Charlotte Law

Profile

Charlotte practises predominantly in the field of clinical negligence, dealing with cases of surgical and pharmaceutical negligence, dental negligence, misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis, inappropriate treatment and failure to obtain informed consent.

She also practises in the field of personal injury, acting for Claimants and Defendants in claims for severe injury arising from employer’s liability, public liability, product liability and road traffic.

Charlotte has a special interest in military claims, attending inquests on behalf of the families of service personnel, advising on claims against the MoD arising from physical injury or death, and psychiatric injury (PTSD), and represents service personnel at trial and JSM.

Charlotte is particularly experienced in the area of Coronial Law, regularly attending inquests on behalf of families and other interested parties in cases of deaths in hospital, deaths in service of the armed forces, and deaths in the course of employment. She has in-depth knowledge of the application of Article 2 ECHR to inquest proceedings, both in relation to jurisdictional issues and its effect on the scope of inquiry.

Charlotte also advises service personnel applying to the Armed Forces Compensation Authority for statutory compensation for injury or death in service. She advises on appeals to the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency and
represents appellants on appeals to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal.

Charlotte also represents applicants before the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeal Panel.

Year of Call: 2005

Areas of Expertise

Clinical Negligence & Healthcare

Charlotte is instructed predominantly, but not exclusively, by Claimants in all aspects of clinical negligence litigation. She has in-depth knowledge and understanding of a wide spectrum of medical specialisms, including dentistry. Her experience includes claims arising from primary care (in particular delayed diagnosis of cancer), orthopaedics, obstetrics and gynaecology, general surgery, urology, neurosurgery, cardiology, interventional radiology, vascular surgery, plastic and hand surgery (including elective cosmetic surgery).

Download Clinical Negligence & Healthcare Profile

Inquests

Charlotte frequently attends inquests on behalf of the families of those whose death is suspected to have been caused by clinical negligence (whether in the hospital or other medical setting) or in the course of service in the Armed Forces (whether in training or combat). Charlotte also represents families and insurers at inquests arising from fatal road traffic collisions.

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Serious Injury

Charlotte is instructed by both Claimants and Defendants in cases of the most serious injury, in particular brain and spinal injury and amputations. She is frequently instructed to conduct negotiation at Joint Settlement Meetings.

Charlotte has particular interest and experience in representing injured service personnel and their families. She is currently acting for a number of Claimants in two actions against the MoD arising from death and injury in Snatch Land Rovers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

Charlotte represents service personnel and ex-service personnel in pursuit of claims under the AFCS. She advises on eligibility and quantum and represents applicants at the First Tier Tribunal, Upper Tribunal and Court of Appeal.

Significant Reported Cases:

SV v Secretary of State for Defence (AFCS) [UKUT] 541 (AAC)

The case concerns the proper construction of the eligibility criteria under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces (Compensation Scheme) Order 2005 and 2011 and the interpretation of section 12 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.

Download Serious Injury Profile

Memberships

Professional Negligence Bar Association (PNBA)

Personal Injuries Bar Association (PIBA)

Northern Circuit Medical Law Association (NCMLA)

Qualifications

MA (Cantab) Classics 2002

PgDL (College of Law) 2004

BVC (BPP Legal Professional Education) 2005

Recommendations

Chambers UK 2023

"Charlotte provides well-drafted pleadings and advice."

Legal 500 2023

‘Charlotte is very thorough in her approach to cases. She is excellent in conference with both experts and the clients. Issues that are discussed are often complex medically and legally and she is able to deal with both in a way that is sympathetic to the client while also getting the most from the experts.

Chambers UK 2022

"Efficient and pleasant." "She is reliable, helpful and knowledgeable."

Legal 500 2022

"Charlotte is phenomenally bright and an expert in military claims."

Chambers UK 2021

"She is very empathetic with clients but at the same time has in-depth knowledge about the medicine and the law." "She is very logical and thorough, and she gives detailed advice."

Legal 500 2021

"She is exceptional."

"Extremely thorough in her preparation."

Chambers UK 2020

"She is amazing with clients and her level of empathy is second to none. She can provide a caring approach to a client who is struggling emotionally, but takes no prisoners with the defence."

Chambers UK 2018

"Is always very well prepared for conferences with a good understanding of the issues at hand. She goes through issues in detail to ensure not only her understanding but to make sure clients are fully aware of the issues." "Her pleadings are very considered, well thought out and precise." "Her grasp of detail and medical knowledge is impressive, and she fosters a good relationship with lay clients in conference."

Legal 500 2018

‘A formidable negotiator, who holds her ground.’

Chambers UK 2017

"When talking about the most intimate symptoms she shows really good client care skills." "Her style enables the client to understand where the case is going and if it can't proceed she can explain the reasons why. Clients feel that they can speak to her as she is very approachable."

Legal 500 2017

‘Her approach to the client is second to none’

Chambers UK 2016

A widely respected individual, she is highly praised for her exceptional client management and noted for her work at inquest and in regards to issues of quantum."

“Has excellent client care; she builds up a rapport with clients, and gets them on board. She's also very thorough.” “She is excellent; she has tremendous empathy with clients, combined with a great attention to detail - a dynamic all-rounder.”

"She's measured and thorough; her paperwork is a dream to read."

Client Testimonials

“Charlotte was warm and approachable, straight and engaging and open to suggestions or considerations. She was clear and decisive and at no point did I ever consider that I could be in better hands.”

“Charlotte immediately provided me with confidence in her abilities in a professional manner and I was wholly content to place my absolute faith in her and any decision or advice she recommended.”

“Charlotte made my case feel really personal, displaying signs of real emotional support and interest in me as a person and not just a number or "another" case.”