Andrew Axon is ranked as within Band 1 in North East for Personal Injury work.

He specialises in claims of the utmost severity involving complex rehabilitation needs, adapted accommodation, Court of Protection and 24-hour care packages.

He has recently concluded brain injury claims valued at £12 million (PPO); £7.5 million; £4.7 million; £9 million.

Other high value claims include:

Paralysis

Locked in syndrome – pedestrian RTA – 24 hour care.

Amputation.

Elective above knee – motorcycle accident

Elective below knee – pedestrian RTA

Bi-lateral traumatic above knee amputation – RTA.

Upper limb.

Brachial plexus (flail arm) – motorcycle accident; Brachial plexus in combination with brain injury – motorcycle accident.

Spinal

Fracture is S3/S4 – incomplete tetraplegia.

What his clients say:

“Andrew takes things in his stride and can always come up with alternative solutions when issues arise.” “Andrew makes clients feel at ease in complex and traumatic situations. He’s very good on his feet, in negotiations, and he’s always been very eloquent.” “He has a real flair and is developing expertise in personal injury work. He really wants to get beyond the law and understand the client’s journey.” Chambers & Partners 2024

“Andrew is a talented barrister. He is extremely caring” Chambers & Partners 2023

“He has a sharp legal mind.” Chambers & Partners 2022

“He is superb at breaking down difficult concepts and explaining them to his clients in a way they will be able to understand.” Chambers & Partners 2021

Andrew is among the very few barristers in the UK to be rated as “Star Individual” for negligence work by Chambers and Partners 2023.

His caseload includes:

Obstetrics – 3 x cerebral palsy – profound disability

Paediatrics – congenital metabolic disorder; delayed diagnosis – hydrocephalus – profound disability;

Spinal – spinal surgery – tetraplegia – profound disability; cauda equina – delayed diagnosis

Oncology – delayed diagnosis of: cervical, lung and breast cancers – fatalities.

Vascular – Amputation – lower limb – radiological misdiagnosis; treatment delay diabetes; missed progressive arterial disease.

Psychiatric – self harm during psychosis.

What his clients say:

“…an extremely high-quality player … very knowledgeable on the medical side of things … technically very strong, and has a good manner with clients.”

Chambers & Partners 2024

“..talented and extremely caring … he is top class…”

Chambers & Partners 2023

“…straight to the point and doesn’t mess around … excellent manner with experts and clients alike…”

Chambers & Partners 2022

“…clients adore him … a very impressive advocate…”

Chambers & Partners 2021

Chambers and Partners (2024) - Clinical Negligence (Star Individual) - " an extremely high-quality player ... very knowledgeable on the medical side of things ... technically very strong, and has a good manner with clients"

Chambers and Partners (2024) - Personal Injury (Band 1) - "Andrew takes things in his stride and can always come up with alternative solutions when issues arise." "Andrew makes clients feel at ease in complex and traumatic situations. He's very good on his feet, in negotiations, and he's always been very eloquent." "He has a real flair and is developing expertise in personal injury work. He really wants to get beyond the law and understand the client's journey."

Legal 500 (2024) Clinical Negligence (Tier 1) - "Andrew is a robust trial advocate and a very accomplished barrister. He is eloquent and has the common touch with clients."

Legal 500 (2024) Personal Injury (Tier 1) - "Andrew is a strong negotiator. He is also very approachable, responsive, always available and great with clients."

Chambers and Partners (2023) - Clinical Negligence (Star Individual) - "Andrew Axon acts on both the claimant and defendant sides of heavyweight serious injury claims including those arising from surgical negligence, delayed diagnosis of diseases and a failure to supervise those at risk of suicide. He is widely renowned for his handling of cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury claims. He also displays expertise in cauda equina cases."

Chambers and Partners (2023) - Clinical Negligence (Band 1) - "Andrew Axon acts on both the claimant and defendant sides of heavyweight serious injury claims including those arising from surgical negligence, delayed diagnosis of diseases and a failure to supervise those at risk of suicide. He is widely renowned for his handling of cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury claims. He also displays expertise in cauda equina cases."

Legal 500 (2023) - Personal Injury (Tier 1) 

Legal 500 (2023) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 1) - "Andrew is always prepared and very thorough in his analysis of a case - he gets straight to the heart of the issues involved. His advice is clear and pragmatic."

Chambers and Partners (2022) - Personal Injury (Band 1) - "He is great at client care, has a sharp legal mind and is very strong tactically too. He gives clear, concise and helpful advice, and you really feel he is working with you." "He is very organised and able to deal with complex matters easily. He has a keen eye for detail."

Legal 500 (2022) - Personal Injury (Tier 1) - "An unflappable junior. He is a shrewd negotiator, always thoroughly prepared with a keen eye for approaching problems in innovative ways."

Chambers and Partners (2022) - Clinical Negligence (Star Individual) - "No stone goes unturned with him and he's very thorough. He provides detailed and practical advice that cuts through the wheat from the chaff to give good practical advice. He is straight to the point and doesn't mess around." "Has a diligent, forensic approach and an excellent manner with experts and clients alike."

Legal 500 (2022) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 1) - "An excellent barrister, particularly with complex cases. He can drill down to the key issues necessary to win a claim. Very approachable - puts clients at ease."

Chambers and Partners (2021) - Personal Injury (Band 1) - "He is superb at breaking down difficult concepts and explaining them to his clients in a way they will be able to understand." "An excellent litigator who is very good with clients. He comes up with innovative solutions to novel situations and thinks outside the box."

Chambers and Partners (2021) - Clinical Negligence (Star Individual) - "He has amazing intuition and a fantastic feel for what's going to work and what won't. Clients adore him and he has a lot of confidence." "He has an excellent manner with clients and puts them at ease." "A very impressive advocate."

Chambers and Partners (2020) - Personal Injury (Band 1) - "Andrew has the rare combination of real intellectual clout and a fabulous bedside manner. He is particularly impressive when it comes to the tactics around settling cases involving clients who are on the borderline of mental capacity." "Able to unpick complex liability and quantum issues and then outline a clear plan and strategy. He's also great with clients and able to articulate difficult concepts in a way they can understand."

Chambers and Partners (2020) - Clinical Negligence (Band 1) - "He has a sharp analytical brain and is able to see the wood for the trees." "Good with witnesses and good on his feet." "Clients love him and judges love him: he's a really accomplished advocate."

Legal 500 (2021) - Clinical Negligence (Band 1) - "Focused and excellent at getting results in often challenging and complex cases. Great with clients and generally a very safe pair of hands for all types of medical negligence cases."

Legal 500 (2021) - Personal Injury (Band 1) - "Andrew has a analytical approach to cases and is very able to grasp very complex issues and disseminate them with flair and panache. He is always willing to get his sleeves rolled up in order to find a negotiated way forward in a case and work towards a successful conclusion. His negotiation skills are exceptional, and I am sure he is on the fast track to turning silk very soon."

Legal 500 (2020) - Clinical Negligence (Band 1) - "A tough negotiator who will work hard to achieve the right result for the client. "

Legal 500 (2020) - Personal Injury (Band 1) - "A tough negotiator with a keen eye for detail. "

Chambers and Partners (2019) - Personal Injury (Band 1) - "Brilliant with clients, and he is very affable. He understands what a solicitor wants from counsel and has a wealth of experience that really shows through in his drafts and advice." "He's very experienced and very technical, so he can deal with issues of quantum and liability very well."

Chambers and Partners (2019) - Clinical Negligence (Band 1) - "He is unbelievably kind, very on the ball and very hot on the law. Thoroughly excellent all round." "Intellectually and tactically the equal of any Queen's Counsel."

Legal 500 (2018/2019) "Extremely bright, good on his feet and great with witnesses."

Chambers and Partners (2018) - Personal Injury (Band 1) - "Combines his outstanding personal injury practice with his work in clinical negligence. He is instructed by both the defence and the prosecution in serious, high-value cases, and excels in those relating to brain and spinal injury as well as amputations." Strengths: "His ability to communicate is excellent. He can convey complex legal matters in a simple manner that clients understand and he appreciates the importance of empathy." "He is able to deal with the issues in a case and has a good eye for detail."

Chambers and Partners (2018) - Clinical Negligence (Band 1) - "Acts on both the claimant and defendant side of heavyweight serious injury claims including those arising from surgical negligence, delayed diagnosis of diseases and a failure to supervise those at risk of suicide. He is widely renowned for his handling of cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury claims." Strengths: "He's my absolute go-to. He has pulled settlements out of the hat that I didn't think were possible. He's very, very intelligent and is just delightful with people." "He's very polished, very charming and is very well respected by clients." "Adept at dealing with both legal and medical issues and delightful with clients, who all have absolute confidence in his advice." Andrew is recommended in Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500 for both Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence.

Legal 500 (2017) - "An intellectual heavyweight."

Chambers and Partners (2017) - Clinical Negligence (Band 1) - "Acts on either the claimant or defendant side of heavyweight serious injury claims including those arising from surgical negligence, delayed diagnosis of diseases and a failure to supervise those at risk of suicide. He was head of chambers and is widely renowned for his handling of cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury claims." Strengths:  "He is carrying out very senior work and I would consider him for cases where I might otherwise instruct a QC. " "He has a keen eye for medical detail, is easy to get on with and is very approachable." Recent work: Achieved a settlement for a claimant in which a patient suffered severe spinal cord damage and paraplegia following the delayed diagnosis of a spinal infection.

Chambers and Partners (2017) - Personal Injury - "Combines his outstanding personal injury practice with his work in clinical negligence and excels in catastrophic cases relating to brain and spinal injury as well as amputations. He is typically instructed in very high-value cases and is noted for his excellent advocacy and client-care skills. Strengths: "He has a lot of experience of dealing with brain injury claims, he puts clients at ease and explains difficult legal issues thoroughly. He's very confident and a strong advocate during joint settlement meetings." "Bright, good with the client and someone who picks up crucial issues in a case very quickly."

Legal 500 (2016) - "He shows unfailing attention to detail and an ability to really understand a client's position."

Chambers and Partners (2016) - Clinical Negligence - "Receives considerable acclaim for his adroit handling of high-profile claims concerning cerebral palsy, misdiagnosis and birth trauma. He is the head of chambers and is instructed by both claimants and defendants." Strengths: "His analysis is very good; he's prepared to fight a case and his work on paper is always very clear." "He ticks every box, he really does. If you've got a difficult case, he seems to iron it all out for you. He's phenomenal."

Chambers and Partners (2016) Personal Injury - "Principally represents claimants in high-value cases resulting from brain and spinal injuries and amputations. Instructing solicitors value, him for his excellent client manner and hugely impressive level of technical skill." Strengths: "He displays great attention to detail and is tactically astute. He is energetic, enthusiastic, hard-working, sensible and pragmatic, but up for a scrap when one is needed." "I would strongly recommend him; he is very thoughtful and goes through the cases very well. He is detailed in his approach, very good with clients and happy to set out matters very clearly to them."

Legal 500 (2015) - "He is good with clients and turns papers around promptly."

Chambers and Partners (2015) - Clinical Negligence - "Andrew is also one of the set's leading clinical negligence practitioners also in Band 1. He is noted for his expertise on brain injury claims." Expertise: "He's an amazing advocate - when you've got him onside you want the case to go to court. It's almost worth paying the money just to watch him in action: he's fantastic, exudes confidence and knows the law inside out."

Chambers and Partners (2015) - Personal Injury - "Has extensive experience in relation to personal injury and clinical negligence work across the region and beyond. As the head of chambers, he is widely noted for his advocacy in courts and outstanding client service." Expertise: “He is the sort of guy you want in the court. He exudes confidence, has detailed knowledge of the case and understands the law inside-out.” “He has very good client skills and I won’t hesitate to instruct him.”

The Legal 500 (2014) - "His medical knowledge is a level above most counsel"

Chambers and Partners (2014) - "Handles a wide range of high-value and high-complexity cases. In particular, he is recommended for his expertise in spinal and brain injury claims, while also being noted for his experience with inquests. Axon is the head of chambers." Expertise: "Clients absolutely adore him. Very few barristers have his all-round qualities: client care, good on paper, fast, efficient, good at negotiating, responsive, and good in court."

Chambers and Partners (2013) - "Andrew has a broad practice which covers clinical negligence and coronial law alongside personal injury. He is highly regarded for his expertise in claims relating to head and spinal injuries." Commentators say he "is great on his feet in court," and note that "he has a range of expertise, but he's a real specialist in clinical negligence claims."

Legal 500 (2013) - "Andrew Axon is noted for his ‘high standard of performance in court’."

Chambers & Partners (2012) - "Excellent court manner" is a real asset to clients, who also approve of his "laid-back approach." Sources applaud his "ability to make clients feel important" and the simple clarity of his communication.

Chambers and Partners (2011) - “Noted for his "no-nonsense approach."

Chambers and Partners (2010) - "A delight to deal with," and is "excellent with clients." Solicitors particularly covet him as he "takes command of a case," and "can be relied on to impart his full and frank opinion."

Personal Injury Bar Association (PIBA); Association for Victims of Medical Accidents (AVMA); Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL); Leeds Medico-Legal Society

Ongoing Clinical Negligence and Personal Injury cases valued above £5m, requiring extensive care packages; accommodation needs; deputyship etc, include:

Cerebral Palsy; Brain Stem Injury; Severe Traumatic Brain Injury; Severe Self Harm; Spinal Injury – Tetraplegia.

Examples of higher value cases concluded:

PERSONAL INJURY – SEVERE BRAIN INJURY | Value £7.5m | 2021

Claimant (a child) suffered a severe brain injury when run down after stepping into road. Liability denied and quantum in issue. Post-accident, Claimant has profound disability giving rise to the need for 24-hour care.

The case complicated by: lack of capacity; state funding; liability in issue; complex and extensive care needs, equipment and accommodation requirements; and financial vehicle for settlement – Periodical Payments Order.

Value circa £12.5m, 60% recovery – settled £7.5m. Approved High Court 2021

PERSONAL INJURY – SEVERE BRAIN INJURY | Value £12m | 2021

Claim arising from a motorcycle accident. Claimant suffered severe brain injury, lost capacity and no longer capable of independent living. 24-hour care regime required.

The case complicated by: lack of capacity; state funding; liability in issue; complex and extensive care needs, equipment and accommodation requirements; and financial vehicle for settlement – Periodical Payments Order.

Protracted negotiated settlement approved High Court

Outcome - Periodical Payments Order plus lump sum settlement – equivalent value £12m.

CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE – CEREBRAL PALSY | Value: £14.3 million | 2018 

Complex Cerebral Palsy case involving a dispute concerning interpretation of the trace and the appropriate response of clinicians. Case concluded with a value of £14.3 million which was settled as a lump sum and Periodical Payments Order.

CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE – DELAYED DIAGNOSIS BRAIN TUMOUR | Value: £13.5 million | 2018 

Cerebral Palsy case leading to profound disability and 24-hour care regime. Case concluded with capital sum £4.1 million and Periodical Payments Order rising £79k to £145k to £165k – Capitalised value: £13.5 million

CLINICAL NEGLIGENCE – DELAYED DIAGNOSIS CHOROID PLEXUS CARCINOMA | Value: £11 million | 2018 

Child with co-morbid learning difficulties – blindness caused by breach of duty. Causation disputed. Case concluded with capital sum £1.25 million and Periodical Payments Order rising £42k to £82k to £100k – Capitalised value: £11 million

Head of Chambers; Head of the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Team; President of the West Yorkshire Medico-Legal Society; Attorney General's Junior Counsel to the Crown (Regional Panel - Civil); Attorney General's (A list) Panel of Prosecution Advocates; Grade A  Advocacy Trainer for the North Eastern Circuit

Wishart GC, Axon A. Overcoming the injustices of Gregg v Scott with a new approach to recovering damages in cases of delayed diagnosis of cancer following JD v MELANIE MATHER EWHC 3063 (QB). Clinical Risk 2014 Jan 21

Contributor - APIL Model Pleadings and Applications (Jordans, 2012)

Co-author - The Athens International Position Statement on Sedation in Digestive Endoscopy(2010)

Co-author (in preparation) - ESGE (European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) Guideline: Nonanaesthesiologist administration of propofol for GI Endoscopy Co-author of APIL Guide to Personal Injury Applications and Pleadings (Jordans, 2005)

Compensating the State - Solicitors Law Journal (6/00)

Recovery time - Solicitors Law Journal (21/9/01)

Compensation Recovery Unit Appeals - Journal of Personal Injury Law 201 issue 4/01

Drinking at the last chance saloon - an analysis of CPR Part 6 - Legal and Medical Magazine (19/07/06)

Please contact Mike Stubbs for further information.

MA (Cantab), Magdalene College, Cambridge

Shortlisted for Clinical Negligence Junior of the Year - Legal 500 Bar Awards 2023