Stephen is very experienced in the field of clinical negligence having practised in this area since 1997. His degree in Physiology gives him a particularly useful insight into and understanding of more complicated medical issues.
Stephen is consistently Legal 500 recommended in the area of Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence work. He has a very strong paperwork practice, drafting and providing advice to a wide range of clients from sole practitioners to some of the largest national firms, undertaking an equal balance to claimant and defendant work. Stephen is noted for his persuasive advocacy abilites and his comprehensive knowledge of the civil procedure rules. His skill with costs arguments makes him very sought after for Costs and Case Management hearings.
Examples of recent work undertaken include:
Inquest into a death as a result of a pulmonary embolism caused by Deep Vein Thrombosis, following a ruptured achillies tendon. Following evidence from treating clinicians at St Barts NHS Trust and expert evidence from Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon and Consulant Vascular Surgeon, the Senior Coroner found that the death was caused by the NHS trust’s failure to assess the risk of DVT and commence anti-coagulation. Trust put on notice of a potential Regulation 28 report. Cases reported in local media;
Claim for negligent dental treatment carried out in Budapest and breach of contract. Trial of preliminary issue of whether case should proceed under English or Hungarian law, pursuant to EC regulations ‘Rome I’ and/or ‘Rome 2’. Consideration of formation and terms of agreement together with whether services were provided solely in Hungary.
Failure of GP to properly advise and consent patient before performing minor surgical procedure that fell below the reasonable standard of care, resulting in excessive scarring and requiring remedial medical treatment;
Failure of hospital to diagnose small bowel ischaemia or transfer patient to appropriate ICT ward following admission, resulting in fatal sepsis;
Failure of GP to diagnose embolus and refer for prompt treatment, resulting in above knee amputation. Liability disputed and causation argument in respect of whether amputation inevitable.
Recommendations
Ranked Tier 1
Legal 500 2023 - Clinical Negligence
“A junior who really fights for the best possible outcome for the client.”
Legal 500 2022 - Clinical Negligence
Memberships
AvMA
Personal Injury Bar Association
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, Bristol 1995
Dip Law, BPP Law School 1996
BVC (Very Competent), Inns of Court School of Law 1997
