Clinical negligence: claimant

Hugh James

Leveraging 'good tactical instincts and client management’, as well as having 'excellent knowledge of the medico-legal framework and of the clinical issues’, Hugh James remains at the pinnacle of the claimant market across high-value and complex cases throughout both Wales and England. Here, not only is the team, which is led from London by Ruth Powell, 'always willing to work to fight for the best outcome for clients and go the extra mile', but it also excels in the post-settlement phase, where clients benefit from a holistic service which, if necessary, is able to draw upon the skills of the Court of Protection offering, as well as the firm's excellent private client team. The 'doyen of clinical negligence claims', Stephen Webber is a 'master of the litigation process' and has a 'willingness to fight for his clients on their own terms', particularly in the context of claims of the utmost severity, including those involving cerebral palsy and spinal injuries. Uniting 'a determination to get results with a canny tactical shrewdness', Rhian Parsons is also extremely skilled at handling complex cases, including brain injuries, and is well-liked by clients as a result of her empathetic approach. The 'extremely hardworking' Katie McCraith 'gets into the detail of a case and expert evidence', consequently regularly securing favourable outcomes for defendants in orthopaedic, gynaecological and cardiac claims, as well as in cases where there have been delays in diagnosis and missed diagnosis of cancer. 'Immensely intelligent and wonderfully caring', Elin Davies 'builds an excellent rapport with clients and experts alike' on conventional clinical negligence cases (across the quantum spectrum), as well as on claims against nursing homes and hospitals with regard to failings in the care of the elderly. At associate level, Gareth Beard is noted for his 'calm and pertinacious skill in the litigation arts’, and Rebecca Mather regularly handles complex orthopaedic cases dealing with issues of surgical negligence, consent and delayed treatment.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The team has an excellent knowledge of the medico-legal framework and of the clinical issues.’
'They have good tactical instincts and client management skills.'
‘At ease with high value and complex work. Always willing to work to fight for the best outcome for clients and go the extra mile in terms of lay client care. ’
'The team combines exceptional experience and judgment, a profound understanding of the legal system and the means of achieving results and an incomparable devotion to their clients.’
'Stephen Webber is the doyen of clinical negligence claims. A master of the litigation process with exceptional judgment, he fights for his clients on their own terms, communicates with them as equals and manifests a deep understanding of their problems.'
'Rhian Parsons unites a determination to get results with a canny tactical shrewdness and the ability to talk good sense.'
‘Kate McCraith is extremely hardworking. She very much gets into the detail of a case and expert evidence in particular in a way that sets her apart from others. She also has experience of working in cross-border clinical negligence cases.’
'Elin Davies - immensely intelligent and wonderfully caring. Elin immediately identifies the key issues in every case and builds an excellent rapport with clients and experts alike.'

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