Jonathan Baker

Jonathan Baker is a partner in the medical negligence team based in our Lincoln office.

Jonathan leads a specialist team that deals exclusively with medical negligence cases. They balance empathy and a forensic analysis of trying to help patients understand what happened and why, with a pragmatic approach to the legal processes.

His primary role is to represent patients and their families in investigating the medical treatment that was received and, where appropriate, help them to achieve compensation to help improve their lives for the future. 

He deals with a wide range of medical negligence cases but has a particular focus on those of the utmost severity, including brain injuries, birth-related injuries (such as cerebral palsy or brachial plexus), cases resulting in death, and serious injuries to children.

Key specialisms

Brain injury cases

Cases involving a brain injury can be particularly difficult for patients and their families, as the impact can be permanent and affect all aspects of their lives. These investigations can often span numerous expert fields and take time to understand the full impact of what has happened and why.

Jonathan approaches cases collaboratively with everyone involved, to help clients understand what has happened. Where possible, he helps them access rehabilitation and resources quickly to benefit their recovery.

One such case centred around an attendance at a hospital, where a client with diabetic ketoacidosis received too much fluid too quickly, followed by failures to monitor and treat a deteriorating condition, which resulted in avoidable permanent brain injury. With Jonathan’s help, the case settled with a lump sum payment of £2.2 million, followed by yearly payments of £164,500 for life, increasing with inflation, with the anticipated settlement sum in the region of £10.5 million.

Birth-related injuries

Birth-related injuries can cause long-lasting effects, both to the child and the mother. Where complications could have been avoided, Jonathan endeavours to get clients the support and compensation they need to live an independent life.

He helped a client make a claim and receive £11.5 million, following permanent brain damage and physical disabilities sustained in labour. It was found that there should have been an earlier recognition of, and reaction to, the claimant’s foetal distress. This would have led to an earlier delivery, which would have prevented his client from suffering permanent brain damage.

The case was settled with a lump sum payment of £4.15 million, followed by yearly payments of £218,000 until our client reaches 50 - when payments increase to £275,000 a year. Each of these payments will increase with inflation and it is anticipated that the settlement will eventually be worth in the region of £11.5 - £12 million.

The settlement money, managed by our Court of Protection team, will allow the family to buy a new property and have it specially adapted to suit his client’s needs. It will also pay for tailored, round-the-clock care, along with various therapies, aids, and equipment to maximise independence.

Memberships and voluntary work

Jonathan is accredited to the Law Society’s Clinical Negligence Scheme. He is widely acknowledged for his work in medical negligence, with recognition from both Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500.

He organises the firm’s involvement in the mentoring scheme at the University of Lincoln. Further, he is also involved in coordinating Wilkin Chapman’s law placement module with the university.