Melissa is a Partner in the Clinical Negligence Department. She joined JMW in 2006 and runs a caseload of complex claims including cerebral palsy and spinal injury cases.
Her recent settlements include obtaining a £3 million compensation settlement for a man who suffered a catastrophic brain injury after a delay in diagnosis of stroke. In 2022 she secured two separate settlements of £13 million and £11.7 million for children who had suffered severe brain injuries due to failures in their care when they were babies.
Cauda equina syndrome is another area Melissa has significant expertise in and in 2021 she secured £900,000 to assist a client whose life has been devastated by negligent treatment of the condition.
Melissa is ranked as a leading individual in legal industry guide Chambers and Partners. A contact interviewed for the 2025 edition said that “Melissa is amazing; she works really hard for clients”.
The 2025 edition of the Legal 500 also names her as a recommended lawyer. The guide includes the following testimonials provided by contacts interviewed:
“Melissa Gardner cannot be faulted. Her advice given was professional and in a way we could understand, winning the case."
"Melissa Gardner is an effective operator."
Melissa holds the Law Society’s specialist clinical negligence accreditation, which recognises her expertise and experience in the field of clinical negligence.
Read more about one of Melissa's high-value cerebral palsy cases that settled for £22 million here.
