I understand that people often come to me at a time when they are feeling vulnerable, overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. I am dedicated to supporting them through the claims process and helping them secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Kate O’Brien a rising star with a natural touch for the more complex clinical negligence cases; her client care is wonderful and she is a dream to have on the team.
Legal 500 testimonial (2023)
Kate was always kind and did her best for me, she listened when I needed to unload and I really felt that she cared. The service was very professional.
Client testimonial for Kate O'Brien
Kate was utterly brilliant… absolutely nothing could have been done better…I am a very difficult person to please, I expect high standards and I was not disappointed.
Client testimonial for Kate O'Brien
Get to know Kate
I have specialised in clinical negligence since qualifying as a solicitor in 2016, acting exclusively for claimants. I joined Slater and Gordon in October 2025 and am based between the Brighton and London offices.
Throughout my career, I have worked on a broad range of medical negligence claims, including cases involving delays in the diagnosis of cancer and other serious conditions, surgical errors, spinal and orthopaedic injuries, cases involving fatalities and injuries sustained during birth and labour. I have a particular interest in cases involving brain injury affecting both adults and children, having worked in a specialist brain injury team at another London firm for a number of years.
I am passionate about making the process as manageable as possible for clients and their families and about easing the pressures they face during an already difficult time. Where appropriate, I push for early admissions of liability and interim payments, and I work closely with rehabilitation providers to help clients access treatment and support at an early stage. I also work alongside professional deputies and financial advisers to ensure that compensation is managed appropriately and supports clients’ long-term care, accommodation and rehabilitation needs.
Career highlights
Each case reflects a client and family putting their trust in me. The cases below highlight some meaningful outcomes I have achieved for them.
Securing an eight-figure settlement for a child with an acquired brain injury, enabling access to lifelong care, specialist therapy and suitable accommodation, and giving the family long-term security for the future.
Representing a client in a long-running and complex claim that had been turned away by another firm, following a serious brain injury caused by failures in hospital care. Liability was denied for many years, but the case ultimately resolved in the client’s favour for a seven-figure sum.
Acting for a client who suffered a lack of oxygen at birth leading to cerebral palsy, with behavioural difficulties and other effects only becoming apparent later in childhood. The claim resolved for a seven-figure sum, helping to support the client’s long-term needs.
Achieving settlements for a number of patients who suffered orthopaedic and psychiatric injuries after an untested and unauthorised prosthesis was used in shoulder surgery, in cases that raised serious concerns about patient safety.
Supporting a vulnerable young adult and their family following a catastrophic brain injury caused by inappropriate restraint by hospital staff. The claim settled against both the hospital Trust and the security provider, and I also supported the family through the Coroner’s inquest after the client sadly passed away.
Recognition
I have been accredited with Senior Litigator status by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), a body committed to improving the service provided to those who have suffered injury. I am also a member of ABIL (Acquired Brain Injury Forum for London).
I have been recognised as a ‘key lawyer’ in the Legal 500 rankings (in 2023 and 2026). The 2023 edition states ‘Kate O’Brien is a rising star with a natural touch for the more complex clinical negligence cases; her client care is wonderful and she is a dream to have on the team.’
The extra mile
I have supported many charity partners over the years through fundraising, organising events, and taking part in sponsored activities.
