Weightmans LLP is well-versed in a variety of major medical negligence, dentistry and cosmetic treatment claims. Deborah Bannister, Jasmine Armstrong, Sarah Hopwood and Richard Briggs jointly lead the practice. Bannister and Briggs handle a broad range of claims, from catastrophic injury to misdiagnosis and surgical error, while Armstrong handles healthcare-specific issues. Hopwood has a strong focus on group litigation, also assisting clients with regulatory and media-related issues. Tony Yeaman routinely advises NHS boards on claims and risk management, and Melanie Isherwood is an expert in claims brought by vulnerable litigants. Maryam Storr and Sarah Skinner are also recommended. Christian Lowden departed in December 2024
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Jasmine Armstrong understands customer care and is available to discuss any concerns, at any time and resolves these quickly.’
‘The teams main strength is the people within it. Friendly approachable case handlers willing to go the extra mile. There is also the benefit of the wider healthcare team being able to offer support with ad hoc queries possibly outside the usual clinical negligence case. Good quality of work with adequate supervision from partners.'
‘Hardworking solicitors and paralegals who have great understanding of the cases they are working on and available over the phone to talk through any issues. Fantastic tailored witness support to nervous witnesses. Very knowledgeable in the healthcare arena. Always happy to help and enthusiastic about gaining insight into the innerworkings of the trust. Partners are friendly, approachable and available.’
‘A powerhouse for defendant clin neg work in the West Midlands. The team is well-resourced, efficiently run and offer top drawer service.’
‘Maryam Storr is one of the finest Defendant solicitors in the country. She is calm, analytical, persistent and talented.’
‘Sarah Hopwood - Very collaborative and sensible, willing to think outside the box to address resolve an issue Melanie Isherwood - Experienced and fights hard for her clients Maryam Storr - Meticulous in her assessment of the detail’
Key clients
- NHS Resolution
- Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
- Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital NHS FT
- Herefordshire and Worcestershire Combined Legal services NHS Trust
- Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
- Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Trust
- Wye Valley NHS Trust
- University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS FT
- University Hospitals of Birmingham NHS FT
- University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS FT
- Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHST
- Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Work highlights
Resolved a claim regarding a delay in diagnosing cancer (causing a stroke during treatment). The claim was for £2.49m and it was resolved at a joint settlement meeting for £720,000 shortly before trial.
Advised upon the merits of the claim and whether it was just to oppose an application for relief from sanction.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Deborah Bannister; Jasmine Armstrong; Sarah Hopwood; Richard Briggs
Other key lawyers
Tony Yeaman; Melanie Isherwood; Maryam Storr; Sarah Skinner