United Kingdom: Professional Negligence

The UK Jurisdiction Taskforce has released a comprehensive legal statement examining how English common law addresses liability for harm caused by artificial intelligence systems. Can existing negligence principles, contractual frameworks, and tort doctrines adequately handle the unique challenges posed by autonomous AI, from unpredictable outputs to complex supply chains? The analysis explores duties of care across the AI ecosystem, from foundation model developers to professional users, revealing surprisi

Investigations into NHS paediatric audiology services have revealed systemic failures affecting hundreds of children, including delayed assessments and missed hearing loss diagnoses that may have impacted speech, language and educational development. Families affected by these failures in care may have legal options to pursue compensation where delays caused avoidable harm and lost opportunities for early intervention. Understanding the scope of these failures and the potential consequences for children's d

A complex Erb's palsy clinical negligence claim resulted in a £350,000 settlement for a client living with permanent brachial plexus injury from birth trauma. Despite previous solicitors closing the case and significant legal obstacles including denied liability and statute-barred maternal claims, meticulous case review and expert medical evidence secured life-changing compensation for lasting physical and psychological impacts.

The Ockenden Review has uncovered serious and repeated concerns in maternity care at Nottingham University Hospitals, spanning thousands of cases from 2012 to 2025. With findings identifying systemic failures in patient safety, clinical practice, and organisational culture, the review raises critical questions about whether improved care could have prevented devastating outcomes for affected families.

Recent investigations reveal the systemic pressures facing UK maternity care, raising critical questions about safety standards, accountability and the legal framework supporting families when care falls short. What does the evidence tell us about the current state of maternity services, and how can legal processes drive meaningful improvement?

The UK Government has announced a new Post Office Families Fund to recognise the harm suffered by relatives of sub-postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal. This dedicated compensation scheme will operate separately from existing redress programmes and is expected to open in summer 2026, offering two potential claim routes for eligible family members.

Howard Colman was instructed by a substantial commercial property client to pursue a claim for damages for professional negligence against its former solicitors.

Emma Woods provides a clinical negligence update in this webinar. The following cases are covered...

On 14 April 2026, the Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Act 2026 received Royal Assent. The Act builds on, and seeks to implement, recommendations made by the Scottish Law Commission in a report from 2018.