Chris
Smith
Partner
Personal Injury
+44 (0)113 394 9484
Chris acts for client who have sustained catastrophic injuries, specialising in brain injury, spinal cord injury and amputation claims. Chambers says “Chris is in every way, an outstanding solicitor. He is direct but kind, and he is personable but yet legally very sharp.”
Expertise
Chris joined Stewarts in 2014 and acts in complex and high-value personal injury cases for children and adults. His cases involve a wide range of catastrophic injuries arising from complex road traffic accidents, accidents at work and public liability claims.
Prior to qualifying as a solicitor, Chris was called to the Bar in 2008. Since joining Stewarts, Chris has recovered damages in excess of £80m for his clients.
Recognition
Chris is recognised by Chambers and Legal 500 and is part of the Yorkshire Legal Awards Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence firm of the year.
Chambers says he is “an extremely thorough and effective advocate for his clients. His attention to detail to exemplary.” He has “really good judgement”, is a “really good strategic thinker”, “is very likeable and gets on well with his clients”.
Accreditations and Memberships
Chris is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn.
He is a Headway panel solicitor and former Chair of the Yorkshire Acquired Brain Injury Forum.
Personal
Chris loves to explore the outdoors with his family at home and abroad. He also plays the drums and enjoys running.
Experience
- Secured settlement on behalf a front seat passenger in a car being driven by an uninsured driver, who as a result of the accident, was diagnosed with fractures at C4, C5, T3 and T4 and complete tetraplegia. The MIB alleged C’s injuries were contributed to by his own negligence and denied it had any contingent liability. A £10.75m settlement was agreed prior to a preliminary issue trial.
- Secured settlement on behalf of a protected party who sustained a catastrophic brain injury in a road traffic accident, valued on a conventional lump sum basis at just over £9.5m with the Financial Services Compensation Scheme as the de facto defendant.
- Secured settlement on behalf of a grandfather hit from behind by a forklift truck at work, ultimately resulting in bilateral below knee amputation. Following the successful conclusion of his case, he returned to an active lifestyle.
Career
After being called to the Bar in 2008, Chris worked as a freelance advocate.
Chris joined Stewarts and 2014 and was made partner in 2022.
Publications and Media
Chris has written a number of articles for industry publications, most recently for APIL PI Focus. He has presented at several conferences on brain injury, spinal cord injury and amputation claims.
Get in touch with Chris to see if we can help with your needs.
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