Suzanne is known for both her compassion and tenacity in working for vulnerable clients with serious injuries. She is a specialist in clinical negligence and serious injury litigation, with 20 years’ experience.

After graduating with a First Class Law Degree at the University of Plymouth, she completed her Legal Practice Course in Bristol, before moving to London for her training. She qualified as a solicitor in 2005, before moving to Bolt Burdon Kemp, a leading injury litigation firm in 2008.

Suzanne became a Partner in 2013 and was Head of the Clinical Negligence department. She then set up and became Head of a specialist Adult Brain Injury group. After leaving the firm in 2024, she is now able to offer her significant experience to clients directly, as a Consultant with Legal Studio.

Suzanne has experience in all areas of claim where an injury is caused by negligence, with a particular interest in those caused by delays in medical diagnosis, and brain injuries.

She is passionate about providing tailored support to her clients to meet their individual needs. As a well-known solicitor in her field, Suzanne is also able to draw upon the expertise of a network of esteemed experts in claims.

Whilst seeking to achieve an appropriate settlement at the earliest opportunity for her clients, she is experienced in bringing cases to trial if necessary.

Suzanne has been significantly involved with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), campaigning for the rights of injured people. She was a member of their Executive Committee between 2017 and 2024, and was Vice-President between 2022 - 2024. She has been on stakeholder working groups on proposed law reform and contributed towards responses to government consultations.

She is accredited as a Fellow of APIL in recognition of her experience in personal injury law. She is also accredited as both a clinical negligence and brain injury specialist and is an assessor for both standards.

Suzanne was for many years a helpline advisor with the charity Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA). She has also worked closely with Headway UK, and with their local branches.

Suzanne is a long-standing Trustee of the national brain injury charity The Silverlinings, who provide a supportive community to thousands of people who have suffered a brain injury, and their families.

She has frequently been invited to provide comment on issues relating to serious injury and patient safety for both the national and legal press, and provided training to a wide range of audiences.

Suzanne is a member of the UK Acquired Brain Injury Forum (UKABIF) and of the Westminster & Holborn Law Society.

 

Notable Cases

·       A young mother suffered a catastrophic brain injury, causing permanent paralysis and blindness due to a delay in diagnosis of TB meningitis. A successful claim meant that we were able to move the family into accessible accommodation, and set up a life-long programme of professional carers and therapies. The claim settled for £10.5 million.

 

·       A young man was inappropriately restrained when his mental health deteriorated, and there was a failure by medical staff to monitor his vital signs. He sadly suffered a brain injury and died some time later.  We assisted the family with both the inquest and a claim for compensation, which ultimately settled for a six-figure sum.

 

·       A devastating brain injury suffered by a young man in a car accident. His consequent complex needs required a comprehensive care and therapy package with suitable housing, to maintain his safety and support him towards independence. The claim settled for £7.5 million.

 

·       A woman in her 50’s who was repeatedly dismissed by her doctor, leading to a delay in diagnosis of several months of her ovarian cancer. The claim settled for £230,000.

 

·       A life-changing brain injury and permanent paralysis suffered by a man in his 20’s whilst working on a construction site. The claim settled for £6.5 million.

 

·       A woman in her 60’s who sadly suffered a stroke because of a negligent change in her medication before surgery. She required care 24 hours a day, and her home was adapted. The claim settled for £550,000, and her family received a written apology.

 

Testimonials

Legal 500 says Suzanne is “a real leader in her field. Determined and thorough and leads her team with real skill and determination”.

Chambers & Partners say, “Suzanne is exceptionally client-focused, she’s very experienced and achieves excellent results for her clients.”  “Her working knowledge is huge, and she has a wealth of experience”.

 

Outside of work, Suzanne enjoys time with her family, including her many dogs and cats. She has a wide range of interests, from crafting to astronomy. Originally from rural Staffordshire, she loves country life (and oatcakes!).

Travel now tends to be with her dogs, enjoying the great outdoors and beaches of the UK.