Laura Sheehan

Biography

Laura is a Partner in the medical negligence department and has specialised exclusively in clinical negligence since 2010. She is a member of the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Panel, an accolade that is difficult to achieve. She is regularly named in the Legal 500, and in 2024 Laura was identified as a leading individual in the area of clinical negligence, a testament to her skill and expertise in this area of law.

Laura joined the clinical negligence department at Stephensons in 2010. She was made an associate in 2013 and a Partner in 2018.  She is proud to be a member of one of the most highly rated clinical negligence departments in the region. 

Laura has recovered a significant amount of compensation for her clients, just shy of £17 million to date. Laura works incredibly hard and goes the extra mile to secure compensation for her clients and is widely recognised for her extensive experience. She is often recommended by her clients, peers and barristers she works with. Laura deals with a wide range of cases and whether dealing with complex, high value or lower value cases, Laura recognises the importance to the individual injured person and so her dedication and commitment never falters. 

Laura works closely with the Limbless Association, a charity committed to helping anyone living with limb loss.  Laura works with them to ensure amputees have access to the legal help and advice they need in order get their lives back on track following an amputation.  This close working relationship also helps Laura have a better understanding of what life as an amputee is like, experience that proves invaluable when acting for clients that have suffered amputations through medical negligence.

Notable cases

Laura recovered £2.4 million for a client who suffered a lengthy delay in diagnosis of a rare condition called stiff person syndrome. The client had suffered the condition since the 90s but was only diagnosed in more recent years. The claimant required 24 hour care, adapted ground floor accommodation and suffered daily, painful spasms. She could only leave the house with the assistance of others and a bespoke electric wheelchair which kept her in a semi-reclined position. The claimant’s quality of life was significantly reduced when a diagnosis in the 90s would have meant she led a mobile, independent life. 

Laura settled a claim for £900,000 for a client who suffered a delay in diagnosis of cancer of her mouth. The cancer was very advanced when it was finally diagnosed and meant she had to undergo a 20 hour surgery to dissect her neck, remove her nose and part of her jaw. She was left completely disfigured despite several painful attempts at reconstructive surgery. She underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy and suffered a cardiac arrest. She was fed by a tube into her stomach, had problems breathing and swallowing.

Laura settled a claim for £8.4 million for negligently performed weight loss surgery. The client suffered a severe infection which was inappropriately treated, causing damage to her brain and resulted in impaired mobility and the need for life long care for the client.

Laura recovered £940,000 for a client when there was a delay in diagnosing and treating a TIA (mini-stroke). The client went on to suffer a stroke and chronic fatigue syndrome which severely impacted her everyday life.  She was unable to work and relied on care each day.  

Areas of specialism

• Amputation
• Brain injury including strokes and aneurysms
• Birth injuries including still births
• Orthopaedic injuries
• Mis-diagnosis and delays in diagnosis including delays in diagnosing cancer

What others say

Legal 500

"Laura Sheehan works on surgical errors and misdiagnoses, with specialist expertise in rare conditions such as Stiff Person Syndrome." Named as a leading individual - 2024

"Laura Sheehan deals with a wide range of negligence cases, from surgical errors to misdiagnoses and birth injuries. ‘Laura Sheehan is amazing at what she does. Laura is extremely professional in her role.’" - 2023

"Laura Sheehan is noted for her experience in claims arising from surgical errors." Named as next generation partner - 2022

"Laura Sheehan... recommended for clinical negligence work." - 2021

"Laura Sheehan is lauded for her ‘ability to master complex cases and to concentrate on the key issues’." - 2018

Client comments

"Laura Sheehan is amazing at what she does. Laura is extremely professional in her role."

"Absolutely perfect - Laura Sheehan couldn't have done any more and settled the claim in next to no time with the NHS."

"Very professional, reliable and informative. Clear and concise with the information they give you every step of the way. Laura Sheehan in particular has been amazing. Professional, friendly and made me feel at ease. Would highly recommend this company and Laura specifically."

“My initial complaint was in relation to a minor negligent surgical oversight. However after my medical records were analysed, Laura identified that I may have undergone numerous unnecessary surgical procedures. Had it not been for Laura’s hard work and attention to detail, I would never have known that the Trust were also negligent in this regard.”

"Excellent service from Laura who worked for to get the best for me." 

“I was kept fully updated at all times, each process was explained in detail, in a clear, friendly, practical manner. I cannot thank Laura enough. Due to the excellent service I received, I would have no hesitation in recommending Stephensons to my colleagues, friends or family.”

“My case was handled very professionally but also with care, compassion and understanding. Everything was explained carefully at each process and I felt at ease despite my initial uncertainty.”