Elizabeth Smith

Partner

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Elizabeth is a Partner and Chartered Legal Executive acting exclusively for claimants in clinical negligence and personal injury claims. She leads both the clinical negligence and personal injury departments and has built a distinguished career in litigation since 2003. Elizabeth qualified as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives in 2009 and has since worked exclusively for claimants in clinical negligence litigation. She is a member of the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Specialist Panel, a member of AvMA’s Clinical Negligence Specialist Panel, and holds APIL accreditation in Clinical Negligence and Birth Injuries, with Senior Litigator status. Elizabeth specialises in complex and high-value cases, including: Medical negligence, including clinical and oncology cases and wrongful birth claims Catastrophic injuries, including child and adult brain injuries, spinal injuries and birth injuries High-stakes missed diagnoses such as tumours, hydrocephalus, infections, meningitis, strokes, and cardiac arrest resulting in hypoxia Cases involving subarachnoid and subdural bleedings Elizabeth has extensive experience securing substantial compensation for victims of medical negligence and catastrophic injury through detailed negotiation and litigation. Her work includes numerous multi-million-pound settlements, particularly in cerebral palsy claims involving intrapartum hypoxia or asphyxia, congenital cardiac defects, Group B Strep and maternal infections. She has also handled significant brain and spinal injury claims, including those arising from meningitis, hydrocephalus and stroke. Elizabeth played a key role in the high-profile Polmear v Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust litigation, in which the Trust admitted liability for failing to diagnose a child’s pulmonary veno-occlusive disease. The case reached the Supreme Court in 2024, addressing whether parents could claim for psychiatric injury after witnessing a child’s death due to clinical negligence. Elizabeth’s contributions to preparing and presenting the case were pivotal during this landmark legal journey. Elizabeth is known for combining technical expertise with compassion. She supervises a dedicated team of legal executives, solicitors, assistants and paralegals, ensuring each client receives attentive and empathetic support. Feedback from clients reflects her commitment: “Making a claim whilst daunting at times was made a lot easier with the help and friendly nature provided to Liz and her team… life changing result.”

  • Regulated by: The Solicitors Regulation Authority

  • Regulator ID: 627755

  • Based in Plymouth, Devon
  • Licensed for 7 years

Accepting new clients via ReviewSolicitors

Elizabeth is a Partner and Chartered Legal Executive acting exclusively for claimants in clinical negligence and personal injury claims. She leads both the clinical negligence and personal injury departments and has built a distinguished career in litigation since 2003. Elizabeth qualified as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives in 2009 and has since worked exclusively for claimants in clinical negligence litigation. She is a member of the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Specialist Panel, a member of AvMA’s Clinical Negligence Specialist Panel, and holds APIL accreditation in Clinical Negligence and Birth Injuries, with Senior Litigator status. Elizabeth specialises in complex and high-value cases, including: Medical negligence, including clinical and oncology cases and wrongful birth claims Catastrophic injuries, including child and adult brain injuries, spinal injuries and birth injuries High-stakes missed diagnoses such as tumours, hydrocephalus, infections, meningitis, strokes, and cardiac arrest resulting in hypoxia Cases involving subarachnoid and subdural bleedings Elizabeth has extensive experience securing substantial compensation for victims of medical negligence and catastrophic injury through detailed negotiation and litigation. Her work includes numerous multi-million-pound settlements, particularly in cerebral palsy claims involving intrapartum hypoxia or asphyxia, congenital cardiac defects, Group B Strep and maternal infections. She has also handled significant brain and spinal injury claims, including those arising from meningitis, hydrocephalus and stroke. Elizabeth played a key role in the high-profile Polmear v Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust litigation, in which the Trust admitted liability for failing to diagnose a child’s pulmonary veno-occlusive disease. The case reached the Supreme Court in 2024, addressing whether parents could claim for psychiatric injury after witnessing a child’s death due to clinical negligence. Elizabeth’s contributions to preparing and presenting the case were pivotal during this landmark legal journey. Elizabeth is known for combining technical expertise with compassion. She supervises a dedicated team of legal executives, solicitors, assistants and paralegals, ensuring each client receives attentive and empathetic support. Feedback from clients reflects her commitment: “Making a claim whilst daunting at times was made a lot easier with the help and friendly nature provided to Liz and her team… life changing result.”

  • Regulated by: The Solicitors Regulation Authority

  • Regulator ID: 627755

  • Based in Plymouth, Devon
  • Licensed for 7 years

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Elizabeth Smith

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5.0
Excellent
95%+
Value for
Money
95%+
Success
Rate
95%+
Would
Recommend
Communication 5.0/5
Initial Impressions 4.8/5
Approachability 5.0/5
Documentation Accuracy 5.0/5
Legal Knowledge 5.0/5
Value for money 4.8/5
Expertise

Experience

  • Wolferstans

    SRA-approved manager - Partner

    Until Present

Languages spoken

  • English

Opening hours

Monday 08:30–17:30
Tuesday 08:30–17:30
Wednesday 08:30–17:30
Thursday 08:30–17:30
Friday 08:30–17:30
Saturday (Closed)
Sunday (Closed)

60-66 North Hill, City Centre, Plymouth, PL4 8EP

Reviews

5.0 /5 6 Reviews
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Sophia

Verified
Clinical Negligence

Amazing big thank you!!

I had an amazing experience with this firm. Both Ann and Elizabeth have been amazing from start to finish - always keeping me updated and making sure I understood each step of the process. Their communication was clear, consistent and reassuring. They made me feel completely at ease during what could have been a stressful time and their support has truly helped me every step of the way. I felt listed to, cared for, and confident knowing they were handling my case. I’m incredibly grateful for their professionalism, kindness and dedication. I would highly recoomend them to anyone looking for outstanding legal support. Thank you both once again.

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A representative from Wolferstans responded to this review

Hi Sophia, Thank you for taking the time to share such a thoughtful review. We’re delighted to hear that Ann and Elizabeth provided such clear, consistent and reassuring support from start to finish. Knowing that you felt listened to, cared for and confident throughout what could have been a stressful process means a great deal to us. Your comments about their professionalism, kindness and dedication will be greatly appreciated, and we’ll be sure to pass on your kind words. Thank you again for your recommendation and for placing your trust in us. Best wishes, Wolferstans LLP.

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Karen

Verified
Clinical Negligence

Absolutely amazing team

I don’t even know where to start, I recommend using Wolferstans they are the most amazing company to deal with. Not only are they on your side they are always there for you every step of the way through the whole process. I couldn’t be more thankful to you all for standing by my every step of the way even if I was a pain at times!!!! Xx

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A representative from Wolferstans responded to this review

Hi Karen, Thank you for your incredibly kind words and recommendation. We are touched by your feedback and so pleased to hear that you felt supported every step of the way. It is always our aim to be there for our clients, especially during challenging times, and knowing that we made a difference means the world to us. Thank you again for placing your trust in us. We are always here whenever you need us. Best wishes, Wolferstans LLP.

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Anonymous

Verified
Clinical Negligence

Very Professional

Liz Smith handles my case in a very professional and considerate manner. It was a lengthy process but Liz stayed on top of everything and communicated well, always keeping me informed quickly of any developments. Liz acknowledged the result that we set out to achieve and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending or using Liz again in future.

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A representative from Wolferstans responded to this review

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding the services provided by Liz Smith at Wolferstans Solicitors. We are committed to ensuring that our clients receive the highest standard of care and support during such challenging times. Liz's dedication to staying on top of everything and maintaining open lines of communication, promptly updating you on any developments, is commendable. We truly appreciate your trust in Liz and our firm. Should you require further assistance or support in the future, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help and provide the legal guidance you need.

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Marion Goodman

Verified
Clinical Negligence

Terminal Liver Cancer Could Have Been Avoided

My husband was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer in December 2019. A couple of months afterwards he received a letter from his GP Practice which said when reviewing his pathway it had become apparent he had several abnormal liver blood results dating back as far as 2006; and they apologised if this had let to his subsequent terminal cancer. My husband broke down when he read the letter, as if they had they carried out further tests/investigations years earlier, he would not be in the position he was in of having terminal cancer. I and my children has been affected by this greatly and my daughter has had to have counselling. Elizabeth Smith took on the case from my husband’s instructions and I took over when my husband sadly passed away in December 2021. Elizabeth has been amazing, she has kept me informed of proceedings at every step, very supportive, sensitive and caring and nothing was too much to ask and she always got back to me very quickly if I had a question. After two years the case was resolved and settled for £345,000. I have got justice for my husband and this will help with the healing process of losing a loving husband, father and granddad. I would highly recommend these solicitors and would use again if I need further assistance with anything. Thank you Elizabeth and your team at Wolferstans.

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A representative from Wolferstans responded to this review

We are deeply sorry for the loss of your husband and the difficult circumstances surrounding his diagnosis. Thank you for entrusting Elizabeth Smith and our team at Wolferstans Solicitors with your case. We're glad to hear that Elizabeth provided amazing support throughout the process, keeping you informed every step of the way. We hope that the resolution and settlement bring some measure of justice and assist in the healing process. Should you ever require further assistance in the future, we'd be honoured to support you. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

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KD

Clinical Negligence

I am grateful to all the team at Wolferstans, who have helped me achieve such a successful outcome to my claim for medical negligence. My heart felt thanks go to Elizabeth Smith who has led my case from the start.

Elizabeth has proved herself to be a highly intelligent, professional, hard working person, who has a committed approach to doing her best for her clients. She has a unique ability to combine professionalism with warmth and empathy. She works tirelessly to ensure her clients are kept fully informed and updated on all aspects of their case, and they fully understand each step. I cannot thank her enough for all she has done and I am confident that anyone facing the need for legal assistance will benefit greatly from her outstanding expertise and genuine desire to gain justice for her client.

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