Rachel Pearce

As well as representing clients with maximum severity claims, Rachel has built upon her strong links with INQUEST to develop a reputation in Devon and Cornwall for representing and acting for clients at inquests involving mental health issues and preventable suicides of psychiatric patients and has gone on to secure settlements in these cases. These cases are hugely important in raising awareness of issues and instigating system changes, as well as seeking answers for bereaved families.

Rachel has a track record of securing results for clients, particularly in difficult cases and is committed to delivering the highest levels of client care.

Notable Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury cases

• Complex Brain Injury / Neurological Damage
  

  Leading a successful £2.6 million clinical negligence claim for a 52-year-old female client who was admitted to hospital with chest pain, breathing difficulties and unresolved cough, which was treated. She was discharged home, however, she suffered irreversible catastrophic neurological injuries after the hospital failed to act on her grossly abnormal test results which showed dangerously low sodium levels. She was readmitted four days later in a critical condition. Despite urgent efforts to reverse the abnormal result, she suffered life changing neurological injuries, requiring lifelong care, adapted accommodation, aids and equipment.

• Birth Injuries
  

  Rachel recently represented a 17-year-old identical twin who suffered injuries and disabilities at the time of birth due to the defendant failing to diagnose and treat Strep B infection. The client has cerebral palsy, hearing loss and speech impairment. Although the defendant admitted liability in March 2012, proceedings had to be stayed for five years for the client to be assessed by experts once he had reached maturity. Initially the defendant would not accept the severity of the clients’ injuries and the future damages claimed and a trial was fixed for September this year, however, Rachel fiercely fought this and eventually settlement was agreed at £2.2 million.

• Obstetrics & Gynaecology
  

  Rachel also secured £230,000 for a client who sustained an undiagnosed fourth-degree maternal birth injury during the birth of her third child in January 2005 or during the birth of her fourth child. The injury was not diagnosed until February 2013. This case was particularly difficult as the client had not reported any symptoms including incontinence. She underwent remedial surgery and now has a lifelong colostomy.