Laura Barlow

I take a calm, common-sense approach to cases and I am always mindful of the need to support and reassure my clients throughout the process.

I qualified as a solicitor in 2010 and have a wealth of experience in dealing with a wide range of complex and high value clinical negligence cases.

I have a specialist interest in adult brain injury cases. A few examples of the types of adult brain injury case I can handle include:

• Delay in diagnosis and/or treatment of stroke
• Hypoxic brain injury during surgery
• Delay in diagnosis and/or treatment of brain infections, such as meningitis or encephalitis
• Inadequate emergency hospital treatment following subarachnoid haemorrhage or head trauma
• Delay in diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours
• Inappropriate treatment of pre-eclampsia during childbirth
• Substandard neurosurgery
• Brain injuries from falls in healthcare settings that wouldn’t have occurred with reasonable care.

I am accredited by the association of personal injury lawyers (APIL) as a Senior Litigator and a Clinical Negligence Specialist.

Key highlights

• Securing an admission of liability for a delay in diagnosing and treating Wernicke's encephalopathy, resulting in significant brain injury
• Receiving an admission of liability for a client with an above-knee amputation following inadequate diagnosis and treatment of limb threatening ischaemia
• Reaching a significant settlement for a client against his GP for a delay in diagnosis and treatment of stroke, after succeeding in a preliminary trial on limitation
• Securing an admission of liability for a client who suffered a brain injury as a result of a fall in a hospital that should have been prevented
• Reaching a high settlement for a client with permanent bowel injury, where a second expert opinion was sought after initially receiving unsupportive evidence.

What inspired you to get into law?

I have a natural inclination to want to help people who need assistance, and I am able to achieve this through my role as a medical negligence solicitor. 

What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?

Definitely being able to make a difference for my clients. I offer steadfast support to my clients through the process of pursuing their claims. Being able to guide them through what is usually the most difficult time they have faced in their life and help them to rebuild and find new meaning after injury, gives me great joy.

What do you like about working at Irwin Mitchell?

I enjoy working at Irwin Mitchell because they are always looking for ways to better assist client-facing colleagues to deliver exceptional client service. The medical negligence team is at the forefront of medical negligence litigation, achieving the best outcomes for clients whilst maintaining empathy and approachability.

What do you do away from the office?

I spend most of my time outside work with my young family. We like to travel and experience new cultures when get the chance. 

Memberships

• Apil Senior Litigator
• Apil Clinical Negligence Specialist.

Testimonials

"I truly appreciate all the hard work and support you've provided throughout my claim - it has been an absolute pleasure working with you. I still remember speaking to you from my hospital bed, and how much your kindness and dedication inspired me. 

"You gave me hope when I needed it most, and you motivated me to turn my life around... You've been more than just a solicitor to me; you've been a role model and a source of strength... I'll always be grateful for the difference you've made in my life."  - Past client