Richard practices in the field of clinical negligence and personal injury litigation. He undertakes a broad spectrum of clinical negligence work acting on behalf of both claimants and defendants (including NHS Resolution, medical and dental defence organisations and the Ministry of Defence). Richard has experience of trials (both as sole counsel and as led junior counsel) and interlocutory hearings in clinical negligence matters, as well as healthcare related inquests. He also regularly attends conferences with experts. Furthermore, Richard has considerable experience of drafting pleadings and providing written advices on liability, evidence and quantum. He is regularly instructed on high value, complex and sensitive matters and his thorough preparation and attention for detail allows him to bring the best out of his client’s case.
Richard has experience of a variety of medical cases, for both claimants and defendants, including:
- Clinical negligence case for claimant concerning a patient who became hypoxic, leading to serious brain injury (with leading counsel)
- Representing a claimant child who developed cerebral palsy following a mismanaged birth (with leading counsel)
- Clinical negligence case for defendant concerning a claimant with an intracerebral abscess
- Failures in the Emergency Department
- GP negligence, including failure to diagnose and/or refer, including multiple cases pleaded in excess of GBP 500k
- Missed fractures and other orthopaedic injuries
- Failure to diagnose and treat diabetes
- Cases involving diabetic foot ulceration leading to amputation
- Failing to treat sepsis
- Failing to diagnose bowel obstruction
- Delay in diagnosis of/referral for cancer
- Failing to treat gallstones
- Pressure sore cases
- Psychiatric care – including a case involving a patient who hanged themselves on a psychiatric unit
- Nursing negligence
- Nursing home care failures
- Dental care
- Optical care in hospital and by optometrists
- Represented defendant in a case concerning the treatment of psychological injuries that developed after military service
- Cases involving care provided by the military, including cases pleaded in excess of GBP 800k.
Further information
Richard is happy to undertake work on a conditional fee agreement basis where appropriate.
He has also given a number of talks and seminars about various aspects of civil procedure, clinical negligence, personal injury and inquest work.
Recommendations
“Richard is extremely knowledgeable in clinical negligence cases and in every new case, he does detailed research into that particular medical issue and understands the medical records and expert evidence. He is not afraid to challenge the medical experts in their field of expertise and ensures no stone is left unturned. He is extremely approachable and responds promptly to any queries. His work is always completed to a very high standard.”
Legal 500 2023 Tier 1 (Clinical Negligence)
Ranked Band 2
Chambers UK 2023 (Clinical Negligence)
“He has a very good eye for detail, is empathetic, and always goes out of his way to help.”
Chambers UK 2022 (Clinical Negligence)
“Richard is meticulous, exceptionally analytical and well prepared. He provides superb tactical and pragmatic advice whilst also being precise and persuasive in written and oral argument.”
Legal 500 2022 (Clinical Negligence)
“He is technically extremely capable and is very meticulous in the work he does. His client care skills are also excellent, and he is always easy to get hold of.” “Very client-focused and attentive.” “A thorough advocate with an eye for detail.”
Chambers UK 2021 (Clinical Negligence)
“Pragmatic and exceptionally analytical, with excellent strategic judgement and in-depth knowledge.”
Legal 500 2021 (Clinical Negligence)
“He was well prepared, approached the matter very well and had an impressive style on his feet.”
Chambers UK 2021 (Inquest and Inquiries)
“Articulate and succinct in both written and oral advocacy, he quickly earns the respect of those he appears before.”
Legal 500 2021 (Inquest and Inquiries)
“He has a great eye for detail and provides robust, pragmatic and precise advice in complex clinical negligence cases.” “He is extremely well prepared and hard-working, and will dedicate himself to pursuing every issue.”
Chambers UK 2020 (Clinical Negligence)
Reported Cases
Atkinson v South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust [2014] EWHC 1590 (QB); [2014] All ER (D) 199 (May)
Appointments
Recorder (Civil and Crime)
Deputy Master (Queen’s Bench Division, High Court)
Assistant Coroner (2017-2021) for Birmingham and Solihull
Attorney General’s Panel of Junior Counsel to the Crown (Regional ‘B’ Panel)
Contributing Editor – ‘Civil Procedure (The White Book)’ since 2022
Senior Junior Counsel to the Inquiry – UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry
Awards
Inner Temple Prize for ‘Outstanding’ Bar Vocational Course Result (2010)
College of Law Prize for Top Overall Bar Vocational Course Result (2009/10)
College of Law Prize for Top Advocacy Assessment Results (2009/10)
Inner Temple Exhibition Award (2009)
Memberships
Midlands Circuit
Inner Temple (Exhibitioner, 2009)
PIBA
AvMA
Coroner’s Society
Qualifications
BA (Hons) Law with Business Studies, University of Warwick (First Class Honours)
Bar Vocational Course, College of Law (Outstanding, ranked overall 1st in year)
