John accepts instructions from legal professionals, insurers and others on a legal professional and public access basis. The nature of the instruction will depend on the instructing party and the legal issues in question.

Whether it is representation at a hearing, a trial or an appeal, John can represent you in the courts of England & Wales. John can also advise in writing or in conference on the merits of your case. Advice from John at the outset may prove invaluable to determine the tactical approach – to compromise quickly and to save costs, or to collect evidence and then negotiate.

Often, a second opinion is required to help determine what offers should be made or accepted. Evidence forms the centre point of all litigation and expert legal advice from John on these issues can make the difference between success and failure.

Public access can be more cost effective and timely than by accessing legal advice via a firm of solicitors. If the involvement of a solicitor is required, then a recommendation can be made at the appropriate time.

John Meredith-Hardy’s blog on legal issues of significance and importance in the areas of his practice as a barrister.

XYZ v Travelers Insurance Co Ltd [2019] UKSC 48

Significance: s.51 non-party costs orders against insurers Held: a non-party costs order could be made against a liability insurer under the Senior Courts Act 1981 s.51 on the basis that the insurer had become the real defendant to a claim that fell within the cover...

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MIB v Lewis [2019] EWCA Civ 909

Significance: MIB responsible for government failure to institute a full compulsory RTA insurance Facts: C was walking on private land. The farmer who owned the land assumed that C was up to no good and decided to chase him in his 4x4. He drove along a public...

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Colley v Shuker [2019] EWHC 781

Significance: one of the last s.152 declarations cases prior to the Motor Vehicles (Compulsory Insurance) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019 Facts: s.152 declarations & seeking to set aside Held: the application to set aside a s.152(2) declaration was...

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Areas of Work

Insurance

Wasley v MIB & UK Insurance – coverage dispute concerning RTA insurance where the accident occurred not on the road or public place; declaratory relief

Professional Negligence

Dey v Thurston – surveyor’s negligence in the conduct of a pre-purchase survey.

Clinincal Negligence

Bardsley v Dovehaven Nursing Home – successful defence of a  claim for negligent care by a nursing home.

Personal Injury

AAA by her litigation friend BBB v MIB & another EWHC 22.7.16 – settlement of £4 million plus interim payments of £357,725 for a brain injury sustained in an RTA when age 2 & age 21 on date of settlement

Commercial

Nusantara Energy Ltd v Healey – Commercial Court trial – breach of director’s duties, director’s negligence and breach of fiduciary duty

General Common Law

SWT Ltd v Hind & Steel – TCC trial – issues concerning liability for trees by an occupier and the duty of care owed by a tree surgeon to third parties

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