Matthew Westlake

Matt is a partner in the medical negligence department based in Leeds, having specialised in this area of law since qualification in 2016. Prior to this Matt gained a Neuroscience degree from Bristol University, before studying post-graduate law and joining Leigh Day in 2012.

Matt has a varied caseload covering a wide range of complex claims, including obstetric, spinal, orthopaedic, ophthalmic, and brain injuries. He also advises on claims as a result of delay in diagnosis of cancer and other serious illnesses.

Matt is experienced in providing representation to families at inquests where loved ones have died as a result of negligent medical care.

What clients say about Matt

"Matthew Westlake and Suzanne White have been my rock through this process, they have genuinely huge hearts and outstanding skills in their field. Their words were always kind and made sure I could keep up with language I could understand, and fought this case through to the very happy end. I could never recommend anybody else, I have absolute trust in Leigh Day and words cannot express my gratitude!" - Poppy McCarthy via Trustpilot

“Matthew Westlake of Leigh Day represented me after the sudden death of my mother due to complications from a bile leak. He was empathic, compassionate and kept me updated regularly. His tenacity in pursuing the truth as to what happened to my mother and achieving the outcome we wanted is so appreciated by myself and my family, I cannot recommend Leigh Day enough.” via Trustpilot

"I have you to thank though for making this such an easy process and really letting me be heard, it's a great feeling." - client of Matthew Westlake.

What the directories say

Legal 500 2023 described Matt as 'one to watch'

Legal expertise

Matt gained a Neuroscience degree from Bristol University in 2010 before qualifying in law and moving to Leigh Day as a paralegal in 2012. During his training contract Matt worked within the areas of both clinical negligence and product liability, assisting in cases involving substantial amounts of compensation for people who have suffered serious injuries as a result of clinical errors and allegedly faulty products.

Matt qualified as a solicitor in 2016. He is a member of Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA) and is accredited as a Senior Litigator by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).

Key cases

• Securing more than £30 million in compensation for a child who suffered near-total deprivation of oxygen at his birth which will help to provide lifelong care.
• Representing the family of a woman who died following a delay in diagnosing and treating complications of gall bladder surgery.
• Settling a claim on behalf of a client following a hospital’s failure to detect and treat testicular torsion.
• Obtaining a substantial settlement that protects against future deterioration on behalf of a client whose negligent follow-up care for bowel surgery left her with irreversible kidney damage.
• Obtaining a five-figure settlement for a child following late diagnosis of Grisel's syndrome, a dislocation of a joint in the neck caused by adjacent tissue inflammation, which required spinal fusion surgery.
• Representing family members who witnessed the traumatic death of a relative following negligent discharge from hospital.
• Achieving settlement for a client who suffered a poor outcome following monovision lens implants.
• Resolving a claim on behalf of a client who underwent inappropriate treatment for prostate cancer.

What Matt says

“I care passionately about my clients who are often going through the very worst experiences, and work hard to achieve the best outcomes possible for them. I pride myself on my ability to offer clear and unambiguous advice, whilst striving to ensure clients feel well supported at all times, mindful of the emotional toll that litigation can take.”

Membership

Matt is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and Action against Medical Accidents (AvMA).