimant shortly before trial with a capitalised value of very significantly in excess of £25m.
  • Representing a claimant in a cerebral palsy claim valued in excess of £20m.

Price Slater Gawne

Price Slater Gawne‘s clinical negligence practice offers experience in claims relating to cerebral palsy, delayed cancer diagnoses, immunotherapy, amputations, and more. The team is jointly led by Mark Slater - an expert in inappropriate psychological care whose record includes cases of undiagnosed and untreated PTSD, psychosexual dysfunction resulting from surgical errors, and the negative side effects of experimental drug treatments - and Chris Gawne - who regularly acts on inquests and public inquiries work. Further key names include the highly recommended Sophie Fox, whose experience includes cases of stillbirth and brain injury, and birth injury specialist Sarah Barclay.

Practice head(s):

Mark Slater; Chris Gawne


Other key lawyers:

Sophie Fox; Sarah Barclay; Andrew Harrison; Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp


Testimonials

‘I have found Sophie Fox to be particularly pleasant and easy to work with.’

‘PSG is outstanding in the clinical negligence field in my experience with their instructions always of the highest calibre, well prepared and set out, and they pursue the law in the greatest detail, providing an excellent service for their clients.’

‘Excellent individual bespoke service with highly knowledgeable specialist medical negligence solicitors.’

‘PSG’s teamwork is fantastic. They liaise with each other well and so that no details are missed. They work together enabling different parts of the legal process to work smoothly.’

‘Excellent and hard working – they are dogged in their determination to put right wrongs which have arisen as a result of medical negligence.’

‘Sophie Fox – an absolute pleasure to work with. Very responsive and communicative. Happy and willing at all times to seek different approaches and new ways of looking at cases.’

‘A well trained, efficient and professional clinical negligence team, trained by highly experienced clinical negligence lawyers who have done nothing but clinical negligence work for most of their working life.’

‘Mark Slater impresses by immediately analysing the core elements of a potential clinical negligence claim, stripping away irrelevancies and zeroing in on the critical issues and evidence required to maximise success for his injured client, in a way I have only seen in the very best clinical negligence specialist solicitors.’

Addies Solicitors

Addies Solicitors, known for its specialist expertise in cerebral palsy and birth injury cases, is recommended for ‘tenacious‘ representation of its clients. The team is led by Diane Rostron, a highly experienced catastrophic birth injuries expert. Alison Battersby is also key.

Practice head(s):

Diane Rostron


Other key lawyers:

Alison Battersby


Testimonials

‘They are incredibly efficient. They only take on the most complex and highest value of cases – and they win them.’

‘Diane Rostron is what makes Addies unique. Her vision, tactical acumen and compassion for her clients are unparalleled. She is supported by an exemplary team, all of whom add value.’

‘Hardworking and tenacious team who put their client first, often successfully taking on cases that have stalled with other legal firms.’

Work highlights


  • Obtained an £8.5m settlement for a 36-year-old man who suffered a birth injury in Cumbria over 30 years ago causing cerebral palsy, learning difficulties and behavioural issues.

Butcher & Barlow LLP

Bury-based Butcher & Barlow LLP handles a wide range of work including birth injuries and dental negligence claims. The team is led by Anthony Higham, who has a strong record in claims against NHS Trusts, GPs, dentists and private healthcare providers; his broad experience in the field also includes representing protected parties. Thomas Sedley – ‘very well organised and professional’ – is also key.

Practice head(s):

Anthony Higham


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Sedley


Testimonials

‘The firm combines high street accessibility with the resources of a large firm, which matters to claimants pursuing claims in clinical negligence. The firm is experienced in all types of clinical negligence claims.’

‘Anthony Higham retains supervisory conduct of claims from the head office; he is extremely experienced, insightful and down to earth.’

Thomas Sedley – whilst relatively junior, he shows a mature and considered approach to cases.’

Express Solicitors Ltd

Practice head Carlos Lopez, a former barrister, joined Express Solicitors Ltd in March 2022 and brought his significant expertise in catastrophic injury clinical negligence work – particularly in hypoxic brain injury sustained at birth – to the firm. Described as ‘doggedly determined in the pursuit of his clients' interests‘, Lopez regularly handles high-value and complex work. Andrew Hesketh and Sarah Smith are the other key names to note.

Practice head(s):

Carlos Lopez


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Hesketh; Sarah Smith


Testimonials

‘They give me good cases and good instrctions.’

‘A really interesting model, where time and effort is spent in team and morale building to a good effect in terms of recruitment and retention.’

‘Carlos Lopez – very experienced solicitor who has taken to his new role with zeal, and is very pro-active in driving cases forwards and supporting his clients.’

Work highlights


  • Representing a claimant in a case with a potential £4m valuation, covering extensive medical and care needs after the defendant NHS Trust failed to identify ischaemic problems, which resulted in an amputation.
  • Representing a claimant in a £2m claim against two GPs for failure to stroke risk stratify, resulting in failure to prescribe oral anticoagulants.
  • Representing a single mother of six children in a claim for clinical negligence leaving her in continual pain, significantly disabled and requiring a below knee amputation of her right leg, valued at approximately £1m.

Oliver & Co Solicitors, based in Chester, has an active and well recommended clinical negligence practice covering claims such as spinal and birth injuries. The practice is led by Linda Schermer-Jones, a qualified doctor with a strong record in delayed diagnoses claims. Kerry Goulden, a specialist in neo- and post-natal fatality claims, and Elizabeth Fry, who works on delayed diagnosis and negligent surgery claims, are also key.

Practice head(s):

Linda Schermer-Jones


Other key lawyers:

Kerry Goulden; Elizabeth Fry


Testimonials

‘Oliver & Co have been amazing in my eyes – so friendly and helpful, they have truly made me feel at ease with my whole case and always explained everything in an easy way to understand, they have also been so easy to get hold of and talk to. I feel they have always gone above and beyond to help in every way needed.’

‘The team have always been approachable and easy to access.’

‘Making a clinical negligence claim was very hard, but Oliver & Co made it bearable. They were very organised, especially with time sensitive matters and always worked together to achieve the best outcome.’

Work highlights


  • Secured compensation for a claimant in excess of £1m following negligent treatment of an arteriovenous malformation, causing a major stroke and permanent symptoms.
  • Recovered £400,000 for a claimant following her suffering avoidable Grade 3 and 4 pressure sores, leading to an avoidable spinal fracture and permanent immobility.
  • Achieved a settlement of £38,000 for a claimant for the avoidable and traumatic stillbirth she suffered.

Slater and Gordon

Slater and Gordon‘s clinical negligence practice has broad capabilities, handling a range of work including inquests, stillbirth cases and injuries to elderly patients. Manchester team head Ben Gent has a strong record in litigation, with experience in matters including cauda equina misdiagnosis and neo-natal fatality claims. John Doyle leads the Liverpool team and offers expertise in brain, spinal and birth injury matters. Catastrophic brain injury specialist Helen Lewis is also noted. Rosalyn Steeple joined the firm from Thompsons Solicitors LLP in March 2022.

Practice head(s):

Ben Gent; John Doyle


Other key lawyers:

Helen Lewis; Rosalyn Steeple


Testimonials

‘A friendly firm, with a good range of clients and cases. In particular, they stand out for their client-focussed approach. Instructions are provided safely and efficiently through electronic means, to a consistently high standard.’

‘A major player for claimants in this field.’

‘Ben Gent is an excellent practitioner who brings sound judgement and realism to his work. He cannot do enough for clients but has a clear understanding of when a claim should be pursued, and when it should be settled.’

‘The firm is well resourced, with a national coverage.’

‘Helen Lewis is a really good practitioner. She is extremely thorough and skilled at progressing cases; she has real commitment to her clients and expertise in promoting their interests. John Doyle is a practical and efficient litigator.’

‘Slater and Gordon are extremely well resourced and extremely professional. They listen carefully to clients and provide very sound tactical advice.’

‘Rosalyn Steeple: having worked with her for many years, she has excellent knowledge of medical issues and understands the implications of serious life-changing injuries for her clients and how best to achieve redress for those injuries.’

Work highlights


  • Acting in a clinical negligence claim worth £10m.
  • Represented a claimant against Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust in a case examining variable PPOs as a mechanism which either party can seek to utilise to provide for uncertainties.
  • Represented a family through a suicide inquest and clinical negligence claims in accordance with the Human Rights Act, specifically in relation to a right to life.

Stephensons Solicitors LLP

Stephensons Solicitors LLP, based in Wigan, has a strong team overseen by practice head and birth injury expert Judith Thomas-Whittingham. Laura Sheehan works on surgical errors and misdiagnoses, with specialist expertise in rare conditions such as Stiff Person Syndrome. Tom Mooney also offers niche expertise, dealing with professional negligence claims against solicitors acting on clinical negligence matters. Claire Stockley works on brain, spinal and birth injury claims. Carla Duprey is a further name to note.

Practice head(s):

Judith Thomas-Whittingham


Other key lawyers:

Laura Sheehan; Claire Stockley; Tom Mooney; Carla Duprey


Testimonials

‘Stephensons had the vast experience, knowledge and legal expertise needed to win such a finely balanced and complicated, lengthy medical negligence case. Even when things looked bleak and impossible, they were still willing to test other avenues.’

‘Their personal touch is incredibly important. More so when things aren’t as positive as you’d hope for.’

‘A good firm with very good people.’

Work highlights


  • Acted in a birth injury claim which took 15 years to reach a conclusion due to the disputed evidence, and was resolved at joint settlement meeting in excess of £4m.
  • Recovered £235,000 in compensation following failure to diagnose and prevent a stroke, as well as obtaining a grant of probate following the death of the client.
  • Represented a claimant in a case relating to a delay in treating a scaphoid fracture, resulting in a settlement of £370,000.

Bond Turner

Bond Turner specialises in complex birth injury claims, which are frequently high in value. The team is led by Sara Stanger, who has over 16 years’ experience working on clinical negligence cases, and Neil Crossley, who brings first hand medical experience to the practice, having previously trained as a nurse. The team is split between Liverpool and Bolton.

Practice head(s):

Sara Stanger; Neil Crossley


Testimonials

‘The practice by this team is very good. They are mindful of your stress and anxiety and put you at ease. They are very easy to talk to and return calls promptly with no question too trivial to be answered. Complex questions about billing are explained well and at no time was I made to feel inferior. My suggestions were taken on board with any and all alternatives explored.’

‘Sara Stanger was very good at listening and understanding your perspective. Nothing was too much trouble for her. She demonstrated her expertise and experience giving an exceptional service. Her team worked well under her direction, always being helpful and polite.’

‘Sara Stanger is superb.’

The Dental Law Partnership

The Dental Law Partnership, based in Nantwich, specialises, eponymously, in dental negligence claims and offers considerable experience in this field. The practice is led jointly by qualified dentist David Corless-Smith and experienced litigators Heather Owen and Helen Coleman. At associate level, Tim Armitage, who specialises in claims involving nerve damage, is recommended.

Practice head(s):

David Corless-Smith; Helen Coleman; Heather Owen


Other key lawyers:

Tim Armitage


Testimonials

‘This is the country’s leading specialist dental negligence firm. Their experience in dealing with this type of claim is unrivalled.’

‘Tim Armitage is a very experienced practitioner with a great depth of knowledge of dental negligence. He fearlessly represents his clients’ interests.

‘The Dental Law Partnership is unique in dealing only with dental negligence claims. Not only that but they are exceedingly well organised and produce excellent files, x-ray records and so forth, which makes the work of an expert witness so much easier.’

Work highlights


  • Successfully represented the claimant in the Court of Appeal following a High Court decision in the client’s favour on vicarious liability and non-delegable duty of care.
  • Successfully represented a claimant, achieving a settlement figure over £30,000.

Thompsons Solicitors LLP

Thompsons Solicitors LLP is known for its work on behalf of trade unions, and regularly takes on claims for union members. The firm’s clinical negligence team is led jointly by managing partner Suzanne Humphries and Clare Jones, who works on a range of matters including spine and brain injuries and delayed cancer diagnosis claims. Gemma Crompton is also key. Negligent gynaecological surgery claims are one of the chief areas of strength for the practice.

Practice head(s):

Clare Jones; Suzanne Humphries


Other key lawyers:

Gemma Crompton


Work highlights


  • Obtained a settlement in the case a widow and her two children against the family GP for failure to refer her husband for urgent hospital treatment when a bacterial infection was misdiagnosed as viral.
  • Obtained a settlement for the claimant in a gynaecological claim involving substandard surgical repair of a vaginal fistula, resulting in PTSD, pain and agoraphobia.
  • Achieved a settlement for the claimant in a case where negligent gynaecological mesh surgery resulted in widespread chronic pain.