Sarah Huntbach

Legal Director - Medical Negligence

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"With over 20 years’ experience in the field of medical law, having been instructed both by individuals, families and public health organisations, my primary practice is now inquests.”

I joined Higgs LLP in January 2022 to lead the team appointed by H M Coroner Birmingham & Solihull to investigate the deaths of patients of Mr Ian Paterson, former practicing Consultant Breast Surgeon.

My passion is to help others gain an understanding of what has happened and achieve an outcome to improve lives after experiencing an unexpected and catastrophic event.  I believe that having experience of representing both individuals and NHS organisations in my litigation career I bring a measured and realistic approach to my work.

I also sit as an Assistant Coroner.  I am an accredited solicitor on the Law Society Clinical Negligence panel. Having been a manager of trainee solicitors I am hugely committed to the development of junior members of the legal profession.

  • X v ABC NHS Trust – delay in diagnosis of meningitis. My client, an 8-month baby at the time of falling ill with meningitis suffered brain damage. The claim was initially denied by the NHS Trust. Through vigorous investigation and representation, liability for the failures to identify the signs of meningitis and instigate treatment was admitted. A rounded-up settlement of £19 million was achieved for my client.
  • R v UTV NHS Trust – suicide caused by a failure to diagnose and treat mental health illness. My client instructed me to investigate the treatment of her late husband following him being discharged from the mental health unit. Such was the deterioration of his health he sadly took his own life. I represented my client at the Inquest. Admissions of failings in the care were made and the NHS Trust admitted the suicide could have been avoided. I negotiated a six figure settlement for my client and her 2 young children.

More about me

Proudest moment

Crossing over the finish line with 3 of my best friends having walked 26.2 miles along the streets of London all night (Moonwalk)

Favourite book

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

Favourite place

Favourite place is up high in the fells of the Lake District or the Alps

Interests

Playing tennis

"Determined, compassionate, hugely experienced, and a fierce litigator. You’d want her in the trenches with you if you had to fight a case"

Legal 500

"...She is remarkable and has a reassuring attitude with clients."

Chambers and Partners

"Great to work with – helpful, knowledgeable and resourceful. Always prepared to discuss and problem solve situations and share information to keep you in the loop and understand the direction being taken"

Legal 500

Meet the team