Clinical Negligence: Mainly Claimant
UK Guide 2025 : London (Firms)
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 8789 9111About
Provided by Russell-Cooke
Our personal injury and clinical negligence team specialises in complex, high-value, partner-led claims where our experience and specialisms can really add value to our clients. We see ourselves as a boutique team, providing a bespoke service to each client to help them achieve the result they want in a timely fashion.
We act almost exclusively for claimants and have expertise both physical and psychiatric claims. We are flexible in terms of funding and most of our work is on a CFA basis. We maintain a legal aid franchise for our birth injury practice
We pride ourselves on winning challenging cases and have had several high-profile cases in both the appellate courts. We are currently awaiting a Supreme Court decision on the application of the illegality defence in tortious claims.
Recently, we have acted in the below:
- Cross-border water park accident resulting in tetraplegia
- Cerebral palsy of the maximum severity due to oxygen deprivation at birth
- Double amputation arising from a failed suicide attempt
- Multiple amputations arising from the failure to diagnose a routine abscess
- Complex RTA claims with catastrophic injuries
- High-profile mental health claims resulting in unlawful killings and the illegality defence.
- High-profile historic child sex abuse claims.
- Shoreham Air Disaster
- Multiple Claims arising from the Grenfell fire.
We have a strong presence in sector groups such as APIL, AVMA and Inquest and are regular contributors to sector training and publications.
Chambers Review
Russell Cooke has an accomplished team assisting clients with complex and sensitive cases ranging in value and severity. The team is experienced in handling a range of complex medical cases involving serious and fatal injuries, as well as representing relevant parties at inquests. The firm regularly acts for claimants left with severe injury after negligent obstetric or surgical treatment, and is particularly skilled at handling cases concerning injuries to the brain and the loss of limbs.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Russell-Cooke’s guidance and expertise has been excellent throughout the whole process."
"They provide quick responses and are very on point."
"The team is excellent - prompt, efficient and accessible."
"Russell-Cooke’s guidance and expertise has been excellent throughout the whole process."
"They provide quick responses and are very on point."
"The team is excellent - prompt, efficient and accessible."
Notable Practitioners
Bernadette McGhie has particular expertise in brain injury work and cases relating to meningitis and encephalitis. Her experience in the field is strengthened by her former career as a nurse.
"Bernadette is always reliable and helpful to clients."
"She is very good and very caring about the clients."
"I am very impressed by her client commitment and savviness."
Janice Gardner acts on claims arising from delays in diagnosis, surgical errors and negligent obstetric care. She also offers strength handling complex cases surrounding failings in psychiatric care.
"Janice was a rock throughout the case. She was always in the background providing oversight and was available for direct communication if requested."
"Janice has guided us through a very difficult, and at times distressing, process with compassion and expertise in equal measure."
Dominic Fairclough advises on clinical negligence claims ranging from brain injuries to fatal claims. He also represents bereaved families at inquests.
"Dominic has been outstanding in everything he has done. He showed knowledge, class, passion and made an awful situation so much easier."
"Dominic's willingness to listen and share his expertise, his open-mindedness and his approachability has meant a lot."
Ranked Lawyers at
Russell-Cooke
London (Firms)
Members
Provided by Russell-Cooke
Alla Kingswood
Amy Anderson
Bernadette McGhie
Claire Henaghan
Dominic Fairclough
Lucy Lawson
Lucy Wilton
Nimmisha Aslam
Ruth Roberts
Sarah Towler
Teri Gauge-Klein