Nigel Lewers

Barrister Profile

Nigel is recognised In Chambers & Partners 2008 (Personal Injury) as a “Leading Junior” where he is described as having a “sharp mind” and a “charming personality.” A “true gentleman,” he can “solve almost any problem that comes his way.” He is further praised as a barrister who is “calm under fire” and “never fazed by difficulties.”

Personal Injury
• Liability of public authorities: occupier’s liability, employer’s liability, claims arising out of exposure to asbestos, claims under the Highways Act 1980 and claims involving allegations of abuse and assault.
• Road traffic: including claims on behalf of the Motor Insurers Bureau.
• Employers liability: industrial accidents and industrial disease especially exposure to asbestos, Vibration White Finger and work-related upper limb disorders.
• Accidents involving animals, particularly horses.
• Damages for catastrophic injury. A member of the panel of approved counsel of three major insurance companies for instruction in catastrophic injury claims.

Clinical Negligence
• Claims arising out of injury sustained at birth.

General Common Law
• Breach of contract and insurance.

Other Information
• Former Member of the Bar Council Remuneration Committee.
• Member of the Standing Panel to prosecute cases before the Disciplinary Tribunals on behalf of the Bar Standards Board.
• Lectured extensively to solicitors on advocacy and litigation skills.

Qualifications

Magdalen College, Oxford (BA in Jurisprudence)

Professional Membership

PIBA
PNBA
London Common Law and Commercial Bar Association

Publications

General Editor of Kemp & Kemp: Personal Injury Law, Practice and Procedure

Interesting Cases

Ley v Devon County Council 28.2.07 Dobbs J - definition of “highway” under section 41 of the Highways Act 1980.
Ehrari v Curry [2007] EWCA Civ 120 – liability of motorist to child crossing a road, contributory negligence.
Patterson v Smiths Dock Ltd [2006] UKHL 20 – apportionment of liability in cases of mesothelioma arising out of exposure to asbestos.
Hindson v Pipe House Wharf (Swansea) Ltd [2006] EWCA Civ 27 - one of the test cases on actionability and quantum in relation to pleural plaques caused by exposure to asbestos.
Marley v Cohen CA, 20/10/03 – liability for collision between two barges on a canal.
Lewis v Teleshop Services Limited HHJ Knight QC, 19.9.03 – psychiatric injury, application of principles of causation set out in Sutherland v Hatton [2002] PIQR P21.
Russell v Smith QBD, HHJ Ritch, 30/7/03 – head injury, contributory negligence for 10 year old cyclist, liability in respect of dangerously parked vehicles.
Galloway v London Borough of Richmond on Thames QBD, Eady J, 20/2/03 – test of “dangerous” pursuant to section 41 of the Highways Act 1980.
Woodings v Abdalla and Others HHJ Marr-Johnson, 7/2/03 - costs.
McKeown v Munday [2002] EWHC 725 – head injury, loss of a chance, reducing the multiplier for contingencies.
Bridgeman v McAlpine Brown CA, 19/1/00 – application to substitute a defendant outside limitation period.
Akel v Havering London Borough Council CA, 10/11/99 – apportionment of liability for accident in a gymnasium.
Jenkins v Holt CA, 22/4/99 – appeal on liability arising out of a road traffic accident.
Wright v Freeway Haulage CA, 22/4/99 – speed and causation in a road traffic accident.
Senyonjo v East London & City Health Authority (1997) 33 B.M.L.R 160 - extending the validity of a writ.
Cowden Train Disaster Inquest (1995)