Chris Gawne

Chris’ wide-ranging experience encompasses delayed diagnosis and delays in surgery, as well as surgical negligence claims, cerebral palsy, still births and neonatal deaths, and failures in care of the elderly. He is also well versed in mental health negligence cases; he holds a key role in the team and is much sought after for his expertise in complex and challenging cases. Chris is also responsible for the financial management and overall development of the firm.

Chris has worked on some of the UK’s most high-profile Clinical Negligence cases throughout his career, including:

• the Redfern Inquiry into Human Tissue Analysis at UK Nuclear Facilities
• T v R: one of the largest reported dental negligence settlements
• A v NHS Trust: obtained compensation under the Human Rights Act for parents of 18-year-old who died following surgery
• an NHS Trust v MB: representing the parents of a severely disabled child in relation to a hospital’s application to withdraw life sustaining treatment
• the Everall Inquiry: acting for the families in a public inquiry into the deaths of two young people in local authority care
• Kingsway Hospital Inquests: inquests into the deaths of 11 dementia patients on a geriatric ward at a hospital in Derby
• the Shipman Inquiry

He has also acted for the families of patients from whom doctors wish to withdraw or withhold medical treatment and has advised on many high profile independent and public inquiries arising from health issues or involving serious injury or death, acting either for interested parties or for the inquiry itself.

He has held the honour of being named “Lawyer of the Week” by The Times and “Lawyer in the News” in the Law Society Gazette. He is, without question, one of the most respected Clinical Negligence specialist lawyers in the UK.

What others say

“He is an extremely talented leader of the firm.” Chambers & Partners

“Chris is a very experienced and highly competent clinical negligence specialist solicitor.” Chambers & Partners

“The process was explained to me fully at the outset and I was kept fully informed throughout. This was carried out with courteous efficiency.  I was very pleased with the outcome and my claim was settled to my full satisfaction.” Mrs W, Cheshire

“Chris was impressive from the outset. His grasp of a complex case was exceptional and his manner with my wife was professional and sympathetic. We felt that finally we had met someone who was prepared, and able, to take proper charge of the case. Chris provided clear and helpful advice and recast the claim in a way which ultimately increased the damages which my wife received. We met Chris on a number of occasions as proceedings were issued, advice provided on settlement and finally in negotiating an advantageous settlement. I could not commend Chris strongly enough. His ability to convey difficult and often unwelcome advice to us (as clients) was first rate, his tactical nous was spot on, and we had no hesitation in recommending Chris when we have recently been asked to provide a recommendation to a friend.” PT, Lancashire

“We would both like to thank you for all your help and kind understanding during this long claim process and will be more than happy to recommend you to anyone we feel could benefit from your services.” Mr and Mrs B, Hampshire

“We felt the service provided to be efficient, there was always someone available to give advice on any queries with dealt with speedily and efficiently. Christopher kept us informed of all developments and was always available to give advice which was very easy to understand. The service was excellent.” MB, Lancashire