James Bell

I am the head of our Medical Negligence and Personal Injury practice, having joined the firm in February 2023. I have worked in medical negligence and personal injury for more than 30 years.

Throughout my career, I have handled a very wide range of negligence claims, including delayed diagnosis, birth injuries, anaesthetic injuries, surgical errors, GP and hospital negligence, all types of orthopaedic claims — including complex hip and knee replacement surgery cases — and all types of cancer cases.

I have pursued claims against NHS and private hospitals, General Practitioners and numerous disciplines of private treatment providers. I am also highly experienced in dealing with insurance companies and their appointed legal teams in personal injury matters.

I was head of the London clinical negligence team at Slater & Gordon Lawyers for 10 years, where I oversaw the Ian Paterson and De Puy ASR metal hip group actions. Prior to that, I was an equity partner at Christian Khan, acting for many injured and bereaved clients in the Potters Bar (2002) and Ladbroke Grove (1999) train crashes.

I have dedicated my career to helping those who have been injured in all types of accidents. I take great pride in adopting a mature, common‑sense approach and fully recognise the stress that litigation can place on those involved. My aim is always to obtain an early liability decision so that interim payments can be secured — helping clients return to work, access more appropriate accommodation, or obtain essential aids and equipment. I also have a strong network of expert witnesses with whom I have worked for many years.

I am ranked in Chambers UK and recognised as a Key Lawyer in Legal 500. My expertise in clinical negligence and dedication to clients has been recognised through my appointment to the Specialist Clinical Negligence Panel of the charity AvMA (Action against Medical Accidents).