Claire Horton | Fieldfisher
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I am a medical negligence lawyer in the Manchester clinical negligence team, with over 33 years' experience of successfully concluding the cases of my clients, who are often catastrophically injured.

I have settled numerous significant cases, achieving substantial compensation, 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. I have achieved ranking in Chambers Directory for more than 10 years and am currently ranked in Band 1.

I have also been highly been ranked in the Legal 500 Directory for many years, and am currently ranked in the category of Leading Individuals.

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 continue to secure many high value final settlements, often in the £15 million to £30 million bracket (lifelong capitalised equivalent) ensuring that the accommodation, therapy and care needs of the respective clients will always be met. I have achieved numerous liability settlements in difficult cases and have then carried out the work necessary to ensure that they will also settle for or be awarded high levels of compensation.

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…

Claire is a highly effective litigator and achieved an excellent outcome for a vulnerable client in an extremely complex case. She has the highest integrity and pursues the best interests for her client without compromise.

Chambers & Partners 2024

She is a really empathetic and strong client handler who is very hard-working.

Chambers & Partners 2024

Claire is always very professional and approachable. She is knowledgeable and empathetic and the best clinical negligence lawyer.

Chambers & Partners 2024

Claire Horton is an amazing practitioner. Professional and empathetic. I could always contact Claire when I needed to. Her experience and friendliness made her very approachable at a very difficult time. Claire was my solicitor for many years prior to settling my claim, if I had to go through the process again, knowing what I do now, I would choose Claire over and over again. I have complete trust in her and she is excellent at what she does. The best – in my opinion.

Legal 500 2024

Claire Horton is the most committed and zealous solicitor I know in this field, with huge skill and compassion for her clients.

Legal 500 2024

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

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