Why I specialise in surgical negligence claims
Anita Marriott, Medical Negligence Solicitor at Davies and Partners
My chosen specialism is in surgical negligence claims. When surgery goes wrong, the impact on a patient’s life can be enormous. For many people, surgery is meant to fix a problem, not create a new one. When avoidable mistakes happen, the physical and emotional effects can last a lifetime.
Over the years, I have worked with people whose lives have changed completely because of surgical errors. Some were left in constant pain, others lost their independence or the ability to work, and many struggled to trust doctors again. Seeing first-hand how serious these cases can be is what led me to focus on surgical claims.
Why surgical negligence is different
All medical negligence cases are complex, but surgery brings particular risks. Things can go wrong very quickly, and small mistakes can have devastating consequences.
To do this work properly, you need a detailed understanding of what should happen before, during and after surgery, how surgeons are trained to make decisions under pressure, when something is a recognised risk, and when it should never have happened.
I regularly analyse operation notes, medical records and expert reports to work out why the surgery performed on a patient was carried out properly, and if it wasn’t, whether that failure caused their injury.
The types of surgical cases I handle
I support clients in a wide range of surgical negligence claims, including wrong-site or wrong-procedure surgery, mistakes during surgery such as damage to nearby organs, unnecessary surgery following misdiagnosis, poor care after surgery, including missed infections or sepsis, and consent failures where patients were not properly warned about risks or alternatives.
In many of these cases, patients say that if they had been properly informed or treated sooner, they would never have agreed to the surgery in the first place.
Real results for real people
By specialising in surgical claims, I have helped clients secure compensation that reflects the seriousness of what they have been through. This has included cases involving permanent injury, long-term disability and the need for ongoing care or further surgery.
For some clients, the financial outcome allows them to adapt their home, access private treatment or replace lost income. For others, the most important outcome is getting clear answers about what went wrong and knowing that their experience has been taken seriously.
A straightforward, supportive approach
Many people worry about bringing a claim against the NHS or a surgeon. They are often anxious, frustrated or angry by the time they speak to a solicitor. I understand that, and I try to keep things as clear and straightforward as possible.
I explain whether a claim is likely to succeed, what evidence is needed, how long it may take, and what level of compensation might be realistic. My aim is to support clients from start to finish, helping them to understand the process without being baffled by legal jargon or led on by promises of compensation they won’t ever see.
Why I specialise in surgical claims
Surgical negligence is demanding work, but it is also meaningful. By focusing on this area, I have built experience, confidence and specialist knowledge that directly benefits my clients.
Most importantly, I believe that when avoidable harm happens, patients deserve answers, accountability and proper support. That belief is at the heart of why I chose this speciality.
Speak to us about a surgical negligence claim
If you think you or someone close to you has been harmed because of poor surgical care, our team at Davies and Partners is here to help. We offer a confidential, no-obligation discussion to talk through what happened and explain your options.