Matthew Leitch

Clinical Negligence

Matthew gained significant experience in clinical negligence in pupillage, drafting pleadings in a range of cases for Claimants and Defendants, including pre-action correspondence, Particulars of Claim, Defences, Schedules of Loss, and Counter Schedules. He assisted in cases involving birth injuries, consent to spinal surgery, delayed diagnosis of cauda equina syndrome, dental negligence, and mental health.

Matthew also drafted advice on a range of liability and quantum issues in clinical negligence. This included advising on:

• The law of material contribution and its application to clinical negligence cases for several members of chambers.
• An anonymity application following PMC v Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board [2025] EWCA Civ 1126. 
• The court’s approach to life expectancy in a case involving a child with cerebral palsy.
• The court’s approach to factual causation, mechanism of injury, and the principle in The Popi M in a case involving causation of sensorineural hearing loss.
• The approach of the court to an application to withdraw pre-action admissions.
• Quantum, settlement, and costs.

Matthew has a strong academic background in the area as a Research Affiliate at the Centre for Law, Medicine, and Life Sciences at the University of Cambridge researching genetic disclosure. He has been published in leading journals, including the Modern Law Review and Journal of Professional Negligence, on informed consent and psychiatric harm. He is a regular contributor to the Quarterly Medical Law Review. He is also seconded to a leading clinical negligence and personal injury firm.