Gemma, an experienced medical negligence lawyer based in Manchester, is an integral part of Thompsons' national clinical negligence team. Her expertise encompasses a diverse range of medical negligence claims, including brain injuries, delayed stroke diagnosis, loss of life claims, orthopaedic cases, surgical and gynaecological negligence, as well as delayed cancer diagnosis.

Gemma understands the profound sense of betrayal many patients experience when they suffer injuries due to medical negligence, particularly from professionals entrusted with their care. As a solicitor, she believes her role is listening to clients and understanding their objectives in pursuing a claim. By investing time in fostering strong relationships with clients, Gemma is better equipped to guide them towards a favourable resolution.

Gemma qualified as a solicitor in September 2015. Before this, she was a paralegal in a medical negligence team for almost three years. A paralegal is trained in subsidiary legal matters, but is not fully qualified as a lawyer; she, therefore, gained valuable experience in fighting for clients prior to qualifying.

Gemma was recently awarded a distinction in a master’s degree in healthcare, ethics and law from the University of Manchester. She took the course over two years whilst working at Thompsons.

In her spare time, Gemma is an amateur seamstress and likes to add to her wardrobe with self-made items.

Gemma's case experience

  • Secured £500,000 for a client whose husband had passed away following a heart attack. The paramedics who attended his home failed to spot the cardiac symptoms and diagnosed him with anxiety. He sadly passed away a few days later.
  • Settled a claim prior to the trial for £155,000 for a claimant with complications following hernia surgery, including chronic pain. It transpired that the surgeon undertook more significant surgery than was required for the hernia repair, including a much larger incision which the claimant had not consented to. 
  • Secured £85,000 for a claimant who had undergone knee replacement surgery performed below a reasonable standard. The claimant required revision surgery and was reliant on a walking aid in order to mobilise.
  • Secured £132,500 for a claimant who suffered a nerve injury following the misapplication of a splint after thumb surgery. He was at risk of losing his employment, and therefore, the claim included damages to reflect this. The claim was settled following a settlement meeting with the defendant a few weeks before the trial.
  • Recovered £50,000 for a claimant who, due to a delay in diagnosis of a shoulder dislocation, required complex surgery and was left with restricted movement. 
  • Secured £500,000 for a negligently performed hysterectomy and then negligently performed revision surgery resulting in significant urinary symptoms and psychiatric injury.