Debra Powell KC

Call 1995 | Silk 2017

Debra Powell KC | Call 1995 | Silk 2017

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Overview

Debra has a broad range of experience in clinical negligence claims. Chambers & Partners summarises Debra’s clinical negligence practice as follows:“Debra devotes much of her practice to the representation of families, doctors and hospitals in an array of clinical negligence cases, handling matters of great severity and sensitivity.”

Clinical Negligence & Healthcare

“She’s great on paper, great in conference and great in court.” 
Chambers & Partners

Debra is a contributor to Medical Treatment: Decisions and the Law, 4th edition

experience & expertise

Throughout her career Debra has acted for claimants and defendants in clinical negligence claims covering a wide spectrum of medical disciplines. She is frequently instructed in high value cases and those involving very complex medical evidence, and has a reputation as an impressive advocate and negotiator. She is also known for her sensitive approach in conference, both to claimants and to clinicians facing criticism.

Cases & work of note

  • P v H NHS Foundation Trust (2016), Central London County Court, successfully resisted claim arising out of obstetric care
  • L v R NHS Foundation Trust (2016), achieved settlement of £220,000 in Fatal Accident Claim for death of young mother due to delayed diagnosis and treatment of sepsis
  • G v A Local Health Board (2016), Cardiff County Court, successfully resisted claim arising out of alleged anaesthetic awareness
  • W v Dr P (2015), Stoke on Trent County Court, successfully resisted claim for dental negligence
  • R v Dr O (2015) settled quantum only case for £1.7M, arising out of childhood neurological injury as a result of delayed diagnosis of meningitis
  • E v N NHS Foundation Trust (2015) settlement for £375,000 in claim by young woman arising out of laparoscopic cholecystectomy
  • J v R NHS Trust (2014), Central London County Court, successfully resisted claim for clinical negligence arising out of treatment for Raynaud’s syndrome
  • C v B NHS Trust (2014) settled quantum only case for £830,000 plus a provisional damages order, arising out of laparoscopic cholecystectomy
  • B v R NHS Trust (2014), achieved settlement of £122,000 in respect of an arm injury caused by negligently administered chemotherapy
  • F v G NHS Trust (2012)  achieved settlement of £85,000 for the parents of a stillborn baby, including a secondary victim claim for the father
  • M v A Local Health Board (2010), with Adrian Whitfield QC, settlement for lump sum of £1.43M and periodical payments of £200,000 p.a. for adult neurological injury
  • R v S NHS Foundation Trust (2010), achieved settlement of £400,000 in respect of a claim for negligently caused foot drop
  • P v W NHS Trust (2010) achieved settlement of £850,000 for young man who lost a leg due to negligent treatment of post-operative wound infection
  • B v P NHS Foundation Trust (2010), achieved settlement of £675,000 in respect of delayed diagnosis of cancer in young woman
  • E v L NHS Foundation Trust (2009), Cambridge County Court, successfully resisted claim for clinical negligence arising out treatment for neuroma in foot
  • B v W NHS Trust [2005] EWHC 2089 (QB), 86 BMLR  1.  Successfully resisted claim arising out of treatment for a serious eye condition.

recommendations

‘Debra is a clear and pragmatic thinker with a very direct and engaging approach to negotiation.’
The Legal 500

‘A fearless advocate, with laser-like forensic skills. Superb cross examiner of experts’
The Legal 500

‘You go to Debra when you want an excellent and bespoke service. Debra’s pleadings are water-tight. An excellent and formidable advocate in a quiet, unassuming way.’
The Legal 500

‘A determined and well-prepared negotiator who does not stand for any game-playing by the defendant.’
The Legal 500

“Her written advice is detailed, comprehensive and always accurate.”
Chambers & Partners

“Debra is really good and handles sensitive situations very well. She is thorough, sharp and good tactically. She is superb and grasps everything.”
Chambers & Partners

“She’s very approachable and you can have a sensible discussion about the issues in the case.”
Chambers & Partners

“An active figure in the clinical negligence market, with particular experience in significant orthopaedic cases and claims concerning HIV. She frequently acts on complex, high-value cases. A very knowledgeable and personable barrister.”
Chambers & Partners

“The highly capable and personable Debra Powell represents both claimants and defendants and has built up particular expertise in orthopaedic claims and cases involving HIV.”
Chambers & Partners 

“Debra Powell is lauded as highly capable and personable. She takes a sensitive and constructive approach when running her cases.” 
Chambers & Partners

“Debra Powell is noted as a highly impressive advocate and negotiator, who is very scary if you’re on the other side. She wins full market approval.”
Chambers & Partners

“The sharp and forthright Debra Powell has an enviable reputation for high-quality clinical negligence work. Sources note that she is excellent at handling experts in conference.” 
Chambers & Partners