Clinical Negligence
Matthew is recognised as a leading specialist in catastrophic clinical negligence claims, acting for claimants and their families in cases involving the most serious and life changing injuries. His practice is focused on complex brain injury, spinal cord injury and amputation claims arising from diagnostic failure, surgical error and delays in treatment. He is regularly instructed in multi-million-pound claims where early strategic input is critical to managing risk, active case progression and achieving the best possible client-focused outcomes.
Matthew is frequently brought in at an early stage to shape litigation strategy, guide expert evidence and ensure claims are properly positioned for settlement meetings, mediation or trial.
His practice spans the full range of serious clinical negligence claims, with strength and extensive experience in cases involving:
- Brain injury caused by surgical complications, misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
- Stroke related neuro-disability resulting from failures in primary and urgent care.
- Obstetric and neonatal brain injury.
- Spinal cord injury, including cauda equina syndrome.
- Brachial plexus injury in children and adults.
- Limb loss resulting from infection, critical ischemia, diabetes and vascular care.
- Diagnostic failures, radiology errors and complex medication cases.
- Issues of informed consent to treatment.
Matthew is particularly sought after in cases involving complex or contested issues of breach and causation, where his command of medical evidence and attention to detail are key. He is renowned for:
- Strategic case leadership at an early stage, particularly in complex or developing areas of law.
- Exceptional command of expert and medical evidence, especially in neurological claims.
- Clear, persuasive advocacy, combined with a pragmatic and solutions focused approach.
He works closely with instructing solicitors and leading experts to build robust, well evidenced cases, while maintaining a strong focus on rehabilitation and the long term needs of claimants and their families. He is recognised for his clear communication and empathetic approach, ensuring clients feel supported throughout even the most challenging litigation.
A former President of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and co-author of the Serious Injury Guide, Matthew has played a leading role in shaping best practice in catastrophic injury litigation. He has received national recognition for his work, including Outstanding Case of the Year at the 2024 Personal Injury Awards (Hadley v Przybylo), and was shortlisted for the same award in 2023 (Ashton v Liverpool YMCA).
Clinical Negligence Cases
Paraplegic whose care and accommodation requirements significantly increased following mismanagement of pressure injuries by district nursing staff.
Lower limb amputation claim involving older client following vascular mismanagement.
Failure to obtain informed consent for colorectal surgery resulting in post-operative infections which caused severe spinal infection resulting in cauda equina compression and weakening of the legs and incontinence.
Negligent management and treatment of a spinal abscess resulting in tetraplegia. Patient died from related infection and respiratory problems approaching third anniversary of negligence. Proceeded as financial dependency claim.
Failure to undertake prophylaxis following abscess surgery resulting in DVT and pulmonary embolism. Complex consideration of lifetime risks and provisional damages.
Fatal accident claim arising from negligent post-operative management of aneurysm repair.
Delayed diagnosis and management of spinal TB infection resulting in permanent pain and weakness.
Negligent post-operative management of spinal surgery resulting in kidney loss and ineffective rehabilitation of presenting spinal injury.
Claim based on lack of informed consent and post-surgical management of knee replacement procedure leading to development of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
Claim on behalf of diabetic patient who suffered below knee amputation following delayed diagnosis and treatment of foot infection.
Claim on behalf of wife of patient who died (following a three-year period in a minimally conscious state) following delayed diagnosis and mismanagement of a subdural haemorrhage.
Numerous claims of delayed diagnosis and management of patients resulting in cauda equina syndrome (CES), typically following disc herniation but also those arising from spinal stenosis, cancer, trauma and abscess formation.
