Lydia Barnett

Lydia studied Law and Philosophy at Kent University, before completing her Legal Practice Course at The College of Law in Guildford in 2003. Lydia began working at Coles Miller in 2004, initially assisting the Head of the Personal Injury Department in high value brain injury cases for over 3 years before embarking on her Training Contract. Lydia has specialised in medical negligence since 2008, subsequently qualifying as a Solicitor in March 2009. She was made Partner on 1 May 2015.

Lydia has a special interest in cases involving brain injuries and delayed diagnosis of strokes; substandard hysterectomies; bowel, bladder and gastrointestinal injuries; kidney failure, dialysis and transplants; obstetrics; cardiac injuries; claims against opticians; delay in diagnosis of scaphoid fractures; failed hernia operations; product liability and complex consent issues. 

In March 2020, Lydia had an article published in the Personal Injury Law Journal in which she explores the causes of high legal fee costs for the NHS and considers the improvements which are necessary.

NHS litigation fees: Reducing costs in clinical negligence cases.

Lydia prides herself on giving an efficient, friendly and approachable service in circumstances which can be particularly difficult for clients. Lydia is a proactive supporter of local business and charity, regularly attending Dorset Chamber events and fundraisers for Wessex Cancer Trust, Julia’s House and Diverse Abilities

Career Highlights

Throughout the course of my legal career, I've won a number of high value and complex cases involving kidney/renal failure, including delay in diagnosis and treatment of congenital renal conditions and failure to adequately monitor renal failure as a known side effect of long- term medication use.  My specialisms include birth injuries resulting brain damage/ cerebral palsy, serious bladder, gynaecological and brain injuries. My involvement does not always end even after achieving settlement, as I often continue to support my clients in terms of supporting their rehabilitation and care requirements.

Notable cases:
Represented a Claimant who suffered a serious permanent bladder Injury.  Settlement was achieved at the sum of £815,000 at mediation.

Currently representing a Claimant who has suffered catastrophic bladder and neurological injuries as a result of a TOT tape to treat urinary stress incontinence, damages currently pleaded at over £1.4 million.

Currently representing a Claimant in a multi- million- pound obstetric case whereby the young claimant, has suffered Cerebral Palsy as a result of negligent medical treatment at birth. Early judgement has been secured in the case and Coles Miller continue to provide support to the claimant, in terms of rehabilitation and care requirements, as well as pursuing damages, in the years to come.

Currently representing twins in another high value case involving poor obstetric care and resulting in hypoxic brain injury.

Represented a Claimant who will require dialysis and two kidney transplants in her lifetime due to admitted negligence. Settlement was achieved at the sum of £500,000, with a claim for Provisional Damages triggered should the transplants fail.

Represented a Claimant in a case which involved the 20 year acceleration of renal failure and a transplant in the Claimant’s lifetime due to the admitted negligence, resulting in a final settlement of £180,000.