Hudgell Solicitors

Clinical Negligence Solicitor

Associate Solicitor

Michelle has specialised in medical negligence claims, covering all types of complex medical issues, since 2010, when she commenced a role as a Legal Assistant. Michelle joined Hudgell Solicitors in March 2015 and was promoted to the role of an Associate Solicitor in 2021, supervising and supporting a team of four.

Michelle covers all aspects of medical negligence work and has particular strengths in supporting people in cases relating to the delayed diagnosis and treatment of cancer, birth errors and orthopaedic claims relating to lower and upper limbs and the spine, as well as being experienced in handling claims relating to both GP and hospital errors.

Michelle qualified as a solicitor in November 2014 before attaining a Legal Practice Course distinction at York in 2009. She places a focus on securing the rehabilitation and care clients need, providing crucial support which can often help to reinstall faith and trust in professionals.

Career Highlights

I secured a damages settlement totalling more than £13 million providing a lump sum and periodical payments for my client. The case related to a delay in diagnosing and treating a serious genetic disorder, which affects all aspects of physical and cognitive development.

The NHS Trust admitted liability and that the severity of my client’s injuries was predominantly because of the delay in diagnosis and treatment. This was a very complex case both medically and legally so I was delighted to secure a settlement with the defendants, which was then approved by a judge. The settlement amount can ensure my client’s lifelong needs are met.

In 2022 I secured a £1.2m settlement for a client after his leg was amputated, firstly below the knee but then eventually above the knee. The NHS Trust involved admitted delays in referring my client for vascular surgery, but disputed that the amputation was avoidable.

Eventually damages were agreed in an out of court settlement. After the amputation I was fortunate to be able to help him attain ground-floor accommodation and fund suitable prostheses that would enable him to continue in his quest for greater mobility and independence.

In 2021 I represented a client who underwent life-changing vaginal surgery, including the removal of the clitoris, contrary to UK guidelines that advise against such surgery for lichen sclerosis. This indefensible error led to cosmetic deformities and a need for repeated revisional surgeries, all of which had a severe impact on her life. The defendant continued to strenuously deny the claim. However, I was able to secure a positive result and attain six-figure damages.

Another case which I led, resulted in a national review over safety on hospital wards, and sparked a national safety alert as a coroner wrote to NHS England when an elderly patient died after becoming confused and drinking a bottle of hand sanitizer in hospital.

The coroner highlighted his concerns that more deaths could be caused if changes were not made on hospital wards, and lessons learned. This case was covered in the national media and I was interviewed on television and radio about its significance.

I currently represent a young man who sustained life-changing injuries effecting his bladder, bowel and sexual functions as a result of the Defendant failing to note a spinal tumour on MRI scan in 2012.  This was not acted upon until 2017 by which time the tumour had extended to such an extent that removing it caused damage to the nerves.

Fortunately, the Defendant accepts full responsibility and the client should receive a seven-figure settlement to help fund the treatment and care he needs to enable him to live his life to the fullest.

2:1 (Hons) Law LLB degree Legal Practice Course with distinction Hull Law Society Member