Leading medical malpractice defence specialist trusted with the most complex, high-value healthcare claims

Claire Petts, Partner

Claire Petts is a Partner and highly regarded medical malpractice and healthcare lawyer, recognised for her expertise in defending complex and high-value claims against medical professionals and healthcare organisations. Based in London, she advises on some of the most sensitive and technically demanding cases in the healthcare sector.

What Claire Does

Claire specialises in medical negligence and healthcare litigation, with particular expertise in brain injury claims. She advises clinicians, healthcare providers and insurers on a wide range of matters including medical malpractice claims, healthcare advisory work, and medical device and product liability issues.

Her practice also includes representation at inquests, acting for clinicians before regulatory bodies, and providing strategic advice on risk management and patient safety. Claire has successfully defended numerous claims at trial, including several multi-million-pound cases.

Healthcare Litigation and Specialist Expertise

Claire has been involved in high-profile drug trial litigation, including the widely reported Northwick Park Hospital case. She also has a strong interest in Disability Discrimination Act claims within the healthcare setting and has an outstanding record of successfully defending these claims.

Her experience spans individual claims, group actions and large-scale healthcare disputes, often involving complex medical evidence, regulatory considerations and reputational risk.

Notable Experience

• Successfully defended a multi-million-pound medical malpractice claim brought by a professional footballer against a leading US knee surgeon, involving complex jurisdiction and choice of law issues.
• Defended a medical equipment manufacturer in a negligence claim, securing an indemnity costs order.
• Represented healthcare providers at complex Article 2 inquests, including cases involving deaths in custody.
• Provided urgent advice to an NHS Trust in relation to end-of-life decision-making and life support challenges.
• Acted for clinics in group claims arising from PIP breast implants.
• Defended defendants in group claims involving pharmaceutical and drug treatment outcomes.

Recognition and Thought Leadership

Claire is ranked in both Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 for her healthcare and medical negligence work. She has also been recognised in The Lawyer Hot 100 for her outstanding contribution to the Life Sciences sector.

She regularly contributes to internal and external publications, speaks at conferences, and delivers training to medical practitioners on healthcare law, risk and regulatory issues.

Why Clients Trust Her

Clients value Claire’s calm authority, meticulous preparation and ability to manage the most complex and high-stakes healthcare disputes. Her combination of technical expertise and practical judgment makes her a trusted adviser to clinicians, healthcare organisations and insurers.

Contact Claire Petts

Direct Line: +44 (0)20 7876 6067
Email: claire.petts@clydeco.com
Office: London