RICHARD BANNISTER

Partner and Head of Clinical Negligence

Specialisms: 
Richard has acted successfully in a variety of clinical negligence claims, drawing on his wealth of experience. His standing in the field is well-known and respected, especially in complex issues which include obstetric, oncology, orthopaedic, neurosurgery, GP liability and general surgery, Legal Aid, CFA and privately funded cases and representation at inquests. Since 1992, he has undertaken claimant clinical negligence claims exclusively. He is highly admired for being very focused, "practical and pragmatic" and "a very reliable and effective practitioner", in addition to establishing "good practical solutions to difficult problems."

Joined Challinors:
After joining as a trainee in 1988, Richard qualified in 1990 and became a Partner at Challinors in 1995.

Recent career history and membership:
For over 10 years, Richard has been a member of the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA - previously Law Society) Specialist Clinical Negligence Referral Panel and accredited to the Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA) Specialist Solicitor’s Referral Panel since 1997. He is also a member of Birmingham Medico Legal Society. Furthermore, he is acknowledged in the Chambers Guide to the UK Legal Profession as a leading Clinical Negligence Lawyer who is 'popular with clients', and within Legal 500 as being 'highly regarded' and 'very pragmatic, direct and sensible'.

Interests:
In his spare time he enjoys sport, in particular cricket and football.

Contacts:
T: 0121 233 8602
E: richard.bannister@challinors.co.uk

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SARAH CORSER

Associate Solicitor

Specialisms: 
Sarah is an experienced solicitor, who has specialised in Claimant clinical negligence work since qualifying in 2000. She has handled a variety of medical specialist cases across a range of values. She has a particular interest in orthopaedics, oncology, neurological and fatal cases, and has dealt with publicly-funded claims and Conditional Fee Agreements (no win, no fee). Sarah has been described by clients as ‘friendly but professional’, ‘understanding at a difficult time’ and ‘outstanding’.

Recent career history and membership:
Sarah gained a BA (Hons) degree in English Literature at Cardiff University, before completing her CPE and LPC at the University of Birmingham. She joined Challinors in 1998 as a trainee and qualified in 2000. She became an Associate in 2004. Sarah regularly attends AvMA training events and has been a Council Member of the Birmingham Medico Legal Society since 2006.

Interests:
Sarah enjoys walking, attending the theatre and reading, in addition to fine food and wine.

Contacts:
T: 0121 204 2621
E: sarah.corser@challinors.co.uk

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Lucy Adams

Associate Solicitor

Specialisms: 
Lucy specialises exclusively in clinical negligence claims on behalf of patients. She has a varied caseload including complex cases with a diverse range of injuries and values.

She has particular interest in gynaecological cases and those involving injuries to children. Settlements include claims for maternal nerve damage during labour, death of a young mother due to a delayed diagnosis of cervical cancer, complications from laser eye surgery and delayed diagnosis and treatment of an arm fracture in a young child. Lucy has also recently settled two Erb’s palsy cases for children who suffered significant shoulder injuries at birth. Clients have commented upon Lucy’s patience, for being kept fully updated and for feeling “like a friend”.

Recent career history and membership:
Lucy trained with Challinors, having joined the firm in 2001. She read American Studies at the University of Sheffield before studying the CPE and LPC at the College of Law in London and De Montfort University based at Birmingham University respectively. She regularly attends conferences and training events organised by Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) and the Birmingham Medico Legal Society.

Interests:
Lucy enjoys mountain walking, ski-ing and travelling.

Contacts:
T: 0121 233 8616
E: lucy.adams@challinors.co.uk

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Sumit Morjaria

Solicitor

Specialisms: 
Sumit specialises in clinical negligence claims on behalf of patients. He has worked on a number of catastrophic injury cases including amputations, spinal cord and paralysis. In addition, he has worked on cerebral palsy, incorrect diagnosis, childhood epilepsy, brain injury and substandard care cases. Sumit reads, writes and is fluent in Gujarati.

Recent career history and membership:
Prior to joining Challinors in 2011, Sumit worked at Wilson Browne, where he trained and specialised in Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence. He read Law at the University of Sheffield before studying the LPC at the De Montfort University, Leicester.

Interests:
Sumit is actively involved in local politics and voluntary work in his community. In his spare time he enjoys playing badminton and football.

Contacts:
T: 0121 204 2628
E: sumit.morjaria@challinors.co.uk

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Erica Wassell

Solicitor

Specialisms: 
Erica has assisted in a range of cases from delay in diagnosis of caude equine syndrome, appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy resulting in infertility, mismanaged birth leading to cerebral palsy, failed IVF attempts claims, delay in diagnosis of cancer, dental and laser eye surgery claims, diagnosing subarachnoid through to brain injury claims.

Recent career history and membership:
Erica completed her Claimant Negligence training at Higgs and Sons, before joining Challinors in 2011. She read Law and undertook her LPC at the University of the West of England, where she received a First Class Honours and a Distinction respectively. She is a member of the Worcestershire and Birmingham Medico Legal Society.

Interests:
Erica enjoys travelling and aspires to walk the Inca Trail in Peru. She enjoys performing and playing in a local orchestra, in addition to reading, swimming and playing netball.

Contacts:
T: 0121 204 2677
E: erica.wassell@challinors.co.uk

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