Johanne Charles-Ward

Johanne is a very experienced Solicitor in the Clinical Negligence department at Sternberg Reed. She was admitted as a Solicitor in May 2002 and joined Sternberg Reed in 2006. She is also a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).

Johanne has over 13 years’ experience dealing solely with clients who have been injured as a result of negligent medical care. She deals with cases on behalf of children and adults who have received treatment from GPs, private doctors, hospitals and dentists and National Health Service (NHS) doctors/hospitals, and dentists.

Based at our Barking office, Johanne undertakes a wide range of clinical negligence cases ranging from clients who have suffered moderate temporary and permanent injuries, to clients who have suffered severe life changing injuries, e.g. brain injury, stroke, limb amputation etc. Her cases include obstetric and gynaecological injuries, orthopaedic injuries, abdominal injuries, neurological injuries (injuries affecting the brain, spinal cord and nerves), dental injuries and fatal injuries (where a person has died as a result of negligent medical care). Johanne also has experience in dealing with clients who have been injured through cosmetic surgery and non surgical cosmetic procedures.

Johanne deals sensitively with clients, acknowledging that many injuries result in life changing situations which affect clients emotionally as well as physically. In dealing with fatal injury cases, Johanne acknowledges that the grieving process continues for many years even beyond the legal process. Johanne understands that these and other considerations are key to dealing effectively with clients, treating every client on an individual basis according to their needs. Johanne works with her clients seeking not only compensation in monetary terms but also in terms of future change where this can be achieved, for example, changes in hospital, GP or dental practice procedures, to prevent similar failings happening again and causing injury to others.

What clients say about Johanne

“From the day Johanne as I came to know her took my case, she has been an outstanding professional.

 Johanne kept my informed of the progress of my case every step of the way. When I initially started the process my emotions were extremely raw and Johanne treated me with a great deal of compassion and understanding. 

In the latter stages of the case she was a tough negotiator against our opposition and due to her skill and expertise she secured the desired outcome of the case. She was meticulous in her preparation of the case and covered all eventualities. I often joked with her that I wouldn’t like to play poker with her. 

There are so many instances of the three years that impressed me about Johanne they are too numerous to mention. I have dealt with many solicitors for various reasons over the years and I have never received a service from them that I have received from your firm.”

“Thank you for everything I could not have wished for a better person than you on my side.”

 “I felt relaxed and comfortable at all meetings held in the office etc and was spoken to in a language that I could understand.”

“Johanne took my thoughts and feelings into consideration, and explained complicated matters to me in simple english, without making me feel stupid.”