Megan Laight

Get to know Megan

I am a solicitor, working in the Clinical Negligence team at Slater and Gordon. I am based in both the Brighton and London offices. My journey at Slater and Gordon began in July 2023.

I started my career in the legal sector in July 2020. Prior to that I obtained a degree in Law and French from the University of Sussex. I then completed the LPC at the University of Law. I qualified as a solicitor in July 2023.

I run a mixed caseload including cases involving delayed diagnosis, surgical injuries, ophthalmic issues and fatal cases. In addition, I regularly assist senior solicitors on numerous high value claims including those involving birth injuries, brain injuries, cauda equina and surgical injuries.

Career highlights

It is a privilege to be able to help clients in what can be an extremely difficult time in their lives. I am passionate about understanding the concerns of clients in order to help achieve an outcome that will allow them to move forward. Being able to see the effect that a positive outcome can have on individuals and their families is a highlight to me.

I thoroughly investigate the extent of my clients’ injuries in order to achieve the maximum compensation for them. Where possible, I always strive to obtain interim payments for my clients to help make their lives more comfortable as soon as possible.

• I represented a client in a claim against an NHS Trust in respect of the wrong size lens being fitted during a cataract surgery. I worked to resolve the claim as quickly as possible for the client so they could put the incident behind them. I achieved a full admission and settlement of damages within one year of taking initial instructions. This claim is important as it identifies a shocking basic failing by the Defendant Trust and the need for improvement. The incident triggered the recognition for additional staff training.
• I secured an early admission and interim payment for a client that suffered injuries as a result of a delay in diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis. This allowed my client to pay for further treatment they required on a private basis.
• I act for a client in a claim for injuries they suffered following the unnecessary removal of a pre-existing fibroid at an NHS Trust. This relatively straightforward procedure caused perforation of the client’s bowel and uterus, and they have subsequently developed significantly debilitating symptoms. This has had a profound impact on my client’s life as a result, especially because the fibroid did not require removal in any event.
• I am assisting senior solicitors on numerous cases for young children that have suffered brain injuries at the time of their births. I am involved in the day-to-day running of these cases, including obtaining expert evidence, preparing statements of case and drafting witness statements.
• I am currently handling a number of claims against University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust in relation to the criminal investigation, Operation Bramber, into the general surgery and neurosurgery departments. I have advised in a free legal clinic held by Slater and Gordon in respect of these cases.

The extra mile

I have helped to raise funds for Slater and Gordon’s charity partners including Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity and Group B Strep Support by participating in running events.