I am a solicitor at Watson Woodhouse, specialising in inquests, personal injury, and criminal injury compensation. My primary focus is on guiding families through the inquest process, where they are dealing with the aftermath of losing a loved one. I am committed to providing compassionate and empathetic support to my clients during what is often the most challenging time of their lives.

My work in inquests law involves acting for families, helping them navigate the legal complexities while also offering emotional support. I have represented clients in a range of cases, including those involving the antipsychotic drug Clozapine, where I have become particularly knowledgeable about its interactions and implications. My approach is centred on easing the burden for grieving families, ensuring they feel supported both legally and personally.

In addition to inquests, I manage personal injury, clinical negligence and criminal injury compensation claims, assisting clients in securing the compensation they deserve. My experience includes not only representing clients in these matters but also drawing on a broader civil litigation background, including a year spent in housing law where I also handled court representation.

My clients come to me through a variety of channels, including referrals from organisations such as the Inquest Lawyers Group (ILG), word-of-mouth recommendations, and direct contact from those who have seen our firm’s work in the media.

I am committed to providing a seamless, supportive service, and I work on legal aid and private cases to ensure that financial constraints wherever possible do not prevent families from accessing the representation they need.

Outside of my casework, I am actively involved in providing pro-bono legal advice through local clinics and continue to support the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), where I first started as a volunteer. My dedication to helping those in need extends beyond my formal role, reflecting my commitment to both the legal and emotional well-being of my clients.

I am proud to have been a finalist for the Trainee of the Year award at the Northern Law Awards (NLA), an acknowledgement of my dedication and expertise in my field. As I qualify as a solicitor, I look forward to continuing to provide the highest level of care and commitment to all my clients.

Notable Cases: 

Sean Benjamin Crawford

I represented the family of Sean Benjamin Crawford during the inquest into his tragic death. Sean, who had a long history of mental health issues, was found dead in his Darlington home in December 2020 due to the combined effects of alcohol and Clozapine, a drug he had been prescribed for his Paranoid Schizophrenia. The inquest highlighted significant failings in the care provided by the Darlington Community Mental Health Team, particularly in warning Sean and his family of the fatal consequence of alcohol combined with Clozapine, managing care plans and monitoring health data. The coroner concluded that these inadequacies contributed to Sean’s death. The outcome of the inquest resulted in a report to prevent future deaths.

https://www.watsonwoodhouse.co.uk/sean-benjamin-crawford-inquest/

Calls for better monitoring of antipsychotic drug linked to hundreds of deaths – Channel 4 News