Kate Wilson

Kate has vast experience in personal injury claims, acting for both Claimants and Defendants in claims arising out of injury or death in the workplace, in prison or custody, in a public place, on the road or as a result of clinical negligence. Increasingly, Kate’s practice includes serious life-changing injury claims and high-value litigation. She is approachable, thoroughly prepared and a persuasive advocate. Kate is a contributor to Butterworths Personal Injury Litigation Service.

She undertakes work at all stages from advisory work, drafting pleadings, schedules of loss and Part 35 questions, attending CCMCs, JSMs, through to trial and approval hearings. Kate regularly appears at inquests prior to civil proceedings, providing continuity of representation throughout.

Kate is regularly instructed on behalf of NHSLAs, insurers, large supermarkets and, since her appointment as junior counsel to the Crown in 2018, Kate regularly acts on behalf of public and privately run prisons, healthcare in justice providers, the Crown and other State Departments in personal injury, Human Rights Act 1998 or Fatal Accidents Act claims.

Kate is experienced in disputes arising out of the Fixed Recoverable Costs regime and is regularly instructed to advise on and/or represent parties at hearings concerning technical costs/procedural issues.

Psychiatric Injury and Occupational Stress Claims

For a decade across all areas of Kate’s practice, she has maintained a particular interest in cases involving psychiatric injury and individuals with mental health difficulties. Her ability to comprehend the needs of complex cases and calm, empathetic manner means she is a popular choice for Claimants and Defendants in occupational stress claims and claims arising from psychiatric injury caused by breaches of the implied term, bullying, harassment, overwork and claims which involve a psychological component.

Clinical Negligence

Kate has a broad experience in the field of healthcare law for almost a decade. She is a thorough and persuasive advocate, navigating complex medical and legal issues in a calm and approachable manner. Alongside her court work she also has a busy paper practice, and is always available to her instructing solicitor by telephone.

Kate’s experience of clinical negligence and medical mal-practice includes acting on behalf of both Claimants and Defendants in general practice, hospital, midwifery, dental, care home and healthcare in custody settings.

Recent Examples:

• Fatal Accidents Act Claim on behalf of a husband and daughter, following the death of a Mother in a deliberately induced road traffic accident. Kate provided advice and representation throughout. Claim settled for £695,000 and apportionment approved by the Court.
• Representing protected party who sustained a life-changing head injury following a fall from height. Kate settled pleadings and advised throughout, resulting in a substantial settlement which was approved by the Court.
• B, J, and C v Gwynyedd Council – Representing three Claimants in a bullying claim. Settled at JSM.
• R v Tesco – Representing the Claimant in a claim for negligence/breach of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 following verbal abuse by a Line Manager over a sustained period. The claim includes both general damages and injury to feelings, applying the Vento Guidelines;
• OB v Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust and Rotherham Borough Council – Representing the First Defendant at trial following the Claimant’s fall whilst leaving her place of work. The Claim, which was pleaded in excess of £150,000, was dismissed at Sheffield County Court;
• C v ASDA – Representing the Defendant at trial and on appeal in the County Courts at Huddersfield and Leeds following an accident at work where the Claimant sustained a traumatic amputation of the tip of his finger. Both the claim, and subsequent appeal, were dismissed;

Public Access

Kate may accept Public Access work, where she can be instructed directly by a member of the public rather than a solicitor.