Clinical negligence
Defendant service for clinicians and NHS employers against
claims for injury resulting from negligent clinical care.
Claims for clinical negligence can be complex and often involve
substantial sums in damages. The outcome of legal proceedings can
be strongly influenced by the way evidence is presented and the
manner in which expert evidence is manipulated.
Weightmans' Clinical Negligence team has many years in-depth
experience in defending clinical negligence claims. Our approach is
meticulous, based on a deep understanding of the medical
environment and NHS procedures, and focused on the facts and
evidence presented in each case.
We analyse each of the three key elements of a claim – duty of
care, breach of duty and causation of injury – and challenge every
point where the evidence is suspect or disputable. Our research
leaves no stone unturned and our skills in cross-examination of
expert witnesses, including highly specialised clinical
professionals, have resulted in many successfully defended
claims.
For clinicians and employers, we provide a helpful, reassuring
service backed up by meticulous analysis of clinical records and
robust advocacy during legal proceedings. Where necessary, we
obtain cogent expert evidence to support our defence strategy in
order to achieve the best possible outcome.
We defend claims robustly where it is in your best interests to
do so. However, we never lose sight of the particular sensitivities
of litigation of this nature, and provide clear, pragmatic advice
in cases where part or full liability must be admitted. We also
provide advice on media management where cases attract public
attention.
"Sources are quick to draw attention to the firm's
constructive approach and high level of attention to detail on
claims, which makes all the difference."
Chambers 2011
