Russell-Cooke is shortlisted for two categories in the Personal Injury Awards 2020

Russell-Cooke partner Janice Gardner has been shortlisted as Clinical Negligence Lawyer of the Year and consultant Deborah Blythe has been shortlisted for Outstanding Case of the Year in the Personal Injury Awards 2020.

The awards are judged by an independent panel made up of experts from across the personal injury sector. Representatives from the sector's leading associations, charities and business groups assess hundreds of written and video entries to choose the finalists.

Janice Gardner's nomination was based on her ground-breaking work on two cases examining the issue of illegality in the context of  individuals who under criminal law are deemed to have committed a criminal act but would not have done so had it not been for the negligence of another party. One case was heard in the Supreme Court in May 2020.

Partner Janice Gardner said: “I am beyond flattered to be shortlisted as a finalist in these awards. Seeing my name feature among the leaders of our field is a truly humbling feeling. I hope it highlights the importance of the work we do in our team and the struggles our clients go through to get justice when their lives have been immeasurably changed by negligence.”

Deborah Blythe's nomination was for the widely reported Supreme Court case of Darnley v Croydon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The decision in favour of Mr Darnley was of significant legal importance and also significant from a medical point of view.

Consultant Deborah Blythe added: “I am so pleased to be shortlisted for this award in recognition of our achievements in the Darnley case. I am very aware of the toll the case has taken on Michael Darnley over many years but ‘winning’ it has meant that at least he will be able to get compensation and achieve a better quality of life – and that is the greatest reward.”

The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony which will be streamed virtually on 1 December.