Rachael Vasmer, a partner at Walker Smith Way, the Cheshire and North Wales firm, acts for Angelique Sutcliffe, who was left paralysed after being injected with a syringe contaminated with chlorhexidine — a fluid used to clean patients before surgery — during childbirth. The Court of Appeal upheld an earlier High Court ruling that Aintree Hospitals NHS Trust was negligent, paving the way for a potential seven-figure compensation payout.

What were the main challenges in this case and the possible implications?

It has been a tough fight to establish what happened to Angelique during what should have been a routine Caesarean section. Spinal anaesthetics are given thousands of times every year for this type of procedure and do not result in the devastating injuries Angelique suffered. We first won the case nearly a year ago but have had to anxiously fight on after the trust filed an appeal. We hope that the trust will accept the Court of Appeal’s ruling, come to a quick compensation settlement and allow Angelique and her family to move on with their lives.

What was your worst day as a lawyer?

The nerve-racking experience of having to appear before a Master in the High Court on Day 3 of my articles.

What was your most memorable experience as a lawyer?

In 2000 I secured nearly £5 million for a client who had been brain-damaged at birth. At the time it was the second-highest figure awarded.

Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?

Working with Michael Glazer, of Glazer Delmar solicitors, London. I was inspired by his fantastic litigation skills that made me want to be a litigator, too. Also my husband — his support at home and with the children has helped me to further my career.

Why did you become a lawyer?

To make a difference to people’s lives. This area of the law is very important to me. As a teenager I suffered a disabling knee injury, which was misdiagnosed. I have difficulty walking and am about to have another operation on the knee, something I put off to help Angelique through this appeal. People appreciate talking to someone who has been through a similar experience. Money cannot change the results of injury but it lets people get the help that they need.

What would your advice be to anyone wanting a career in law?

Work hard. I’ve already put my son off. He says he doesn’t want to be a solicitor because he has seen how hard I have to work.

If you had not become a lawyer, what would you have chosen?

A disability rights campaigner because of my own experience of disability.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Still happy to be working at Walker Smith Way and living in beautiful North Wales.

l_tsang@hotmail.com

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