Jonathan is very experienced in cases involving spinal and catastrophic injuries and has acted in numerous cases, both for the Claimants and Defendants.
He has been involved in many cases where the Claimant has alleged there were delays in diagnosing cauda equina syndrome and has pursued many cases to a successful outcome. Such claims have generally involved A and E practitioners and general practitioners.
Jonathan’s other cases have involved spinal surgery, rehabilitation, vertebroplasties, epidural needle injuries, consent and delays in diagnosing spinal abscesses and arachnoiditis.
Jonathan has represented many patients who have suffered catastrophic injuries, include patients who have lost limbs as a result of meningococcal septicaemia, vascular complications or diabetes.
Jonathan is very familiar with the specialised care and equipment requirements which patients with spinal injuries face which includes the management of their comorbidities. Many of his cases have involved patients with numerous pre-existing conditions and extensive care requirements.
A selection of cases which Jonathan has been involved in which demonstrates the breadth of his practice is set out below:
JG v 1) Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Trust 2) Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust [2018]
Claimant contended there was a negligent delay in referring him to a Neurosurgery unit to perform urgent decompression surgery for progressive neurological deterioration. The Defendant admitted some aspect of breach of duty, but contended that even with earlier diagnosis, surgery would not have been performed due to the clinicians being involved in treating an emergency. Case settled shortly before trial for 700,000.
KG v Derby Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust [2017]
Claimant alleged there was a delay in diagnosing a spinal abscess which caused paraplegia. Breach of duty and causation disputed. Case settled at a RTM for 2 million.
LH v Secretary of State for Health [2017]
Claim for admitted delay in diagnosing cauda equina syndrome following the Claimant’s attendance at A and E. Claimant was doubly incontinent and significantly disabled and as a result, was unable to look after her children. Case settled at an RTM shortly before trial for 1 million lump sum and periodical payments of 75,000 to age 48 and 57,335 thereafter.
CG v Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust [2018]
Claimant alleged that her spinal cord was damaged as a result of a negligently performed epidural. As a result of the injury, the Claimant suffered neurological injury and developed a functional neurological symptom disorder. Preliminary issue on breach of duty and causation was listed and case settled for 75% shortly before trial.
CG v Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust [2018]
Claimant alleged that her spinal cord was damaged as a result of a negligently performed epidural. As a result of the injury, the Claimant suffered neurological injury and developed a functional neurological symptom disorder. Preliminary issue on breach of duty and causation was listed and case settled for 75% shortly before trial.
Re AX
As a result of developing meningococcal disease, the Claimant, who was aged 5, lost both legs above the knee, one arm above her elbow and all her digits in her other arm apart from her thumb. The Claimant contended that had the GP Defendant acted non-negligently when she saw her in the morning when she was exhibiting the signs and symptoms of early meningococcal disease, she would have been referred to hospital for emergency treatment and she would have made a full recovery. The Defendant denied that she was negligent and disputed causation. Case was listed for a split trial but settled for 2.835 million shortly before.
Recommendations
“Jonathan has an incredible eye for detail, and no stone is left unturned in a case. He is brilliant on his feet and will systematically and methodically obliterate a counterargument. He is fantastic with clients and genuinely values and takes on board the views of his instructing solicitor.”
Legal 500 2023 (Clinical Negligence - Midlands) Tier 1
“Jonathan is an astute barrister. He has a real eye for detail but never loses sight of the bigger picture. He is excellent.” “His technical ability and knowledge is second to none. He is very reassuring to have on complex cases.”
Chambers UK 2023 (Clinical Negligence - Western) Band 1
“Jonathan has excellent knowledge and legal acumen. His commitment to his clients is very impressive.” “Jonathan is an excellent barrister and has great depth of knowledge.” “He is a very experienced KC.”
Chambers UK 2023 (Clinical Negligence - Midlands) Band 1
“Jonathan is a silk at the top of his game; an excellent communicator with clients and judiciary alike, and a very strong advocate. He is very experienced and methodical, so is totally dependable when it comes to details in large-value claims, and as a consequence his advice is always logical, sensible and understandable.”
Legal 500 2023 (Clinical Negligence - Western) Tier 1
“He is very approachable, down to earth, hard-working, diligent and personable.” “He is an excellent barrister and is very strong on procedural matters.” “Extremely thorough and meticulous in his drafting.”
Chambers UK 2022 (Clinical Negligence - Midlands) Band 1
“Meticulous attention to detail, personable and extremely knowledgeable.”
Legal 500 2022 (Clinical Negligence - Midlands) Tier 1
“He’s very calm and methodical, and his attention to detail is fantastic.”
Chambers UK 2022 (Clinical Negligence - Western) Band 1
“Jonathan is an original thinker, but is also practical. He has outstanding attention to detail, builds a good rapport with clients and achieves excellent results.”
Legal 500 2022 (Clinical Negligence - Western) Tier 1
Appointments
Deputy Head of Chambers
Deputy Head of the Clinical Negligence Group
Memberships
AvMA
Personal Injuries Bar Association
Former AG Panel (Provincial Panel)
Qualifications
MA (Hons) Economics (St Andrews)
Diploma in Law (Commendation) (City)
