“Very keen tactician. A gifted and persuasive advocate. A confident lawyer who is willing to take bold lines to good effect.”
The Legal 500
Andrew was instructed by the family of a BP employee killed during a terrorist siege at a gas plant in Algeria. In all 40 people were unlawfully killed.
experience & expertise
Clinical Negligence
Andrew’s clinical negligence practice – for claimants and defendants – covers the full range of medical negligence, from elective surgery and other treatments, incorrect or delayed diagnosis including of cancer, gynaecological and other surgery, and issues of consent.
Andrew is particularly sought out by solicitors for his ability to communicate difficult advice with sensitivity and understanding.
Recent cases include:
- Advising in a delayed diagnosis of cancer claim with potential capacity issues, the claimant having a long-standing medical condition affecting brain function.
- Acting for the family of an infant child who died following repeated failures to diagnose cancer.
- Obtained settlement, pursuant to the case of Rabone, for the adult daughters of a woman who committed suicide when detained under the Mental Health Act.
- Advising, and acting in preliminary inquest proceedings on behalf of, the family of a child who died following drug overdose whilst under local authority care.
- Acting in a case where a woman, who was suffering from unexplained quadriplegic paralysis, suffered a fracture of her foot during physiotherapy.
Inquests
Andrew has been involved in many inquests, particularly involving multiple loss of life and where there is public interest.
He has significant experience in cases where there are reputational issues, and is always aware of the need for subtlety and sensitivity, while retaining a focus on potential tactical issues in subsequent litigation.
Andrew’s inquest work frequently ties in with his clinical negligence and personal injury work.
Recent inquests include:
- Junior representing the family of a BP employee killed during a terrorist siege at a gas facility in Algeria, in which a total of 40 innocent people were killed.
- Acted for the family and insurance company of two persons killed in the Taunton M5 crash of 2011, in which 34 vehicles were involved and 7 people died.
- Acting for the local authority fire service where a fire truck responding to a 999 call killed a pedestrian.
- Acting for the local authority where a disabled child was found asphyxiated at home, where the family were in receipt of significant social worker input.
- Numerous inquests arising out of alleged or suspected clinical negligence.
Personal Injury
Andrew’s personal injury practice is broad, with particular focus on two-wheeled claims and cases where there are specific client issues, such as pre-existing disability or a very high level of sporting ability.
Andrew delivers, with other practitioners, the Think Bike! Seminars for MBL.
Recent cases include:
- Serious RTA with surprisingly little injury but impact on pre-existing lupus condition.
- Cases where RTA has led to unusual consequences, including atrial fibrillation (a serious heart condition), permanent clicking jaw, traumatic tinnitus, speech problems, and functional epilepsy.
- Complex claims involving people already with disabilities, including a severely physically disabled individual knocked from a mobility scooter; a physically and mentally disabled individual who developed epilepsy and chronic pain; an adolescent who developed serious psychological illness having been thrown from a horse.
- Claims for the very active/very high standard sportspersons, including facial injuries for an amateur female footballer playing in the English FA’s Women’s Championship; shoulder and knee injuries for a female who competed in Ironman triathlons around the world; food-poisoning claim involving complex issues of Rome II and contract for a semi-professional bodybuilder who was poisoned by raw liquid eggs purchased online.
Costs
Andrew undertakes a wide range of costs work, predominantly arising out of personal injury and clinical negligence, but also insurance litigation and other related disputes.
He is particularly sought out where there are allegations of wasted costs and matters relating to QOCS and fundamental dishonesty, and has received numerous instructions for appellate work following successful and unsuccessful trials.
Andrew also advises insurers, whether as defendants or as before and after the event litigation funders on prospects, exposure, and costs.
Reflections
My route to the Bar was not direct. I was a 16 year old school leaver who worked as a gardener and builder’s labourer but who got to university anyway, and from there to work at the Court of Appeal.
I was lucky to see some of the world’s finest advocates in action at the Special Court of Sierra Leone. Travelling the country to interview survivors of the horrifying civil war, we heard harrowing things. As lawyers we could not right those wrongs, but we tried to get to the truth.
“I concentrate on what needs to be achieved, whether getting answers, preventing a repeat of mistakes, or preparing for future action.”
Inquests are difficult for all parties. never more so than when someone has lost a child. I try to act with sensitivity, keeping in mind what needs to be achieved – whether it’s preparing for future legal action, preventing a repeat of mistakes, or simply getting answers.
Speaking to medical experts is fascinating. It doesn’t do much for my low-level hypochondria though.
Success doesn’t always mean victory. I’ll never win the London marathon, but I’m happy if I improve my time. As an advocate I seek the best outcome, whatever that might be, in partnership with my client. If it comes to a hearing the case will be fought hard. Yet it’s surprising how many people want no more, nor less, than for their case to be heard.
privacy
Andrew adopts and adheres to the provisions of the privacy notice which can be accessed here.