Paul has now been practising as a barrister in London for over 25 years. He specialises in military litigation and is pleased to say that he is regularly instructed by Irwin Mitchell. He is one of the few specialist barristers focusing on all aspects of military claims and has an exclusively based claimant practice.
“I am always pleased to be instructed by Irwin Mitchell. I know that the cases are always going to be exceptionally well prepared and it is always an additional bonus to work with a specialist Military team. We always have one goal in mind - the best result for the client.”
Paul’s cases have included:
- All aspects of personal injury claims relating to service personnel
- Inquest representation assisting the families of deceased service personnel
- Q fever litigation arising out of service personnel in Afghanistan. Chronic fatigue syndrome was developed after the initial fever (brought about by the bacteria coxiella burnetti) that had not been treated with the antibiotic, Doxycycline
- Non freezing cold injuries
- Clinical negligence by doctors, psychiatrists and medical personnel responsible for treating members of the Armed Forces
- Bullying and harassment claims.
Paul has been instructed by Geraldine McCool, on a number of high profile Inquests, including the case of Nicholas Rice (RAF Air Cadet involved in a mid-air collision over Oxfordshire in June 2009. The Inquest disclosed that Nicholas’s pilot who also died in the accident had a serious medical condition, Ankylosing Spondylitis, that could have restricted his ability to keep a look out or incapacitated him upon initial mid-air impact and thereby losing control of the aircraft). The civil litigation that followed concluded in 2014. He has also acted, through Geraldine, on a pro bono basis for a number of cases for the Royal British Legion.
“I have always found that it has been a privilege for me to represent the families of service personnel where a loved one has been killed in the line of duty. This was especially so with a number of Inquests I have been involved in arising out of service in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Inquest process can be stressful and personally painful and so it is important to support the family and to help them find out exactly what happened and possibly what lessons could be learned.”
“Unlike many other firms who are involved in military claims litigation, I have always found it to be a great benefit that the Military Litigation team at Irwin Mitchell includes ex-services personnel such as Andrew Buckham (Southampton) and Paul Weston (Sheffield). This provides for me and the client a special and valuable insight when assessing cases.”
Paul has strong views on how military claims should be handled:
“You always have to tread sensitively with any claim involving military personnel. You have to understand fully the military ethos. I have practised in this niche area now for the last 25 years, and so I feel confident that I have been able to understand this and I know that the team at Irwin Mitchell certainly do.”
When Paul is not battling in Court or seated around the negotiating table he is trying to fi nd time to walk the South West Coastal path (not as yet completed), and to visit the occasional hostelry on the way.
Published: 18 July 2017
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