Simon is a specialist personal injury and clinical negligence barrister acting, in cases of serious and significant injury.
His expertise extends to catastrophic, spinal and closed head injuries, fatal accidents, serious psychiatric and chronic pain conditions and the full spectrum of industrial diseases. Nearly all of Simon’s work involves complex competing medical or engineering evidence with multiple expert disciplines. He is regularly instructed by most of the leading firms in the country.
Simon has particular experience in cases involving fundamental dishonesty and in the past year has successfully represented Defendants in multi-day trials where fraud and dishonesty has been alleged.
In Simon’s clinical negligence he acts for both Claimants and Defendants in cases of injuries occasioned at birth, negligent mistreatment and mis-diagnosis. His practice is weighted towards cases involving complex issues of causation.
Simon has been consistently ranked in both the Legal 500 and Chambers Guide for over 15 years. He is currently ranked in both the London and Wales and Chester Circuits and in the latter is Tier 1 Counsel.
Solicitors value Simon’s ability to convey complex legal analysis with clarity to both a lay and professional audience along with the precision and detail of his cross examination.
Simon lives in South Wales and is always keen to receive instructions in Wales although his practice is now nationwide.
Directory Quotes
Personal Injury
Simon’s practice covers the full range of Personal Injury work. he is instructed by many of the leading personal injury firms in the country in relation to claims of significant value and importance.
He has extensive experience in relation to cases involving fatalities, catastrophic injuries and chronic pain and he is recommended in the leading directories for this work.
Simon also regularly appears in inquests arising from a contemplated personal injury claim.
Simon has acted for most major insurers in cases where dishonesty is alleged. He has acted in countless such cases over the course of his career and has extensive experience in relation to;
- Setting aside notices of discontinuance.
- Staged accidents.
- Low Velocity Impact claims.
- Dishonesty in the context of industrial disease.
- Exaggeration in the context of otherwise genuine claims.
In that context Simon is well used to advising in relation to the forensic analysis of linked witnesses and the resultant evidential framework, the appropriate use of Part 18 requests, the appropriate point of disclosure of surveillance evidence and the tactical use of Part 36 offers.
Simon also has extensive experience of committal proceedings following findings of dishonesty.
Clinical Negligence
Simon has extensive experience across a range of clinical negligence issues. His expertise extends to general practice, obstetrics and gynaecology, gastroenterology, orthopaedics, plastic surgery and dental claims in cases of both delayed or mis-diagnosis and negligent surgical procedures. He acts for both claimants and defendants.
In addition to substantive arguments relating to liability and quantum, Simon has a particular interest in cases that involved complex arguments relating to limitation and has acted in many cases in this area.
Simon has regularly represented medical professionals and families at inquest hearings.
Notable Cases
Education & Qualifications
- Ysgol Friars, Bangor.
- University of Liverpool.
- Bar Vocational Course, The University of Nottingham.
Appointments & Memberships
- Recorder (Wales).
- Deputy District Judge (Midlands).
- Pupil Supervisor.
- Pupil Supervisor trainer for Wales & Chester Circuit.
- Previous contributing Author of Butterworth’s Personal Injury Law and Practice.
To instruct Simon Hughes or obtain more information
Our clerking team, led by Chief Executive & Director of Clerking, Paul Cray, will be pleased to help with any enquiry regarding Simon Hughes, including suitability, availability, and fees. The team offers responsive, commercially focused, and highly professional support.