Viewing: Spinal Injury for Karl Hirst

For a long time Karl has been recognised in the legal directories as a “real star in the senior-junior group” and thrives on securing great outcomes, even in difficult cases. He is hailed as “an excellent counsel in every respect”. His practice in conducting high-value cases involving devastating injuries is busy and well established.
Although well versed in neuro, spinal and birth injuries, claimants and defendants alike seek Karl’s input as an advisor and advocate across all cases of particular complexity or sensitivity involving a range of clinical disciplines and multitrack values.
Karl’s experienced and insightful approach, along with a great bedside manner, make him a real asset to challenging litigation. Priding himself on being attentive, accessible and responsive, you will find Karl an invaluable member of your specialist team.
The half dozen or so digests of some of Karl’s cases below provide a flavour of his practice.
Recommendations
“Karl is an excellent tactician. He provides pragmatic advice.” “He is exceptionally client-friendly and a very astute negotiator.”
Chambers UK 2023
“Karl is one of the most highly regarded barristers in his feld. Karl achieves outstanding outcomes for clients, sometimes in the most hard-fought claims which others might shy away from. It is a privilege to work alongside him.”
Legal 500 2023
“He is absolutely excellent with clients.” “Personable and a strong advocate.”
Chambers UK 2022
"Very personable, good with clients and always well prepared."
Chambers UK 2021
“An excellent tactician who is superb with clients.”
Legal 500 2021
“He’s very experienced and always ready to take on big and complex cases. Rather than just giving cold advice on the law he’s always empathetic and approachable.” “He has a really good manner with clients and he’s really down to earth. He’s also very good on his feet.”
Chambers UK 2020
Notable Cases
D v NWL
In this pelvic mesh claim (TVT/TVTO - surgical negligence), the Claimant recovered damages to reflect a perforated bladder, pain and urinary incontinence that required corrective surgery.
Re: W
Lapses in the quality of diagnostic attempts and treatment arising in a neonate with meningitis.
W v W
Negligently performed hip surgery, settled at GBP 700,000.
M v C
Incorrectly fulfilled prescription in an elderly patient (anti-psychotic medication instead of vitamins) with an adverse reaction to the medicine received, leading to neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Settled at GBP 700,000.
H v N
Failure to diagnose an aortic tear resulted in treatment requiring medication to which there was a recognised adverse reaction (neuroleptic malignant syndrome) and an untimely death.
A v L
Inquest resulting in a verdict of neglect following the inadequate nursing care of a patient who developed horrific bed sores which contributed to death.
A v K
Negligent ritual circumcision by a GP, where the GP denied having performed the procedure.
Re: K
Failure to diagnose herpes simple virus leading to death. Value: GBP 1m.
U v N
Delayed treatment of cervical myelopathy leading to servious permanent disability. Value: GBP 1.5m.
Qualifications
LLB (Hons)
Pupillage Supervisor
Karl is a Harvard trained advanced mediator

Latest News & Publications

The real life human tragedies behind large personal injury and clinical negligence pay-outs are often never heard as they are settled before they even reach the courts....

Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2018