Claire Horton | Fieldfisher
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I am a medical negligence lawyer in the Manchester clinical negligence team, with 30 years' experience of very successfully concluding the cases of my clients, who are often catastrophically injured.

I have settled numerous significant cases, achieving substantial compensation in complex cases, including in particular many relating to birth injury. This has often required the application of unique solutions to ensure that the lifelong needs of my clients can be fully met.

I have achieved excellent and hard fought successes in many highly complex and ‘difficult to win’ cases. I work with many clients who are unable to manage their affairs and am skilled at working with teams of experts, case managers, treating therapists and Court of Protection Deputies to achieve the best results for my clients.

Chambers Directory, 2021 - a 'fantastic solicitor who makes clients feel at ease.' Her experience includes cases arising from severe brain injuries during birth. Market commentators note that she has 'immense dedication to the client and secures the best outcome for cases.'

Chambers Directory, 2020 - Claire Horton possesses strong expertise in obstetric and neonatal brain injury cases. One client remarks: 'She is enormously dedicated to her clients and she moves cases forward with energy.'

Chambers Directory, 2019 – a ’careful and considerate approach….She understands how to put a case together and get it moving’

Chambers Directory, 2018 – combining ‘enormous empathy with legal skill and tenacity in pursuing her cliet’s cases’

I have achieved substantial levels of compensation in a wide variety of high value cases including delayed cancer diagnosis, failure to prevent stroke, failure to provide Vitamin K to a new-born baby and the delayed diagnosis of brain tumours. I have a particular interest in cases relating oxygen deprivation at birth causing both cerebral palsy and none-cerebral palsy (atypical) injury and injuries caused in the neonatal period.

I have recently secured several final settlements of between £15 million and £30 million (lifelong capitalised equivalent) ensuring that the accommodation, therapy and care needs of the respective clients will always be met. I have achieved liability settlements in several further cases which will also settle for or be awarded similar levels of compensation, calculated at current rates.

I have established case law which allows compensation for a statistical reduction in years of life expectation.  I have also obtained compensation for the majority of lifelong care, rather than the additional care only, where the negligently caused injury was to a person who would already have required some care due to an underlying non-negligently caused condition.

I have been a long term member of the specialist clinical negligence panels of Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA) and the Law Society which both require excellent standards in their panellists. I am designated as a Senior Litigator in the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).

In my spare time I enjoy reading and conversing about novels, participating actively in local politics and walking in wild places.

What others say…

I would strongly recommend Claire to anyone. She is a highly effective and empathetic advocate.

Chambers & Partners 2023

Claire is very professional and well versed in clinical negligence.

Chambers & Partners 2023

We have been supported by Claire Horton over a number of years. I can’t imagine having gone through the litigation process without her. She has always operated with 100% integrity, honesty, and good humour.

Legal 500 2023

Claire Horton is a fierce advocate for her clients. She will pursue every last point, has a keen understanding of the law, and an absolute commitment to her clients.

Legal 500 2023

Thank you for doing your utmost to get the best for our son. You stayed with us from start to finish. We will always be thankful 

Mother of child with cerebral palsy caused by birth injury

I have been greatly impressed by your professionalism and determination to achieve the best possible financial settlement for your client and her mother.

Specialist Consultant Paediatric Surgeon

I can't praise her enough. Although she is very personable and supportive, she is strong fighting my corner.

Chambers & Partners 2022

I have the highest regard for Claire Horton’s intelligence and diligence, but I think the most outstanding quality for me is her integrity. From the outset she was careful to describe and frame expectations of the process and possible outcomes. Claire is an excellent communicator and warm and easy to deal with, however I don’t doubt that there is a spine of steel should her clients’ interests or her own professional probity be challenged.

Legal 500 2022

Claire Horton is a "fantastic solicitor who makes clients feel at ease." and she has "immense dedication to the client and secures the best outcome for cases."

Chambers & Partners 2021

Claire Horton’s dedication to her clients is immense, as is her capacity for hard work. Her empathy is tempered by sound legal understanding to enable her to give excellent advice.

Legal 500 2021

Claire Horton is brilliant and has been with us from the start – we didn’t want anyone else to take over my son’s case. She is very understanding, caring and very patient.

Legal 500 2021

Claire Horton possesses strong expertise in obstetric and neonatal brain injury cases. One client remarks: "She is enormously dedicated to her clients and she moves cases forward with energy."

Chambers & Partners 2020

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