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

“Debra is always a calming presence. She is razor sharp and has all the detail at her fingertips.”
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 provides sympathetic and clear advice.”
Chambers and Partners

“Clear, analytical, pragmatic and approachable.”
The Legal 500

“Debra is clever and responsive.”
Chambers and Partners

‘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