Sadie Crapper

"Her advocacy was phenomenal. She is very detailed in her approach and can calmly take a judge through all points." Chambers and Partners (2024)

"She is incredibly thorough and analytical, and a ferocious advocate. She sees the big issues very quickly." Chambers and Partners (2024)

"Sadie is an exceptional advocate, examiner of witnesses and negotiator." Chambers and Partners (2024)

"Sadie is an incredibly thorough and robust advocate who brings intellectual rigour to all she does." Chambers and Partners (2023)

"She is someone you want to have on your side - she is forceful, pragmatic, detailed and very effective. She works collaboratively with instructing solicitors." Chambers and Partners (2022)

Sadie is a senior junior whose personal injury practice concentrates on catastrophic injury work and fraud.  She is adept at handling complicated liability disputes concerning road traffic accidents (particularly those involving vulnerable road users), employer liability and related claims, and is known for providing detailed, forensic and realistic advice in difficult claims.

Her sound judgment is recognised by claimant and defendant lawyers alike and she is regularly instructed as sole Counsel in multimillion pound claims: in 2020 Sadie achieved settlements totalling over £12m for two catastrophically injured claimants.

Sadie is particularly adept at managing claims involving pain syndromes and enjoys getting involved in such cases at an early stage in proceedings to assist with planning tactics and strategies.

As a leading name in PI fraud work, Sadie's practice in this area is focused on defendant work and she has been instructed in many of the major cases in recent times including Summers v Fairclough Homes, Fari v Homes for Haringey (the first strike out using the power declared by the Supreme Court in Summers) and Sandip Atwal v Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust (discontinuance in the face of overwhelming evidence of fraud followed by the first committal brought by the NHSR).

Sadie has extensive experience of group litigation. She is currently leading a team of juniors within Chambers on hundreds of police overtime claims arising from the Court of Appeal decision in Allard and others v Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary. Sadie also has experience of dealing with over 30 linked professional negligence cases relating to the police pension scheme, and was a junior on the Capper Pass Claims Review Scheme, a multi-million pound scheme established by Rio Tinto plc to deal with multiple industrial diseases claims arising from a metal reclamation plant in Humberside.

Recent cases include:

• BGR v AJ (2020): above knee amputation case.  Sole Counsel.  Settled pre-litigation for over £3.5 million
• KT v JP (2020): serious pelvic injuries to pregnant claimant with pre-existing chronic fatigue syndrome.  Case settled at virtual JSM at significant saving for defendant.
• BG v RM and EUI Ltd (2019/2020): serious lower limb injuries to motorcyclist.  Schedule in excess of £2m.  Case settled on a commercial basis after Sadie prevailed at a contested application for evidence concerning co-morbid issue of sarcoidosis.
• MG v KCC, FD, SP (2019): complicated liability case involving black ice and winter maintenance issues concerning two accidents in quick succession which led to a below knee amputation. Primary liability not admitted.  Contributory negligence in issue.  Sole Counsel instructed against two Silks and Senior Junior of 25+ years Call.  Pre-litigation mediation failed but the case settled for £1m+ shortly after Sadie's pleadings were served.
• Everett v Dyer [2019] EWHC 2049 (QB) – liability trial of motorcycle vs van claim acting for the claimant who had paraplegia as a result of the accident. Silk opposition.  Deduction for contributory negligence limited to 25% and claimant bettered his own Part 36 offer.  Case proceeds as regards quantum.

Historic abuse cases

Sadie has experience in handling historic sexual abuse claims acting for both claimants and defendants. She has advised on claims involving grooming and the abuse of children, and sexual assault involving adults. Sadie is sensitive to the needs of her clients, whether they be the alleged victim or perpetrator, and gives practical and commercial advice in clear terms in order to assist in the appropriate resolution of any claim.

Inquests

Sadie has extensive experience in the Coroner's Court including inquests involving deaths in custody, deaths in the workplace and road traffic accidents.

Reported cases

Reported cases include:

• Everett v Dyer[2019] EWHC 2049 (QB) – liability trial of motorcycle vs van claim acting for the claimant who had paraplegia as a result of the accident. Deduction for contributory negligence limited to 25% and claimant bettered his own Part 36 offer.
• Summers v Fairclough Homes Ltd [2012] 1 WLR 2004 – landmark fraud case in the Supreme Court establishing power to strike out claims for fraud
• Fari v Homes for Haringey  (Central London CC, Oct 2012) and Homes for Haringey v Fari   (QBD, Jan 2013) – first strike out of personal injury claim using the Summers powers and contempt proceedings which followed
• Dowson & anors v The Chief Constable of Northumbria Police  [2010] All ER (D) 191 (Oct) – 6 week trial of a £1.8million claim by CHIS handlers under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997

Other notable cases include:

• Police overtime claims litigation, 2015 to date.  Sadie acts on behalf of hundreds of police officer claims in litigation concerning overtime claims made by CHIS Handlers and other police officers following the decision of the Court of Appeal in Sadie's case of Allard and others v The Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Constabulary[2015] EWCA Civ 42; [2015] ICR 875.  She is led by Martin Westgate QC.
• PLA v NDLB, 2018-2019 Sadie was instructed as junior Counsel to Colin McCaul QC in this significant asbestos and mesothelioma litigation concerning contribution proceedings in historic asbestos and mesothelioma cases.  Sadie continues to be instructed by the NDLB in other associated claims.
• KC v AN Ltd, 2017-2019.  Sadie was instructed by the Defendant in a long running case involving alleged contralateral spread of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and allegations of fundamental dishonesty.
• C v S, 2018-2019.  Instructed by the Defendant in a fatal accident claim in particularly tragic circumstances with elements of complication relating to the toxicology of both the driver and the deceased.  Settled at JSM pre-issue.
• T v S, 2018 in Jersey.  Sadie was instructed on behalf of a UK insurer to work with a local advocate to defend a claim brought by an aspiring model and actor in Jersey.  The case involved complicated allegations of contributory negligence and claims for future losses associated with alleged missed opportunities for substantial career progression and was settled on favourable terms at a JSM in Jersey.
• Maini v LB Enterprises Ltd,Finding of fundamental dishonesty and claim dismissed pursuant to section 57 of the Criminal Justice Act 2015.
• FS v S Ltd, Sole Counsel for the claimant in a cyclist vs. lorry collision which settled at JSM for a seven figure sum.
• AS v M Ltd,Sadie Crapper was instructed on behalf of Zurich concerning of a fraudulent claim involving exaggeration fraud in which the Claimant claimed over £1million for lifelong disability and loss of earnings.  Claim was discontinued after the Defendant's evidence of fraud was served.
• DL v DXG, 2017-2018.  The case concerned a claimant who alleged he had suffered an eye injury causing impairment of the sight in one eye with lifelong disability and earnings loss.  A combination of surveillance and expert evidence proved the lie.  Sadie Crapper was instructed before proceedings commenced to give early advice on how best to manage the claim to a successful, low-cost conclusion.
• Sikand v CS Lounge Suite Ltd and others, CLCC, DJ Avent, 14 July 2016 – entire personal injury action struck out on an interlocutory application using Summers v Fairclough Homes Ltdwhere a wannabe lawyer signed false statements of truth in pursuit of a fraudulent claim.
• White v Derby Phoenix Motorcycle Club – claim totalling in excess of £1.7 million with fraud elements which settled at significant reduction before trial
• Hogwood v Sunderland City Council – one of 150+ linked claims alleged to be part of a major fraud ring in the North East.  Claim discontinued

"Sadie is an excellent lawyer, a tough negotiator and a tenacious advocate in court. She is excellent in respect of fundamental dishonesty cases and high-value personal injury claims in general." Chambers and Partners (2023)

"She's a go-to in London for insurers and has a meticulous eye for detail." Chambers and Partners (2022)

Sadie has a thriving defendant fraud practice and is ranked in Band 1 for Motor Insurance Fraud by Chambers and Partners.  Her expertise includes:

– fraudulent exaggeration claims, including strike out of such claims

– staged accident

– phantom passenger

– faked accident claims

– contempt proceedings

– costs arguments arising from fraudulent claims, including the appropriate use of the offer regimes

Sadie is often involved in cases at the earliest stage of a suspicious claim and works closely with the existing team to progress the case.  Using her pre-Bar experience working in the legal department at Thames Valley Police, Sadie recognizes the need to work flexibly to meet the demands of managing fraud claims and provides clear and concise advice to assist in the management of a suspicious claim towards a successful conclusion.

Reported cases

Reported cases include:

• Summers v Fairclough Homes Ltd  [2012] 1 WLR 2004 – landmark fraud case in the Supreme Court establishing power to strike out claims for fraud
• Fari v Homes for Haringey  (Central London CC, Oct 2012) and Homes for Haringey v Fari   (QBD, Jan 2013) – first strike out of personal injury claim using the Summers powers and contempt proceedings which followed

Other notable cases include:

• AS v M Ltd, Sheffield County Court in 2017-2018.  Sadie Crapper was instructed on behalf of Zurich concerning of a fraudulent claim involving exaggeration fraud in which the Claimant claimed over £1million for lifelong disability and loss of earnings.  Claim was discontinued after the Defendant's evidence of fraud was served.
• DL v DXG, 2017-2018.  The case concerned a claimant who alleged he had suffered an eye injury causing impairment of the sight in one eye with lifelong disability and earnings loss.  A combination of surveillance and expert evidence proved the lie.  Sadie Crapper was instructed before proceedings commenced to give early advice on how best to manage the claim to a successful, low-cost conclusion.
• Sikand v CS Lounge Suite Ltd and others, CLCC, DJ Avent, 14 July 2016 – entire personal injury action struck out on an interlocutory application using Summers v Fairclough Homes Ltd where a wannabe lawyer signed false statements of truth in pursuit of a fraudulent claim.

Sadie developed her long standing interest in clinical negligence work by working for the Treasury Solicitor dealing with clinical negligence claims made by prisoners for the healthcare treatment received whilst in prison. She has particular experience of dealing with claims involving:

• Delayed diagnosis
• Lack of consent to medical treatment
• Failed surgical treatments and procedures
• Claims involving failed cosmetic surgery
• Birth injury claims
• Claims arising from the loss or death of a foetus in utero

Notable cases

DH v H NHS trust and others

Sadie acted as sole counsel in a claim arising from delayed diagnosis of retinopathy of prematurity causing blindness. Sadie worked as sole Counsel with solicitor and experts to force significant causation admissions which catapulted the value of the claim into seven figures.  Leading Counsel was brought in for the final stages of the quantum case and the claim settled at JSM for in excess of £4m.

MAC v  N NHS trust

Acting for Defendant in defence of fatal accidents case involving allegations of negligent nursing care and failure to diagnose sepsis.  Sadie worked in close harmony with her solicitors to secure the discontinuance of the claim well in advance of trial.

Atwal v Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

Acting as sole counsel for the Defendant in an £800,000+ claim involving allegations of fraudulent exaggeration.  Sadie provided advice and amended the Defence and Counterschedule to make the allegations of fraud and apply to strike out the claim.  In response the Claimant accepted a pre-issue offer.

Marie Stopes and BPAS

Sadie is regularly instructed to defend claims on behalf of Marie Stopes and the BPAS.

Sadie's public law practice focuses on police law, including police pensions work and related judicial reviews, and asset forfeiture work before the Administrative Court.

Sadie has recent experience of:

• Police overtime claims, including Vincent, Allard and Buckley v the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police [2015] EWCA Civ 42; [2015] WLR(D) 45
• Judicial review proceedings involving:
  1. the exercise of police powers by reference to the Protection from Harassment Act 1997
  2. decisions of the Police Appeals Tribunal and the Police Medical Appeals Board
  3. the powers of the Registrar of the GMC
• Applications to appoint enforcement receivers
• Contested third party interest claims relating to property which is subject to a confiscation order
• Contested ancillary relief claims in relation to property which is subject to a confiscation order

Sadie is regularly instructed on behalf of the Police Federation on police pensions matters.

Sadie primarily practices in the area of Solicitor's negligence and has extensive experience of cases involving personal injury including missed limitation dates (which extends to limitation in respect of foreign claims) and under-settlement, and cases involving employment law claims including poor conduct of employment tribunal claims and pension loss.

Notable cases include:

• 30+ linked professional negligence claims against a firm who missed limitation dates in claims by police officers for negligent misrepresentation against their force
• A claim against a solicitor for missing a limitation date in a personal injury claim relating to and accident abroad
• A claim against a solicitor for potential negligence in manner in which an employment claim was handled

Sadie has significant experience of alternative dispute resolution including mediation as sole Counsel in multi-party disputes, independent evaluation before Dame Janet Smith and countless joint settlement meetings spanning a wide range of disputes across injury litigation and police law.  In 2008 Sadie trained as an accredited mediation advocate and in 2020 she received training from world-leading Arbitrators in preparation for entry to the 39 EC ADR panel for fixed-fee arbitrations and adjudications.