Anderson Strathern houses a broad team, which is jointly led from Edinburgh by the ‘very experienced and knowledgeable’ Robbie Wilson and Catriona Watt. The group stands out for its proficiency in claims concerning ophthalmologists, general practitioners, and midwives, with a strong focus on matters involving surgical injury. Wilson is well-equipped to handle delayed diagnosis and treatment, and birth injury cases, an area in which Watt specialises. In Glasgow, Pamela Bradshaw joined the firm in December 2024 and is particularly knowledgeable about cardiology-related cases. The ‘very dependable and diligent’ Jane Pothan is a key name for claims involving fatalities.
Medical negligence: pursuer in Scotland
Anderson Strathern
Responsables de la pratique:
Robbie Wilson; Catriona Watt
Autres avocats clés:
Gary Burton; Jane Pothan; Pamela Bradshaw
Les références
‘This is an excellent firm of solicitors who really know how to properly resource and run complex clinical negligence cases.’
‘Robbie Wilson is a partner at the firm and is very experienced and knowledgeable in clinical negligence cases. Jane Pothan is a very dependable and diligent solicitor.’
‘The team manages complex clinical negligence cases. Good communication.’
Principaux clients
Harper, Robertson & Shannon
Martin & Company
Masson & Glennie
Quantum Claims
Pomphreys
Wallace Quinn
Lynn Herbert & Co
Smith & Grant
Royal College of Nursing
Balfour+Manson LLP
Primarily based in Edinburgh, Balfour+Manson LLP’s ‘exceptional’ practice is well-known for handling complex mental health and birth injury claims. Hailed by clients as a ‘first-class clinical negligence lawyer’, Ann Logan co-leads the team with her vast expertise in fatal claims and informed consent cases, primarily involving stillbirth. Aberdeen-based co-head Julie Clark-Spence frequently acts in cases against GPs and hospitals, often appearing before the Court of Session. Elaine Motion‘s caseload primarily consists of delayed diagnoses of bowel and breast cancer, and negligent bowel surgery cases, while Michaela Guthrie stands out for her specialism in brain and spinal injury, and cerebral palsy claims. Carolyn McPhee is a key figure within the team, who is adept at handling informed consent cases and pharmaceutical errors-related claims.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ann Logan; Julie Clark-Spence
Autres avocats clés:
Elaine Motion; Michaela Guthrie; Carolyn McPhee
Les références
‘Clear advice given by Ann Logan and her team throughout the long journey of the case.’
‘Very professional, always will provide you the balanced answer and never indicates that all is well – realistic at all times.’
‘I was extremely impressed with all aspects of how Balfour + Manson worked with me. Ann Logan was exemplary in her professionalism – the core key strength of any lawyer. Ann managed her team exceptionally well, and the wider team was always available to assist in the case. It was clear at every stage that Ann had a detailed and intimate knowledge of my case. ’
Digby Brown LLP
The ‘excellent’ team at Digby Brown LLP is recommended for its deep bench strength and breadth, handling complex mental health and negligent surgery cases, and fatal claims involving negligent treatment. In Glasgow, practice head Ruth Kelliher stands out for her vast knowledge of bile duct injury and neonatal death cases. Described by clients as ‘able, experienced and tenacious’, Edinburgh’s Trish McFadden often appears before the Sheriff Courts and the Court of Session in complex cases concerning failures to refer and diagnose, in addition to high-profile birth injury claims. Also working out of the Edinburgh office, Elaine McCulloch is well-equipped to advise on mandates involving cerebral palsy and surgical error.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ruth Kelliher
Autres avocats clés:
Trish McFadden; Elaine McCulloch
Les références
‘Digby Brown is in the first tier of medical negligence firms in Scotland. They are superbly well organised and experienced, and have a long track record of getting the best results for their clients.’
‘Trish McFadden is considered one of the most able, experienced and tenacious medical negligence solicitors in Scotland. I would have no hesitation in recommending her to my friends or family in need of advice in this specialist area.’
‘Digby Brown’s medical negligence team is a leader in this area. The team is made up of very knowledgeable individuals who are extremely hardworking and focused. They are great to work with, always very well prepared and equally supportive. They understand the necessity of instructing the right experts. They excel in managing their clients.’
Principaux dossiers
- Acted in a £900k surgical error claim. The client was left with a deformed ankle and constant pain after negligent surgery for a distal fracture of their left tibia and fibula.
- Acted in a case where £ 6.6 million was secured for a child who was left permanently blind in both eyes following a misdiagnosis after the negligent review and treatment of earlier symptoms.
- Acted in a £ 10.66 million cerebral palsy case. Damages were secured for the family of a child who suffered brain damage due to multiple failures by a negligent delivery team.
Drummond Miller LLP
In Edinburgh, Liesa Spiller heads the practice at Drummond Miller LLP, which is noted by clients as being ‘the strongest pursuer clinical negligence team in Scotland’. Spiller is recommended for her longstanding experience in handling cases concerning surgical errors and failures to diagnose. Key members of the team include Lindsay Macdonald, whose practice includes surgical errors, missed diagnoses, and birth damage; in the Glasgow office, Andrew Pollock is well-equipped to handle complex cerebral palsy and delayed cancer diagnosis cases; and Carrie Burrows is noted for her expertise in matters involving shoulder dystocia birth injuries and acquired brain injuries. Darren Deery departed the firm in August 2025.
Responsables de la pratique:
Liesa Spiller
Autres avocats clés:
Susith Dematagoda; Andrew Pollock; Carrie Burrows; Julie Sharp; Alejandra Ruggeri; Lindsay Macdonald
Les références
‘Drummond Miller is rightly regarded as one of the leading medical negligence firms in Scotland. They have considerable experience and strength in depth in this challenging area of the law and are highly regarded.’
‘Andrew Pollock is particularly highly regarded for his experience, intelligence, expertise and compassion. Other notable individuals include Julie Sharp, and Alejandra Ruggeri – all are excellent.’
‘Drummond Miller has, at present, the strongest pursuer clinical negligence team in Scotland. They are without doubt the market leader. They have excellent strength in depth at both partner level (Liesa Spiller in particular) and also at solicitor level (Carrie Burrows, Lindsay Macdonald and Alejandra Ruggeri are all excellent too). Drummonds are unmatched in the field in terms of strength in depth.’
Principaux dossiers
- Represented a family in their claim against the ambulance service for failing to send an ambulance to a man with a head injury who died as a result.
- Represented a client who suffered brain injury at birth resulting in cerebral palsy and a whole of life disability.
- Represented relatives of a patient who died following a delayed diagnosis of cancer, securing a high six-figure settlement for the family.
Harper Macleod LLP
The team at Harper Macleod LLP combines its vast experience in the law governing personal injury and medical negligence to act in complex wrongful birth, hospital-acquired infection, and failure to diagnose cases. Heather Calderwood leads the team from Glasgow and is well-known for her longstanding experience in claims concerning surgical errors and negligent post-operative care, while Amy Dickson is well-equipped to handle matters involving negligent care.
Responsables de la pratique:
Heather Calderwood
Autres avocats clés:
Amy Dickson
Les références
‘I received wonderful advice and support from day one. I was always consulted and kept up to date with any developments in the case and was fully apprised of the process right from the start. Harper Macleod and Heather Calderwood in particular were very sensitive in their dealings with me.’
‘Heather Calderwood instilled confidence while dealing with what was quite a sensitive case. I received regular updates and always knew where we were with the case and the processes involved. Heather used her extensive knowledge and experience to gain supporting evidence from experts. I always felt supported by Heather, and everything was always fully explained. I had every confidence that I had placed my trust with this case in safe hands.’
Lindsays
Lindsays houses a ‘personable and knowledgeable’, and specialist medical negligence practice. David Armstrong leads the Glasgow-based team, and is recommended for his extensive expertise in claims for loss of society, dental claims, and cases where there have been failures to treat medical conditions. Jonathan Cornwell has longstanding experience in hospital-acquired infection and surgical error cases, while Lauren Pasi handles a varied caseload of misdiagnosis claims and specialises in cases involving amputation. Key figures within the team include Kathleen Willis and Rachel Holt; Willis is particularly knowledgeable of cases where failures to obtain informed consent are involved, and Holt stands out for her expertise in claims concerning failures to diagnose, with a strong focus on fatal claims.
Responsables de la pratique:
David Armstrong
Autres avocats clés:
Jonathan Cornwell; Lauren Pasi; Rachel Holt; Kathleen Willis
Les références
‘The team is very organised and responsive. Excellent support is provided for advocates working on a case, and good communication with all parties. Under the leadership of Rachel Holt, the medical negligence team is tireless in pursuing the interests of their clients.’
‘Rachel Holt is extremely professional. She maintains excellent communication with advocates and clients alike. We worked recently on a case where a difficult ethical issue arose, and I was deeply impressed by how Rachel dealt with the issue.’
‘The team at Lindsays know what they are doing.’
Principaux clients
Calio Claims
Action Against Medical Accidents
Lindsays Alliance
Society of Radiographers
LIM Insurance
Law Society of Scotland
The Legal Advice Group
Trust Claims
The Scottish Vaccine Injury Group
SGCUK
Principaux dossiers
- Acting on behalf of a 21-year-old in respect of hospital acquired infection.
- Represented a client in a case involving the failure of the GP to refer the patient to a hospital for appropriate scans of his legs, leading to amputation of both feet due to ischemia.
- Acted in a fatal claim for 7 family members following negligent failure to diagnose Ludwig’s Angina.
Jackson Boyd LLP
Praised for its ‘high degree of ability and experience’ within the medical negligence space, Jackson Boyd LLP often handles both fatal and non-fatal cerebral palsy and mental health-related claims. In the Glasgow office, practice head Dave Berry stands out for his experience in delayed diagnosis and surgical error cases. Highlighted by clients as being a ‘safe pair of hands’, Debbie Milne often acts for vulnerable clients in complex birth injury claims and cases involving falls in care homes. Lesley-Anne Jack joined the group in January 2025, bringing her deep knowledge of negligent treatment claims.
Responsables de la pratique:
Alan Macdonald; Dave Berry
Autres avocats clés:
Debbie Milne; Lesley-Anne Jack
Les références
‘The team at Jackson Boyd are great to deal with. They are organised, client-focused, and very pragmatic when it comes to dealing with cases.’
‘Debbie Milne and Dave Berry are both great. They are highly efficient and always want the best for their clients. They have an excellent grasp of the complicated aspects of medicine involved in medical negligence claims.’
‘All of the team work well together and demonstrate a high degree of ability and experience in dealing with medical negligence claims. They have a wide range of appropriate experts to assist in all aspects of diagnosis, prognosis, liability and causation issues. Cases handled by the Jackson Boyd team are, in my experience, prepared to a very high standard.’
Principaux dossiers
- Assisted with recovering damages for the family of an elderly woman who died as a result of failing in a care home.
- Assisted with recovering damages for a mother who suffered injuries during the birth of her son.
- Assisted with recovering damages for the family of a man who died following a number of errors carried out by the Scottish Ambulance Service
Morton Fraser MacRoberts
Led by Jenny Dickson in Edinburgh, the team at Morton Fraser MacRoberts is well-equipped to act in complex cases involving failures to refer. Dickson is recommended for her longstanding experience in cerebral palsy and birth injury cases, in addition to claims involving misdiagnoses and surgical errors. Glasgow’s Nicola Edgar stands out for her specialism in cases concerning delays in treatment, negligent treatment, and informed consent, while Sofia Crolla is known for her broad experience spanning both pursuer and defender personal injury work and medical negligence matters, with a strong focus on fatal claims.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jenny Dickson
Autres avocats clés:
Nicola Edgar; Sofia Crolla
Les références
‘MF Mac has an impressive team of solicitors working in Edinburgh. They have a strong reputation for having excellent legal and procedural knowledge in this complex and demanding area of work. Their team are hard-working and highly capable.’
‘Jenny Dickson and Nicola Edgar are exceptional lawyers who foster strong working relationships with their clients. They are highly reliable, efficient and knowledgeable. Sofia Crolla is someone to watch, she has demonstrated her ability to take on complex cases and prepare them well in advance of instructing counsel. A leading firm in this area of work.’
Slater and Gordon
Slater and Gordon houses a broad practice spanning orthopaedic and surgical claims, in addition to cases involving amputation. Both practice head Derek Couper and Joanne Gray are well-equipped to handle brain and spinal injury claims, often appearing before the Court of Session and Sheriff Courts. Nicola McCartney joined the group from Irwin Mitchell Scotland in November 2024, bringing her expertise in delayed diagnosis and birth injury claims, with a strong focus on fatal claims. Sarah McWhirter left the firm in September 2024.
Responsables de la pratique:
Derek Couper
Autres avocats clés:
Joanne Gray; Nicola McCartney
Irwin Mitchell Scotland
Bolstered by the following additions from Digby Brown LLP, Irwin Mitchell Scotland is noted for acting in complex cases concerning failures to diagnose and surgical errors. Co-head Kim Leslie is noted for her longstanding specialism in personal injury work, and co-head Fern Mapp is known for her expertise in travel-related catastrophic injury cases. Izabela Wosiak often handles complex mental health cases. Drummond Miller LLP's Darren Deery joined the firm in August 2025, adding expertise in matters arising out of birth damage and fatal incidents.
Responsables de la pratique:
Kim Leslie; Fern Mapp; Mark Higgins; Darren Deery
Autres avocats clés:
Izabela Wosiak
Les références
‘Kim Leslie is a dynamic and visionary lawyer who heads Irwin Mitchell’s Scottish office. There is no doubt that she will soon make Irwin Mitchell one of the main firms in this area.’
‘Kim Leslie is a very impressive lawyer who combines drive, experience, ability and compassion to achieve the very best results for her clients. She is tenacious, leaves no stone unturned, and gets results, in cases where other lesser-hearted lawyers may fear to tread.’
‘Kim Leslie is pre-eminent in historic abuse cases in Scotland. She works with a highly experienced, highly knowledgeable team who have huge amounts of experience in managing vulnerable clients. Kim always goes the extra mile with these clients. She is very proactive regarding training and keeping on top of developments.’
Levy & McRae
Praised by clients for providing ‘extraordinary service’, Levy & McRae is noted for its distinctive specialism in medical negligence, with team members often drawing on their prior experience as medical professionals and pursuers themselves to assist clients. In Glasgow, Elizabeth Rose stands out for her specialism in birth injury, negligent treatment and delayed diagnoses relating to cancer, and surgical error cases. Suzanne Williams utilises her vast expertise to handle complex mental health cases and fatal claims, and cases involving failures to diagnose.
Responsables de la pratique:
Elizabeth Rose; Suzanne Williams
Les références
‘Elizabeth Rose and Suzanne Williams are the people I normally deal with, and they are all excellent in terms of their professionalism and competence.’
‘From my initial consultation with this firm, I knew I had chosen the right company to take my case. Elizabeth Rose was very professional and had no hesitation in getting things moving as quickly as possible to avoid any time bars. Everything was explained to me every step of the way. ’
‘When Levy and Macrae take your case, they become part of the family. I have worked with Elizabeth Rose for 6 years, and she has become a friend. She cares about me, my case and my daughter. The team is passionate, driven and has worked hard to fight for my daughter. Communication is excellent, I have always been kept up to date.’
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for the family in the case of an elderly relative’s death at a rehab centre. This case called for a detailed investigation of breach of duty and causation, which involved a careful review of medical records and the selection of experts.
- Acting in a complex multi-agency case for a client where none of the defenders can agree on delictual responsibility.
- Acting in a complex mother and baby case involving multiple breaches of care.
Thorntons
Thorntons‘ team is led by Gordon McBean, with the practice being active on both personal injury and medical negligence claims. Michelle Adam is well-equipped to advise on complex mandates involving amputations as a result of medical negligence, and Kathleen-Erin Lawson regularly acts in complex cases before the Sheriff Courts and the Court of Session.
Responsables de la pratique:
Gordon McBean
Autres avocats clés:
Michelle Adam; Kathleen-Erin Lawson; Claire Paterson
Les références
‘Michelle Adam has an excellent depth of knowledge of this area of law. She is very good to work with and has a good reputation in the market generally. Kathleen-Erin Lawson is a good lawyer and a steady pair of hands in any case.’
‘A solid player in the field. Capable of following counsel’s advice and working as a team with counsel to see the case to conclusion. Willing to do whatever investigations are necessary to ensure the best result for their clients.’
‘Richard Poole is a safe pair of hands who knows what he’s doing.’
Principaux dossiers
- Acting for a client in two concurrent claims relating to failures in surgical care following a hernia operation.
- Acting for a client in bringing a claim in relation to a failure to diagnose cancer.