Chris is recognised for his particular expertise in conducting major spinal injury claims, whether those involving failed spinal surgery or delays in diagnoses and particularly those involving a multiplicity of complex expert evidence (see below). He has substantial experience in the specialist issues pertinent to SCI claims, such as complete v incomplete SCI and autonomic dysreflexia and syrinx. He is keenly aware of the need for lawyers to see a claimant as an individual, not just as another ‘case’ and the concept of facilitation i.e. by care and support, mobility aids and equipment, to support aspiration and maximise quality-of-life.
Chris is regularly involved in training for the SIA and others upon litigating spinal injury claims. In 2018 he lectured upon key issues in spinal injury litigation at a high-profile/multi-disciplinary clinical and therapeutic training day at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital in Oswestry.
Exemplar cases are:
Re: AW.
(Complex “all or nothing” delayed diagnosis cervical myelopathy claim where permission given for each side to instruct no less than 12 experts on breach of duty, factual and clinical causation and quantum across four disputed scenarios with varying levels of recovery in an already orthopaedically and psychologically challenged claimant. Following intensive negotiations, a settlement of GBP 1m was achieved, subject, unusually, to an approval hearing requested by NHSR, notwithstanding that, at present, the claimant is considered to have capacity).
Re: VF.
GBP 1m (Alleged spinal injury as a result of a failure properly to identify and manage ‘spine in line’ the Claimant after a fall from a horse. Factual and clinical causation disputed. Complex issues of imaging, neurology and ‘but for’ recovery, particularly in relation to bladder, bowel, sexual dysfunction and mobility deficits).
"Chris is very thorough in his case preparation and very approachable. He is able to put clients at ease in conferences. He is also very capable of managing a team of experts."
Legal 500 2023 – Personal Injury
"Chris is extremely thorough and knowledgeable on complex medical and legal issues." "He is an excellent advocate, extremely client-focused and a pleasure to work with."
Chambers UK 2023 – Personal Injury
“A good advocate and a good negotiator. He is also very hard-working and has good judgement.” “He has a very clear and thorough manner with clients and is always willing to go the extra mile.” “Extremely thorough and knowledgeable about complex medical and legal issues.”
Chambers UK 2022 – Personal Injury
“Chris is a first-class advocate, who has a very nice way with the Judge. He is extremely familiar with catastrophic injury cases, in particular those involving amputation.”
Legal 500 2022 – Personal Injury
“Absolutely first class. He’s very experienced and incredibly approachable.” “Very thorough and has good attention to detail.” “He is always well prepared and will fight tooth and nail for his clients.”
Chambers UK 2021 – Personal Injury
“Always focused on achieving the best outcome for his clients, and adapts his style to fit the case.”
Legal 500 2021- Personal Injury
“A very approachable QC with a sensible, down-to-earth approach to complex issues.” “He is very thorough, technical and great with clients.” “His attention to detail is excellent and he never makes any mistakes.”
Chambers UK 2020
“Strong on catastrophic injury cases and spinal cord injuries in particular.”
Legal 500 2020
Appointments
Recorder - Crown and County Courts
Bencher of Gray’s Inn
Qualifications
BA (Hons) Law/Politics (Durham)
