“A standout silk who regularly appears in high-value catastrophic injury cases. He elicits stellar market praise..Phenomenally good.”
Chambers & Partners 2017
Derek O’Sullivan QC’s practice concentrates on very high value catastrophic injury claims. Derek is also regularly instructed in a wide range of insurance disputes and by individuals/corporations facing health and safety prosecutions following workplace accidents. Derek was named ‘Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence Junior of the Year‘ at the Chambers Bar Awards 2012. In 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 he was a “Star Individual” in the Chambers Personal Injury ranking for Juniors. He took Silk in 2016 and is ranked as a Leading Personal Injury Silk in both Chambers and Partners 2018 and Legal 500 2018. He is also ranked a leading Silk in Health and Safety in the Legal 500 2017.
Personal Injury
“A master tactician and strategic thinker who is always on his game. The depth and breadth of his knowledge across a wide range of issues is second to none”. Chambers 2018
Catastrophic Injury Claims
Derek’s practice concentrates on cases where claimants have been catastrophically injured. He is regularly instructed in cases involving spinal injury, traumatic brain injury (including subtle brain injury cases) and amputation. Derek is familiar with all elements of catastrophic injury cases and is used to leading a team (including extensive medical expert evidence) defending very high value claims.
Occupier’s Liability Claims
Derek has acted in a very considerable number of occupier’s liability claims with the cases dealt with including:-
- Liability of the occupiers of woodlands, nature reserves and holiday parks
- Liability of domestic householders in relation to both the 1957 and 1984 Acts
- Liability of the occupiers of commercial premises (both to visitors and persons attending in the course of their employment)
Road Traffic Accidents
Derek has conducted many cases arising from road traffic accidents and it not practicable to give any particular details (save to say that he has particular experience of motorcycle cases).
Employer’s Liability Claims
Derek has extensive experience of acting for defendants in EL claims; in particular he has extensive experience of acting in multi-defendant cases involving accidents on construction sites.
Rail Claims
For many years Derek has acted for rail companies in relation to claims by passengers, trespassers and claims by injured employees. He is familiar with the issues in rail claims (including CAHA) and has a good knowledge of the relevant Master Rule books and Railway Standards. Derek recently acted for a train operating company being sued by a passenger after an accident in which the passenger suffered a bilateral amputation after falling between a platform and a moving train: Robinson v Greater Anglian Railways (2018) QBD. This was an important decision as the claimant sought (unsuccessfully) to argue that the overall safety of train despatch systems on the rail network was unacceptable.
Aviation accidents
Derek has a growing practice being instructed in relation to personal injury claims arising from accidents aboard aircraft (both fixed wing and helicopters). Derek has dealt with Montreal convention cases together with non-Convention cases where liability for the accident is in dispute; Derek was instructed by aviation insurers for the aircraft owner in the case of Day v Tasker et al (2009) QBD, Leeds DR.
Derek has also acted for aviation companies and airports in relation to “airside” issues; e.g. he was previously a London airport in relation to an industrial illness claim (by an airside worker) involving alleged breaches of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations.
Accidents at Sea
Employer’s Liability Claims involving accidents at sea or on-board ships; Derek has wide experiences in this niche area and has experience of cases involving the following:-
- The Shipbuilding and Ship-Repairing Regulations 1960
- The Docks Regulations 1988
- The Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Health Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1997
- Liability generally where UK regulations do not apply
Conflicts of Laws/Accidents abroad
For many years Derek has acted for insurers in relation to claims arising from personal injury accidents abroad and so conflicts of laws/Rome II issues are frequent in Derek’s practice. He was previously Junior Counsel in a cross border case (involving catastrophic injury) where the damages claim was pleaded at over £40m. Currently he is Leading Counsel for one of the parties in a cross border claim (resulting from an accident in France) where the damages are pleaded at an even higher figure. Derek has experience of foreign law claims involving: French, Spanish, German, Italian, Norwegian, Belgian, Serbian, Kuwaiti and Brazilian law.
Quantum
Derek is involved with all quantum issues generally encountered by personal injury practitioners dealing with catastrophic injury cases. Issues which he is currently dealing with include: severe brain injury; tetraplegia and paraplegia; claimants in states of minimal consciousness; so-called subtle brain injury cases; major psychiatric decompensation consequential on severe brain injury; capacity (litigation, management of affairs and deprivation of liberty) and all issues relating to statutory funding and settlements.
Derek has drafted a considerable number of Periodical Payment Orders and has been involved in a number of cases involving PPOs for care as well as PPOs for other heads of loss. He has also been involved in (and drafted PPOs) cases where claimants have provided reverse indemnities.
Fraud/Fundamental Dishonesty in Personal Injury Claims
Derek has a particular interest in fraud in personal injury cases and is instructed in cases with a (potentially) high value but where insurers consider it likely that the claim is fraudulent or fundamentally dishonest. The advent and consequences (in relation to QWOCS) of fundamental dishonesty under s. 57 Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 has changed the landscape in relation to how insurers deal with potential fraud in claims and Derek is regularly instructed in cases involving consideration of fundamental dishonesty.
Health and Safety Law
Accidents at work/deaths at work can result in both criminal proceedings against the employer in question as well as private law claims for damages arising from the accident. Insurers tend to be involved in both proceedings and since commencement of his practice Derek’s practice has always involved representing companies or individuals being prosecuted under the Health and Safety at Work Act/daughter legislation as well then acting for them in any subsequent civil proceedings (or inquests).
Derek frequently receives instructions from the employer’s liability insurers of companies and individuals who are facing health and safety prosecutions in the criminal courts and he is very experienced in relation to trials in the magistrates court (e.g. R v Bestway Coventry Magistrates Court; a case under s. 3 of the Health and Safety at Work which involved a so-called “HTML defence”) and the Crown Court with a jury (e.g R v Thomas and R v County Mall Management Limited).
Cases in which Derek has been involved in his practice include prosecutions brought under:-
- Sections 2, 3 and 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act etc. 1974
- The Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
- The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
- The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
- The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992/1998
- The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988/1999/2002
- The Construction (Health Safety & Welfare) Provisions 1996
- The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- The Electricity at Work Regulations 1999
- The Work at Height Regulations 2005
- Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998
- Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007/2015
- Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987/Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006/2012
Gross Negligence Manslaughter/Corporate Manslaughter
Derek is one of the few Counsel who has acted in both a gross negligence manslaughter case (R v English Brothers, Northampton Crown Court) and a corporate manslaughter case (R v Cavendish Masonry, Oxford Crown Court) and he is currently instructed in two such cases.
Insurance
Derek has considerable experience in disputes arising by reason of fraud/material non-disclosure/misrepresentation in insurance claims. He has represented insurers in a number of such cases which have proceeded to trial (e.g. Savash v Co-Op General Insurance) and which have dealt with the following:
- Presentation of fraudulent documents/use of fraudulent devices in support of claims.
- Presentation of fraudulent claims
- Material non-disclosure in claims
- Material non-disclosure/misrepresentation in insurance proposals.
He is currently involved (for insurers) in a number of such ongoing cases.
Derek has also been instructed in disputes involving policy coverage issues. Cases in this area include insurers refusing to provide public liability cover to a footballer who recklessly injured a fellow player, insurers refusing to provide public liability cover to an insured who injured a friend whilst engaging in horseplay with an air-rifle and insurers refusing to provide cover in respect of a fire which had been wilfully/recklessly started.
Road Traffic Act/Motor Insurance issues
Derek is frequently instructing by motor insurers in relation to policy coverage issues/issues under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and potential Art 75 status. He has extensive experience of cases where insurers have Art 75 status and/or where the MIB are involved and indeed has assisted insurers on numerous occasions with submissions to the Technical Committee of the MIB.
Civil Liability
Product Liability
Derek has been regularly instructed over the years by insurers in product liability claims; the cases he has been involved in range from being instructed in the “the toxic leather Sofa” Group Litigation (acting for one of the many defendants) to acting for the manufacturers or suppliers of: bicycles, plumbing equipment, air hoses, butane gas canisters, baby changing stations, televisions, truck tyres, car tyres, motorcycle tyres, bicycle tyres etc.
Recommendations
Derek was named ‘Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence Junior of the Year’ at the Chambers and Partners Bar Awards 2012. In 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 he was a “Star Individual” in the Chambers and Partners Personal Injury ranking for Juniors. He tool Silk in 2016 and is ranked as a Leading Personal Injury Silk in both Chambers and Partners 2018 and Legal 500 2018. He is also ranked a leading Silk in Health and Safety in the Legal 500 2017.
Quotes
“A standout silk who regularly appears in high value catastrophic injury cases. He elicits stellar market praise for his technical ability and client care as well as his handling of fraud allegations. He is one of the few barristers to have been instructed in a corporate manslaughter case”. “A very smooth advocate who wins everybody over with persuasion”. “A master tactician and strategic thinker who is always on his game. The depth and breadth of knowledge across a wide range of issues is second to none”. Chambers and Partners 2018
“Phenomenally good, his pleadings are a work of art.” “He’s completely on the ball excellent with clients and an excellent all-rounder”. “Excellent relationships with the lay clients and very good at handling expert witnesses”. Chambers and Partners 2017
“Excellent and charismatic; a fighter” Legal 500 2017
“He never loses sight of commercial reality” Legal 500 2017
“Has an outstanding reputation for expertise in EL/PL and RTA claims”. “He is an excellent negotiator, is very good on pleadings and is very thorough on counter schedules. “He’s a real character, full of strength and knowledge”. “He is wonderfully charming, he combines a good mastery of detail with a degree of personal charm to get results”. Chambers and Partners 2016
“A highly accomplished advocate”. Legal 500 2016
“A robust barrister, who is excellent both in court and on paper” Legal 500 2016
“Great fun to work with, he shows excellent attention to detail and is a very bold negotiator and tactician.” Chambers and Partners 2015
“He is a terrific advocate and clients love his down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach.” Legal 500 2015
“He has an ability to condense and communicate important issues in an exceptionally clear way.” Legal 500 2015
“A high level of pragmatism, attention to detail, and an ability to communicate issues exceptionally clearly.” Legal 500 2015
“One of his real fortes is cross-examination – he’s like a dog with a bone. He’s definitely one of the stars at the chambers, and it’s hardly a shoddy set.” “Not only is he exceptionally knowledgeable, but he also stands up in a fight. He’s extremely approachable too.” Chambers and Partners 2014
“Fantastically good with clients,” the “pugnacious” Derek O’Sullivan “fights tooth and nail for his client” but never loses his “down-to-earth style.” His “realistic assessment of the chances of success” is lauded by clients. Chambers and Partners 2013
“The absolutely first rate” Derek O’Sullivan has the “ability to get right to the crux of the issues at a very early stage”. He combines a formidable legal mind with “strong social and technical skills”. Such qualities serve him well both in the Courtroom and when generally dealing with lay clients: Chambers & Partners 2012
The ‘very down-to-earth and pragmatic’ Derek O’Sullivan; Legal 500 2011 (Health and Safety)
Derek O’Sullivan is ‘excellent at cross-examination’: Legal 500 2011 (Personal Injury)
He is also applauded for his “clear and concise presentation of evidence and excellent summing-ups.” Chambers & Partners 2010
Both thoroughness and client relationship skills are also described as being among Derek O’Sullivan’s qualities Chambers & Partners 2010
“Derek O’Sullivan can be a street-fighter when you need one – he’s tough as old boots when the case dictates,” Chambers & Partners 2009
“This senior performer litigates a wide variety of cases, and is a “confident, experienced advocate who cuts to the real issues very quickly and is extremely commercial.” Chambers & Partners 2009
“one of the finest juniors around” Legal 500 2009
Related Cases
Personal Injury
Idris Farah (By His Litigation Friend Fatuma Mohamad) v (1) Ahmed Abdullahi (2) Probus Insurance Co Europe Dac (3) The Person Unknown Driving Vehicle Registration Number V168dlu Who Collided With The Claimant On 6 September 2014 (4) Eui Ltd (5) Motor Insurers’ Bureau [2018] EWHC 738 (QB) QBD (Master Davison) 20/04/2018
Court extended the scope of the decision of the Court of Appeal in Cameron v Hussain to cases where the insurer had obtained a declaration of material non-disclosure excepted it from statutory liability under the Road Traffic Act 1988 s.151 (and so had a liability pursuant to its obligations under art.75 of the Motor Insurers’ Bureau’s articles of association).
Matthew Robinson v Abellio Greater Anglia Ltd (T/A Abellio Greater Anglia) [2018] EWHC 272 QBD
Train operating company not liable for the injuries sustained by a commuter who fell between a moving driver-only train and a platform edge when he was jogging alongside it.
Robert Mathew Rickson v Nipour Bhakar [2017] EWHC 264 QBD Blake J
Finding of 20% contributory negligence was made against a cyclist who was injured in a road traffic accident; the cyclist was on the major road when the defendant negligently turned across his path.
Clive Bellman (A Protected Party By His Litigation Friend Nick Bellman) v Northampton Recruitment Ltd [2016] EWHC 3104 QBD: [2017] ICR 543
Vicarious liability of a company for an assault committed by its director on a fellow employee in a drinking session some hours after the conclusion of the work Christmas party.
English Heritage v Taylor [2016] EWCA Civ 448 [2016] PIQR P14, CA
Liability of English Heritage under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 after a visitor fell into the moat at Carisbrooke Castle.
Landau v (1) Big Bus Co Ltd (2) Zeital [2014] EWCA Civ 1102, CA
Liability of car drivers in relation to motorcyclists attempting to ride between them at a junction.
Ian David Groves (By His Mother & Litigation Friend June Groves) v (1) Jonathan Studley (2) Zenith Insurance Management UK Ltd [2014] EWHC 1522 QBD (Stewart J)
Liability and contributory negligence issues in a case where the claimant jumped onto the bonnet of the defendant’s car following an altercation.
Allen-Donald v Breedon [2011] QBD
Liability of employer under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992; employee injured slipping at work subsequently developed adjustment disorder / chronic pain resulting in her becoming wheelchair bound.
Orchard v Lee [2009] EWCA Civ 295
Liability of two teenage school pupils to a school supervisor injured by the one of the boys in the course of a game of “tag” between the boys. Derek represented one of the children and the case against his client was dismissed at first instance; the claimant appealed against the judgment in respect of the other child and her appeal was dismissed.
Khambhaita v Lewis (2009) QBD
Liability of a driver to a pedestrian emerging onto road at a traffic light green in favour of the driver; the pedestrian was catastrophically injured. Liability apportioned 50/50 by the Court.
Collins-Williamson v Silverlink Trains [2009] EWCA Civ 850, CA
Liability of train operating company to a passenger injured by falling from station platform under a moving train.
Jennings v Forestry Commission (CA) [2008] EWCA ICR 988, CA
Liability of Forestry Commission to a contractor, including consideration of the employment status of the contractor and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
Lough v IDS [2008] EWCA Civ 1009, CA
Liability of occupier of domestic premises to employee of an independent contractor carrying out work on the premises
Mills-Davies v Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (QBD) 2004
Liability of occupier of a bird sanctuary to a visitor seriously injured when falling onto a small tree stump on a path (created by works carried out by occupier to clear a path in the sanctuary)
MacLellan v Forestry Commission (QBD) 2004
Liability of occupier (of a forest adjacent to the River Wye) to a visitor seriously injured when hit by a falling tree
Grant v Dick [2003] EWHC 441, QBD
Liability of driver to a pedestrian running out onto a dual carriageway
Barry v Wynn [2001] EWCA Civ 710, CA
Liability of driver overtaking a stationary bus causing injury to a pedestrian
Cross Border Claims
RXA v L’Equipe SA (QBD) [2014]
Extremely high value claim (pleaded in excess of £40m) following an accident in France. French Law and Rome II applied.
Accidents at Sea
Davis v Stena Line Ltd (QBD) [2005] 2 Lloyds Rep 13
Extent of commercial ferry operator’s duty and causation issues in attempted rescue in adverse weather conditions.
Aviation Accidents
Day v (1) Tasker (2) Multiflight Ltd (3) Kennett [2009] QBD
QBD, Leeds District Registry: liability and quantum issues arising from the crash of Schweizer 269C helicopter G-TASS in the Lake District on 10 May 2004
Insurance
Sozem Savash v Cis General Insurance Ltd [2014] EWHC 375 (TCC) Akenhead J [2014] Lloyd’s Rep IR 471
A household insurance claim for loss and damage arising from a burglary was dismissed as fraudulent where the insured had given inconsistent accounts as to whether the property was occupied at the relevant time; his claim regarding the items allegedly stolen was inherently incredible; and there was evidence that a claim for remedial works had been substantially exaggerated.
Costs
Onay v Brown 10 June 2009 (2009) EWCA Civ 775
Costs and Part 36 issues arising from acceptance of an offer where primary liability had been admitted in a road traffic case
