Emma Zukowska > Barratts Solicitors > Nottingham, England > Lawyer Profile

Emma Zukowska

Work Department

Clinical Negligence

Position

Emma specialises in Clinical Negligence claims. She is a Member of the Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel and is recognised by Apil as a Specialist Clinical Negligence Practitioner.

I joined Barratts Solicitors in 2001 and qualified as a solicitor in 2005; I became a Partner in 2013. I chose to specialise in Clinical Negligence which I find both challenging and rewarding. I have also represented Claimants who have suffered severe injuries following an accident.

I am recognised in the Chambers Legal Directory and Legal 500 for my expertise in Clinical Negligence and I am accredited by APIL (the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) as a Specialist Clinical Negligence Practitioner.

I represent Claimants who have suffered severe injuries as a result of clinical negligence to include injuries sustained at birth or shortly thereafter such as cerebal palsy or erb’s palsy arising from a shoulder dystocia delivery. I have acted for many Claimants who have suffered spinal cord injury as well as those who have suffered injury or illness resulting in amputation. I represent families who have lost a loved one as a result of negligent medical treatment such as misdiagnosis or late diagnosis, this includes representation at Inquests and in regard to a civil claim.

I have a particular interest and experience of representing claimants who have suffered severe spinal injury due to a delay in diagnosis of spinal infection or cauda equina.

My experience as a clinical negligence specialist covers many aspects of medical care. I have succeeded at trial in claims against the NHS and GPs, including 2 successful trials in 2016.

Claimants often come to me, not because they want compensation but because they want answers and most importantly an apology. It is all too often the case that claimants have pursued the complaints process only to find they still have not been given an open and honest explanation. They want to understand what has happened, either to them or a loved one. They feel that they have no other way of getting the answers they need without pursuing litigation. I am very mindful of the fact that clients often feel ‘let down’ at the point that they come to me and need expert advice they can trust.

Suffering an injury due to negligent treatment can be devastating and life changing, not only for the individual but also for their families. I aim to provide clients with the best service and to reduce the burden and stress of pursuing a claim wherever possible. I am there not only to advise but also to support them.

Sadly, many Claimants instruct me following the loss of a loved one. In these circumstances an Inquest may be required and clients often instruct me to assist them with the Inquest process as well as to pursue a compensation claim.

Some Claimants are unable to manage their own affairs as a result of the injuries sustained. In those circumstances the Court of Protection require a Deputy to be appointed to represent those vulnerable client. I have been appointed as Deputy for clients in these circumstances.

It is important to me that my clients feel they are fully supported and can trust me to do the best I can when acting on their behalf.  Although no amount of compensation can repair the loss or injury, it can help to provide a better quality of life and security for the future. I am often amazed and humbled by the determination and drive of my clients to continue to live their lives as independently as possible, even in the toughest of situations.

Career

Trained Barratts Solicitors; qualified 2005; Partner/Director September 2013 to date.

Memberships

Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel; APIL Senior Litigator and Clinical Negligence Specialist.

Education

Nottingham Law School.

Leisure

Spending time with my family and friends, gardening, exercise, reading.