Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP fields a ‘small, friendly team with an excellent track record of achieving impressive results for clients’. It is led by Rankeshwar Batta who has an ‘excellent knowledge of CPR and excellent tactical nous’. Batta has extensive experience of all types of clinical negligence cases, including maximum severity/catastrophic injuries, and professional negligence work. David Evison has niche expertise in abuse and human rights claims for both children and adults. In addition, Evison often receives instructions from the Official Solicitor. Ann Houghton handles a wide variety of cases including those of maximum severity. Victoria Fullilove regularly works on complex maximum severity cases frequently involving multi-million-pound settlements.
Clinical negligence: claimant in West Midlands
Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP
Praxisleiter:
Rankeshwar Batta
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Ann Houghton; Victoria Fullilove; David Evison; Sarah Owen
Referenzen
‘Rankey Batta and Victoria Fullilove stand out as professionals with an expert in depth knowledge of cases and client needs. They are always approachable, responsive and passionate and stand out amongst their peers.’
‘Rankey Batta – bright, highly personable and committed to securing the best results for his clients.’
‘What is always wonderful when dealing with Anthony Collins is knowing that they are a social justice law firm; they have an extremely strong ethical core that resonates through everything they do.’
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised client in a complex clinical negligence claim which had cross-jurisdictional issues in relation to quantum involving a detailed financial analysis over several jurisdictions including the Middle East, South East Asia and the UK.
- Advised a client in a historic birth injury claim where evidence and records had to be assembled from 1997. Breach of duty and causation was both problematic and complex requiring several experts to piece together the liability framework. The case was ultimately settled for a multi-million-pound figure.
- Advised client with respect to a complex causation argument relating to the contraction of meningitis during the period leading up to its client’s birth. Breach of duty and causation were robustly contested which required a multi-disciplinary approach to the liability expert input which ultimately enabled a liability settlement to be achieved and approved by the court.
Irwin Mitchell
The ‘large and highly experienced’ team at Irwin Mitchell is ‘exceptionally organised and works very hard to achieve favourable results for their clients’. Practice head Luke Daniels handles the entire range of claims which arise from medical negligence issues, from inquest work to maximum severity birth injury claims. The team has a varied caseload. It frequently advises on birth injury and neonatal deaths, spinal and brain injuries, cancers and mental health. Lisa Jordan is highly regarded, along with Sara Burns. Emma Rush has particular expertise in cerebral palsy, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and amputation cases. Lindsay Tomlinson is another key member of the department. Laura Daly, Tom Fletcher, and Jenna Harris are all well-regarded.
Praxisleiter:
Luke Daniels
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Lisa Jordan; Sara Burns; Emma Rush; Lindsay Tomlinson; Laura Daly; Tom Fletcher; Jenna Harris; Mark Cawley
Referenzen
‘The team delivered a first-class, professional, and diligent service throughout the litigation process of my daughter’s clinical negligence case. Their support, empathetic approach, concise and timely communication, meant I was constantly abreast of the latest developments.’
‘Emma Rush – extremely competent, very empathetic at a particularly difficult time of my life, very approachable and patient with my myriad questions. Still there at the end of a phone if I need advice.’
‘Sara Burns is fully supportive of her clients and dedicated to obtaining the best result possible . Emma Rush is hugely experienced. Laura Daly is a great technician. She is fearless in the pursuit of her clients’ interests and willing to take the fight to the defendants.’
Highlight-Mandate
- Advising the claimant who suffered a brain injury in the neonatal period caused by meningitis caused by Group B Streptococcus infection. The claimant suffers from global developmental delay, autism, behavioural difficulties and visual impairments.
- Acted for the family of AE following his death arising from TB meningitis. It was alleged that there had been a delay in diagnosing the TB meningitis and that with appropriate treatment AE would have survived without any form of permanent neurological compromise. After a protracted dispute the defendant admitted AE would have survived without any sort of neurological compromise and would have been able to return to work and to look after his children.
- Represented a gentleman who suffered a significant spinal injury after a delay in diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome. Within 6 months of having been instructed it secured a full admission of liability from the NHS Trust responsible for his claim and got him an interim payment to meet his significant rehabilitation needs.
Lanyon Bowdler
The ‘efficient and pragmatic’ team at Lanyon Bowdler adopts a ‘truly personal approach’ when dealing with cases involving birth, brain and fatal claims. It also frequently handles high-value cases relating to amputations and spinal injuries. Head of department, Beth Heath has considerable expertise in birth injury claims. Lucy Small handles many complex cases involving birth/brain injuries, as well as catastrophic and spinal injury claims. Small is also recommended for her work on amputation cases. Emma Broomfield has wide-ranging experience of handling a wide range of complicated cases, with a particular specialism in spinal injuries. Laura Weir was promoted to the partnership in January 2024. Natasha Gibbons is another significant member of the practice.
Praxisleiter:
Beth Heath
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Emma Broomfield; Lucy Small; Laura Weir; Natasha Gibbons; Adam Hodson
Referenzen
‘This is a fantastic clinical negligence team that punches significantly above its weight, competing with top class London firms. Laura Weir is definitely going places. She is ambitious, hard-working, and totally committed to delivering top level advice to her clients.’
‘Natasha Gibbons is one to watch. She has a keen eye for detail, and is very sensible in her approach to litigation. ’
‘Great team for clin neg work, certainly the stand out team in Shropshire and the surrounding area. Well resourced, offering high quality advice and excellent client care. ’
Highlight-Mandate
- A £10.3m settlement was achieved in a birth injury case despite no motor disabilities but significant “hidden” cognitive impairment.
- Secured a £700,000 out-of-court settlement for dependent family of MR who died aged 51 from breast cancer after delayed diagnosis despite robust denial of liability.
- Representing an adult with a severe brain injury due to a stroke from an undiagnosed blood clot. His claim is valued in excess of £10m. Interim payments in excess of £400,000 have been secured to facilitate rehabilitation.
Shoosmiths LLP
The ‘stellar team’ at Shoosmiths LLP has ‘great communicators, who are highly knowledgeable’. Under the leadership of Phil Barnes, the first-rate team has an excellent reputation for its skill at handling high-value and complex claims such as birth, spinal and brain injury cases, as well as amputations. Kashmir Uppal has particular expertise in dealing with claims against ‘rogue surgeons’. Nicholas Tubb has considerable strength in spinal and brain injuries, complicated birth injuries, as well as surgical errors. Natasha Read has a broad practice with substantial experience in a wide variety of neurological claims. Richard Bannister is another key contact who frequently works on cases involving fatal accidents, and other difficult issues such as delayed cancer diagnosis.
Praxisleiter:
Phil Barnes
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Richard Banister; Natasha Read; Kashmir Uppal; Nicholas Tubb; Sharon Banga; James Wright; Pam Westwood; Dan O’Keeffe
Referenzen
‘I have dealt with Nick Tubb and his service has been nothing but exemplary. His knowledge and advice have been invaluable. His communication is fast, reliable and honest. His team work well under his instruction and I 100% trust and recommend his service.’
‘Sharon Banga – very skilled , incisive , pleasure to work alongside. Kashmir Uppal – intuitive , very skilled, great client relationships , pleasure to work alongside. Natasha Read – very personable , good communicator , very skilled , pleasure to work alongside.’
‘Phil Barnes, Nick Tubbs, James Wright and Natasha Read are standout shining lights in a highly impressive team. They can readily handle the most complex claims and issues. They are knowledgeable, articulate and empathetic. They work harder than any others lawyers in this field to deliver the best service feasible. ’
Highlight-Mandate
- Represented the claimants in a landmark case in the Supreme Court addressing the vexed issue of whether a person who witnesses the death of or serious injury to a loved one as a result of an illness that proper medical treatment would have prevented can bring a claim as a secondary victim.
- Acting for client who developed cerebral palsy as a consequence of the admitted negligence of the defendant hospital trust.
- Acting in a complex, high value claim of a woman in her early 30s, without children, whose cervical smear test was negligently misinterpreted.
Harrison Clark Rickerbys
Ally Taft leads a ‘helpful, collaborative, and proactive’ department at Harrison Clark Rickerbys. Areas of expertise span birth and catastrophic injuries, spinal, stroke and brain injury cases, as well as GP negligence claims. The team is well-placed to also handle claims involving orthopaedics, gynaecological, and fatal accidents (including inquests). Peter Savage ’s particular interests include brain and spinal injury cases, fatal accident cases, and cases involving catastrophic injuries to children. Worcester-based Elizabeth Wickson, and Amrit Dhaliwal who is at the Birmingham office, are both well-regarded.
Praxisleiter:
Ally Taft
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Peter Savage; Elizabeth Wickson; Sophie Keatley; Amrit Dhaliwal
Referenzen
‘The team and firm have, from day one, been approachable, friendly and professional. They have kept me informed in a timely manner through written and email communications. Their care and attention has been superb through difficult times.’
‘Elizabeth Wickson has been kind and sympathetic and her caring nature has been outstanding. She has walked me through my case in such a supportive way, explaining things in a way that is easy to understand and has always been supportive and gone above and beyond in the time I’ve known her.’
‘Compact and robust team very knowledgeable. Ally Taft, Elizabeth Wickson, Sophie Keatley tenacious with excellent knowledge of the sector.’
Higgs LLP
Higgs LLP has some ‘very strong practitioners and a large caseload’. Led by Clare Langford, it is well-regarded for its work on various high-value and complex claims involving serious birth injuries. It also continues to be busy advising on spinal cord injuries, delayed diagnosis, and fatal claims. Charlotte Measures is particularly known for her handling of cases involving children, and those concerning a delayed diagnosis of cancer leading to a terminal prognosis. Sarah Huntbach also has considerable experience of dealing with a wide range of complex cases.
Praxisleiter:
Clare Langford
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Charlotte Measures; Sarah Huntbach; Liz Hickman; Jenny Tetlow; Natasha Alton
Referenzen
‘A very strong team with a impressive caseload of complex and high value cases. Charlotte Measures – one of the leaders in her field; she has a fine analytical mind combined with tactical astuteness and strong grasp of technical details.’
‘Clare Langford, Charlotte Measures, Liz Hickmann offer differing approaches to cases ensuring a client who goes to Higgs gets the best service possible for the nature of the case and tactics needed to be taken. All are robust advocates for their clients.’
‘The clinical negligence team at Higgs is remarkable. The quality of work they bring in and produce is extremely high and they are a pleasure to work with. They punch well above their weight in the West Midlands and national scene.’
FBC Manby Bowdler
Tim Gray heads the practice at FBC Manby Bowdler, which covers a broad range of clinical negligence claims. The group has significant experience of working on fatal accident claims. Gray is particularly recommended for his work on cases involving severe brain injuries. Susan Todhunter is highly regarded for her work with child and adult claimants who have suffered traumatic brain injuries. Michael Portman-Hann also continues to be busy working on numerous clinical negligence cases.
Praxisleiter:
Tim Gray
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Susan Todhunter; Michael Portman-Hann
Referenzen
‘Michael Portman-Hann is knowledgeable and keen.’
‘The team make you feel like they actually care, showing compassion and empathy.’
‘All members of the team are outstanding. Very professional and knowledgeable.’
Thompsons Solicitors LLP
Linda Millband at Thompsons Solicitors LLP is a key contact at the Birmingham office. Milband specialises in cases involving life-changing and traumatic injuries. She regularly acts for those who have suffered spinal cord injuries, limb amputations and brain injuries. In addition, she acts for those who have had a misdiagnosis of cancer, or other serious ailments such as meningitis. She also acts for the families of those who have died as a result of clinical negligence.
Praxisleiter:
Victoria Gofton
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Linda Millband
Referenzen
‘Friendly individuals, competent, good teamwork and relationships with counsel.’
‘Very good client handling in complex and high value group litigation, good tactical and strategic instincts.’
‘Brilliant team players. Very large team that integrates well across multiple regional centres with combined teamwork as well as local service.’
Wright Hassall LLP
Spearheaded by Jeanette Whyman, Wright Hassall LLP advises on all types of medical negligence claims. The practice has a particular interest in obstetric claims, late diagnosis and inappropriate treatment of cancer cases. It also advises on claims relating to orthopaedic and general surgery. In addition, Whyman represents clients at inquests. The team continues to be involved in some group action claims.
Praxisleiter:
Jeanette Whyman
Referenzen
‘I am totally impressed with the care and attention to detail that this firm offer.’
‘Jeanette Wyman is an extremely competent and professional. She has been guiding me through a very difficult situation. Her attention to detail and expertise is exemplary.’
Shakespeare Martineau LLP
Spearheaded by James Anderson, the clinical negligence team at Shakespeare Martineau LLP - which trades as Lime Solicitors - deals with a broad range of cases relating to birth injuries, wrongful births, and brain injuries. Anderson frequently works on claims involving delays in diagnosis of cancer, GP negligence, and orthopaedic injuries. He also covers cases relating to surgical errors, GP negligence, and obstetric mismanagement.
Praxisleiter:
James Anderson
Referenzen
‘Every partner in the clinical negligence teams and all their associates are excellent in their knowledge of the clients and the aspects of clinical negligence under consideration. They are responsive and up to date with their client’s information and details.’
‘Very client-friendly, building supportive client relationships.’
‘The solicitors will leave no stone unturned when researching the merits of a clinical negligence claim. They will invest time and attention where other firms may not. They are good at focusing upon detail in a case and often it is this attention which makes the difference in securing a successful outcome.’
Highlight-Mandate
- Acting at inquest for the family leading to a conclusion of medical neglect and leading to fundamental change of Trust policies.
- Secured a settlement in a fiercely defended case involving the death of the claimant’s husband.
- Succeeded in a case involving the controversial use of TVT mesh.
Sydney Mitchell LLP
Mike Sutton heads the personal injury and clinical negligence practices at Sydney Mitchell LLP. The group covers an array of clinical negligence cases. Increasingly, it is instructed in cases involving a delay in the diagnosis of cancer.
Praxisleiter:
Mike Sutton
Referenzen
‘Very strong reputation in the West Midlands area for clinical negligence work. A compassionate and attentive team that is happy to take on the most challenging of cases.’
‘Mike Sutton is a lawyer at the top of his game. He has a wealth of experience in clinical negligence and leads his team from the front. Few have his tenaciousness and general doggedness to get the right result for his clients.’
‘Mike Sutton – Head of the PI / Clan neg team; vast experience, clients love him, great communicator. Not afraid of taking a tough case to trial if he has to. Not intimidated by the medicine and goes toe to toe with experts when he doesn’t think they are discharging their duties properly.’
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised Client A in relation to claim for damages following an admission to hospital in October 2018.
- Advised Client B after he had suffered a fractured hip following a fall in a care home. He had been admitted to the care home from hospital and at the time of admission he was noted as being at high risk of falling, such that he required 1-2-1 care.
- Advised Client C who was admitted to hospital when 40 weeks pregnant. She ought to have been considered and referred for C-Section much earlier. Client C suffered significant psychological consequences, including symptoms of sufficient severity to satisfy the criteria for a formal diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The Wilkes Partnership
Annmarie Wilde leads the agile team at The Wilkes Partnership, which covers a wide range of clinical and medical negligence claims. It has a particular focus on cancer misdiagnosis claims, as well as cosmetic surgery claims. Kate Campbell- Gunn is another notable member of the department.
Praxisleiter:
Annmarie Wilde
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Kate Campbell-Gunn
Referenzen
‘The Wilkes Partnership are professional, reliable and trustworthy. Their referrals are straightforward and easy to navigate.’
‘Kate Campbell-Gunn stands out as a first class Senior Associate Solicitor within The Wilkes Partnership. We have often worked with Kate and have found her to be very professional and amenable.’
‘There is a very personal feel to the service that this team gives their clients. Excellent lawyers with an excellent attitude to litigation and brilliant service to their clients.’
Highlight-Mandate
- Advised client on a clinical negligence claim against Ambulance Service for failure to perform adequate CPR and defibrillation leading to a period of hypoxia and brain damage. Likely to settle in excess of £1m.
- Advised claimant on a clinical negligence claim against Hospital Trust and GP who failed to detect claimant’s bowel cancer symptoms. Likely to settle in excess of £250,000.00.
- Advised client on a claim against private hospital for unwarranted hip surgery leading to chronic pain, and psychiatric injuries. Likely to settle in excess of £100,000.00
Waldrons Solicitors
Waldrons Solicitors has a diverse practice, which advises on all areas of clinical negligence law. Under the direction of Joseph Norton, it frequently advises on cases such as birthing and brain injuries, as well as delayed diagnosis and surgical error issues. In addition, it routinely covers Infant Approval cases, and Fatal Accident Act claims.
Praxisleiter:
Joseph Norton
Weitere Kernanwälte:
Adam Smith
Referenzen
‘They have kept in touch and kept me informed all along the way. ’
‘Small team of specialist litigators who seem to get results.’
‘A very dedicated and experienced clinical negligence practice. Very attentive and knowledgeable, dealing with queries promptly and handling claims well.’
Highlight-Mandate
- Representing client in connection with a negligent provision of incorrect birth control medications, leading to childbirth which in turn exacerbated pre-existing complex and significant health conditions.
- Representing a lead claimant’ in the setting up of a bespoke protocol with the NHS Trust to deal with claims flowing from the alleged negligence of an orthopaedic shoulder surgeon.
- Instructed to act on behalf of a client to investigate the management of the claimant’s birth, both in terms of the delivery and later resuscitation.