9.2.2023
Perineal Tear case settles for 6-figure sum
Stephanie Prior recently settled a claim relating to a woman who delivered her baby after a traumatic labour. Her son...
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“Stephanie Prior is just excellent. So hardworking and committed for clients whose personal circumstances are often extremely difficult. The claims are large and the legal and factual issues are demanding.”
“Stephanie is a superstar. She gets fantastic results for her clients and she is caring and responsive.”
Stephanie Prior
Stephanie is Head of Medical Negligence at Osbornes, with a particular focus on child and adult brain injury cases, fatal cases, obstetric and gynaecological cases including maternal deaths, cerebral palsy, ophthalmology, surgical claims, complex spinal injury cases and brachial plexus injuries. Stephanie specialises in complicated, high value claims.
Prior to qualifying as a solicitor in 1997, Stephanie was a registered general nurse. Stephanie has a Diploma in Forensic Medical Science and until recently was the Legal Editor of and contributor to the publication ‘Medicine Science and the Law’. She is a member of the British Academy of Forensic Sciences. Stephanie regularly lectured on medical negligence to doctors in clinical practice as well as to postgraduate medical students at Barts Hospital. Stephanie is also the Legal Compliance Lead for HPAC a non-profit community interest company dedicated to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of patients by maintaining a register of pre-hospital urgent and emergency clinical responders in non-statutory grades.
Stephanie is passionate and committed to her clients, she is on the AvMA Clinical Negligence Panel and the Law Society Clinical Negligence Panel. She was first appointed panel membership in 2000 when only 3 years qualified as a solicitor and has maintained both her panel memberships since appointed on each panel. Stephanie has a wealth of experience in medical law, and she has a strong success rate in settling her cases. She is experienced in all areas of clinical negligence and has over 20 years’ experience in inquest law.
Stephanie and her team also successfully deal with claims against local authorities for information disclosure. Her clients have included parents seeking to adopt, securing a damages award of over £200,000 due to a data breach during the adoption process.
Stephanie now specialises only in high value complex clinical negligence cases involving children injured at birth with cerebral palsy and other brain injuries, children with Erbs Palsy injuries, adults with brain or spinal injuries and high value fatal claims and inquests . She is head of the clinical negligence department, and she heads up the inquest team.
Stephanie is also a specialist child abuse lawyer, although she no longer practises in this area of law. Stephanie is often interviewed by the BBC and Channel 4 on TV, and she has also been interviewed on the radio for many years discussing issues relating to clinical negligence. She was interviewed live on Sky news at the time of the Gosport Inquiry where at least 450 patients are thought to have died after the administration of inappropriately high doses of opioids between 1988-2000 at Gosport War Memorial Hospital. Stephanie is currently acting on behalf of many children with cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, congenital disabilities, and adults with spinal and brain injuries. She also has cases relating to surgical negligence, fatal cases involving maternal deaths including a post-natal maternal death due to failure to administer blood products to the mother in a timely fashion
Stephanie was a recipient of the Clinical Negligence Lawyer of the Year at the PI awards. Her team were shortlisted for Clinical Negligence Team of the Year at the PI awards in 2024.
In her spare time Stephanie is a trustee for Yellow Door a charity supporting vulnerable children from age 11 -25.
"She has represented victims in a number of high-profile cases."
Stephanie Prior is head of the clinical negligence department at Osbornes Law. She acts on a wide range of issues, including claims for brain injuries sustained at birth and delays in diagnosis. She frequently represents clients in fatal claims involving surgical error.
"She is very inventive in the way she approaches difficult problems."
"She is fantastic - pragmatic and has her clients' backs."
"Stephanie Prior is totally committed to her work and her clients."
"Stephanie Prior is very passionate about her clients."
"Her level of detail in dealing with cases is forensic."
"Stephanie Prior is very empathetic and practical, she gets to the heart of a case quickly."
"Stephanie Prior is highly respected in the marketplace, with a great wealth of experience, superb judgment and medical knowledge that is second to none."
"Stephanie Prior and Jodi Newton are both superb. They always have the client at the centre of everything they do, they’re approachable, down to earth and dedicated."
"Stephanie has always shown great judgment and common sense whilst building valuable relationships with her opponents."
"Stephanie Prior is a standout solicitor."
"Stephanie Prior is an experienced lawyer with immense knowledge of her specialism, which allows her to run her cases with strategic precision."
"Stephanie knows her way effortlessly around any clinical negligence issue and has a great strategic mind."
"She works tirelessly for her clients and is incredibly focused on their needs. Attention to detail is key and she is meticulous."
"She's a very committed lawyer and always has the best interest of the client at heart."
"Stephanie Prior is excellent to deal with. She keeps everything up to date and works extremely hard for the clients and their families."
Stephanie Prior is very experienced, with an encyclopaedic medical knowledge. Fights tooth and nail for her clients.
Stephanie Prior is a first-rate clinical negligence specialist whose industry, great experience and medical background put her in an exceptional class.
Stephanie Prior is a superb senior practitioner with an accurate eye for the nub of a case and an acute sense of the merit of any claim.
A very experienced team headed up by the wonderful Stephanie Prior, who has a fantastic reputation in the marketplace.
"I know [we have] expressed our appreciation, but I also wanted to thank you for all your hard work, time and patience in pursuing mum’s claim through to a successful outcome - your kind and professional approach was genuinely appreciated."
“May I take this opportunity to thank you for your patience and true compassion in yet another very tough year of representation on the behalf of my wife. I certainly must say you did it all with amazing stamina and positivity which regenerated my self-esteem…. You honestly eased the pain and I can see a healing process ahead.”
Stephanie has developed a particularly strong reputation for her handling of birth injury claims, as well as cases concerning surgical negligence and delays in surgery.
"Stephanie Prior takes on complex cases and gets excellent results. She has a background in medicine which serves her clients well and is a realistic but tough litigator."
"Stephanie Prior is hugely dedicated, adored by her clients, tenacious, efficient and extremely knowledgeable."
"Stephanie Prior is very good with troubled clients and is easily able to make them feel at ease."
"Stephanie shows sensitivity and deals with things in an understanding way."
The lawyers in the team are highly experienced and will drive cases very hard on behalf of their clients.
"Stephanie Prior has a realistic attitude to the complexities of the cases. She wins the trust of her clients and goes the extra mile to ensure they get the best outcomes."
Stephanie’s background in medicine gives her an ability to read between the lines where medical records and expert evidence are concerned and is a great asset.
"Her knowledge base is second to none and her understanding of the litigation process stands out, as does her ability to work collaboratively."
"Stephanie Prior... manages a varied caseload, including obstetric claims, child and adult brain injury cases and fatal and non-fatal spinal cord injury cases."
"Stephanie is experienced, knowledgeable of all aspects of clinical negligence work, and strategic in running cases."
"Key team members include the approachable, compassionate and efficient Stephanie Prior."
Stephanie Prior is always very professional and kind. Highly recommended.
Stephanie Prior is ‘very warm’ and ‘caring’, and an ‘exceptional professional’.
Stephanie Prior continues to receive widespread praise from clients, who state that she explains the legal aspects of the case very clearly, and she is also a caring person who handles cases on a personal level.
Stephanie's 2023 directory testimonials
Stephanie Prior is head of the...
Stephanie Prior is head of the clinical negligence department at Osbornes Law. She acts on a wide range of issues, including claims for brain injuries sustained at birth and delays in diagnosis. She frequently represents clients in fatal claims involving surgical error.
"She is very inventive in the...
"She is very inventive in the way she approaches difficult problems."
"She is fantastic - pragmatic and...
"She is fantastic - pragmatic and has her clients' backs."
"Stephanie Prior is totally committed to...
"Stephanie Prior is totally committed to her work and her clients."
"Stephanie Prior is very passionate about...
"Stephanie Prior is very passionate about her clients."
"Her level of detail in dealing...
"Her level of detail in dealing with cases is forensic."
"Stephanie Prior is very empathetic and...
"Stephanie Prior is very empathetic and practical, she gets to the heart of a case quickly."
"Stephanie Prior is highly respected in...
"Stephanie Prior is highly respected in the marketplace, with a great wealth of experience, superb judgment and medical knowledge that is second to none."
"Stephanie Prior and Jodi Newton are...
"Stephanie Prior and Jodi Newton are both superb. They always have the client at the centre of everything they do, they’re approachable, down to earth and dedicated."
"Stephanie has always shown great judgment...
"Stephanie has always shown great judgment and common sense whilst building valuable relationships with her opponents."
"Stephanie Prior is a standout solicitor."
"Stephanie Prior is a standout solicitor."
"Stephanie Prior is an experienced lawyer...
"Stephanie Prior is an experienced lawyer with immense knowledge of her specialism, which allows her to run her cases with strategic precision."
"Stephanie knows her way effortlessly around...
"Stephanie knows her way effortlessly around any clinical negligence issue and has a great strategic mind."
Accreditations
Stephanie is a ranked lawyer in Chambers UK Guide
"She has represented victims in a...
"She has represented victims in a number of high-profile cases."
"She works tirelessly for her clients...
"She works tirelessly for her clients and is incredibly focused on their needs. Attention to detail is key and she is meticulous."
"She's a very committed lawyer and...
"She's a very committed lawyer and always has the best interest of the client at heart."
"Stephanie Prior is excellent to deal...
"Stephanie Prior is excellent to deal with. She keeps everything up to date and works extremely hard for the clients and their families."
"Stephanie shows sensitivity and deals with...
"Stephanie shows sensitivity and deals with things in an understanding way."
"Her knowledge base is second to...
"Her knowledge base is second to none and her understanding of the litigation process stands out, as does her ability to work collaboratively."
"Stephanie Prior... manages a varied caseload,...
"Stephanie Prior... manages a varied caseload, including obstetric claims, child and adult brain injury cases and fatal and non-fatal spinal cord injury cases."
"Stephanie is experienced, knowledgeable of all...
"Stephanie is experienced, knowledgeable of all aspects of clinical negligence work, and strategic in running cases."
Stephanie's Case StudiesVIEW ALL
14.12.2022Successful settlement for negligent care during kidney transplant...
Claimant v Royal Free London NHS Trust Osbornes have reached a settlement agreement on behalf of a Claimant who brought...
Read more- 1.8.2022
Bereavement Following Treatment at Basildon Maternity Unit
Case Overview Stephanie Prior’s death by medical negligence claim relating to the death of Gabriela Pintilie has been settled...
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23.3.2022Nerve injury following bowel surgery
Stephanie Prior was instructed in a claim against Luton & Dunstable University Hospital where our client sustained an injury to...
Read more- 31.1.2022
Recent fatal medical negligence cases
Osbornes Law specialises in helping families who have suffered a fatality due to inadequate medical care. Our specialist team is...
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31.1.2022Recent Brain Injury Client Stories
Osbornes Law specialises in helping families who have suffered a brain injury as a result of medical negligence. Our specialist...
Read more- 4.1.2022
Five-figure Compensation for Cardiac Negligence
In this cardiac negligence claim, we were instructed by a 42-year-old Polish man who had attended the Accident and Emergency...
Read more - 4.1.2022
6 Figure Settlement For Heart Attack Claim
In this cardiac claim, we were instructed by the widow of a 55-year-old man, who had complained of chest pain...
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5.8.2021Vulnerable man suffers stroke after carers fail to...
Grandfather who almost dies after ‘negligent’ care receives £900,000 settlement A grandfather who had a stroke and almost died when carers...
Read more- 13.7.2021
Substandard GP Care Results in Severe Vision Loss:...
Substandard GP Care Leads to Profound Vision Loss Stephanie Prior acted on behalf of J in connection with a claim...
Read more - 13.7.2021
Substandard Nursing Care
Stephanie Prior acted on behalf of Mr G DA in connection with a claim relating to substandard nursing care by...
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18.5.2021Missed Arm Fracture Case Study
Orthopaedic injury: LR v Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Our client LR was 69 years old, had a...
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18.5.2021Seven figure settlement for brain injury
Introduction to the case Our client, F sustained a brain injury leaving her with severely impaired mobility and wheelchair dependent....
Read more- 18.5.2021
Ambulance Delay Leads to Sudden Death in Epilepsy
Stephanie Prior acted in a fatal medical negligence claim for J, a dependent of C, his partner. C suffered from...
Read more - 18.5.2021
Fatality of child caused by incorrect diagnosis
KRB was born in 2000 and was a patient at Whipp’s Cross Hospital. In the Autumn of 2014 he was feeling...
Read more - 18.5.2021
Client awarded £100,000 for surgical negligence claim
Our medical negligence solicitors were instructed to pursue a claim against Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Trust for injury caused...
Read more - 18.5.2021
Failure to diagnose acute myocardial infarction
Medical negligence solicitor Stephanie Prior was instructed to bring a fatal medical negligence claim against North Middlesex University Hospital NHS...
Read more - 11.10.2019
Mum had stillborn baby after being sent home
A young mum has spoken of the horror of having her child stillborn after she was sent home twice by...
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Stephanie’s Notable Cases
Stephanie Prior has recently settled clinical negligence claims relating to;
- a failure to operate on a bleed in the brain in a timely fashion on a woman in her 70’s and the client received a seven figure damages award;
- a claim relating to the death of a 42 year old man following the failure of A & E to diagnose his myocardial infarction and admit him to hospital which led to his death several hours later. The case settled for a six figure sum;
- a claim relating to the death of a 29 year old woman due to an ambulance not being dispatched to her home which led to her death. Her partner and daughter received a six figure damages settlement;
- a claim relating to the failure to diagnose and treat a fracture hip in a woman in her 60’s for seven weeks which led to a five figure damages settlement;
- a claim relating to a failure of carers to attend to a man in his 60’s which led to him not taking his medication and him suffering a cerebrovascular accident (stroke) and left him with debilitating injuries. The case settled for £900,000;
- a claim relating to failure to provide mental health treatment in a timely fashion which led to the suicide of a man in his late 50’s. The partner and child of the deceased were awarded a six figure settlement sum
Stephanie is currently investigating many fatal cases; brain injury cases, cardiac and ophthalmology cases as well as other cases against GPs, private doctors and the NHS, involving adults and children.
Steph's Legal 500 testimonials
Stephanie Prior is very experienced, with...
Stephanie Prior is very experienced, with an encyclopaedic medical knowledge. Fights tooth and nail for her clients.
Stephanie Prior is a first-rate clinical...
Stephanie Prior is a first-rate clinical negligence specialist whose industry, great experience and medical background put her in an exceptional class.
Stephanie Prior is a superb senior...
Stephanie Prior is a superb senior practitioner with an accurate eye for the nub of a case and an acute sense of the merit of any claim.
A very experienced team headed up...
A very experienced team headed up by the wonderful Stephanie Prior, who has a fantastic reputation in the marketplace.
"Stephanie Prior takes on complex cases...
"Stephanie Prior takes on complex cases and gets excellent results. She has a background in medicine which serves her clients well and is a realistic but tough litigator."
"Stephanie Prior is hugely dedicated, adored...
"Stephanie Prior is hugely dedicated, adored by her clients, tenacious, efficient and extremely knowledgeable."
"Stephanie Prior is very good with...
"Stephanie Prior is very good with troubled clients and is easily able to make them feel at ease."
Insights from StephanieVIEW ALL
- 10.8.2023
Ambulance Delays Affecting Rapid Patient Treatment
Failure to Meet Ambulance Response Targets In 2017, the Secretary of State for Health accepted the new ambulance performance standards recommended...
Read more - 5.6.2023
Are pharmacy closures putting patients at risk?
It has been reported in the press that chemist closures will have an impact on patients living in deprived or...
Read more - 23.3.2023
Private Pregnancy Scans and Substandard Care
In the news, it has been reported that private clinics that offer pregnancy scans to women are not meeting the...
Read more - 21.9.2022
Are maternity services safe? – Part 2
In April last year I wrote a piece about government setting up a taskforce to look into why there are...
Read more - 9.8.2022
New interactive rating tool reveals NHS wait times...
Amidst record-breaking heatwaves and a lengthy patient waiting list due to COVID backlogs, it is not surprising that this summer...
Read more - 14.7.2022
Insulin overdose in hospitals due to limited staff...
A century ago, insulin was first used to treat a 14-year-old boy dying of type 1 diabetes. A hundred years later,...
Read more - 6.7.2022
NHS aims to reduce waiting times with Elective...
The NHS recently recorded their waiting list to be at 6.5 million, a record high. Much of this backlog is due...
Read more - 29.6.2022
Nottingham Maternity: Donna Ockenden to Chair Independent Inquiry
An interim report on the state of maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust has just been released. However,...
Read more - 23.2.2022
Record high waiting lists put cancer patient lives...
In early January 2022 there were nearly six million people in England waiting for routine operations and treatment: a record high....
Read more - 23.2.2022
Women from ethnic minorities experience worse maternity care
It has been reported today that the government has set up a new task force to look into why there...
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18.1.2022Basildon hospital maternity unit still needs improvements
A Channel 4 News investigation into the maternity scandal at Basildon Hospital, which is part of the Mid & South Essex...
Read more- 18.11.2021
How do I obtain my GP medical records...
If you want to obtain copies of your medical records from your GP or the hospital where you have been...
Read more - 17.11.2021
NICE revises guidelines on Induced labour
Most babies are born naturally at around 40 weeks gestation. However, some pregnancies continue for longer. According to data from the...
Read more - 20.7.2021
What is the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch?
The Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) The HSIB (Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch) is an independent organisation comprising a team of...
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23.6.2021Impacted Fetal Head During Labour
According to the World Health Organisation, labour is considered obstructed when the fetus cannot progress along the birth canal, despite...
Read more- 15.4.2021
Patient Safety Incident Response Framework
What is the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF) According to the NHS website, the PSIRF is a key part...
Read more - 25.3.2021
Delays in removing Ureteric Stents
In February 2020, the Health Care Safety Investigation Branch (HSIB) published an interim bulletin in relation to the ‘Unplanned delayed removal...
Read more - 6.11.2020
Claims Against Basildon Hospital
At Osbornes our specialist medical negligence solicitors represent a number of women who have been affected by poor maternity care...
Read more - 27.10.2020
When is a referral urgent?
What is a referral and how is it arranged? Patients are entitled to ask to be referred for specialist treatment...
Read more - 13.10.2020
Parental Bereavement Leave & Pay
What is Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay? Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay is something that many parents will not be...
Read more - 25.3.2020
Investigation Into 14 Year Old’s Death During MRI...
Introduction to the case A teenage girl with autism died following an MRI scan under general anaesthetic. This has sparked...
Read more - 27.2.2020
Missed fracture compensation claims
What is a bone fracture? A bone fracture occurs when the structure is damaged, causing the bone to break into 2...
Read more - 26.2.2020
East Kent NHS Trust maternity services under review
Inquest concludes death was wholly avoidable An inquest held in January concluded that the death of baby Harry Richford at...
Read more - 14.1.2020
Failure to diagnose a heart problem
Failure to diagnose a heart problem – education is the key Our hearts are the pumps that keep us alive by...
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