Leigh Day’s clinical negligence team, led by Suzanne White, is well-known for its work on high-value and complex injury claims, particularly in cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and maternal death cases. The department remains active in litigation linked to systemic healthcare failings, inquests, and matters requiring cross-jurisdictional analysis. A number of individuals hold additional expertise in niche areas, such as military clinical negligence, cauda equina, mesh surgery, and fatal accidents. Olive Lewin draws on her background in nursing to lead high-value brain and spinal injury cases, with additional expertise in maternal death and delayed cancer diagnosis claims, and Despina Kavadas handles complex birth injuries and delayed diagnoses matters. Emmalene Bushnell is noted for cases involving Group B Strep and gynaecological harm. Maria Panteli frequently handles delayed diagnoses and maternal injury cases, and also has experience in rare cancer claims. Sanja Strkljevic is active in obstetric trauma and fatal accident litigation, often with inquest elements. Kirsten Wall brings a strong focus on delayed cancer diagnoses and military-related negligence. The team is supported by a large cohort of senior associates and maintains a broad caseload, often involving inquests, advocacy-driven issues, and international or multi-party proceedings.
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Accolades

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Testimonials

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  • ‘Very professional and caring. Take their job very seriously and take pride in what they do.'

  • 'Extremely sympathetic and the perseverance and patience they have is incredible. It is about fighting for those who can't fight back and Leigh Day solicitors fought for me more than 7 years. Need I say more.’

Work highlights

Acted in an inquest into the death of 36-year-old, LJS, mother of 5, who died from an intraperitoneal bleeding following the delivery of her 5th child.

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Despina Kavadas
Despina Kavadas
Practice head

Suzanne White

Other key lawyers

Olive Lewin; Emmalene Bushnell; Maria Panteli; Sanja Strkljevic; Kirsten Wall; Angharad Vaughan; Nandi Jordan; Despina Kavadas