Clinical Negligence

Parklane Plowden is recognised as the leading chambers on the North Eastern Circuit for complex clinical negligence matters, with one source noting "the set has the experience, knowledge and expertise to handle all complex and sophisticated matters presented to them." The set houses an enviable bench of experts who are regularly instructed to act on behalf of both claimants and defendants in high-value delayed diagnosis and surgical negligence cases. The members are also experienced in the handling of complex birth injury and fatal accident claims arising from medical negligence.

Stephen Render is a senior practice director at Parklane Plowden.

"The clerks are easily approachable and extremely helpful, particularly when arranging conferences or court appearances."

"The clerks are very responsive and never fail to provide a suitable option or options when support is needed, even on a tight deadline. They are friendly, efficient and a pleasure to work with."

"The clerking team is fantastic and incredibly responsive."

Andrew Axon acts on both the claimant and defendant sides of heavyweight serious injury claims including those arising from surgical negligence, delayed diagnosis of diseases and a failure to supervise those at risk of suicide. He is widely renowned for his handling of cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury claims. "Andrew is sophisticated in his use of mediation and is very engaged and experienced in clinical negligence." "Andrew is excellent with high-value brain injury cases." "Andrew has the ability to understand the subtleties of the case."

Elizabeth Hodgson of Parklane Plowden is active across a broad range of clinical matters for both claimants and defendant hospitals. She has notable experience in several areas, including failure to obtain consent, delayed diagnosis and surgical negligence cases. She also demonstrates expertise in wrongful birth claims. "Liz is a hugely impressive barrister who gets to the bottom of the issues quickly and provides realistic expectations for the client. She is very responsive, pragmatic, and gets the job done."

Abigail Telford handles a variety of cases across clinical negligence, with particular expertise in delayed diagnosis, spinal injury, and infant fatality. She is also experienced in negligent care leading to serious injury. "Abigail is very approachable and excellent with clients." "Abigail is very bright and incredibly hard-working." "Abigail is an excellent advocate with a fantastic forensic mind."

Anna Datta boasts expertise in handling a variety of matters, ranging from delayed diagnosis to hypoxic brain injury and infant fatalities. She is able to handle cases turning on issues of causation as well as liability. "Anna has an impressive understanding of medical issues, which is a huge advantage in clinical negligence claims. Her empathetic manner with clients is second to none." "Anna is both technically excellent and pragmatic."

Howard Elgot assists with long-running and typically high-value claims on behalf of both claimants and defendants. He has demonstrated expertise in brain injuries including cerebral palsy, as well as delayed diagnosis and breach of duty claims resulting in serious injury. "Howard is extremely knowledgeable and always totally prepared. He is good with clients and medical experts and is a strong advocate who is very skilled in cross-examination."

Hylton Armstrong has an established presence in clinical negligence and receives instructions in a broad range of matters. His expertise encompasses inquests into psychiatric and hospital care, as well as failures to diagnose, extending to cases of patient fatality. "Hylton is a technically brilliant barrister. He deals with matters promptly and effectively." "Hylton is able to cut through complex issues and distil them down to the core points."

Leila Benyounes' expertise in inquests and inquiries feeds into her strong clinical negligence practice. Her work covers obstetric and birth injury cases, delayed treatment and diagnosis and surgical negligence. "Leila is an excellent counsel with a vast knowledge and a wealth of experience to advise and assist on all manner of personal injury work." "Leila instils huge confidence and is caring and empathetic, which is exactly what you need in difficult cases working for bereaved clients."

Michael Hill of Parklane Plowden has a well-established reputation as a key clinical negligence barrister with a particular focus on dental claims, boasting strong expertise informed by his previous occupation as a dentist. He represents both claimants and defendants. His capabilities in the medical field extend to other core areas such as orthopaedic negligence and delayed cancer diagnosis claims. "Mike is always able to help with any questions and queries. He is an asset to any litigation team." "Mike goes above and beyond. He is always very clear, knowledgeable and to the point."

Richard Copnall earns considerable praise for his work in clinical inquests that lead to civil claims. His matters include cases concerning failures of hospital staff to provide appropriate care, as well as failures to properly monitor patients with mental health issues. He possesses a strong command of misdiagnosis issues. "Richard is a counsel with vast knowledge and a wealth of experience to advise and assist on all clinical negligence work matters." "Richard is quick to respond and clear with his instructions. He is on top of the evolving case law and delivers clear and helpful advice." "Richard has a lovely manner with clients and instils confidence."

Stephen Friday handles a range of issues, with a focus on delayed diagnosis and failure to diagnose. His caseload includes complex claims concerning brain injuries and fatalities, and he boasts strong expertise covering issues surrounding informed consent. "Stephen is great on the technical points and persuasive arguments. He knows when to stand firm and when to compromise."