Professional background
I only ever act for claimants and my clients have suffered severe, sometimes fatal, injuries including brain, spinal, orthopaedic, and psychiatric injuries, and injuries leading to amputation.
I represent clients who are claiming compensation for psychiatric injuries and other substantial losses arising out of sexual assault perpetrated by high-profile individuals. I am currently acting on behalf of claimants who have made allegations of sexual assault against Mohammed Al-Fayed, the financier Crispin Odey and the actor Kevin Spacey. I have previously successfully represented female and male victims of sexual assault against other perpetrators who are well-known in the world of film, TV, and sport. Work on these cases requires sensitivity and compassion, and a strong desire to use the law to achieve recognition of the human damage caused by the abuse of power and position. Alongside my own caseload in this area, I work closely with Jill Greenfield and her clients. In 2006 we took a claim for rape to trial, one of only a handful of such cases to be litigated in the civil courts and won at trial.
I work from our London office, but when homeworking I am based close to Brighton. My clients live in Sussex, London and across the UK, and I also work with overseas clients who have sustained injury in the UK. Aside from my brain injury legal work, I am a trustee and volunteer for Headway Sussex, a charity that provides advice and support for those living in Sussex with acquired brain injury.
I am passionate about using the litigation process to get practical help, support, and treatment in place for my clients as quickly as possible. I seek early financial assistance from defendant insurers, in particular funded rehabilitation programmes and interim payments of damages. This support helps my clients financially while they cannot work and allows them access to specialist medical treatment while their claim is ongoing.
Having worked in the field of serious injury for many years, I understand the impact that accidents and assaults have on my clients and their families. In each case, I work hard to gather all relevant evidence to ensure that I can show the full extent of my clients' injuries. I work with experienced barristers and instruct well-respected medical witnesses to prepare expert reports. I work with forensic accountants and others to value other complex financial losses. I aim to maximise my clients' damages, while supporting them through the litigation process.
Many of my clients are injured in road traffic accidents, as drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians. In some cases the driver causing injury is not identified or insured and I assist my clients with claims to the Motor Insurer's Bureau. I gather as much police, video, witness and other documentary evidence as possible to establish liability on the part of the defendant driver, and this includes instructing accident reconstruction experts when needed.
I also act for those injured in accidents at work or premises outside the home, including those who have sustained serious injury as a result of negligent exposure to the bacteria E.coli O157. I have acted for a number of children who have sustained Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome as a result of an E.coli O157 infection, and have claimed for the ongoing health complications that that condition can cause.
I represent seriously injured victims of violent assault and acts of terrorism. I make applications on their behalf to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. I have claimed compensation for UK victims of overseas terrorism, both from overseas governments and from the UK Victims of Terrorism Overseas Compensation Scheme.
Alongside my serious injury work, I do pro-bono work via the Fieldfisher 'Just Purpose' scheme for the charity Access Social Care, which supports people with learning difficulties to challenge unlawful social care decisions made by their Local Authorities.
I am a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
Outside of work I am a keen photographer and I enjoy getting outdoors and spending time with my family.
Awards & recognition
Authored pieces
Read Sussex News write-up of our Headway fundraiser to support people with brain injury
What others say…
Claire and her team have been phenomenal during my time with them. They have been thorough and meticulous, responsive, empathetic and understanding, proactive, and did a brilliant job with my case from beginning to end. I have been thoroughly impressed with how they handled my case and grateful to have been recommended them. I could not have wished for a better team and better care.
Claire’s client was seriously injured in an RTA and showed incredible stoicism, determination, and an inspirational attitude towards rehab and recovery. The rehab funding was provided without any quibble, and her client was supported by a great case worker. Claire was brilliant in her approach, and I am pleased that her client now has the means to continue their life post-accident. I have no doubt her client will succeed in everything they choose to pursue.
When Claire (Fieldfisher) took on my case with the integrity and intelligence that they/she did. I felt supported, clearer and no longer alone in my battle. Claire and the entire team helped me get to the other side. Her compassion, patience and knowledge grounded me, heard me and I knew that my very best outcome, well-being and sense of justice was what they were striving to attain at all points of the now closed case. Incredible women so thankful for the work they did.