Hall Of Fame

Leading Individuals

Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Clinical negligence: defendant

Clyde & Co strengthened its clinical negligence presence in the South West in 2022 with the addition of  Jane Lang, who joined as part of the firm’s merger with BLM, as well as senior associate Helen Heeley from Bevan Brittan LLP.

Clinical negligence: defendant in South West

Bevan Brittan LLP

With a strong national presence in clinical negligence, Bevan Brittan LLP acts for major trusts and institutional clients as well as private insurers and healthcare providers. The firm’s South West practice handles a range of claims including birth injury issues and those pertaining to mental health. Joanna Lloyd acts as practice head and specialises in group actions and complex brain injuries, while human rights and mental health mandates form part of Simon Lindsay‘s advisory portfolio alongside healthcare associated infection issues.

Practice head(s):

Joanna Lloyd


Other key lawyers:

Simon Lindsay


Testimonials

‘In my experience good teamwork is fostered and the accrued knowledge base of an impressive list of partners guarantees that each case receives the most accurate and insightful treatment.’

‘The solicitors are flexible in their thinking when reviewing difficult cases/decisions and are not afraid to implement necessary action at short notice. The work they produce is of the highest calibre.’

‘Years and years at the top of the tree in clinical negligence work. The firm has unparalleled experience in all aspects of health law, a good relationship with clinicians and a bank of outstanding and trusted expert witnesses.’

‘BB has an excellent relationship with a number of NHS trusts, medical defence organisations and private hospital groups and specialises in medical liability and regulatory cases involving doctors, dentists, and other health professionals.’

‘The team has good experience and expertise of the medical issues underlying such claims and prides itself on giving its clients early, sensible and realistic advice.’

‘It is clear that the team’s expertise and efficiency is highly valued by both its institutional and individual healthcare clients.’

‘Ability to quickly develop trusted professional relationships. Excellent quality of reports and timeliness of response to enquiries.’

Key clients

NHS Resolution


Taunton & Somerset NHS Foundation Trust


Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust


Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust


South West Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust


Work highlights


  • Acting on behalf of the NHS in a case in the Supreme Court which addresses the liability for psychiatric injury by “onlookers” who witness the impact of negligence.
  • Representing a claimant in a CP case which has implications for the NHS both in terms of the applicability of Montgomery and material contribution causation in clinical negligence cases, particularly those involving acute profound hypoxic ischaemia.

DAC Beachcroft LLP

DAC Beachcroft LLP‘s clinical risk group handles work on behalf of GPs, NHS trusts and high-profile medical malpractice insurers. Rachel Roberts-Jenkins has longstanding experience in rectal mesh cases and group actions, while catastrophic injuries and MRSA claims are particular areas of focus for Hannah Volpe. With decades of experience in this space, Nigel Montgomery is another key port of call for defendant clients, and ‘value partner’ Simon Perkins is experienced in cases pertaining to mental health, plastic surgery and ophthalmology.

Practice head(s):

Nigel Montgomery; Rachel Roberts-Jenkins; Simon Perkins


Other key lawyers:

Hannah Volpe


Testimonials

‘I can always rely on DAC Beachcroft’s Bristol team to provide sensible, practical and commercially sound advice whenever needed.’

‘Their international partnerships with other firms mean I can always rely on them for help/guidance with tricky international claims/queries.’

‘Very friendly and approachable, but knowledgeable too. Their large team means no query is ever too much.’

Key clients

NHS Resolution


The Medical Defence Union


University Hospitals Bristol and Western NHS Foundation Trust


Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust


North Bristol NHS Trust


NHS England


Zurich


Priory


Alliance Medical Indemnity


Newline


RSA


Beazley


WRB Underwriting


Renaissance Re


Corvelia


Bupa


Panel appointments:


NHS Resolution


MDU


Zurich


Newline


Beazley


Renaissance Re


Corvelia


WRB Underwriting


Work highlights


  • Instructed by NHS Resolution to act on behalf of all NHS Trusts in England in respect of claims arising from the use of rectal mesh.
  • Instructed by NHS England to act in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.

Browne Jacobson LLP

Browne Jacobson LLP‘s clinical negligence practice is a popular choice for independent healthcare providers and medical malpractice insurers in matters spanning occupational disease claims, cases arising from abuse, and mental health issues. Taking a cross-practice approach, the group works closely with firm’s insurance, financial services, health, and education teams to defend clients against complex claims. Social care and sex abuse matters are a particular area of focus for Joanne Pruden, while Mark Barnett is well versed in mental health law. Becky Wyld left the firm for DWF in May 2022.

Practice head(s):

Joanne Pruden; Mark Barnett


Key clients

Municipal Mutual Insurance Limited


Zurich


Gallagher Bassett


Aspire Academy Trust