Senior Paralegal

at  Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

To support the Legal Services Managers in the conduct of clinical negligence claims, including an initial review and synopsis of the case, provide advice on additional evidence required and to provide administrative support as necessary. To be responsible for an individual caseload of low value clinical negligence claims managing from start to finish, including the preliminary investigations, gathering of evidence, identification of relevant factual witnesses and providing a preliminary report to the Legal Services Managers advising on strategy and next steps. To assist the team in ensuring that all new claims are reviewed, that they provide sufficient information relating to allegations of negligence in accordance with the relevant Pre-Action Protocols, that a file is created and the claim is entered onto the claims database (DATIX) and that checks are made to identify if there are previous complaints/internal investigations. Where necessary, to liaise with the Claimant solicitors to obtain sufficient information to ensure compliance with the pre-action protocol and to enable an internal investigation to be undertaken, if required.
To set up new cases on DATIX, obtaining medical records, liaising with the complaints and investigations team to identify any complaint/incident investigation, reviewing medical records and identifying factual witnesses and general case management as requested by the Trusts General Counsel and Legal Services Managers. To assist in the review of evidence before it is disclosed to the Coroner, identifying if any further evidence is required and highlighting any issues or concerns to the Trusts General Counsel and Legal Services Managers. To support the Trusts General Counsel and Legal Services Managers in ensuring the smooth organisation of complex inquests and facilitating the provision of medical records and information to HM Coroners Office and/or panel solicitors. To support the Legal Services Managers in dealing with requests for medical records by Merseyside and Cheshire police forces, along with obtaining of statements from relevant healthcare professionals.
With respect to ex-gratia claims, to manage these claims in accordance with the Trusts Ex-Gratia Claims SOP. To be responsible for the management of these claims from first receipt, up to the stage of making a decision on liability. This will involve liaising with the claimant directly, Trust staff as part of the investigation process, and the Trusts General Counsel so that decisions on liability can be reached. To be responsible for and manage the Legal Services Clerk on a day-to-day basis

Please refer the Job description for details