Associate promoted to partner in medical negligence team

Thursday, 05 July 2012 00:00

Clair Hemmingof Tozers LLP has been promoted from Associate solicitor to Partner in the firm's nationally recognised medical negligence team. Clair, who trained with Tozers, has specialised in medical negligence claims since qualification in 2001. Moreover, Clair is a member of the Law Society's Clinical Negligence Panel and handles all types of medical negligence claims. With extensive experience of acting for children in birth related injury claims, including Erb's Palsy and cerebral palsy, Clair also has developed a particular interest in cosmetic surgery claims and claims involving spinal damage, fatal accidents, and delay in the diagnosis or treatment of cancer.

Of particular note Clair recently secured damages of £450,000 for a child who suffered Erb's Palsy at birth due to the negligence of obstetric staff when complications occurred during delivery. Clair also acted for the widow of an RAF Officer in a claim against the MOD for doctor's failure to diagnose coronary artery disease. Despite displaying classic symptoms the Officer had not been given appropriate treatment and remained on full duties. The Officer suffered a heart attack and died whilst on expedition. The MOD eventually admitted liability and paid a substantial sum in damages to the Officer's widow in compensation for his avoidable death. More recently Clair acted for a women from Torbay in connection with her claim for negligent treatment whilst undergoing a breast augmentation. A 5 figure sum was secured in compensation to enable the women to have remedial surgery.

Tim Dyde, head of clinical negligence at Tozers, comments: "Clair trained with Tozers and since qualification has performed at a very high level and so I am particularly pleased that she has been promoted to Partner within our nationally recognised Clinical negligence team. Clair has a rapidly growing reputation in this area of law and is well known not only for her high success rate in winning cases but also in helping to take the stress out of making a claim for clients by handling matters sensitively and explaining technical legal issues in a clear and straightforward way."