Chris is Head of the Clinical Negligence Group at No5 and is consistently recommended by the legal directories as a leading Silk who is highly experienced and expert in conducting the highest level of clinical negligence claims, including those arising from general, spinal and neurological surgery.
Chris is known by solicitors for his approachability in informally screening cases at an early stage and providing constructive advice upon tactics and the instruction of recommended experts, and for his expertise in complex causation and quantum issues and issues relating to CCG/Local Authority statutory funding and PPOs.
Examples of surgical cases are:
Re: DB.
Discounted litigation risk lump sum settlement of GBP 1.5m with no Peters undertaking as to existing statutory funding. Extradural collection demonstrable on MRI following spinal decompression surgery mandated immediate surgery but was conservatively managed causing permanent neurological deficits and wheelchair dependency. Particular complexities due to multi-expert dispute as to the extent of the claimant’s ‘but for’ recovery and, due to his pre-existing psychological vulnerabilities, his continuing psychological presentation and overall levels of recovery.
Re: IK.
Young claimant suffered multiple gunshot wounds but the defendant hospital staff failed properly to manage damage to the femoral vessels of his left leg leading to repeated surgical intervention and ultimately a below-knee amputation. Settled for a lump sum of GBP 3m (the claimant’s preference) the day before a fully contested 7-day trial involving orthopaedic, vascular, psychiatric, prosthetic, care, physiotherapy and accommodation experts on both sides.
Re: JF.
Lump sum of GBP 1.25m (Claim involving a young man who sustained a femoral fracture in a RTA, but who developed an avoidable compartment syndrome in the contra-lateral leg during surgical fixation of the fracture, leading to the above-knee amputation of the uninjured leg. Complex issues on causation involving multi-disciplinary expert evidence).
Re: S.
Lump sum of GBP 455,000 (Failure to diagnose epidural abscess).
Re: AS.
Lump sum of GBP 550,000 (Death of a husband/father due to a delayed diagnosis of epidural abscess).
"He is a very good technical barrister." "Chris demonstrates excellent client care." "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." "Chris is an excellent barrister with an eye for detail."
Chambers UK 2023 – Clinical Negligence
"He is a very good technical barrister." "Chris demonstrates excellent client care." "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." "Chris is an excellent barrister with an eye for detail."
Legal 500 2023 – Clinical Negligence
“Superb with clients - he inspires confidence.” “He is a very charming silk and his strength lies in being able to channel numerous complex issues into a coherent argument.”
Chambers UK 2022 – Clinical Negligence
Ranked as a Tier 1 leading silk in Clinical Negligence.
Legal 500 2022 – Clinical Negligence
“Very knowledgeable, communicative and excellent with clients.”
Chambers UK 2021 – Clinical Negligence
“Extremely thorough and knowledgeable about complex medical and legal issues.”
Legal 500 2021 - Clinical Negligence
“He has a brain the size of a planet.” “He is very thorough and very technically accurate.” “Tactically astute and a poised advocate.”
Chambers UK 2020
“Always extremely well-prepared and on top of all the issues.”
Legal 500 2020
Appointments
Recorder - Crown and County Courts
Bencher of Gray’s Inn
Qualifications
BA (Hons) Law/Politics (Durham)
Publications
Chris Bright QC and Teresa Hargreaves secure GBP 1.5m damages for claimant in clin neg spinal surgery claim
