Tom Mooney

Biography

Tom is a partner in the medical negligence department.

Tom joined Stephensons in July 2006 as a graduate paralegal in the clinical negligence department. He secured a training contract in the summer of 2007 and subsequently qualified in September 2010. During this time he obtained a masters degree in professional legal practice. He was made an associate in 2013 and a partner in 2017.

Since qualification, Tom has dealt exclusively with both claimant clinical negligence cases and also professional negligence claims arising out of mistakes other solicitors have made whilst investigating clinical negligence matters. He has been awarded the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Accreditation in recognition of his exceptional expertise, skill and experience in securing compensation for victims of medical negligence. There are currently fewer than 350 accredited solicitors in England and Wales.

Tom is proud to be a member of one of the most highly rated clinical negligence departments in the region and was recognised as a key lawyer by the 2022 edition of The Legal 500.

Tom is aware of how intimidating approaching a solicitor can sometimes be, especially as the circumstances of a clinical negligence case are often of a sensitive nature. He is also very conscious that medical terms and legal processes can occasionally be difficult to understand. Tom therefore prides himself as being an approachable and plain-speaking individual and always strives to ensure that his clients are aware of what is going on with their claims and the steps that need to be taken to reach a successful conclusion.

In relation to clinical negligence claims, Tom finds that he is often approached by individuals who are unsatisfied that medical practitioners have not addressed their concerns, or because doctors have failed to own up to mistakes that have been made.

In relation to professional negligence claims, he is often approached by frustrated clients who are concerned about their potential options for redress after being let down by both by their medical practitioners and also by their legal advisors.

Tom therefore sees his role as someone who advises and supports his clients and he takes great satisfaction in helping them to get the answers and closure that they deserve.

Tom has extensive experience in dealing with a wide range of clinical negligence claims. Due to his seniority he often deals with the most complex, high value, serious injury claims including birth injury, brain injury, amputation, spinal injury and loss of vision.

Cases of note

For Tom the best part of his job is helping clients to achieve financial compensation and knowing that it will have a significant and positive impact on their lives.

Since joining the firm, Tom has personally settled in the region of 150 claims. He has obtained tens of millions of pounds in compensation for his clients. The following are examples of some of the claims that he has been involved in:

• Tom settled a claim for £5 million relating to a teenage boy who lost vision in both eyes after a delay in identifying, and treating, detached retinas.
   
• Tom settled a claim for £2.25 million. The claim related to problems during labour and birth and, in particular, allegations that it was inappropriate, premature and unnecessary to perform a caesarean section. During the course of the caesarean section the child suffered trauma and, ultimately, a permanent brain injury. He was subsequently left with significant disabling and complex effects on his physical, psychological and social functioning. These include left sided weakness and mild/moderate learning difficulties.
   
• Tom settled a claim for £2.5 million. This claim related to a failure to identify and respond to symptoms of critical ischaemia in the client’s leg. As a result of this failure of care, she was deprived of appropriate treatment and his condition became unsalvageable, such that she required a below the knee amputation.

What others think

"Tom Mooney is commended for his ‘courage and for his sound judgement when fighting difficult cases which others might not pursue’." - Legal 500

"Very happy with the help and support whilst dealing with my medical negligence claim. Kept me updated during the whole process and happy with the outcome."

"Stephensons helped me with a "no win, no fee" claim... during which the solicitors and their teams were always keeping me up to date with how things were going and adjusting my expectation accordingly. I found the communication clear and polite, and I never had to chase anything. Last week the claim got closed finally, with a fair settlement offer. Based on my experience, I would recommend Stephensons' services to others."

"I can’t fault my experience with Stephensons. Tom worked on my case and kept me up to date with everything. I will definitely be recommending to family and friends. Thank you again."

"Tom and his team have been very efficient, professional, caring and kind dealing with a medical negligence case. I have also instructed 2 other colleagues on different matters, they were just as excellent I cannot recommend the firm highly enough."

"Good contact at all times. Courteous. Compassionate. Professional. Would strongly recommend."

"You have dedicated so many years in building our case, instructing a fantastic team of experts to help support our case and always being at the end of the phone for any support or questions I’ve needed answering.  I never anticipated the outcome we received and I can honestly say that it is going to make such a huge difference. As a family we are now confident in moving forward knowing that we have the stability to help overcome whatever the future may hold."

“Excellent Tom has communicated well all the way through the process and nothing is too much trouble for him. I would recommend this company to anyone.”

"A thorough and logical approach to a complex case. I was very satisfied with all levels of service and professionalism throughout."

"Committed and professional team who kept you updated with everything and answer all the questions you have."

“Very clear concise information from the start, friendly and approachable. Nothing is too much trouble. Felt at ease”

“I want to express my satisfaction and gratitude to my solicitor Tom Mooney!  He is an excellent professional and a compassionate person.  Very often my emotions were overpowering me but Tom expressed sympathy and patience. Tom used to give me a sensible piece of advice while I could not always think straightforward.  He was always polite and tactful.  I would recommend your company to anyone if I have a chance.”

"I have been a customer of your firm now for the past few years. My Clinical Negligence claim was recently settled and I would like to thank Tom & Alex for all the work they have done on my behalf. My condition will never improve but the security of my mortgage being paid will help if my condition deteriorates to the extent I have to reduce my hours further."