Sarah Harper

With over 30 years’ experience, I act exclusively for patients and their families affected by medical negligence.

I have a strong track record in high-value and life-changing cases. I’ve previously secured a multi-million-pound settlement for an amputee client, obtained damages including the cost of US surrogacy for a woman who lost her fertility due to a gynaecological injury, and ensured an elderly client who lost her sight could purchase a bungalow after being unable to remain in her mobile home. I’ve also represented a widow whose husband died following a delayed bowel cancer diagnosis—securing a settlement that ensures long-term financial stability for her and their two young children.

I take a compassionate and tailored approach and provide dedicated support to each client, helping them navigate complex and emotionally challenging claims. I’m also a supporter of the Campaign for Safer Births, which advocates for maternity safety and legal reform around stillbirth inquests.

I am interested in the medical science behind the claims for clinical negligence, driven by an early interest in haematology when a close relative was diagnosed at a young age with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. I followed this interest and my first job was as a medical laboratory scientific officer in a hospital in the haematology department. I quickly decided, however, that this was not "hands on " enough for me and although I was helping people I wanted more personal contact. I changed jobs and worked in a Solicitor's office and found that I could combine my interest in human biology and my desire to help people when they need it most into one specialism, first in personal injury , and then a better fit for me, clinical negligence. The fact that people still need me to help them to obtain justice- and the fact that I can- gives me drive to continue to do something which I am extremely passionate about.

I build up a visual picture of my client's life- home, work, family, social life, their temperament, their personality, and this helps me understand how the injuries have affected them and what sort of person they were before the negligence and after and what is important to them. I always make myself available to a client where appropriate. I am honest and straightforward in my discussions with them whilst being sympathetic and empathetic. I manage their expectations. I anticipate how they will react to certain information and give bespoke advice in a way I know will be most effective for them. I do not bow to the defendant and always put up an argument where necessary and fight my client's corner.

The team has some very experienced lawyers who are always willing to assist and provide opinion. We are also as passionate about our work as much as each other. When handling claims for clients we are collectively very thorough, very measured and unflappable. We work hard to understand our clients and put them at ease.

I have a very good case load, most of which is of high value and complex. I have become Team Leader and I am thankful to have such a great team to work with. I think the culture at fletchers is great, there does not seems to be a hierarchy which is nice, people seem genuinely lovely and approachable and willing to help.

Being with my family, walking my dog, I love history, and reading and watching Eastenders (my guilty pleasure!).