Emma Zukowska
I joined Barratts Solicitors in 2001 and qualified as a solicitor in 2005; I became a Partner in 2013. I chose to specialise in Clinical Negligence which I find both challenging and rewarding. I am recognised in the Chambers Legal Directory for my expertise in Clinical Negligence and I am accredited by APIL (the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers) as a Specialist Clinical Negligence Practitioner.
I represent Claimants who have suffered severe injuries and relatives who have lost a loved one as a result of negligent medical treatment. My work also involves helping those who have suffered an injury at birth for example a brain injury resulting in cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy (shoulder injury) or hip dysplasia. I am also a deputy for clients who lack capacity to manage their own affairs.
I help clients who have suffered severe spinal injury due to a delay in diagnosis of spinal infection or cauda equina. I also represent families who have lost a loved one due to negligence. My experience covers all aspects of medical care and I have succeeded at trial in claims against the NHS and GPs, including 2 successful trials in 2016.
Clients often come to me, not because they want compensation but because they want answers and most importantly an apology. It is all too often the case that clients have pursued the complaints process only to find they still have not been given an open and honest explanation. They want to understand what has happened, either to them or a loved one. They feel that they have no other way of getting the answers they need without pursuing litigation I am very mindful of the fact that clients often feel ‘let down’ at the point that they come to me and need expert advice they can trust.
Suffering an injury due to negligent treatment can be devastating and life changing, not only for the person who has suffered the injury but also for their families. I aim to provide clients with the best service and to reduce the burden and stress of pursuing a claim wherever possible. I am there not only to advise but also to support them.
Sadly, many Claimants instruct me following the loss of a loved one. In these circumstances an Inquest may be required and clients often instruct me to assist them with the Inquest process as well as to pursue a compensation claim.
Some Claimants are unable to manage their own affairs as a result of the injuries sustained (usually because of brain injury). In those circumstances the Court of Protection require a Deputy to be appointed to represent those vulnerable client. I have been appointed as Deputy for clients in these circumstances.
It is important to me that my clients feel they are fully supported and can trust me to do the best I can when acting on their behalf. This is possible because our specialist firm only employs lawyers with experience who have time to listen to their clients. Although no amount of compensation can repair the loss or injury it can help to provide a better quality of life for clients and security for their future. I am often amazed and humbled by the determination and drive of my clients to continue to live their lives as independently as possible, even in the toughest of situations.
I am recommended in Chambers, a legal guide which only names the top UK firms. This says Emma “has good feedback and an impressive caseload, which includes fatalities.” Sources observe that I have “both a clear idea of where she is going in the cases and a very good grasp of the detail.” I have a broad practice as well as recent court experience. I am also recommended by Legal 500, another independent legal guide. My latest case has achieved a settlement in excess of £12 million.
