Who? Anna Sari, partner and head of clinical negligence, Morrish Solicitors, Leeds.
Why is she in the news? The firm secured a £4.6m settlement for a young boy who suffered a severe hypoglycaemic brain injury shortly after birth at Bradford Royal Infirmary.
Thoughts on the case: ‘This case has been an incredibly long and emotional journey for the family, who were greatly relieved to achieve a successful conclusion. I’m extremely pleased with the outcome, particularly that it was resolved without the need for a full trial.
‘The litigation friend has shown extraordinary determination over many years, fighting for justice for her child despite Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s repeated refusal to accept responsibility. The emotional toll has been immense, and her perseverance has been a real testament to her strength and devotion to her child.
‘Throughout this time, we were the family’s one constant. Experts and even counsel retired during the lifetime of the claim and there were many challenges to navigate, but our commitment never shifted. We built a close, trusting bond with the litigation friend, and that connection made me even more determined to secure the best possible outcome.
‘The case was complex, involving significant conflicts in the evidence and difficult issues concerning both factual and medical causation. Expert evidence was obtained across five expert disciplines. Ultimately, the judge commended the parties for the constructive way in which the case was resolved, avoiding the need for a full trial.’
A spokesperson for the trust said: ‘We are pleased that the court has approved the settlement in this case and hope that it will help the claimant and their family as much as possible.’
Dealing with the media: ‘This has been challenging because of the anonymity order in place. However, when reported responsibly and with anonymity protected, the aim is that cases like this contribute to wider learning and accountability.’
Why become a lawyer? ‘Visiting university made me realise I wanted to study law and live in Newcastle. Once I discovered clinical negligence, it immediately felt like the right fit, as it combined my interest in medicine with a real sense of meaning and helping people.’
Career high: ‘Winning my first clinical negligence trial within my first few years of qualification stands out as a defining moment. These cases rarely get to trial and are incredibly hard to win.’
Career low: ‘The passing of my colleague and mentor, Duncan Gardner, in 2021. I had worked with Duncan since I was a trainee solicitor.’
No comments yet