Personal injury and clinical negligence: claimant in East Midlands

Barratts Solicitors

Barratts Solicitors retains its strong regional reputation for brain and head injury litigation, criminal injuries compensation claims, spinal injury litigation, fatal accidents and inquests, industrial disease, and MIB claims. Head of clinical negligence and Court of Protection Alison Brooks has a wealth of specialist experience when it comes to traumatic brain injury claims. Clinical negligence expert Vicki Holmes‘ broad practice encompasses birth trauma & paediatric claims, spinal injury, brain injury, catastrophic orthopaedic injury, delayed diagnosis of cancer, and strokes. For personal injury, David Tomlinson is vastly experienced with catastrophic injury claims and is both an APIL Fellow and an APIL accredited spinal cord injury specialist. Lesley Edwards is another key name on the personal injury front as head of team, devoting her expertise to TA claims, employers' liability claims, product liability claims, cross-border litigation, international travel claims, and rail and aviation crashes. Mike Dodd is another important port of call.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alison Brooks; Ross Brain; Vicki Holmes; Lesley Edwards; David Tomlinson


Autres avocats clés:

Mike Dodd


Les références

‘They understand their clients, their needs and their support requirements. They go above and beyond to ensure the client is supported within the context of their own lives. They own the duty of care for their clients and this is really rare.’

‘Organized, courteous in their email correspondence; expeditious in the provision of medical documents and always very quick in their response to questions, queries and comments.’

‘Alison Brooks leads the teams. She has vast experience. She is excellent with clients and has good interpersonal skills. She is industrious and presents her work to a higher standard. Alison has good common sense. She has an analytical mind and, thus, can identify the central issues in any cases. She achieves very good awards on behalf of her clients.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advised a client in a case involving a severely brain damaged pedestrian client involved in an RTA, with liability compromised on a less than 60% basis.
  • Advising on a clinical negligence claim involving a delayed diagnosis of cervical cord compression (C6/7) secondary to a disc bulge.
  • Pedestrian accident involving poly trauma which included a catastrophic orthopaedic injury, severe internal injuries associated with a such accidents, and a Traumatic Brain Injury which has resulted in a lack of capacity.

Freeths LLP

Freeths LLP is known for its depth of experience in catastrophic injury claims, maternity and obstetric claims, delay in diagnosis and misdiagnoses, surgical errors, incorrect treatment, and inquests. Jane Williams, Karen Reynolds, and Jane Goulding head up the practice group. Williams is head of clinical negligence and is renowned for her specialism on complex surgical, oncology and brain injury cases. Goulding leads on the personal injury front and devotes much of her practice to handling brain injury and spinal cord injury cases for adults and children. Esteemed practitioner Paul Balen remains extremely highly regarded for his mediation work in the space. Gemma Bedford and Jessica Atkin are other important contacts within the wider group.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jane Williams; Karen Reynolds; Jane Goulding


Autres avocats clés:

Paul Balen; Gemma Bedford; Adrian Denton; Jessica Atkin


Les références

‘Gemma Bedford has been outstanding, responsive to our concerns. Always being courteous and reassuring, which I’ve found invaluable, at the worst possible time in my life. Gemma has always met my worries, frustrations and feelings of utter helplessness with such kindness and compassion. It genuinely feels like it really matters to her that we seek some honesty and justice for our daughters death. Steading us throughout this horrendous ordeal, which we will be eternally grateful for.’

‘All the way through our case we felt as though it was important to Freeths, that our opinions mattered, and we were valued. All of the hard work was done for us and the team made everything feel so easy and simple. We were contacted mainly by email and phone, and it meant that we could easily communicate with the team when needed. They knew exactly what they were doing and did everything really efficiently! ’

‘We haven’t worked with a lawyer before Freeths but couldn’t have wished for anyone better to work with. Gemma Bedford was so understanding and empathetic through a really difficult time for us and we found her so easy to chat to, like a friend. She’s an amazing, fun, friendly person who made us feel like we were in safe hands. We’d 100% recommend Gemma!’

Principaux dossiers


Nelsons Solicitors Limited

Nelsons Solicitors Limited is equally adept across both personal injury and clinical negligence claimant work, handling catastrophic injuries and a broad range of specialist injury claims. Bruce Williams is highly regarded and remains a go-to name in the region for cases involving children suffering from both acquired and traumatic severe brain injury, including birth injury claims. Practice head Lisa Preece‘s experience includes high-value cases, including road traffic, employers and public liability claims. Emma Zukowska is an expert on spinal cord injury, child and birth injury claims, and amputation arising from negligence. Dianne Collins and Carolle White are other important points of contact within the practice group.

Responsables de la pratique:

Lisa Preece


Autres avocats clés:

Bruce Williams; Matthew Olner; Lucy Wilton; Dianne Collins; Emma Zukowska; Julie Hardy


Les références

‘Julie Hardy was exceptional with her attention to detail, empathy and understanding of the clients perspective. Very considerate and helpful. Easy to approach and willing to answer any queries. ’

‘From my professional work with Nelsons, I would recommend the PI/Clinical Negligence team to any prospective claimant seeking representation. They combine knowledge, experience and expertise in the PI/Clinical negligence area with integrity and professionalism, which is sometimes lacking in other claimant PI firms. Briefs from Nelsons PI/CN team are, without exception, detailed, well-prepared and well-presented, making appropriate use of technology and data protection as appropriate.’

‘Dianne Collins is knowledgeable, well organised and has excellent attention to detail. She leaves no stone unturned when it comes to gathering the necessary evidence to further her client’s claim.

Principaux dossiers


Shakespeare Martineau LLP

Shakespeare Martineau LLP‘s personal injury and clinical negligence teams in the region are headed up by Kathryn Hart and Robert Rose, respectively. Hart deals with extremely high-value claims, specifically serious head injuries and catastrophic spinal injury cases. Rose is a key contact for birth trauma and women’s health issues. Nicola Fahey‘s diverse practice includes cases involving birth injuries, amputation, delays in diagnosis, cauda equina, and TVT mesh.

Responsables de la pratique:

Robert Rose; Kathryn Hart


Autres avocats clés:

Michelle Harper; Nicola Fahey


Les références

‘The clinical negligence team is headed up by Robert Rose, who is a very experienced practitioner and has formulated a team of specialists, who are dedicated to claimant clinical negligence practice. Likewise, the personal injury team is highly organised and knowledgeable and provides a high standard of service to its clients. Both teams have good diversity and work on a collaborative basis, to achieve maximum awards for their clients.’

‘Kathryn Hart genuinely cares about all her clients. No matter the value of a claim she will go above and beyond in her meticulous preparation of a case.’

‘One-to-one service was faultless. I was always kept in the loop of each step of my case.’

Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths LLP  has been praised as ‘very professional with lots of empathy’. On the personal injury side of the practice, the team handles serious life-changing and catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, amputations, complex pain, severe burns, serious psychological trauma, industrial disease and care home neglect. For clinical negligence, the team routinely acts in cases involving birth injury, cauda equina, stillbirths and delayed diagnosis of cancer, among many others. Andrea Rusbridge heads up clinical negligence, whilst Sharine Burgess leads the personal injury team. Rusbridge is highly experienced in the space and is a go-to name for birth injury, spinal injury, and cauda equina as well as both misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis of cancer cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

Andrea Rusbridge; Sharine Burgess


Autres avocats clés:

Sarah Cunliffe; Simon Towler


Les références

‘I have been I contact with an individual named Sharine for nearly five years now I would recommend her and the firm to anyone in a heartbeat. Sharine exhibits honesty, integrity and respect. Sharine takes her time to explain anything to me that I don’t understand. I know that Sharine has had to speak with many of my family members and each and everyone of them is of the same opinion.’

‘Along with many service providers, the differences can often be attributed to the people involved. Although my dealings with solicitors in general is not extensive, the service here was remarkable.’

‘I have to mention Sharine Burgess in particular – she and her team provided prompt, personal service that extended to home visits. Part of the benefit of using this partner was her experience with various other experts when further specific opinions were needed, whether from medical experts or from a barrister familiar with actual court cases involving similar issues.’

Principaux dossiers


Banner Jones Solicitors

Operating out of Chesterfield, Banner Jones Solicitors is particularly well-versed in brain and spinal injuries as well as loss of life and limb cases. The ‘well-organised and efficient’ practice is also geared to handle clinical negligence, employers’ liability, and personal injury trusts. The ‘thorough, detailed, and conscientious’ Sarah Sadler oversees the team and her recent caseload encompasses sexual abuse compensation claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sarah Sadler


Les références

‘A well-organised and efficient practice, utilising modern technology.’

‘This is a dynamic and responsive firm who are very professional. They deal with things efficiently and with purpose, they have a very sound approach.’

‘The team responded quickly and efficiently with all communication. Their processes were clearly well developed.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Represented a client regarding an accident at work claim.
  • Represented a client on a complicated clinical negligence matter where the client suffered a stroke following a session of osteopathic treatment.
  • Represented a client in a public liability claim as said client endured nasty facial wounds as a result of being bitten on the face by a large Akita-type dog.

Smith Partnership

Lauded for its ‘first-rate client care’, the Derby-based practice Smith Partnership is jointly led by David Clark and Martin Bradbury. Labelled as ‘vastly experienced’, Clark’s broad caseload encompasses workplace accidents and industrial disease cases. Bradbury is knowledgeable of clinical negligence matters, including brain injury, dental negligence, and misdiagnosis claims. Other key members of the team include Anna McLeod, who is proficient in delays in the diagnosis of cancer, missed fractures in A&E, and serious surgical errors.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Clark; Martin Bradbury


Autres avocats clés:

Anna McLeod


Les références

‘A solid firm who has a large well-earned market share of personal injury and clinical negligence work in the East Midlands. Key strengths include first-rate client care, tailored case handling usually by one or two fee earners at the most, and meticulous case preparation.’

‘I felt looked after and safe in their hands throughout. One thing that did strike me is that I never felt the need to chase up the progress of my case. I knew I was being tended to appropriately. I believe this to be very important and a new client would want to know this. They were experienced and professional throughout.’

‘The practice is a very high-quality practice. They are always available to speak on the telephone.’

Principaux dossiers


Wilkin Chapman LLP

Wilkin Chapman LLP’s personal injury caseload encompasses employer’s liability and public liability claims, fatality claims, as well as serious injury claims. On the clinical negligence side, the team is also noted for its capabilities in amputation claims, birth and brain injury cases, and cancer claims. Splitting his time between Lincoln and Grimsby, department head Steven Hennegan is lauded as ‘an excellent leader.’ In Lincoln, head of medical negligence Jonathan Baker is often engaged in neurological conditions and oncological cases. Nick Shaw leads the personal injury litigation team for Lincoln and is a key contact for claims against the Motor Insurers Bureau. Other key members of the practice include Mark Robinson who leads the personal injury litigation team for Grimsby, Liam May who heads up the Grimsby medical negligence team, and Lincoln-based Ruth Craven who is principally focused on asbestos-related disease claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Steve Hennegan; Jonathan Baker; Mark Robinson; Nick Shaw


Autres avocats clés:

Liam May; Ruth Craven


Les références

‘I have worked with the PI team over many years. They are prompt, helpful, and have been moving with times, embracing advances in technology.’

‘They have a personal touch. They can communicate directly on a 1-to-1 basis whether it is by email or over the telephone.’

‘It is a pleasure to work with the team at Wilkin Chapman. They are highly skilled in their sector, often achieving what I would consider to be exceptional outcomes for individuals. They always show the highest level of client care.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Achieved a settlement of £4 million for a child who suffered significant and permanent brain damage after a prolonged seizure, alleged to have arisen due to a delay in attendance by the doctors when he spiked a post-operative high temperature.
  • Represented a claimant who was riding his bike when a car collided with him, this caused him to incur a traumatic brain injury. The team achieved a settlement of £2.4 million.
  • Investigating whether bleeding from a dislodged cannula during the postpartum phase contributed to a diagnosis of cerebral palsy. The claim is likely to be in excess of £3 million.

JMP Solicitors

With a strong Lincolnshire presence, the ‘personable, knowledgeable, and service-driven’ practice at JMP Solicitors is noted for its strength in clinical negligence and personal injury cases. The ‘proactive’ Ian Howard is well-versed in claimant litigation, while Samantha Towle is knowledgeable of accidents at work, public and occupiers’ liability claims, as well as road traffic accidents. Christine Bowerman is proficient in clinical negligence litigation, head injuries, and misdiagnosis of cancer cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ian Howard; Samantha Towle; Christine Bowerman


Les références

‘The team is determined and fights for each client it represents. The team’s strength is taking proactive steps to ensure that each case is properly prepared for litigation, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Its strength is managing each client’s expectation whilst delivering good settlements.’

‘The team at JMP are personable, knowledgeable, and service-driven. They have always shown themselves to be focused on the client’s needs, delivering punctual, accessible, and strong service.’

‘They work closely as a team, with high-level client care and a focus on the best outcomes.’

Principaux dossiers


Rothera Bray

Brain injuries, catastrophic injuries, delayed diagnosis, as well as stillbirth and neonatal death cases remain a key component of the practice at Rothera Bray. Greg Almond leads the practice and is lauded as a ‘kind, compassionate claimant lawyer’; he handles a mixture of catastrophic injury claims. In Leicester, Ian Johnson is noted for his strength in amputation claims, accidents in foreign jurisdictions, and spinal injury claims. Seetal Patel and Julie Walker are other key team members. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Nottingham unless stated otherwise.

Responsables de la pratique:

Greg Almond; Ian Johnson


Autres avocats clés:

Seetal Patel; Julie Walker; Claire Cooper


Les références

‘The team is very committed to client cases and to ensuring the very best outcome for their clients. I always get the impression that they are prepared to go the extra mile.’

‘The team are incredibly friendly and approachable yet professional. Each team member takes the time to collaborate with their colleagues to be up to date with developments and responsive to changing circumstances.’

‘Rothera Bray’s knowledge of the nuances of complex disability set them apart, particularly in the personal injury arena. Greg Almond works compassionately and professionally, always considering the difficulties his clients may experience, ensuring he consolidates his understanding of the specific circumstances of the individual.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Represented 2 families whose loved ones were injured in the Nottingham attacks and called for a public inquiry into the alleged missed opportunities to stop Valdo Calocane before he stabbed and attacked a number of people in Nottingham.
  • Represented the family of a deceased individual at an inquest which was reported upon nationally as well as locally, and which resulted in improved patient safety going forward.
  • Represented the parents of a deceased child in their neonatal death claim, alleging clinical negligence during the labour, delivery, and attempted resuscitation of the child.

Roythornes Solicitors

Often engaged in catastrophic injuries and clinical negligence cases, Roythornes Solicitors is a key port of call for claimants who have had accidents abroad. Splitting her time between Spalding and Nottingham, experienced practitioner Victoria Stevenson handles matters involving amputation and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Working out of Spalding, Robert Dempsey is highlighted for his strength in delayed cancer diagnosis and oxygen starvation claims, while Cristina Parla is experienced in public liability and road traffic accident claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Victoria Stevenson


Autres avocats clés:

Robert Dempsey; Cristina Parla


Les références

‘A good team with strong collaboration, there is good communication, and they are easy to reach to discuss by phone.’

‘Roythornes has a good spread of claimant clinical negligence work, both in terms of value and types of claim. What sets the firm apart is the personal and compassionate touch of its fee-earners.’

‘The firm puts the interests of its clients front and center. They are a professional and approachable firm with considerable experience in dealing with complex personal injury and clinical negligence claims for claimants who are often vulnerable and require considerable support.’

Principaux dossiers


Chattertons

Recently handling an array of clinical negligence claims, Chattertons is jointly led by Michael Pace and Ben Ellis. In Lincoln, Ellis is lauded by clients as ‘efficient, calm under pressure, and measured.’ Pace’s broad expertise encompasses motor accidents and road traffic law, and other key members of the team include Robert Clark who is ‘measured, sensible, and a good negotiator.’

Responsables de la pratique:

Michael Pace; Ben Ellis


Autres avocats clés:

Robert Clark


Les références

‘You get the impression that they care about the client and getting the best result for them.’

‘The fee-earners are always available, responsive, and thorough. Mike Pace is very experienced, knowledgeable, and a smart operator.’

‘The team’s strength is the efficient, proportionate way in which they progress litigation for their clients. They ensure that the best interests of their clients are met, whilst having a keen and sensible eye on the way in which a case may progress. Their analysis of the law and facts is very good.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for an infant who suffered an acute hypoxic brain injury during birth, as a result a maximum severity claim involving complex issues surrounding causation, quantum, and care needs was filed.
  • Acting for a child who suffered total loss of vision and a brain injury following delay in diagnosing an optic nerve tumour.
  • Acted for estate and financial dependents in a fatal road traffic accident, the case was settled for £675k subject to court’s approval regarding the infant beneficiary.

Ringrose Law

Highlighted for its in-depth expertise in brain, head, and spinal injuries, as well as fatal incidents, Ringrose Law is jointly led by John Knight and Richard Teare. With over three decades of experience, Knight’s personal injury and clinical negligence practice encompasses accidents resulting in death, accidents at work, and road traffic accidents. Teare is particularly skilled in cycling claims and accidents caused by animals, defective products, and involving public bodies. Shannon Brennan is noted for her strength in CICA claims, while Karen Cawood often handles clinical negligence matters, including amputations and delayed diagnoses. All of the individuals that have been mentioned are located in Lincolnshire.

Responsables de la pratique:

John Knight; Richard Teare


Autres avocats clés:

Shannon Brennan; Karen Cawood


Les références

‘Their instructions are always clear and unambiguous. If I have any questions, a phone call to the solicitor concerned always gives me the answer. They look after their clients well.’

‘All staff were friendly and professional.’

‘The team’s approach is naturally compassionate and they work hard to provide the best possible outcome for the client at every stage of a case.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for claimant with significant injuries following a scaffold collapse from 5 floors high.
  • Represented a widow in an inquest into the death of her husband in a choking food incident whilst in a respite care home.
  • Successfully recovered compensation for the victim of sexual assault by an employee of a secure care home in which the claimant was sectioned.

Sills & Betteridge LLP

With a sizeable footprint spanning the East Midlands, Sills & Betteridge LLP is geared to handle catastrophic, fatal, sprain, and whiplash injury cases. Splitting her time between Lincoln, Nottingham, and Sleaford, Alison Hurton’s broad expertise encompasses road traffic accidents and work accidents. In Lincoln, Louise Bush is principally focused on clinical negligence matters, while Simon Breeden handles cases surrounding defective or dangerous products, industrial diseases, and stress at work. In Skegness, other key members of the team also include Kim Overton, who specialises in abuse matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alison Hurton; Louise Bush; Kim Overton


Autres avocats clés:

Simon Breeden


Les références

‘They are experienced and knowledgeable. They really care about getting the best results for their clients.’

‘The company has an experienced, well-organised team who specialise in personal injury and clinical negligence. They also supply the relevant information in a well-presented, clear form.’

‘This practice continues to develop into a very professional and trustworthy team of medicolegal lawyers. They have excellent communication skills and respond rapidly to any queries raised. I can always contact individuals without undue delay and they are always “on the ball” when I raise any concerns.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Represented a claimant who sustained significant and life changing injuries having been involved in an accident in January 2018.
  • Represented two claimants, both of whom were severely abused in the 60’s and 70’s. The abuse took place in a foster home and caused lasting damage, including an inability to work and to form secure relationships.
  • Represented a claimant in pursuing a claim for damages in clinical negligence, initially prior to her death and, thereafter, in assisting the personal representatives on behalf of her estate.

Thompsons Solicitors LLP

Lauded by clients for its ‘high-level TBI, spinal, and amputation work,’  Thompsons Solicitors LLP fields a considerable workload, notably catastrophic brain injuries, industrial disease, severe road traffic incidents, and workplace injuries. The ‘experienced and able litigator’ Linda Millband is the national head of the clinical negligence team and splits her time between Birmingham and Nottingham. Also in Nottingham, department head Laura Harper is skilled in serious injury cases involving brain, burn, and orthopaedic injuries. Lorna Burns handles cases surrounding chronic pain conditions and severe burns.

Responsables de la pratique:

Laura Harper


Autres avocats clés:

Linda Millband; Lorna Burns


Les références

‘The practice is known for its high-level TBI, spinal, and amputation work as well as other general claims. Commitment to clients and going the extra mile would be the best attributes displayed.’

‘They are a very competent group of solicitors dedicated to the craft and they are very client-focused. I would have no hesitation in recommending them in the field of personal injury.’

‘A fabulous team that works well with other regional offices. They have a steady workload of very high-value brain injury claims, and the team is totally committed and highly experienced.’

Principaux dossiers