A LOCAL law firm has strengthened its medical negligence department, with a solicitor who began his career at the firm promoted to head up the growing team.
Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers has appointed Daniel Phelps as Head of Medical Negligence as it continues to expand its specialist team.
Daniel qualified as a solicitor with Pearson in 2022 after completing his training contract with the Oldham-based firm. He has since developed expertise in clinical negligence, helping people and families dealing with the often life-changing consequences of medical treatment that has gone wrong.
In his new role, he will lead a team representing clients across the UK who believe they have suffered avoidable harm through medical, clinical or surgical negligence.
The department handles a wide range of cases, from delayed diagnoses and surgical errors to birth injuries, cerebral palsy, serious brain and spinal injuries, sight loss and prescription mistakes.
Speaking about his appointment, Daniel said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Head of Medical Negligence at Pearson. Having trained and qualified at the firm, it is particularly rewarding to now lead a team that is so committed to helping people who have been affected by medical negligence.
“For clients, making a medical negligence claim can be daunting. They may be seeking answers about what happened to them or a loved one at a time when they are already dealing with the consequences of an injury or illness. Our role is not simply about pursuing a claim – it is about listening, explaining things clearly and supporting people throughout the process.
“We have a fantastic team with a broad range of experience, and I am excited about continuing to develop the department and the service we provide to our clients.”
New faces and growing experience
Daniel’s promotion comes amid a series of appointments and developments within the department.
Andrew Yaw joined Pearson in January 2026, bringing more than 20 years of experience representing people affected by accidents and medical negligence.
He has spent the past decade specialising exclusively in medical negligence, with experience handling complex cases involving fatal claims, serious brain and spinal injuries, delayed cancer diagnoses and life-changing injuries.
Clinical Negligence Solicitor Haseena Zaitoon Ahmed joined in May 2026. Having qualified in 2021, she brings a background in personal injury litigation and a particular interest in investigating complex medical records to establish where treatment may have gone wrong.
The team also welcomed Hafsa Khan as a paralegal in March 2026. Hafsa qualified as a midwife in 2025 and previously worked in clinical practice at The Highfield Hospital in Rochdale.
Her first-hand experience of patient care and healthcare procedures is now being put to use in medical negligence investigations and case preparation.
There has also been progression from within the firm, with Sophia Rawlings qualifying as a solicitor in July 2026 after completing her training contract at Pearson.
Sophia joined the department following experience in catastrophic injury, Employers’ Liability and Public Liability work. She began her training contract in January 2025 while studying for her LLM and Legal Practice Course at BPP University in Manchester.
Supporting people through difficult cases
Medical negligence claims can be particularly challenging for those involved, often coming at a time when individuals and families are already coping with serious injuries, illness or bereavement.
Pearson’s team assists clients with obtaining medical records, investigating treatment, instructing medical experts and exploring funding options.
Director Joanne Ormston said Daniel’s appointment reflected his development within the business and the growing strength of the department.
She said: “Daniel’s appointment as Head of Medical Negligence reflects both his development within Pearson and how he has contributed to the talent and the strength of the team he is now leading.
“What stands out about this department is the combination of legal expertise, specialist medical knowledge and, importantly, a genuine understanding of the people behind the cases.
“We have continued to invest in the team by bringing in experienced solicitors such as Andrew and Haseena, while also developing the next generation of lawyers through people such as Sophia, who has qualified as a solicitor within the firm, and the recruitment of Hafsa, a qualified midwife from the NHS.
“Medical negligence cases can have a profound and lasting impact on individuals and families. Our aim is to make sure clients have access to experienced specialists who can provide clear advice, compassionate support and a thorough investigation of what happened.”
Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers has offices in Oldham, Uppermill, Failsworth and Milnrow. Its medical negligence team represents clients across the UK, with home and hospital visits available where appropriate, alongside telephone, email and video appointments.