Barcan+Kirby LLP’s integrated personal and medical injuries department operates from across five offices in the Bristol area. The group approaches a diverse range of claims, including those relating to birth, head and spinal injuries, amputations, and fatal accidents, with ‘grit and camaraderie’. Richard Harries ‘steers the team with a high level of skill and experience’, regularly handling GP and A&E negligence cases. Jay Nathwani has extensive expertise in brain injury claims. Claire Hurrell and Helen Franklin are noted for their prowess in cases arising from negligent obstetric care, particularly cerebral and Erb’s palsy. Fiona Dabell rounds out the roster of recommended practitioners.
Clinical negligence: claimant in South West
Barcan+Kirby LLP
Practice head(s):
Richard Harries
Other key lawyers:
Jay Nathwani; Helen Franklin; Claire Hurrell; Fiona Dabell
Testimonials
‘This firm has a team of specialist clinical negligence lawyers. They take a considered and humane approach to advising clients.’
‘Very closely-knit, friendly team with grit and camaraderie.’
‘Helen Franklin is simply brilliant. Super-clever but down to earth and approachable. I don’t think you will find a better claimant clinical negligence solicitor in the country. Full stop. She gets incredible results for her clients through grit, doggedness and enthusiasm.’
‘Richard Harries steers the team with a high level of skill and experience. He is an extremely safe pair of hands and would provide a lot of reassurance to any client.’
‘One particular lawyer, Claire Hurrell, was so personable, listened, supported and made everything very clear for me. Through something that was very difficult she provided the expertise to guide me and ease my stress. Claire is so well informed and professional and is a true asset to the law firm.’
‘This law firm is different and their clinical negligence team has been wonderful. The level of professionalism is beyond any law firm I have dealt with, their attention to detail, excellent communication, and above all their team’s ability to explain complex legal processes to a layman like me makes them stand out.’
‘Jay Nathwani is diligent and very competent.’
‘The Barcan+Kirby team are true specialists in their field. Their knowledge of the legal provisions and dedication to the personal needs of the clients in this emotive field is excellent and I would not hesitate to recommend them.’
Irwin Mitchell
Irwin Mitchell
’s medical negligence practice in the South West is seen as a ‘nationally respected team dealing with the highest quality work’. Practice head Julie Lewis has developed a strong specialism in neonatal injury claims, and also regularly represents clients in inquests. Luke Trevorrow is noted for his ‘excellent track record’, and has lately been active in group action litigation. From the Southampton branch, Justine Spencer is the key senior contact, while all other named practitioners are based in Bristol.
Practice head(s):
Julie Lewis
Other key lawyers:
Justine Spencer; Luke Trevorrow; James Pink; Elise Burvill
Testimonials
‘Nationally respected team dealing with the highest quality work. Cases are well prepared and well run and clients get excellent results.’
‘Julie Lewis is impressive with experience of a huge range of clinical disputes. She has an excellent eye for detail and is very well liked by clinicians, clients and those she instructs.’
‘Luke Trevorrow is a rising star. A very well-regarded lawyer with an excellent track record.’
‘Irwin Mitchell are one of the best resourced firms for clinical negligence. As result, the team is very well supported and achieves very good results.’
‘Luke Trevorrow is unflappable and has an easy manner which greatly endears him to clients, which belies the depth of his engagement with his cases and attention to detail. He gets very good results.’
‘Really knowledgeable, caring and competent fee earners. I have every confidence in their ability to get the best resolution possible for their clients. Their rehabilitation team seems to be very impressive, and I think the firm does a lot of practical good to help clients, as opposed to simply being concerned about seeking damages.’
‘Leaders in their field with a wealth of experience and a complete team to assist in litigation from start to finish.’
‘Julie Lewis and Elise Burvill have been our main contacts throughout our case and they have been great. I feel they have got to know us as a family and they have made a real effort to understand our personalities and adapted their working relationship appropriately.’
Work highlights
- Secured an admission of liability following representation at an inquest for the death of a client where the coroner gave a PFD report and requested that staffing levels in the pathology department be reviewed to ensure timely and accurate diagnosis.
- Secured an admission of liability, interim payment and judgment against the defendant trust for failings in respect of cervical screenings on behalf of a claimant.
- Representing a client in court proceedings against multiple GP defendants after a delay in the diagnosis of cervical cancer which was complicated by the relocation to an overseas territory of one of the GPs.
RWK Goodman
RWK Goodman fields a ‘supremely talented team of highly motivated and highly capable practitioners’ operating from the Bath office. Practice head Simon Elliman is regarded as ‘a Leviathan of the clinical negligence world’; maximum severity spinal and cauda equina cases are his areas of expertise. For catastrophic birth injury claims, Kerstin Scheel and Abigail Ringer ‘make a formidable team’. Paul Rumley continues to develop the group’s reputation for Erb’s palsy work, as well as developing its expertise in metabolic brain injury cases. Fatal claims are another area of strength, and are often handled by Ali Batchelor.
Practice head(s):
Simon Elliman
Other key lawyers:
Kerstin Scheel; Paul Rumley; Ali Batchelor; Naomi Todd; Abigail Ringer
Testimonials
‘The team are outstanding. Their judgment, preparation and management of their cases, both inquests and claims, and their relationship with their clients, are all at the very highest level.’
‘Kerstin Scheel is an excellent solicitor who manages a range of cases, but specialises in high-value catastrophic birth injury cases. She has a shrewd and pragmatic eye as to the merits of an argument, and obtains excellent results for her clients.’
‘The standout personal injury firm in the South West of England, particularly for birth injury cases. They deal with some of the highest value claims in the UK, requiring the highest level of technical knowledge and experience.’
Tozers Solicitors LLP
Although Tozers Solicitors LLP has a strong track record across the gamut of medical negligence work, the firm is best known for its prowess in birth and neonatal injury claims, in particular those relating to Erb’s palsy. Recently, the group has also been developing a reputation for handling cases concerning therapeutic hypothermia and Strep B infections. Practice head Endurance Arthur ‘provides excellent leadership for the team’, which also includes senior practitioners Clair Hemming and Simon Mansfield. The department ‘combines legal prowess with genuine care for its clients’.
Practice head(s):
Endurance Arthur
Other key lawyers:
Clair Hemming; Simon Mansfield; Michelle Beckett
Testimonials
‘Simon Mansfield knows all his cases inside out. Excellent with clients and experts alike. A joy to work with.’
‘Endurance Arthur is an extremely accomplished solicitor, and an able lawyer, who brings huge amounts of understanding and care to her client’s cases, leaving no stone unturned to bring about the best possible result. I have no doubt her clients feel completely supported throughout the whole litigation process, and her attention to detail will give great reassurance that she is in their corner.’
‘Endurance Arthur is so impressive. She provides excellent leadership for the team. Simon Mansfield is just lovely to work with, whilst being a perfectionist in terms of what he expects from his experts – he approaches this in such a gentle manner, but has absolute control of his cases, working tirelessly to ensure the best result for the claimant.’
‘Clair Hemming has a calm and approachable manner, whilst providing the very best for her clients. Michelle Beckett has an excellent understanding of her client’s difficulties and works hard to meet their needs. She is an excellent communicator.’
‘The medical negligence team at Tozers are excellent. They are friendly and approachable, very good with the families and communicate well.’
‘Tozers combines legal prowess with genuine care for its clients.’
‘They have a team of excellent clinical negligence lawyers doing high calibre work. They are very approachable whilst also maintaining the highest professional standards.’
‘Simon Mansfield is a master of detail and stands out as a cut above the crowd. Clair Hemming has an unparalleled dedication to each of her cases which produces impressive results. She is highly efficient whilst also maintaining the personal skills that are required to do the job well.’
Work highlights
- Represented a vulnerable claimant who suffered an ischaemic stroke and intracerebral haemorrhage after thrombolysis, and who suffered significant brain damage, settling for £50,000 plus recoverable benefits.
- Representing a claimant who suffered a brachial plexus injury during birth when shoulder dystocia occurred.
- Represented a claimant in a birth injury case against the defendant hospital relating to shoulder dystocia which led to Erb’s palsy), with a settlement agreed at £875,000.
Clarke Willmott LLP
Practitioners at Clarke Willmott LLP ‘strike the perfect balance of professionalism with personal care and understanding’ in their approach to the gamut of clinical negligence work. Marguarita Tyne heads up the department ‘with confidence, passion and understanding’, while Kerry Fifield acts as team manager and ‘works tirelessly for her clients’. In terms of specialisms, Tyne leads on complex adult injury cases, including brain, spinal and amputation, and Fifield focuses on high-value birth injury and paediatric brain injury claims. The firm also fields a broad bench of more junior specialists, including Vanessa Harris, who was recently promoted to senior associate.
Practice head(s):
Marguarita Tyne; Kerry Fifield
Other key lawyers:
Vanessa Harris; James Edmondson; Isabel Harper
Testimonials
‘A highly experienced and professional team who strike the perfect balance of professionalism with personal care and understanding.’
‘Kerry Fifield is hard-working, proactive and clearly cares about her clients. She managed a high-value CP case and did an excellent job.’
‘Marguarita Tyne is an excellent solicitor, who takes real care with her cases, gives her clients a fantastic service and gets excellent results. She really understands what is important to clients and supports them fully through complex claims.’
‘Great interpersonal and communication skills, patience and a clear, detailed and analytical approach to issues.’
‘Marguarita Tyne leads the team with confidence, passion and understanding, she is technically outstanding, with a brilliant understanding of the most complex of cases. Kerry Fifield works tirelessly for her clients – her technical knowledge, ability to fight for the very best for her clients and great communication are to be admired.’
‘Isabel Harper provides an excellent level of service, always going that extra mile for her clients, she deals with complex matters with skill and sensitivity, and can always be relied upon to get the very best results for her clients and team.’
‘James Edmondson deals with the most complex and difficult matters with skill and effectiveness on every occasion, he is a brilliant communicator, first-class tactician and commercially savvy. Vanessa Harris is an extremely knowledgeable and affective clinical negligence practitioner, she has first-class communication skills and her client care is brilliant, technically spot on and a great negotiator too.’
‘Really knowledgeable and efficient – brilliant to work with and instil confidence in what is a difficult and emotive legal field.’
Coles Miller Solicitors LLP
The Fleetsbridge-based team at Coles Miller Solicitors LLP handles the gamut of cases relating to birth injuries, including mismanaged labour and ectopic pregnancies; delay in diagnoses and misdiagnoses; surgical errors; misprescriptions and allergic reactions; and failures to obtain informed consent. David Simpson oversees the department. Other key contacts include managing partner Adrian Cormack and the ‘exceptional’ Lydia Barnett, who is particularly noted for her expertise in high-value brain injury cases.
Practice head(s):
David Simpson; Adrian Cormack
Other key lawyers:
Lydia Barnett
Testimonials
‘Good communication.’
‘Excellent people at Coles Miller. Well organised and highly professional.’
‘Lydia Barnett is exceptional. Easily grasps the details in often highly complex matters.’
Work highlights
- Acting in a claim relating to the to the alleged mismanaged labour of the claimant’s mother on admission to Poole Hospital with pre-eclampsia and significantly raised blood pressure resulting in the claimant suffering an acute, near total hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury prior to birth.
- Representing a claimant who was involved in a wakeboarding accident suffering a dislocated knee and tibia, and whose treatment led to a significant, avoidable injury involving necrosis, multiple surgeries and the ongoing potential need for amputation.
- Acting in a case relating to a GP’s failure to diagnose and treat cauda equina syndrome.
Coodes Solicitors
Coodes Solicitors enjoys an ‘excellent reputation’, particularly for the gamut of mandates related to birth injuries; surgical negligence; neurological injuries; misdiagnosis and mistreatment; and fatal cases. ‘Hugely dedicated’ practice head Rachel Pearce takes on the most complex birth injury matters. Julie Hatton is ‘committed to going the extra mile to achieve the best possible result’, and focuses on obstetrics and gynaecology cases. Both key practitioners are based in Falmouth.
Practice head(s):
Rachel Pearce
Other key lawyers:
Julie Hatton
Testimonials
‘Excellent team in the South West. Great communication and support for clients.’
‘A good regional clinical negligence firm.’
‘Rachel Pearce heads the team and is highly regarded in this field not just in the South West but on a national level. She fights hard for all her clients and has particular expertise in complex and challenging birth injury cases. She is hugely dedicated and committed to all her clients supporting them throughout their case and holding their hands every step of the way.’
‘Julie Hatton is a first-class lawyer committed to going the extra mile to achieve the best possible result for those whose lives have been tragically affected by negligent medical care. She deals with all types of complex high-value clinical negligence claims.’
‘The Coodes clinical negligence team are simply first-class to work with and go above and beyond for all their clients.’
‘They have an excellent reputation in the South West. The team are hugely empathetic to their clients and support them every step of the way. They are able to explain the process in a jargon free way and leave no stone unturned when investigating cases.’
‘Great knowledge.’
‘Julie Hatton is a very good clinical negligence lawyer.’
Work highlights
- Handled a £2.2m clinical negligence claim for a child who suffered a brain injury shortly after birth due to delay in diagnosis and treatment.
- Secured a £1.1m immediate damages award plus provisional damages for a 22-year-old who suffered kidney failure and a mild brain injury at birth when the consultant who was managing his mother’s labour reversed a management plan to perform a caesarean section leading to a delay in birth causing hypoxic renal damage resulting in neonatal renal failure.
- Secured £200,000 in total damages for a 56-year-old police radio controller for the injuries he sustained during or following laparoscopic anterior fundoplication surgery.
Thompsons Solicitors LLP
The Bristol-based offering functions as a cohesive part of Thompsons Solicitors LLP national serious injury and clinical negligence unit; cases relating to surgical errors, misdiagnoses, and birth injuries form the core workload of the group. A key niche specialism is mesh-related claims, in which area the team is seen by clients as having ‘deep knowledge and understanding’. Seasoned specialist Sabeena Pirooz is the key contact following the departure of Madeleine Pinschof in 2024.
Other key lawyers:
Sabeena Pirooz
Testimonials
‘Highly skilled with deep knowledge and understanding of issues with mesh-related claims. Incredibly sensitive when handling claimants. Very committed to ensuring the best outcome for clients.’
‘I have found Thompsons to be excellent in every respect. It’s always about the best result for the client.’
‘The people who dealt with my claim were all exceptional people, dedicated to getting the best result for me. I came to trust them absolutely. I would mention Sabeena Pirooz in particular – she is quite literally brilliant.’
‘Everyone I came in contact with at this legal practice always had time to listen and communicate on a personal level. You are treated at all times as an individual, not a file. Their attitude is professional, patient and empathetic, they provide positive personal and supportive communication to clients no matter how long or difficult their case.’
‘They work really hard to get the best results possible for their clients.’
‘The company has huge experience of clinical negligence cases, and the lawyers are knowledgeable and efficient.’
Wolferstans
Wolferstans fields a ‘terrific team of extremely capable lawyers’, comprising four dedicated partners as well as a number of more junior specialists, operating from the Plymouth office. Practice head Elizabeth Smith ‘approaches her management of the team with a modern approach’, as well as consistently running high-value cases relating to brain injuries sustained at birth. Solicitor advocate Peter Tassart’s broad workload covers spinal injury, adult brain injury, and amputation claims.
Practice head(s):
Elizabeth Smith
Other key lawyers:
Simon Parford; Barry Bayley; Peter Tassart; Holly Bowditch; James Snell
Testimonials
‘Holly Bowditch is an amazing person – not only brilliant at her job but also so down to earth and understanding. Caring and empathetic.’
‘Very strong team regarding medical negligence claims.’
‘A terrific team of extremely capable lawyers, who share an ethos of excellence, and it shows in all of their work.’
‘Holly Bowditch is ably following in the steps of those who have gone before her and made the firm such a force to be reckoned with. A highly capable lawyer, who really gets to grips with the issues, and is committed to finding a way through the difficulties for her clients, as well as supporting them throughout the litigation journey.’
‘What stands out about Wolferstans is their strength in depth, the deep and consistent quality of their fee earners. They are genuine specialists, and one of the stand-out clinical negligence firms in the South West. As a team, they are also personable and approachable and form good relationships with their clients.’
‘Elizabeth Smith is an experienced litigator who approaches her management of the team with a modern approach, focusing on the well-being, training and development of her team, and collaboration between team members.’
‘Barry Bayley is an experienced and able litigator who is very charming, which enables him to form good working relationships with clients and opponents alike.’
‘Peter Tassart is a very careful and capable lawyer.’
Work highlights
- Representing claimants in a secondary victims case arising from the death of their 7-year-old daughter.
- Acting for a claimant in a claim against University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust relating to a delay in diagnosis of laryngeal cancer.
Dutton Gregory LLP
Since the retirement of Carol Maunder in April 2023, the team at Dutton Gregory LLP has been helmed by ‘very knowledgeable and experienced leader’ Melanie Reynolds; her workload includes a broad spectrum of cases, including cerebral palsy claims, and other birth-related injuries. Michael Kingman is ‘very knowledgeable about medical negligence matters’, and regularly brings claims against hospitals, GPs and dentists. Both practitioners are based in Bournemouth.
Practice head(s):
Melanie Reynolds
Other key lawyers:
Michael Kingman
Testimonials
‘This is an outstanding team and a pleasure to work with. The practice is very efficient, high quality and extremely responsive.’
‘The individuals within this organisation are extremely professional, operate at the highest standards and create a fantastic organisation to work with.’
‘Michael Kingman is very knowledgeable about medical negligence matters.’
Lyons Davidson
Lyons Davidson’s Bristol office fields an ‘experienced team with excellent high-value work’, which sits within the firm’s broader civil division. Joanna Laidlaw heads up the dedicated department, as well as running a notable roster of child brain injury cases, and is capably supported in her leadership role by Tabitha Rooks, who ‘combines excellent client care skills with a tenacity to get the best result possible’.
Practice head(s):
Joanna Laidlaw; Tabitha Rooks
Other key lawyers:
Sana Akram
Testimonials
‘They are an experienced team with excellent high-value work.’
‘Tabitha Rooks is hugely experienced and well regarded.’
‘The attention to detail, professionalism, compassion and tenacity of the individuals that I dealt with at Lyons Davidson are but a few of the qualities that I valued in the team. They left no stone unturned and made sure that they explained the process and kept me updated at every step along the way.’
‘Tabitha Rooks has literally stood by my side, answered the phone and emails day and night for year after year. She knows every family member affected, both in terms of their personal details as well as how they have had to learn to cope with tragedy and with each passing month and year she has worked harder and harder to ensure we got the outcome we needed and deserved. We will be forever thankful for her efforts.’
‘Personal touch, engagement, regular meaningful updates, good communication re billing.’
‘Joanna Laidlaw has a great caseload and she gets on very well with the clients. Her approach is very practical and she gets fantastic results.’
‘Tabitha Rooks combines excellent client care skills with a tenacity to get the best result possible.’
‘A strong and focused team in the South West.’
Work highlights
- Successfully represented a claimant in a case relating to a negligently performed vitrectomy.
- Successfully represented a claimant in a case relating to a negligent delay in diagnosing a cerebral aneurysm which led to cognitive disorder.
Slee Blackwell
With its head office in Barnstaple, as well as other hubs across the South West, Slee Blackwell continues to be a go-to firm due to its ability to ‘competently handle complex claims’. Practice head Oliver Thorne specialises in birth injury claims, as well as frequently representing claimants in inquests. Caroline Webber-Brown is noted for her niche focus on mesh-related litigation. In November 2023, dedicated specialist Clarissa Ellerington joined the group from Thompsons Solicitors LLP.
Practice head(s):
Oliver Thorne
Other key lawyers:
Caroline Webber-Brown; Mia Nicholson; Clarissa Ellerington
Testimonials
‘Caroline Webber-Brown has excellent attention to detail, solid judgment on the strengths of a given case, is utterly committed to the client and prepares her cases very well. The results for her clients are always excellent.’
‘I continue to be impressed by the CN team and how they competently handle complex claims. I have heard only positive feedback from claimants when assessing them. I have recommended them to friends in the South West with potential claims as I know they will be in safe hands.’
‘Oliver Thorne heads the department. I sense he and the team are really going places. Oliver handles cases with a calm and logical manner. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending him.’
‘My legal team is Oliver Thorne and Mia Nicholson, they are both amazing at what they do and I wouldn’t want to be dealing with anyone else. Oliver is very informative and is always willing to answer my questions and provide me with everything I need to know and Mia is great at keeping in touch and sending over all relevant paperwork.’
Work highlights
- Secured a settlement for a claimant in a rectopexy mesh case.
- Acting in a fatal claim against the North Bristol NHS Trust.
- Representing a family after complications at birth led to their child sustaining brain damage.
Trethowans LLP
John Hall leads a team of ‘experienced and practically minded practitioners’ split across Trethowans LLP’s Salisbury, Southampton and Poole offices. The group handles a range of birth injury, misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and surgical negligence cases, regularly bringing claims against NHS Trusts, hospitals, consultants, GPs, and dentists across the country. In the South West, clients ‘have the benefit of the sage experience’ of James Braund leading the work.
Practice head(s):
John Hall
Other key lawyers:
James Braund
Testimonials
‘The team includes experienced and practically minded practitioners who are dedicated to the support of their clients, but also realistic in the outcomes that can be achieved.’
‘The lawyers are efficient and comprehensive in the levels of communication with clients, counsel and expert witnesses.’
‘Trethowans’ clinical negligence team have an excellent position in this regional market. The team are able to litigate in the same manner as a national firm yet they are able to provide a local, more personal touch, which is enjoyed and appreciated by clients. This creates a win-win for clients given Trethowans still command the attention of insurers and achieve excellent results.’
‘The clinical negligence team in Poole have the benefit of the sage experience of James Braund at the helm. James Braund’s calm and beguiling manner masks a fearless litigator.’
‘The team punches above its weight especially in spinal injuries and clinical negligence litigation.’
‘Mid-sized firm with top level lawyers, whilst retaining a warm regional feel.’
‘James Braund is very clever and tactically astute, but maintains close and trusting connections with all his lay clients.’
‘Quality service and highly competent. They really care.’
Trowers & Hamlins LLP
Trowers & Hamlins LLP fields a dedicated clinical negligence sub-team, overseen by Tom Sampford, which sits within the firm’s well-regarded travel, tourism and insurance department; Bronwen Courtney-Stamp often handles cases within both European and North American jurisdictions. Regular work includes claims relating to brain and spinal injuries, infant fatalities, delays in cancer diagnoses, and consent issues.
Practice head(s):
Tom Sampford; Bronwen Courtenay-Stamp
Other key lawyers:
Gemma Ashcroft
Key clients
ARC Legal Assistance Ltd
Mapfre
Collinson
Wollens
The ‘very efficient and effective’ team at Wollens has extensive expertise in the full breadth of claims, but is particularly well regarded for handling cases relating to delays in diagnosis or misdiagnosis, and surgical negligence, including in relation to cosmetic procedures. Elizabeth Larner heads up the department, which also fields dedicated specialists Catherine Pinnegar and Hannah Goodman.
Practice head(s):
Elizabeth Larner
Other key lawyers:
Catherine Pinnegar; Hannah Goodman
Testimonials
‘This practice is extremely professional, yet approachable and friendly. I feel in very safe hands and that my solicitor understands my requirements fully.’
‘My contact is Elizabeth Larner. She is so knowledgeable, helpful and professional and doesn’t mind going over things many times so I totally understand the process. She is also very caring and understands the upset and despair that goes with a medical negligence claim.’
‘Catherine Pinnegar goes above and beyond in helping you with any questions about your case. Nothing is too much trouble and she always keeps me informed in any updates, you never have to chase her for information. I always highly recommended Wollens due to her exceptional service.’
‘Very informative, professional and take the time to understand how you have been impacted. They treat you as a person and not a number.’
‘Catherine Pinnegar and Hannah Goodman have excelled themselves to be kind, caring and always keep you informed of how the case is coming along! I will always recommend them and the firm.’
‘A clinical negligence team with a great breadth of knowledge and a clear understanding of what is required to get the best results.’
‘Elizabeth Larner and Catherine Pinnegar have wonderful client skills and are pragmatic, but are also tenacious and deliver excellent results.’
‘A very efficient and effective team. A breath of fresh air and no nonsense.’
Work highlights
- Representing the claimant in a breach of duty case regarding the defendant’s failure to prescribe peri-operative antibiotics during appendicectomy/umbilical hernia repair, which resulted in sepsis and wound breakdown.