When someone has suffered a life changing injury, there simply isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Often the civil process can seem overwhelming and complicated, so it is my job is to support my clients, to make the process as easy as possible for them, to understand their needs and to put the focus on the outcome that best suits them as an individual.
Get to Know Sarah
Sarah is an experienced senior solicitor who joined Hudgell Solicitors in 2021, having qualified as a solicitor in 2007 and has worked in the personal injury sector since 2004.
Sarah manages our Manchester serious injury team, which comprises of expert solicitors and legal executives, working closely with the civil liberties team, often advising on civil matters arising out of Public Inquiries and Inquests.
Sarah runs complex and high-value cases where there are often disputes over liability, regularly acting for people who have suffered injury of the utmost severity, including traumatic brain injury, amputation, spinal cord injury and serious orthopaedic trauma as well as fatalities.
Six and seven figure settlements are not unusual in cases led by Sarah, where injuries are life-changing. She always places an emphasis on the ‘here and now’, ensuring clients are supported throughout the whole process to achieve the best result.
She has significant experience in cases relating to brain injury, often known as the invisible injury and can result in cognitive, behavioural and emotional changes. These are often the most complex to deal with as effects can be far reaching and often the injury changes the relationship that person has with family members.
Sarah handles issues relating to capacity, future needs and the type of settlement requires careful consideration to ensure the future needs of her clients are fully accounted for in compensation awards. These cases involve working closely with dedicated case managers, various medical experts, and expert counsel to achieve the best result.
Sarah is experienced across the personal injury spectrum having acted in a broad range of case types. She places a strong emphasis on early rehabilitation, with a reputation for thinking outside the box in terms of getting what is best for each particular individual (as well as for their family).
Prior to joining Hudgell Solicitors, Sarah was an Associate Solicitor in a well-established firm and specialised in representing catastrophic injury clients who had been involved in motorcycle accidents. Preceding this she worked for City of London Law firms and has historically represented trade union clients. In previous roles, Sarah has provided training on Health and Safety matters to union officials and shop stewards. Sarah is a keen advocate and on numerous occasions has attended various civil courts to include the High Court of the Royal Courts of Justice. She has represented on interlocutory applications, pre-trial review and at Inquest.
Career Highlights
Notable cases include securing a seven-figure settlement figure for a young person who (amongst other serious injuries) suffered with a severe brachial plexus injury. The result was that they were left with a flail arm of little use.
Early case management was agreed and funded by the Defendant and through perseverance for interim payments my client was able to purchase a specialist exoskeletal brace only available on a private basis. The result was immediate as the device gave back some function to an otherwise useless arm, reinstating some lost quality of life. Allegations of contributory negligence were made however, good settlement was achieved out of court.
Another case concerned an individual who was injured whilst at work, suffering with a crush injury to the leg and consequently developing a debilitating pain condition, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. With Court proceedings and careful negotiation, the Defendant eventually agreed to fund a specialist surgery and follow up rehabilitation. The surgery was for a spinal cord stimulator and was paid for in full by the other side, despite my client being partly to blame for the accident. In the end we agreed a significant six figure settlement.
Recognition
Branch Secretary – Headway, York
Member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL)
APIL Senior Litigator – Sarah is a signatory to the serious injury guide.
Giving More
I volunteer for a brain injury charity Headway at their branch in York. We frequently hold social events and it’s a privilege to be able to give back. The work I do with Headway allows me some invaluable insights and understanding as to how brain injury can impact on people day to day, it translates into the work I do and helps me have a better understanding when it comes to my clients, allowing me to support them that little bit more.
