Penny Fitzpatrick is a leading specialist in complex clinical negligence claims involving catastrophic and fatal injuries. She has particular expertise in cases concerning spinal, brain, and birth injuries and heads the London-based clinical negligence team within Thompsons’ national practice.
Renowned for her meticulous approach and unwavering commitment to her clients, Penny consistently secures life-changing compensation awards that enable individuals to access essential care, specialist equipment, and suitable accommodation. She prioritises obtaining interim payments wherever possible to ensure immediate support for her clients. Penny is recognised for her approachable manner and her determination to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Notable Case Experience
- Fractured skull during delivery resulting in brain injury – £14 million
- Premature removal of spinal rods causing spinal cord infarct and paralysis – £6.07 million
- Delayed diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome – £3.4 million
- Delayed diagnosis of subarachnoid haemorrhage – £2.75 million
- Delayed diagnosis of encephalitis – £1.8 million
- Delayed diagnosis of aqueduct stenosis resulting in blindness – £2.3 million
- Delayed diagnosis of developmental hip dysplasia – £3 million
- Cerebral palsy cases due to mismanagement of labour – multi-million-pound settlements
- Maternal death following childbirth due to misdiagnosis of cerebral haemorrhage – £850,000
- Inadequate colposuspension procedure – £600,000
- Delayed diagnosis of large sigmoid volvulus – £575,000
- Seminal High Court case: Muller v King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – delayed diagnosis of melanoma
Professional Recognition
- Law Society Accredited Clinical Negligence Specialist
- Member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL)
Publications
Penny has co-authored articles on breach of duty in Muller v King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, including:
- PI Focus Magazine: “Difference of Opinion”
- PI Brief Update Law Journal: “‘Pure Diagnosis’ and ‘Pure Treatment’: Considering the Bolam Principle Across Clinical Negligence Cases”
She also contributed to APIL Clinical Negligence (3rd edition), Chapter 18: Schedules of Loss.
Testimonials