James is a Partner in Trethowans’ Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence team, based in the Dorset offices in Poole and Bournemouth. He specialises in complex and catastrophic cases.

James often acts for clients who have suffered life changing injuries, including brain injuries and severe spinal injuries. He uses his knowledge and experience to ensure that they get the best possible outcome from their claim. James understands that litigation can be stressful, particularly when clients are coming to terms with serious injuries, and strives to do what he can to help lift the weight of such issues off them.

James also specialises in clinical negligence claims and has considerable experience dealing with birth injury cases, instances of delay in diagnosis, claims involving incorrect / sub-standard treatment and issues involving consent. In addition, James is experienced in pursuing personal injury claims involving cross border and jurisdictional issues.

James has obtained successful outcomes in a wide variety of cases including claims and compensation for accidents at work, road traffic accidents, product liability incidents, public liability accidents and medical negligence cases, often on a no win no fee basis.

James initially read Law at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, before completing his Legal Practice Course and then qualifying as a solicitor in 2009.

Notable work highlights

  • Settled a significant brain injury claim, arising out of a motorcycle Road Traffic Accident where contributory negligence was alleged. The claim involved an accident reconstruction expert, various medical experts and a care expert. A significant settlement was achieved which made provision for ongoing losses for earnings and care.
  • Successfully acted on behalf of a client who had been injured when he slipped in a pool of water in a restaurant, causing spinal injuries.
  • Obtained a five-figure sum for a client who had been negligently prescribed excessive doses of gentamicin, causing vestibular toxicity.
  • Dealt with a claim involving significant upper limb injuries, arising out of an accident caused by alleged deficiencies in agricultural machinery.
  • Settled a significant clinical negligence claim where a patient had been infected with MRSA due to alleged negligent hospital procedures, resulting in him suffering chronic abdominal pain and psychological injuries.
  • Achieved a positive settlement on behalf of a client who had been injured whilst cycling on a campsite in France, due to defects in the lighting and infrastructure of a pathway.

Accreditations & Memberships

  • Association of Personal Injury Lawyers Senior Litigator.
  • President of the Dorset Law Society 2022/23.
  • Ranked as an “Up and Coming” Partner by Partners and Chambers.
  • UK Top Ranked Solicitor, accredited by Vouched For with a rating of 4.9 out of 5, featured in the Sunday Telegraph, The Mail on Sunday and The Times.

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