Jonathan Hand KC

Year of Call:
1990
Year of Silk:
2019
Direct Access:
Yes

Jonathan Hand KC specialises in Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury work.

He has wide-ranging experience across both these fields, and acts for a mix of Claimant and Defendant clients. Much of his work involves catastrophic brain and spinal injuries as well as fatal accident claims.

He has a particular specialism in equine and other animal related litigation, and is well-known for his expertise in this area.

Other aspects of his practice include representation at Inquests and Professional Negligence claims arising out of the conduct of personal injury and clinical negligence litigation.

Jonathan is ranked by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 as a leading silk in both, Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury.

Expertise

Jonathan has experience of a wide range of clinical negligence cases, acting on behalf of Claimants, the NHSLA, and medical defence organisations. He is frequently instructed in cases involving complex liability issues and high value quantum, including claims arising from birth injury resulting in cerebral palsy and from other neurological injury.

Recent examples of contested cases in which he has acted involve the specialisms of obstetrics, neurosurgery, cardiology, oncology, accident and emergency medicine, and general surgery.

He has extensive experience of multi-party litigation, having acted in the claims arising out of the misdiagnosis and mistreatment of epilepsy at Leicester Royal Infirmary during the 1990s. He was closely involved in the successful ADR process devised to manage the several hundred claims which were brought.

He is frequently asked to speak on topics in this field. Recent talks include presentations on NHS Outsourcing (for AvMA) and on Claims for Psychiatric Injury.

He is ranked by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 as a leading silk in Clinical Negligence.

Notable Clinical Negligence cases


Miller v. University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust

Acted for Claimant whose wife died in hospital due to perforated bowel following treatment for injuries suffered in a road traffic accident.

Liability and quantum disputed, with complex issues on causation about what the outcome would have been but for the admitted breach of duty and on quantum. 5-day trial with oral evidence from six medical experts.

Liability successfully established at trial and damages of £230,000 recovered, beating Claimant’s Part 36 offer.

MXA5 v. Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Acted for Claimant who suffered brain injury due to embolic stroke as an infant resulting in cerebral palsy with severe cognitive disability and behavioural problems. Liability previously settled (at 80% of full value) and listed for 10-day High Court quantum trial in January 2023.

Very high value claim due to the Claimant’s extensive care and other needs as well as long life expectancy. Complex quantum issues with 20 experts instructed by the parties.

Settled for capital value of £10 million following JSM and approved by High Court in January 2023.

CWZ v. Barts Health NHS Trust

Acted for Claimant who suffered brain injury at birth resulting in cerebral palsy with very severe cognitive disability and behavioural problems. Liability previously settled (at 90% of full value) and listed for 10-day High Court quantum trial in December 2021.

Very high value claim due to the Claimant’s extensive care and other needs as well as long life expectancy. Complex quantum issues with 22 experts instructed by the parties.

Settled for capital value of £22 million following JSM and approved by High Court in December 2021.

RXM v Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust

Acted for Claimant in claim arising from alleged delayed diagnosis and treatment of cervical spinal tumour causing deterioration in neurological condition such that he is now tetraplegic.

Complex issues on liability and causation. Settled for £1.2 million shortly before trial.

Peppard v Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Nottingham District Registry)

Liability trial arising from delayed diagnosis and treatment of spinal epidural abscess resulting in paraplegia.

Jacobs v Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust [2016] EWHC 121 (QB)

Trial on liability and quantum arising out of complications following surgery to repair inguinal hernia.

A v NHS Trust

Acting for child claimant who suffered severe brain injury following delayed diagnosis and treatment of endocarditis and subsequent stroke. Settlement achieved on basis of 80% liability shortly before six day High Court liability trial. Quantum ongoing.

B v NHS Trust

Acting for claimant in claim arising out of delayed diagnosis and treatment of hydrocephalus resulting in severe brain injury. Settlement achieved on basis of 90% liability shortly before six day High Court liability trial. Quantum ongoing.

C v NHS Trust

Acted for claimant who suffered birth injury resulting in cerebral palsy. Liability settlement achieved, and quantum subsequently agreed at capital value of £6.75 million (based on 70% of value). Led by David Westcott QC.

D v Spire Healthcare Ltd

Acted for claimant who suffered severe brain injury following delayed treatment of E coli infection. Complex causation issues with total of 12 medical experts instructed. Settled for £700,000.

E v NHS Trust

Acted for claimant who suffered birth injury resulting in cerebral palsy following delivery of twins. Settled for capital value of £10.3 million. Led by Christopher Wilson-Smith QC.

Jonathan has experience of a wide range of personal injury cases, acting on behalf of both Claimants and Defendants and their insurers.

Much of his personal injury work involves catastrophic spinal and head injuries as well as fatal accident claims.

He has a particular interest in equine and other animal related litigation including claims under the Animals Act 1971, where his expertise in this area can bring a real benefit. He is the author of the Liability for Animals section in the Westlaw Insight service. He is a legally qualified chair for British Equestrian Federation panels.

He is frequently asked to speak and write on topics in this field. Recent talks include presentations on Head Injuries in Sport (for Headway) and on Claims for Psychiatric Injury.

Published articles include two articles on the Animals Act which he co-authored with Ben Compton QC for the Journal of Personal Injury Law: The Animals Act 1971 – where are we now? (JPIL 2009, 1-11) and The statutory defences to strict liability (JPIL 2012, 18-24).

He is ranked by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500 as a leading silk in Personal Injury.

Notable Personal Injury cases


R v R

Acted for Defendant in high value claim (claimed at c. £3.25 million) against trainer by groom who suffered upper limb amputation when bitten by stallion which was attacked by another stallion.

Claim under the Animals Act 1971 and in negligence disputed by Defendant. Important issues about scope of ownership and meaning of “keeper” of animal and statutory defence under the Act.

Schoultz v. Ball and others 

Acted for teenage Claimant who suffered serious brain injury when travelling as passenger in taxi which collided with horse at night on A3. Complex liability issues including multiple defendants and claims under Animals Act 1971 and in negligence.

B v W

Acted for racing cyclist competing in road race who suffered serious injuries when colliding with escaped horse. Claim against keeper of horse under Animals Act 1971.

L v H

Acted for riding stables in high value claim by former high-profile work rider who suffered severe head injury whilst riding as escort in Hyde Park.

Claim under the Animals Act 1971 and in negligence disputed by Defendant.

Lockwood v Renforth (Nottingham District Registry)

Claim against owner of riding yard by claimant who suffered severe head injury causing blindness in fall from horse when riding in outdoor arena. Liability trial involving issues about appropriate construction of structures enclosing riding arenas.

S v S

Claims arising out of serious RTA in which two members of same family killed and two others seriously injured. Represented family at inquest and in multiple claims under Fatal Accidents Act and for personal injury by surviving claimants.

G v S

Claimant suffered severe brain injury when kicked by horse during covering at stud. Liability issues involving duty of care owed during covering of mare and application of the Animals Act 1971. Achieved successful settlement following mediation. Led by Ben Compton QC.

Cheung v Zhu [2011] EWHC 2913 (QB)

Liability trial arising out of slip on shop floor by employee resulting in spinal injury causing paraplegia. Liability established on basis of employer’s breaches of statutory duty. Indemnity costs awarded as result of Defendant’s conduct. Led by Gordon Bebb QC.

Davenport v Farrow [2010] EWHC 550 (QB)

Liability trial arising out of sports injury. Claim by former international youth athlete against coach in relation to vertebral stress fractures alleged to have been sustained during training and which ended his career.

Palmer v Cornwall County Council [2009] EWCA Civ 456

Claim by pupil who suffered eye injury when struck by stone thrown by another pupil during break time. Issues on appeal concerning standard of care required of those supervising children at school and causation.

Notable Sports Law cases


R v R

Acted for Defendant in high value claim (claimed at c. £3.25 million) against trainer by groom who suffered upper limb amputation when bitten by stallion which was attacked by another stallion.

Claim under the Animals Act 1971 and in negligence disputed by Defendant. Important issues about scope of ownership and meaning of “keeper” of animal and statutory defence under the Act.

L v H

Acted for riding stables in high value claim (claimed at c. £650k) by former high-profile work rider who suffered severe head injury whilst riding as escort in Hyde Park.

Claim under the Animals Act 1971 and in negligence disputed by Defendant.

B v W

Acting for racing cyclist competing in road race who suffered serious injuries when colliding with escaped horse. Claim against keeper of horse under Animals Act 1971.

E v R

Acted for insurers of racehorse owner in high value claim arising out of fall at Newmarket Breeze-Up sales, when rider suffered serious leg injuries.
Claim against keeper of horse under Animals Act 1971. Complex issues relating to ownership of horse and claim under Third Parties (Rights against Insurers) Act.

B v H

Acted for leading National Hunt racehorse trainer in high value claim by work rider who suffered spinal cord injury resulting in tetraplegia in fall from racehorse during exercise.

Claim under the Animals Act 1971 disputed by defendant. Important issues about scope of strict liability under the Act. Settled on highly favourable terms shortly before trial with no admission of liability by the Defendant.

Related updates

Jonathan Hand KC is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please click here.

"He is very knowledgeable on the Animal Act and very good at seeing which cases should be argued within the Act."

Personal Injury, Chambers & Partners 2024

"Jonathan is a very effective advocate who gets the best results."; "He is extremely responsive and cooperative in providing advice that is of a high quality and very easy to digest."; "He's just really good with clients. He really puts them at ease and in litigation that's really important."

Clinical Negligence, Chambers & Partners 2024

'A true exception in the industry, Jonathan is a very effective and well-balanced advocate.'

Clinical Negligence, Legal 500, 2024

“Jonathan deals with the legal intricacies of cases with a reassuring calmness that clients appreciate.”

Clinical Negligence, Chambers and Partners 2023

“Jonathan is very approachable and great with clients.”

Clinical Negligence, Chambers and Partners 2023

“Jonathan is very approachable and great with clients as well.”

Personal Injury, Chambers and Partners 2023

“He is measured, calm, reassuring and works very hard.”

Personal Injury, Chambers and Partners 2023

"Jonathan is calm and thorough. He is a very kind and supportive team player but prepared to be decisive when required."

Personal Injury, Industrial Disease and Insurance Fraud, Legal 500 2023

"Jonathan’s advocacy is excellent. He is experienced, intelligent and effective."

Clinical Negligence, legal 500 2023

"He is measured, very sharp and well liked by clients. He provides exceptional drafting and his attention to detail is excellent. Jonathan never misses a trick and is very forensic."

Clinical Negligence, Chambers & Partners 2022

"His client care is phenomenal and even in high-intensity litigation he is calm all the time."

Clinical Negligence, Chambers & Partners 2022

"Has absolute mastery of the Animals Act. He is a charming assassin who is really effective." "He has a lovely manner with clients and takes a calm and sensible approach when advising on complex liability claims."

Personal Injury, Chambers & Partners 2022

"Jonathan is a fantastic barrister. Clients are delighted that he is their counsel and he provides great leadership for the legal team in every single case."

Clinical Negligence, Legal 500 2022

"A strong negotiator who bring a measured approach and considers a case from all angles."

Personal Injury, Legal 500 2021

"Thoughtful and tactical in court."

Clinical Negligence, Legal 500 2021

"Has an authoritative and methodical way of working which always produces excellent results for clients."

Clinical Negligence, Legal 500 2021

"He has great attention to detail and excellent knowledge of all types of personal injury work."

Personal Injury, Chambers & Partners 2020

"He's very approachable and sympathetic to his clients."

Personal Injury, Chambers & Partners 2020

"He is always so well prepared, handles himself very well and has good judgement."

Personal Injury, Chambers & Partners 2020

"He's a pleasure to work with and his advocacy is excellent."

Personal Injury, Chambers & Partners 2020

"He has a sensible approach to advising on complex equine and occupiers’ liability claims."

Personal Injury, Legal 500 2020

"Excellent in conferences and sails through the complexities of the law and medicine."

Clinical Negligence, Legal 500 2020

"He provides sound advice, always responds when needed and is excellent with clients."

Personal Injury, Chambers & Partners 2019

"He is always brilliantly well prepared, anticipates difficult issues and is very approachable and responsive."

Personal Injury, Chambers & Partners 2019

"Very experienced and very thorough with preparation." "Super-clever, easy to work with and excellent with clients."

Clinical Negligence, Chambers & Partners 2019

"He is a very clever and provides effective leadership of his team of client, solicitor and experts."

Clinical Negligence, Legal 500 2019

"Always extremely well prepared for conferences and hearings. He is a top operator."

Clinical Negligence, Legal 500 2018

"Excellent when handling clients and experts alike."

Clinical Negligence, Legal 500 2018

"Very thorough and pragmatic. His attention to detail is excellent. He is a big support to the client."

Personal Injury, Chambers & Partners 2018

"Good at cross-examination and prepares extremely well for every case. He fully understands the problems and is very professional."

Personal Injury, Chambers & Partners 2018

"He is excellent in the higher-value cases."

Personal Injury, Legal 500 2017

"He is an excellent advocate, who has wide-ranging knowledge of the field."

Clinical Negligence, Legal 500 2017

"His preparation is meticulous. He has a very calm manner and is extremely practical and sensible. Clients love him."

Personal Injury, Chambers & Partners 2017

"He is careful, diligent, well prepared and a good negotiator."

Clinical Negligence, Chambers & Partners 2017

"He's a smart thinker who is willing to go outside the box on difficult cases."

Clinical Negligence, Chambers & Partners 2017

"He is very approachable and very good on equine cases."

Legal 500 2016

"He is excellent, thorough and detailed. The value of having a conference with him lies in the fact that he has vast experience. He doesn't miss anything."

Clinical Negligence, Chambers & Partners 2016

"He is a very experienced and competent senior junior who handles complex Clinical Negligence cases."

Clinical Negligence, Chambers & Partners 2016

"He is very calm and measured and clients like that."

Personal Injury, Chambers & Partners 2016

"His advice is clear and concise and he is always willing to go the extra mile."

Personal Injury, Chambers & Partners 2016

To find out more, contact Paul Barton on +44 (0)207 427 4907 or on Graham Woods on +44 (0)20 7427 4902 for a confidential discussion.

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