Weightmans maintains a strong presence in the North, defending both clinical negligence and personal injury claims with specialist teams covering casualty, disease, motor, public authority and large loss matters. The clinical negligence team is particularly noted for its work on high-value birth injury and catastrophic claims against healthcare providers. Angela Kirtley brings deep expertise in complex brain damage cases. Robert Rushton is known for defending NHS bodies, and Paul Hughes handles a wide spectrum of serious, high-value personal injury claims for insurers.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The Weightmans team are highly professional but at the same time are very personable and approachable. They are extremely engaging and are always on hand to offer their advice and expert opinion.'
- ‘Andeja Begus Harrison is an absolute star who stands out amongst a crowded field. She is incredibly smart, has great judgment and is so easy to work with.'
- ‘Weightmans have an incredible team of healthcare lawyers. They combine specialist legal expertise with pragmatism, commercial nous and smooth client handling.'
- ‘Experience of handling novel and interesting claims in the personal injury and clinical negligence field.'
- ‘Paul Hughes provides practical advice and works collaboratively with counsel and client to achieve good results.’
- ‘The team builds strong relationships with their clients and manages cases efficiently.’
Key clients
- NHS Resolution
- Newcastle upon Tyne NHS FT
- County Durham and Darlington NHS FT
- Gateshead Health NHS FT
- Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS FT
- North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
- University Hospitals of Birmingham NHS FT
- University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS FT
- Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust
- Go Ahead Ltd
- Go North East Ltd
- Collingwood Insurance
Work highlights
Defended a birth injury claim managed over 10 years, involving complex liability investigations involving leading counsel and 5 experts per party, resulting in a 55%/45% liability apportionment in the claimant’s favour.
Defended a highly complex claim concerning management of an unusual condition necessitating high-dose steroid treatment, which caused serious osteoporosis.
Defending a claim involving hypoxic brain injury following a cardiac arrest, with liability apportioned 55/45 in the claimant’s favour.
Practice head
Angela Kirtley; Robert Rushton; Paul Hughes; Shaun O’Neil
Other key lawyers
Katy Lund; Andeja Begus Harrison