Personal Injury

St John's Buildings is well regarded for its expert representation of both claimants and defendants in a wide range of personal injury claims, and counts several insurers, public authorities and private individuals among its varied clientele. Members are regularly instructed in cases arising from RTAs and accidents at work, and the team offers considerable strength in the handling of employers' and public liability claims. Instructing solicitors report: "St John's Buildings value communication, expertise and integrity, making the Chambers a delight to work with." Additional areas of expertise for the set include traumatic brain injury, industrial disease and high-value catastrophic injury claims. Work highlights include acting for the claimant in Ajayi v Nkoy/AXA Insurance case, an RTA leading to life-threatening injuries further complicated by questions about UK residency status, fraudulently obtained insurance, and potential involvement and liability of a third party.

"Martin Craggs is exceptional at client care. He always responds quickly and goes out of his way to assist."

"SJB are clearly out in front in terms of clerking. They are always willing to have sensible fee discussions. Martin Craggs in particular is a star and will work hard to make things work for all."

"Very approachable and easy to contact - also a good understanding of who is 'right for the job'. Pragmatic and sensible on budgeting and costs."

"The clerks are efficient, excellent communicators and very helpful. Martin Craggs is well organised, obliging and responsive. Nothing is ever a trouble."

Peter Harrison acts in a variety of high-value catastrophic injury claims, including those resulting from military service and claims for psychological damage. He represents both claimants and defendants in complex cases of large value.He is adept at handling employers' and public liability cases. "Peter is an excellent barrister. He provides excellent client care and has his finger on the pulse in terms of the commercial sensitives that surround personal injury litigation." "Peter is highly knowledgeable and pragmatic - he takes a sensible approach and leads in conference, navigating complex matters. Peter is empathetic and exceptionally professional with claimants."

Philip Grundy is a vastly experienced junior with an impressive practice in catastrophic personal injury. He acts for claimants and defendants in a variety of cases and has particular expertise in accidents and conditions associated with the workplace. This includes everything from industrial workers suffering from hand-arm vibration syndrome through to military personnel affected by PTSD. He is also well regarded for his handling of claims involving RTAs. "There is nothing Phillip has not seen before - he always knows exactly what to do in any situation and is a master strategist. Gets great results in court and clearly highly regarded by the judiciary."

Richard Norton's personal injury practice focuses on severe injury claims arising from RTAs. He principally acts for claimants, with a focus on advisory work. He is well known for his expertise in cases involving complex expert evidence. "Richard is an accomplished all-rounder. He has a wonderful way with clients in putting them at ease and giving them clear and easy-to-understand advice in what are often complex legal matters." "Huge experience and enthusiasm for the work. Excellent client skills - very well respected."

Henry Vanderpump has extensive experience in personal injury and clinical negligence. He frequently acts on expert-driven cases that involve complex loss of earnings and capacity questions. "Henry is a very good barrister with an eye for detail on complex matters. He is also has a very friendly and professional approach." "Henry Vanderpump has the makings of silk in due course, I think he is very good." "Henry is practical, straightforward, great with clients and efficient. He is our go-to choice." "Very easy to work with. He works very collaboratively with his solicitors and clients and is willing to run difficult cases."