Personal Injuries and Clinical Negligence

Barristers in the Personal Injuries and Clinical Negligence group have undertaken all types of work, from complex multi-party test case litigation to small track and fast track trials. Both Claimant and Defendant work is covered. Claimant work will, in appropriate cases, be undertaken on a conditional fee or collective conditional fee agreement basis. A copy of the standard Civitas Conditional Fee Agreement for personal injuries and clinical negligence cases can be found here.

'Civitas Law has established a formidable reputation for civil work generally, and as part of this boasts an impressive array of juniors acting on personal injury matters. Sources appreciate the "modern approach" of the set and the "comprehensive training programmes" it offers.' Chambers UK 2011, Band 1 rated set.

The areas of work covered by individuals within the group include:

Catastrophic Injuries
Medical and Dental Neglect
Disease Litigation
Fatal Accidents
Employers’ Liability
Stress at Work, Bullying and Harassment
Product Liability
Occupiers’ Liability
Holiday and Travel Claims
Police Actions
Road Traffic Accidents
Highways Litigation
Coroner’s Inquests
Health and Safety
Public Inquiries

Many members of the group are highly rated in independent publications, such as The Legal 500 and Chambers Guide and barristers in the group act for individuals, trade unions, insurers, businesses and the government, both locally and nationally, as well as NHS Trusts, public utilities and the MIB. In addition, group members are actively involved in PIBA and APIL and several are panel counsel on the Speedy Resolution Scheme for clinical negligence claims in Wales. In the recent past, our barristers have been involved in some of the most complex and high profile work in the field, including the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Textile Litigation and the South Wales Steelworkers’ HAVS claims.

Legal 500, 2011 guide entries for Civitas Law (a Band 1 set):

'Civitas Law's clients rarely use other chambers for litigation work due to its breadth and experience’.'

'Bryan Thomas is singled out for his knowledge regarding catastrophic and brain injury cases.'

'Newly made up silk Theodore Huckle QC has recently been appointed to the coveted position of Counsel General for Wales; and (with) Robert O'Leary recently represented the claimant in the Nottingham and Derbyshire Textile Deafness Litigation at the Supreme Court.'

'(Robert) O’Leary is ‘extremely efficient and always provides clear, pragmatic and detailed advice’; he also acted as junior counsel on the Phurnacite Workers Group Litigation.'

'Nicholas David Jones specialises in catastrophic injuries.'

'Andrew Arentsen, who is ‘not afraid to make difficult decisions’, and Michael Brace run complex and high-value cases.'

'Joanne Williams handles health authority cases'

'Simon Hughes and Victoria Hillier are popular juniors.'

Chambers UK Guide ranks Civitas Law as a Band 1 set for Personal Injury and in its 2012 Directory, said:

'Civitas Law "continues to dominate the rest of the field on circuit." The set is almost entirely dedicated to PI, and sources also note the "approachability and efficiency" of the clerks. Its team handles EL/PL and a range of industrial disease work, as well as a healthy flow of catastrophic injury cases.'

'Theodore Huckle QC is "willing to fight to get the max for his client." Appointed a QC this year, he is Civitas' first silk and has a broad claimant practice that takes in disease and catastrophic injury work. He is also at the forefront of cases testing employers' liability in cases of deafness. '

'The "brilliant" Andrew Arentsen's honesty is recognised and appreciated by clients, who also value his "effective arguments and performances in court." He is recommended along with the "bright, sensible and laid-back". Michael Brace, who "knows industrial disease inside-out" and is especially experienced in asbestos-related cases.'

'The "Measured, thorough and approachable Nicholas David Jones is an eloquent advocate who "really knows his stuff." Brain and spinal cord injuries crop up frequently in his caseload. In other work, he recently defended an insurer in a chronic pain syndrome case.

'Robert O'Leary has an excellent reputation for big-ticket disease litigation. He has recently been representing a government department in the Phurnacite workers group litigation.'

'Lawyers are impressed with the "sound business brain" of the "relaxed and responsive" Bryan Thomas. He was recently involved in Keefe v Isle of Man Steam Packet Co, a case concerning liability for noise exposure.'

'The "Tough and clever advocate" Joanne Williams joins the tables on the strength of clients' admiration of her "ability to sort the wheat from the chaff – she does not waste time on the immaterial." She has a varied practice and is regularly involved in EL/PL and RTA cases for both defendants and claimants.'

'Civitas Law ranks as a centre of excellence for complex claims, with a particularly strong reputation in industrial and occupational injury cases'
Legal 500, 2010.

Members Practising in this Area

Bryan Thomas (1978)			Joanne Williams (1999)

Theodore Huckle QC (1985)			Richard Cole (2000)

Nicholas David Jones (1987)			Simon Hughes (2003)

Mair Coombes Davies (1988)			Nicklaus Thomas-Symonds (2004)

Robert O'Leary (1990)			Mona Bayoumi (2004)

Michael Brace (1991)			Victoria Hillier (2005)

Gareth Jones (1992)			Rebecca Mansell (2005)

Andrew Arentsen (1995)			Ryan Amesbury (2007)

Christopher Howells (1999)			Cathrine Grubb (2007)