Fiona Swarbrick

I am an Associate Solicitor and joined Fletchers in 2015. I have over 20 years in clinical negligence practice and was appointed Head of Clinical Negligence in 2023 after previously being a Team Leader at the firm.

I currently oversee the clinical negligence teams based at our Southport office to assist clients to achieve the compensation they deserve and navigate the legal process for them. In addition, I am the clinical negligence Head of Legal and Excellence encompassing audits, clinics, advice on funding, retainer agreements, our client portal and AI to ensure consistency and compliance throughout the department.

I also regularly discuss and negotiate on cases at Round Table meetings to promote collaboration. These meetings involve providing technical advice and negotiations but more importantly to build relationships with Defendants and achieve settlements for our clients.

I am a good communicator, approachable and empathetic. I provide a professional yet nurturing environment that puts clients at ease and encourages team members to strive.

In addition to my successful career at Fletchers, I was President of Southport and Ormskirk Law Society (2024/2025). This is a prestigious appointment in recognition of my quality as a solicitor and her positive presence in the legal community. I remain on the Law Society Committee.

I work closely with the Sepsis Trust UK and have connections with our local charities and Southport community.

I also mentor junior lawyers within the firm but also mentor local students and through the Inspiring the Future programme (a non-Fletchers organisation).

I decided to pursue a career in clinical negligence after a family member suffered negligent medical treatment. Coming to terms with the events, the injury, the aftermath (immediate and ongoing) and the support required from family members and professionals brought home the need to hold medical professionals accountability where negligent treatment had been provided.

It is a privilege to do the work we do and to help clients when they need it the most. Each client has their own unique case, which should be heard and recognised. The legal process can be daunting however we will work tirelessly on a case to achieve the best outcome and support for the client during the case and where necessary ongoing care after the claim has resolved. The legal process can be lengthy but we will be the client every step of the way.

ANON

This case involved a delay in the diagnosis of the claimant’s sebaceous carcinoma affecting one of their eyes. With prompt diagnosis, the Claimant would have been cured with surgical excision with some reconstruction, however as a result of the delay, the Claimant required extensive surgery involving exenteration of the eye orbital contents, significant facial scarring and psychological symptoms. Award – £550,000

ANON

As a result of the Defendant’s negligence, the Claimant suffered a delayed diagnosis of their facial squamous cell carcinoma. Had the lesion or biopsy been taken promptly, it was highly likely that this would have been curative avoiding the need for the extensive maxilla facial surgery which they endured. Award – £180,000

I currently work with 7 teams across clinical negligence, dealing with all types of negligent claims. I work well with the teams, creating a relaxed and professional working environment where the teams feel supported and content and each individual plays their part.

I have been with Fletchers since 2015 and have seen considerable growth in that time, with acquisitions, transformation, change, personnel and AI. The culture and our values underpin our work, ensuring the injured party is the centre of what and why we do the work we do.

I am a keen runner and member of a local running group. I have taken part in many 10k and half marathons.