Richard acts for individuals who have sustained injuries as a result of medical treatment whether provided by the NHS (within a hospital or GP setting), or in the private healthcare sector. He has a varied caseload with an emphasis on spinal, brain and catastrophic injuries. He is experienced in all aspects of spinal injury claims including, injuries arising from trauma, orthopaedic and neurosurgical procedures, congenital abnormalities of the spine and failure to diagnosis Cauda Equina Syndrome. His extensive experience in brain injury cases include birth and neonatal injury claims resulting in cerebral palsy, and acquired brain injury.Richard blogs and Tweets about his subject and has had articles and opinion pieces published in the Personal Injury Law Journal, trade magazines and the national press, including The Times.
Kingsley Napley LLP
In February 2023, James Bell arrived from Hodge Jones & Allen to lead the clinical negligence team at Kingsley Napley LLP, taking over from Terrence Donovan, who remains active within the group. The team has particular emphasis on birth injuries, spinal injuries, oncology cases and psychiatric negligence claims, including those which involve inquests. The team is noted for its ‘innovative and collaborative’ approach to working with opponents. Specialist in spinal injury, gastrointestinal injuries and loss of vision Eurydice Cote is recommended for her ’fantastic attention to detail and real tenacity‘. Richard Lodge is another key name.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘James Bell, who heads up the clinical negligence team, is highly experienced and driven. He has excellent judgment and is a safe pair of hands for all sizes of claim. Really goes the extra mile for his clients.’
‘Eurydice Cote is knowledgeable, hardworking, intelligent and has a very good manner when dealing with clients.’
‘Cases are extremely well run, properly prepared, and sensibly litigated. The team has good industry knowledge, and enjoys the skills and resources to operate at the highest level.’
‘Laura Sylvester is a newly-appointed partner, and is very deserving of that status. She is very sensible and fair-minded, but takes every point that should be taken. She is very collegiate in her approach to running cases, and gets good results, while always thinking commercially in the claimant's interests. She is fantastic to work with.’
‘The clinical negligence team are willing to work with opponents in an innovative and collaborative way, saving costs and time when resolving cases.’
‘Extremely reliable and highly competent clinical negligence lawyers, with an excellent network of top-level expert witnesses and strong attention to detail in management of evidence. The team enjoys strong leadership and clients receive advice which is timely and accurate and are well supported to make decisions.’
‘Richard Lodge is exceptional to work with, a lovely man whose knowledge of clinical matters is unrivalled and who brings enormous care and attention to detail to all his cases. He is extremely experienced in spinal cord injury and brain injury cases and understands the nuance of the clinical materials better than anyone. Richard is a great team player and brings out the skills of others.'
‘Laura Sylvester has built up a superb practice, she's passionate about her work and achieving the best for her clients, whilst always maintaining a sense of humour. Eurydice Cote is surely a partner in the making, with a fantastic attention to detail and real tenacity.’
Work highlights
- Negotiated a settlement for a child in a claim for a severe triplegic form of cerebral palsy caused by contracting a virus from his mother during birth which she had not been advised could be passed via intercourse with the claimant’s father, who was known to those caring for her to have this virus.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
James Bell