Katherine Pearce – Medical Negligence Solicitor (London, Bristol & UK)
Modern medical care can accomplish so much, which makes it all the more devastating when the avoidable errors are made during treatment. I specialise in clinical negligence and serious personal injury law, with a focus on complex cases such as birth injury claims, neurological and spinal cord injuries. In this article, I explain why I chose this area of law and share examples of how my work makes a real difference to families’ lives.
As Head of the Medical Negligence and Personal Injury Departments, I lead the team at Davies and Partners and handle a broad range of medical negligence matters, supporting people through legal claims that seek accountability, clarity and practical support for the future.
What is clinical negligence and why does it matter?
Clinical negligence (also called medical negligence) occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care expected and that failure causes physical or psychological harm to a patient. To bring a claim, it must be shown that:
- A duty of care existed;
- That duty was breached; and
- The breach directly caused the injury or loss.
Medical negligence can take many forms, from surgical or diagnostic errors to failures in obstetric care that result in serious birth injuries.
For detailed examples of what this can look like, visit our firm’s case studies page featuring real claims handled by the team.
Why I chose to specialise in medical negligence
Complex medical care was part of my story
My decision to specialise was shaped by lived experience. As a parent of a child with cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus, I know firsthand the challenges families face when navigating medical complexity and lifelong care needs. That experience gives me deep empathy and insight when I support clients through legal claims.
I also work closely with SHINE, the UK charity that supports those affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus. I helped establish Shine’s national legal advice service, linking legal support with community advocacy.
These experiences are not just background details. They drive my commitment to holding healthcare systems to account, helping clients understand what happened, and ensuring their voices are heard.
What I do as a clinical negligence solicitor
I help clients with claims arising from a wide range of negligent medical treatment, including:
- Birth injury cases, including delivery complications and forceps-related harm
- Delays or failures in diagnosis leading to worsened conditions
- Neurosurgery, neurology and spinal cord negligence
- Hospital or GP failures causing catastrophic injury or fatal outcomes
Each case involves careful investigation of medical records, collaboration with expert witnesses, and detailed legal strategy.
Our team also works with families after fatal injuries due to substandard care, explaining the types of damages available and the purpose of a claim.
Medical negligence claims I’ve successfully settled
While every case is unique, success often means securing compensation that helps clients rebuild their lives, and ensuring accountability that may prevent similar harm in the future.
Here are some examples from our broader medical negligence work:
- Claims involving delayed cancer diagnosis and treatment
- Complex neurological injury claims such as spinal abscess misdiagnosis
- Failure to diagnose and treat injury after total hip replacement
- Cervical fibroid mismanagement by a GP and resultant harm
You can read more about these matters in our case studies section.
Supporting families across the UK
Although based in Bristol, our medical negligence team regularly supports clients in London, the South West, and across the United Kingdom. This includes work from our offices in Bristol, Birmingham, Devon and London’s West End.
What matters most is choosing a lawyer with the experience to handle complex cases and the compassion to support you through a difficult legal and emotional process.
Why helping people affected by medical negligence matters to me
Healthcare is constantly evolving, and with it comes increasing complexity in care delivery. While most clinicians provide excellent care, serious errors can and do happen. Specialist legal support offers:
- Independent investigation of clinical events
- Clear explanation of rights and legal options
- Support through negotiations or court proceedings
- Help securing financial resources for long-term care needs
In serious birth injury claims or neurological injury cases, early legal involvement can make a meaningful difference to a child’s care plan and support network.
Final Thoughts
Choosing to specialise in medical negligence and serious personal injury was both a personal and professional decision shaped by experience, empathy and commitment. I continue this work because I believe in justice for people who have suffered avoidable harm, and in the power of law to bring answers, accountability and meaningful change.
If you or a loved one are considering a medical negligence claim, contact our specialist team at Davies and Partners for clear advice and dedicated support.