Clinical negligence: claimant

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Philippa Luscombe and Alison Appelboam-Meadows jointly lead the Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP clinical negligence group, which maintains a varied offering that encompasses catastrophic injury cases, obstetric claims and surgical care issues, to name a few. Luscombe, who is regarded as having ‘excellent knowledge of the legalities and the realities of negotiating reasonable outcomes’, principally focuses on brain injury and neurosurgical cases and Appelboam-Meadows specialises in cases involving obstetric and neonatal negligence. Alison Johnson is also recommended.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The communication was phenomenal, and they always made sure that we felt comfortable with every aspect of the correspondence and claim at all times.’
‘The team we had were going above and beyond at all times. Alison Appelboam Meadows was our main solicitor and she stood out from the rest for us, she has extensive knowledge about almost everything when it comes to claims, and she made us feel at ease the whole time! She pushed when needed, and explained, in depth, why we had to wait sometimes. Alison went above and beyond to make sure we were updated all the time and stuck with us the whole way through.'
‘Very caring, realistic, professional and efficient. Excellent preparation of my claim. Careful consideration of every step in the process. Kept me informed at every decision point and enabled me to make the right decisions.’
‘Philippa Luscombe has been particularly supportive, keeping in touch with me and leading the preparation of my claim. She clearly has an excellent knowledge of the legalities and the realities of negotiating reasonable outcomes. Similarly, Lucie Prothero has been excellent in supporting me and progressing the claim.’
‘Very knowledgeable and professional. Kept me well informed on all aspects of proceedings. Special recognition to Arran Macleod.’
Arran Macleod was outstanding, he worked on the case from the beginning to the end and during that time he was always approachable and understanding. I really appreciated the way that Arran explained everything very clearly and kept me updated throughout the case.’
‘This practice exudes professionalism coupled with the ability to make their clients feel very relaxed and at ease in their presence. A vital part of the process is re-living your past, which at times feels very challenging. The team always show respect.’
‘Alison Johnson is incredibly personable and professional. She instantly made me feel at ease and allowed me to express my story. Her work ethic shines through as does her attention to detail. She is without doubt a pleasure to work with from a clients perspective and I would imagine from her fellow colleagues.'

Work highlights

Represented a client who had sustained a severe brain injury in utero, due to obstetric failings, which resulted in four-limb cerebral palsy. issued Court proceedings, entered judgment, and obtained a sizeable interim payment to meet some of our client’s immediate needs. The parties engaged in a Round Table Meeting which led to terms of settlement being agreed which were subsequently approved by the Court.
Advising a client who sustained a traumatic brain injury during the course of their delivery. Liability was disputed in full but, after proceedings were issued and the various litigation steps were followed, liability was concluded on a 75% basis during a Joint Settlement Meeting. The parties proceeded through the steps of the litigation to address quantum, including the exchange of Schedules of Loss and expert reports and, shortly before Trial, reached terms of settlement during a Joint Settlement Meeting.
Represented a client successfully in a complicated clinical negligence matter involving the management over an extended period (15 years) of a benign brain tumour that transformed to a malignant tumour. The case involved two defendant hospitals and multiple issues around advice, consent, failure to arrange follow up and errors in radiology reporting. Causation and quantum were complex. The firm issued and served proceedings against two defendants and then negotiated a settlement.