Richard is regularly instructed to advise and represent patients and their families in clinical negligence claims. His caseload covers a wide spectrum of medical accidents, in particular, birth trauma, delayed diagnosis of cancer, delayed diagnosis of infant brain tumour, hospital acquired infection, surgical error and misdiagnosis and treatment of psychiatric conditions. Recommended leading barrister in clinical negligence (Chambers & Partners, 2006 to date).

Loraine v Wirral [2008] EWHC 1565 - Claim arising from birth injury. The Claimant’s mother was at foreseeable risk of having difficulty in delivering due to a history of fibroids. She should have been admitted to hospital. In the event, she suffered unforeseeable placental abruption whilst at home. The trial on liability involved arguments about breach of duty and causation where a foreseeable injury was caused in an unforeseeable manner. Having succeeded on liability, the Claimant subsequently agreed a substantial lump sum and a periodical payments order at JSM.

Blain v M - Clinical negligence claim arising through failure to diagnose meningitis. Liability compromised. Full trial on quantum, including significant dispute as to need for waking care. Claim settled during quantum trial.

Dougal v Ministry of Defence - Clinical negligence claim as a result of failure to diagnose cholesteatoma. The Claimant was a sub mariner who was unable to remain in the royal navy as a result of his loss of hearing. Full trial on liability leading to substantial award of damages.

R v Wirral - Claimant suffered cerebral palsy. Claim based on allegation that that Defendant should have acceded to Claimant’s mother’s request for elective Caesarean (which would have avoided Claimant suffering CP) having regard to mother’s history of post natal depression.