Biography
I am a Solicitor based in the Cambridge office of Irwin Mitchell, having qualified in 2010 and joined Irwin Mitchell in 2015.
I deal with all areas of medical negligence claims including:
- Delay in diagnosis of cancer
- Brain injuries including birth injuries
- Maternal injuries during childbirth
- Failures in relation to fertility treatment
- Delay in diagnosis of bacterial infections causing significant injury
- Amputations
- Delayed diagnosis and prevention failures in relation to strokes
- Avoidable deaths including stillbirth and neonatal deaths
- Surgical errors
I have a particular interest in claims relating to maternal injuries sustained during childbirth and mismanagement of IVF treatment, as well maximum severity claims arising from injuries to children during childbirth. Since qualifying I have also developed a niche specialism in the fast developing area of bariatric (weight loss) treatment.
I run my own caseload of complex cases with a medium to high value as well as assisting Guy Forster, Partner and Head of the Medical Negligence team in Cambridge with his most complex and high value cases.
In addition to the above I also deal with medical negligence claims for military personnel. The military aspect adds additional intricacies that need to be dealt with and identified from the outset. I am supported in my role by Irwin Mitchell’s military law team, who are leaders in the field.
I also work with consultants at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge on a series of study days targeted specifically to the East of England network and but also the national network, which aim to increase patient safety and awareness amongst clinicians of the impact errors in care can have.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
I am driven by a genuine passion in this area of law. I find the work extremely rewarding and in particular sharing a client’s journey through what is often a very difficult time when something has gone wrong and seeing the life-changing difference awards of compensation can make to their lives. Satisfaction and justice can be obtained through compensation but also through obtaining answers, a simple apology or the knowledge that the situation may be prevented from occurring again.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
My genuine interest and love of this area of the law drew me to work for Irwin Mitchell after 6 years of qualification because of the reputation Irwin Mitchell has as a leading firm in the area of medical negligence. Knowing that due to our wealth of expertise Irwin Mitchell is able to provide a first class service to clients throughout the client’s journey, not just in terms of the litigation itself but in relation to rehabilitation, financial/investment advice, court of protection input, assistance with education and other local authority provisions, to name a few.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
Walking my dog in the beautiful Essex countryside, spoiling my nephew (as any Aunty would) and enjoying a rare opportunity to curl up with a good book and a cup of coffee!
Testimonials
"She is highly intelligent with good client skills, and moreover is able to identify legal and practical issues in a case quickly and efficiently. She is a rising star in claimant clinical negligence practice." - Legal 500, 2023
"Sarah has been so helpful throughout the whole process. She always gives us her time if we have questions or need to discuss in length." - Chambers & Partners, 2023
"She is a highly skilled member of the team and has excellent judgement." - Chambers & Partners, 2022 (Associate To Watch)
Rising Star - Legal 500, 2022
"She is sympathetic with clients and tough with opponents. She is a good and determined negotiator often taking on and succeeding with claims which other solicitors have refused. She has first class client care skills and many of her clients are clearly devoted to her." - Legal 500, 2021
Sarah "is a compassionate and efficient professional with a good understanding of the clinical as well as legal issues." - Chambers & Partners, 2020
"She is amazing - warm, compassionate and always calm; she is very good at negotiating on clients' behalf". - Legal 500, 2018/19
"A fantastic medical negligence Solicitor. She is calm, compassionate, a real people person, and very organised. I would recommend Sarah to anyone considering bringing a medical negligence case." - Client
Sarah Wealleans "is very good with clients, personable and has bags of energy." - Chambers & Partners 2018
Has "a particularly good bedside manner with clients" - Legal 500, 2017
“Experienced, knowledgeable and fantastic with clients” - Legal 500, 2016
Sarah is an 'Associate to Watch' and a 'rising star' in the field. She is noted for being "really good with clients, very organised, bright and sensible." - Chambers & Partners 2016
"Sarah Wealleans at Irwin Mitchell is a fantastic medical negligence Solicitor. She is calm, compassionate, a real people person, and very organised. She negotiated an out of court settlement for me, which is such a relief, as I was dreading the ordeal of a 3 day court case... I would recommend Sarah to anyone considering bringing a medical negligence case. She also found me a formidable expert witness who would have been excellent in court, and who was brilliant in her field. Sarah is very supportive, Thank you so much Sarah." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Sarah and the team handled our enquiry efficiently and most importantly with empathy. I was so glad I contacted them and very happy with the information provided." - 5* Trustpilot review
"Guy F and Samantha W worked tirelessly on our daughter's clinical negligence case... The case was one of the hardest things we have ever done emotionally, and yet Irwin Mitchell were right by our side every step of the way: their knowledge, skill, professionalism and empathy are without compare and it is because of their brilliance that our daughter settled for a life changing amount. Plus they were absolutely lovely - so kind and friendly, always. First class solicitors!" - 5* Trustpilot review
