My Professional Background

I have specialised in clinical negligence claims for almost 20 years. My areas of expertise are spinal, brain and birth injuries. I have handled a multitude of neurological, ophthalmic, obstetric, gynaecological, surgical and oncology cases. Much of my caseload involves complex, maximum severity and fatal claims and my cases are chiefly against hospital trusts, general practitioners, and private consultants. I joined Attwaters Jameson Hill from Slater and Gordon, where I was a Principal Lawyer in the London Clinical Negligence team.

I take pride in being approachable and am dedicated to achieving results for clients. I gain huge satisfaction when compensation awards are life changing for clients, giving them access to aids and equipment or more suitable accommodation which allow them to lead fuller lives.

Key cases include:

• Seminal case in the High Court: Muller v Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – delayed diagnosis of melanoma
• Premature removal of spinal rods resulting in spinal cord infarct and paralysis – £6.07 million
• Delayed diagnosis of cauda equina – £3.4 million
• Delayed diagnosis of sub arachnoid haemorrhage – £2.75 million
• Demise of mother following childbirth due to misdiagnosis of cerebral haemorrhage – £850,000
• Inadequate colposuspension procedure – £600,000
• Delayed diagnosis of encephalitis – £1.8 million
• Delayed diagnosis of aqueduct stenosis resulting in blindness – £2.3 million
• Cerebral palsy cases due to mismanagement of labour.

I co-wrote an article on the issues surrounding breach of duty in the case of Muller v King College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in PI Focus Magazine. I have co-written an article discussing the Bolam principle in relation to the same case in PI Brief Update Law Journal. I have also provided training for the Spinal Injuries Association.

Achievements/Accreditations

• Accredited Member of the Specialist Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel
• Recognised by Legal 500 2022 as a key lawyer with one commentator saying ‘I work with Penelope Fitzpatrick who is dealing with my insurance negligence claim. The service I have received in building my case ready for court proceedings has been very helpful and efficient, always contacting me and keeping me up to date on where we are. This has set my mind at rest and given me some self belief back as I had some confidence issues. The main thing that I feel is that when I talk to her she actually listens to what I am saying’ and another  ‘Our solicitor, Penny Fitzpatrick, has helped us stay within the time constraints at each stage.’
• Recognised by The Good Lawyer Guide for outstanding legal practice
• Member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
• Recommended Lawyer Legal 500 2023 –‘Penny Fitzpatrick is very thorough, sympathetic to your case, doesn’t promise unrealistic goals.’

About Me

I was born in Bedfordshire and now live in Hertfordshire. I enjoy hiking, dancing, dragon boat racing and am a Governor at St John the Baptist Primary School. My favourite food is pasta and I enjoy baking. If I were on a desert island, I would take my family with me.