Derek Couper
Head of Medical Negligence
I represent clients and families across the country who have placed trust and confidence in a medical professional, only to have suffered substantial losses and injury, or even death, as a result of malpractice or negligence. I am passionate about advocating for families and individuals in the pursuit of justice, and in accessing the care and rehabilitation they may need in order to regain the highest quality of life possible.
Get to know Derek
I joined Slater and Gordon in 2024 and head up our medical negligence team in Scotland, based in Edinburgh.
I represent clients from all over the country in a wide range of claims covering all aspects of medical negligence, including birth injuries, fatal cases, catastrophic injury, surgical errors and delayed or misdiagnosis.
I have a particular interest and experience in birth injury cases, including the investigation of cerebral palsy diagnoses and whether appropriate care and intervention would have prevented the outcome.
I am a confident and experienced litigator, having appeared in Courts across Scotland. I have dealt with cases raised in the Court of Session, both Inner House and Outer House, and in the UK Supreme Court.
Career highlights
Every time I achieve a positive outcome for victims of medical negligence or malpractice, it’s a career highlight for me.
I was delighted to secure an eight-figure settlement for a family without the need to progress the case to an evidential hearing. The case involved a diagnosis of hypoxia induced cerebral palsy, and the compensation secured will mean that appropriate care and services can be provided for as many years to come as necessary. This case was regarded as being the highest-value personal injury case ever to settle in Scotland, at the time of its resolution.
Recognition
I have been consistently ranked by independent, international legal publication Chambers and Partners as an ‘Associate to Watch’. I am also noted as being “recognised by peers across the profession as a leader in this area”.
It states: “Derek Couper is highlighted for his ability to advise clients on a range of matters, including cauda equina, sepsis and fatal cases. He is very good with clients; he has a nice rapport."
I am also recognised in the independent legal guide, Legal 500, as a Key Lawyer in the practice area of medical negligence.
The extra mile
I enjoy supporting our charity partner Finding Your Feet, an organisation which provides support to amputees and those living with limb difference. I’ve arranged for Slater and Gordon to provide regular financial support to the charity, and I am involved in organising regular fundraising and other events with staff and volunteers.