Lucy Coulson is a specialist in the fields of personal injury, clinical negligence and coronial law.
Lucy specialises in all aspects of personal injury and civil law, with a particular emphasis on employers’ liability and public liability cases. Recently, she has seen increasing instructions in cases relating to bullying, harassment and sexual assault in the workplace.
Lucy has a busy paperwork practice, both advisory and drafting. She appreciates the importance of engaging with cases at an early stage in order to identify issues, provide practical advice and prepare cases thoroughly. Lucy is experienced in undertaking conferences with clients and experts covering complex issues including liability, causation and quantum. Lucy is adept at advising in cases involving vulnerable clients: her manner allows for thorough examination of the issues whilst remaining sensitive to the needs of the lay client. She is known to be approachable and professional.
Lucy receives instructions from both claimants and defendants and will accept instructions on a Conditional Fee basis where appropriate. Lucy is often able to offer an urgent turnaround of paperwork where required.
Lucy was appointed to the Attorney General’s Civil Regional B Panel in 2023. Lucy is regularly instructed by government departments, including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Defence, Home Office and Department for Work and Pensions, to provide advice, pleadings and representation at hearings. She has advised on sensitive and legally complex matters.
Lucy successfully defended a claim by a prison officer in a private prison arising from an assault by a prisoner whilst on duty. Following forensic cross examination, the court found that the Claimant had failed to follow clear instructions not to open any cell doors.
Settled a claim at JSM for a Defendant at £150,000. The Claimant sought £1,700,000 for damages for bullying and harassment, however faced significant fundamental dishonesty risks due to inconsistencies between her working history and that declared to the experts.
Succeeded at trial in establishing liability under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. The Claimant slipped on a wet dance floor at a wedding. The Defendant were found to have failed to institute a reasonable system of inspection.
Succeeded at trial in establishing liability against an employer for failing to institute a safe system of work, resulting in the Claimant sustaining significant injury when a box fell on her leg.
Attended Joint Settlement Meeting for the Defendant for an injury to the Claimant arising at work with a samurai sword, resulting in early discharge from the army. Claim settled for £950,000.
The Claimant was attacked by a dog whilst at work in a dogs rehoming centre. Due to faulty radios provided by her employer, she was trapped in a kennel with the dog for some time without help and was in fear for her life, resulting in PTSD. Advised the Claimant on liability and causation.
Advised and represented the Claimant following a serious crush injury which was sustained when the Claimant’s arm was dragged into machinery. Advised on causation of complex injuries to the wrist, elbow, shoulder and neck which prevented the Claimant from returning to manual work.
Advised and represented the Defendant to trial in a liability claim arising from a prisoner on prisoner assault. The prisoner alleged vulnerability due to his recent sentencing for a sexual offence, resulting in a targeted assault.
Successfully established liability for the Claimant at multi track trial involving expert engineering evidence. The Claimant was crushed by an electric gate which fell off its rollers when manualised. The Defendant had altered the gate to manual on a temporary basis whilst providing a quote, but failed to warn the Claimant of the risks of the gate falling off its rollers. The Claimant was crushed and sustained serious injury. The claim subsequently settled for £80,000.
Advised the Claimant following a serious crush injury whilst at work. The Claimant sustained fractures to L1, affecting his ability to return to high skilled work as a Rope Access Technician and Roofer. The claim subsequently settled for £150,000.
Advised on liability and quantum in a product liability claim. Child was injured by a needle when he bit into a doughnut, resulting in a severe psychiatric injury.
Advised and drafted pleadings for a Claimant in relation to an employers’ liability multitrack claim. Proceedings were issued several months after limitation had expired due to file handler error. Liability remained in dispute and a limitation defence raised. Preparations were made for an application to disapply limitation pursuant to Section 33 of the Limitation Act 1980, following which the claim was settled at £50,000.
Advised on pre-action letter of claim and quantum: employee sustained a psychological injury sustained when they were given sight of a disturbing threatening letter from a third party, breach of duty alleged based upon the manner the information was disseminated.
Successfully represented a Claimant in an RTA liability trial. The Defendant alleged that no accident had taken place and sought a finding of fundamental dishonesty against the Claimant. To the contrary, the court found that the Defendant driver caused an accident and was under the influence of alcohol at the time. The Defendant driver was found to have wholly mislead the court in evidence.
Advised and drafted pleadings in a multitrack public liability case. The Claimant had sustained a long spiral comminuted fracture of her mid and distal femur when she fell down an open manhole cover. The psychological trauma also resulted in the development of Crohn’s disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Advised on the extensive care and assistance, aids and equipment claim, as well as the complex and unusual gastrointestinal injuries sustained. Considered causation issues due to the Claimant’s pre-existing health conditions. Following issue, the claim settled in the sum of £175,000.
Represented a Claimant at fast track trial whose breast implant was dislodged as a result of a road traffic accident. The implant moved out of place, resulting in the Claimant’s breast being asymmetrical and necessitating breast re-augmentation surgery under general anaesthetic.
Successfully represented a Claimant cyclist and established 100% liability against a pedestrian who stepped out from behind a refuse wagon without looking.
Represented a Claimant who fell ill with food poisoning after breaking his Ramadan fast in an immigration detention centre. Successfully established causation of post infective irritable bowel syndrome which was likely to be permanent.
Lucy practices the following areas:
Lucy has a burgeoning practice in professional disciplinary proceedings and accepts instructions in aspects of regulatory law.
Lucy is a specialist in misconduct proceedings before the Teaching Regulation Agency (formerly the NCTL/GTC). Lucy is often called upon in complex or sensitive cases where independent counsel is required.
Lucy has dealt with a wide range of conduct issues before the TRA, including physical assault, sexual assault, exam malpractice and off rolling. Lucy regularly engages with vulnerable witnesses and implements protocols for achieving best evidence.
Lucy has previously been instructed to represent the Care Quality Commission in the Health, Education and Social Care Tribunal and the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Instructed for the TRA in a misconduct hearing relating to SATS malpractice, including passing off guided work as independent work and over scaffolding work. All allegations proven against both teachers and found to amount to dishonesty.
Presenting Officer for the TRA in a misconduct hearing relating to failure to disclose ongoing investigations and prohibition from teaching in a foreign jurisdiction. Allegations found proven and to demonstrate a lack of integrity.
Presenting Officer for the TRA in a misconduct hearing relating to unreasonable use of force against young children.
Instructed for the CQC in an appeal against a Notice of Decision to cancel a care home’s registration to provide regulated services. Advised and drafted Scott Schedule for the CQC in preparation for appeal hearing in the Health, Education and Social Care Tribunal.
Presenting Officer for the TRA in a complex mutli-handed hearing involving allegations of census maladministration (known as ‘off rolling’) and coursework malpractice.
Represented the TRA as Presenting Officer in a case involving allegations of a historic sexual relationship between a student and teacher. Hearing took place via video over 4 days. It involved preliminary applications relating to admissibility and whether the panel ought to recuse themselves in the circumstances. The case required sensitive witness handling given the nature of the allegations, the passage of time and the online forum of the hearing. All the allegations against the teacher were found proven. The teacher has been prohibited from teaching indefinitely, with no opportunity for review.
Secured a finding of unacceptable professional conduct arising from the use of racist and/or derogatory language in front of pupils.
M v G (2018): Advised Claimant on liability and quantum in an employer’s liability claim where the Claimant lost his forefinger in machinery. The Claimant had not received training on that particular machine but did have significant experience in industry and similar machines which gave rise to an argument of contributory negligence.
Assisted in securing a finding of unacceptable professional conduct arising from the use of inappropriate language towards pupils and actions that were found to be sexually motivated.
Advised Defendant in a HSE prosecution for breach of duty involving alleged breaches of duty by removing asbestos from a site without a licence and represented at sentencing hearing.
Lucy has experience in inquests particularly representing government bodies as Interested Persons following the death of individuals in state custody. She is experienced in dealing with Article 2 inquests and those heard before a jury. Her personal injury practice complements her inquest practice, enabling her to advise in both civil proceedings and linked coronial proceedings.
Lucy recently appeared for HMPPS in a 2 week inquest examining the circumstances of a prisoner’s death by suicide, including how his self harm and suicide risks were managed. Lucy provided sensitive support to staff and practical advice as to how to address the coroner’s concerns relating to preventing future deaths.
Lucy has also represented the Home Office in an inquest relating to a death in a ‘Mirgrant Hotel’.
Lucy represented the Home Office in an inquest relating to a dead of an asylum seeker in a ‘Migrant Hotel’.
Lucy represented the Ministry of Justice in a 5 day Inquest into the death of a prisoner. The medical evidence was complex, but ultimately concluded the cause of death to be sudden unexpected death in adults with schizophrenia. The inquest examined whether the first aid provision within the prison was sufficient.
Lucy represented the Ministry of Justice in a 2 week jury inquest into the death of a prisoner. The inquest examined in detail the circumstances of Mr Davies’ death, including his access to healthcare and whether an ACCT ought to have been opened at an earlier date.
Lucy has a burgeoning practice in clinical negligence. Recent instructions have included dental negligence and delays in diagnosis of cancer.
Lucy accepts instructions in fast track and multitrack value cases, as well as in inquests. She is able to assist with the drafting of pleadings as well as providing advice on liability and quantum. She regularly conducts conferences with experts.
Lucy is adept at advising in cases involving vulnerable clients: her manner allows for thorough examination of the issues whilst remaining sensitive to the needs of the lay client. She is known to be approachable and professional.
Lucy receives instructions from both claimants and defendants and will accept instructions on a Conditional Fee basis where appropriate. Lucy is often able to offer an urgent turnaround of paperwork where required.
Lucy has recently presented at the AvMA Law, Protection and Procedure Conference.
The Court of Appeal has granted an anonymity order in PMC v A Local Health Board [2025] EWHC 1126 and affirmed the guidance in JX…
‘The Trial That Goes Wrong!’ No5’s Personal Injury Group present an interactive mock trial designed to highlight common pitfalls at trial and how to avoid…
"Lucy Coulson is known for her personal injury work with a public liability focus. She represents clients in matters made complicated by causational disputes and conflicting expert testimony."
"Lucy is a fantastic analytical barrister. She is friendly with clients but exceptionally thorough and clear in her approach."
"Lucy is an excellent advocate in disciplinary matters. She combines rigorous and perceptive analysis with a clear, calm, non-confrontational approach in the hearing room which ensures that the regulator’s case is advanced ethically, efficiently and effectively. She is one of the best."
"Lucy is an absolutely brilliant barrister. She goes out of her way and provides clear, simple advice when you need to cut through the complexity."
"Lucy is a tenacious advocate. She gets straight to the heart of cases and can pull any witness apart with her forensic cross-examination."
"Lucy is terrific - she is a really good advocate and very measured in her approach."
"Lucy is a delight to work with. She delivers excellent results, even in the most challenging circumstances."
"A bright and fair-minded regulatory advocate who does the best possible job on behalf of the regulator presenting the case and cross- examines very effectively."
"Lucy is extremely thorough, calm, supportive and methodical in her approach. She is prompt on paper and easy to contact."
"Lucy is everything one would want in presenting in professional disciplinary matters. She is clear, collegiate, fair, able to see the wood for the trees, persuasive, reasonable and very effective."
"Lucy is excellent - a lovely advocate with a gentle manner but a fierce mind. She is regularly instructed in the most complex of matters requiring the greatest sensitivity."
"Lucy is a great all-rounder. She combines a fair, thoughtful and rigorous approach with highly effective advocacy. She is a delightful opponent and the ablest prosecuting counsel."
The Court of Appeal has granted an anonymity order in PMC v A Local Health Board [2025] EWHC 1126 and affirmed the guidance in JX…
‘The Trial That Goes Wrong!’ No5’s Personal Injury Group present an interactive mock trial designed to highlight common pitfalls at trial and how to avoid…
