Elizabeth Hodgson

Called 1993

Elizabeth is a fantastic advocate; strong on her feet and brilliant with the clinical witnesses and experts. A superb negotiator.

The Legal 500 (2024) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 1)

About

Elizabeth Hodgson has practiced almost exclusively in the field of injury-related litigation since pupillage in 1993. She acts on behalf of both Claimants and Defendants in a wide range of personal injury and clinical negligence cases. She is instructed by many insurance companies, local authorities, NHS Resolution, and the major trades unions.

She is increasingly experienced in conducting court hearings, conferences, settlement meetings and mediation remotely, and is happy to advise with regard to the best way of progressing cases during the Covid-19 crisis.

Areas of Expertise

Accolades

Road Traffic Accidents

Acts on behalf of Claimants and Defendants in claims arising out of road traffic accidents involving serious personal injury. She has particular experience in claims involving very serious and / or multiple injuries, often sustained by motorcyclists, and in fatal accident claims. She has represented parties in road traffic accident cases involving horses and other livestock. She also acts on behalf of Claimants and Defendants in less serious cases, where allegations of fraud are made against one or more parties.

Disease

Instructed in all types of industrial disease cases, by both insurance companies and Claimants. She has particular experience in industrial deafness and asbestos-related disease. Regularly instructed in cases involving limitation issues.

Public, Product and Occupiers’ Liability

Has a particular interest in public liability cases. She is instructed regularly by many local authorities and insurance companies, and by several of the large supermarkets, although she also acts on behalf of Claimants. She has dealt with claims brought by both adults and children arising out of a very wide variety of circumstances. These include: accidents sustained by children in schools and playgrounds; accidents sustained in sports centres and other leisure facilities; accidents occurring on “outward bound” activities; accidents in supermarkets and other shops; accidents befalling visitors and patients in hospital; accidents in or around rented accommodation involving the Defective Premises Act 1972; accidents sustained by trespassers; highway “tripping” accidents; injuries involving animals; and so on. She has represented both Claimants and Defendants in a wide variety of product liability cases, from foreign bodies in ready-sliced cake to shattering glass lamps. Her friends tire of her saying “I’ve done a case about that….”.

Employers’ Liability

Acts for Claimants and Defendants in claims involving accidents in all manner of workplaces, from abattoirs to zoos (really). She is instructed regularly by insurance companies, local authorities and NHS Resolution on behalf of Defendants, and by trades unions on behalf of Claimants. She deals frequently with claims arising out of workplace accidents occurring in hospitals, in shops, on construction sites, at height, and in a very wide variety of local authority employment. She has dealt with several cases brought by members of the armed services for injuries sustained in the course of active service. Many of the EL cases with which she deals involve very serious injuries or injuries that have (or are alleged to have) serious psychiatric or psychological consequences, which cases have a potentially high value and often involve disputed medical evidence.

Serious Injury and Catastrophic

Acts for Claimants and Defendants in claims involving catastrophic or very serious injuries (including brain injury, spinal injury and amputation) on a regular basis, such claims usually arising from road traffic accidents, workplace accidents, medical accidents and, less frequently, public liability accidents. She deals regularly with cases where the claim is said to have a value of more than £500,000. She is presently dealing with several cases where damages are likely to exceed £5million and many where damages will exceed £1million. She has a particular interest in issues of medical causation and mitigation of loss. She is happy to conduct conferences with Claimants at home or hospital.

Frequently instructed by insurance companies in personal injury claims where it is suspected that the claim is fraudulent or that the Claimant has been fundamentally dishonest in relation to part of the claim. Has secured findings of fundamental dishonesty (with adverse costs consequences and avoidance of QOCS) in several cases, including one clinical negligence claim.

Acts for Claimants and Defendants in wide variety of clinical negligence claims. Many of these are high value claims arising from catastrophic or very serious “birth injuries”.

She has experience of dealing with:

  • Claims where it is allege there was a failure to obtain informed consent;
  • Claims arising out of a variety of surgical accidents (often with fatal consequences);
  • Obstetric injury (mother and child);
  • Delayed treatment of spinal injuries;
  • Delayed diagnosis of cancer and other life-threatening conditions;
  • Erroneous or delayed treatment of orthopaedic injuries;
  • Ophthalmological negligence;
  • Optometric negligence, particularly with regard to contact lens prescription;
  • Negligent cosmetic surgery, which claims often involve psychological issues:
  • Failed sterilisation;
  • Negligent ENT treatment;
  • Wrongful birth claims;
  • Secondary victim claims.
Motor Fraud

Acts for insurance companies and Claimants in road traffic accident claims where allegations of fraud are made against one or more parties. She provides advice at an early stage of such cases with regard to assessment of the credibility of witnesses (often following conference) and with regard to appropriate pleading. She is frequently required to advise in relation to covert surveillance evidence. Claims alleged to involve fundamental dishonesty appear with increasing frequency in her case load. Has secured findings of fundamental dishonesty (with adverse costs consequences to the Claimant) in 8 cases so far.

Has been arguing about costs in Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence cases on a regular basis for more than 25 years. She has particular expertise in the costs consequences of Part 36 offers, and in cases of fundamental dishonesty. She has considerable and ever-increasing experience of conducting costs and case management hearings, particularly in high-value and complex cases

Frequently instructed in cases where limitation is in issue. Deals with all industrial diseases, but has particular expertise in industrial deafness and asbestos-related disease.

Recommended regularly by the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners since 2007.

The Legal 500 (2025) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 1) - Personal Injury (Tier 2) - "She is a sublime advocate who is able to readily adapt her approach to get to the nub of a matter with ease."

Chambers and Partners (2024) - Personal Injury (Band 2) - "Elizabeth is very experienced and knowledgeable: an excellent all-round counsel."

Chambers and Partners (2024) - Clinical Negligence (Band 1) - "Elizabeth is excellent. She understands the needs of the client, and you can rely on her on even the most complex of issues."

The Legal 500 (2024) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 1) - "Elizabeth is a fantastic advocate; strong on her feet and brilliant with the clinical witnesses and experts. A superb negotiator."

The Legal 500 (2024) - Personal Injury (Tier 2) - "Elizabeth’s advocacy style is perfect and is mesmerising to observe."

Chambers and Partners (2023) - Personal Injury (Band 2) - "Elizabeth Hodgson represents defendants in personal injury cases relating to employers' liability as well as public liability claims. She also acts for claimants in claims arising from allegations of childhood abuse. Her clients include insurers, local authorities and NHS Resolution. She is also well versed in issues of limitation in industrial disease cases."

The Legal 500 (2023) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 1) - "A skilful negotiator with a no-nonsense and thorough approach to cases. Her advice is robust and sensible."

The Legal 500 (2023) - Personal Injury (Tier 2) - "A fierce advocate when necessary, and she rapidly assimilates the issues in a case and sorts the wheat from the chaff with ease."

The Legal 500 (2022) - Personal Injury (Tier 2) - "Her advice is clear, unambiguous, and in language the clients understand. She is very empathetic with clients with severe injuries."

The Legal 500 (2022) - Clinical Negligence (Tier 2) - "Her advice is clear, unambiguous, and in language the clients understand. She is very empathetic with clients with severe injuries."

Legal 500 (2022) - "Elizabeth is a strong negotiator, and her advice is robust and practical. She has the ability to put everyone in the room at ease."

Chambers and Partners (2022) - Personal Injury (Band 2) - "She is very straightforward and gets right to the point."

Chambers and Partners (2022) - Clinical Negligence (Band 1) - "Extremely good in court and very knowledgeable." "She is firm but practical, cuts to the chase and has a sensible approach. She's good in pleadings and has a good negotiation style."

Chambers and Partners (2021) - Clinical Negligence (Band 1) - "Very well prepared, has good analytical skills and offers pragmatic advice." "She is thorough and very much to the point." "She is diligent, she has great attention to detail, and she fills you with confidence that the case is in good hands."

Chambers and Partners (2020) - Clinical Negligence (Band 2) - "She is always well prepared for conferences and has a good manner with clients and experts". "A really solid pair of hands and has good instincts."

Chambers and Partners (2020) - Personal Injury (Band 2) - "She's very straightforward and takes a no-nonsense approach." "She's approachable, accessible and very good both in court and on paper."

The Legal 500 (2021) - Clinical Negligence (Band 1) - ‘Approachable, straightforward, practical and reliable. Liz is thorough in her assessment of cases and works hard to achieve the best result possible.’

The Legal 500 (2021) - Personal Injury (Band 2) - "Superb with cool headed analysis. A tough negotiator. Always well prepared. Presents her views very clearly either on paper or in conference. Has great ability to put lay clients at ease. She excels in treating instructing solicitors and commercial clients as part of a team. Always superb value for money."

The Legal 500 (2020) - Clinical Negligence (Band 1) - "Very good with clients and excellent in court - an all-round top advocate."

The Legal 500 (2020) - Personal Injury (Band 2) - "A superb advocate who inspires confidence and is a pleasure to work with." "Excellent all-round personal injury practitioner who is very well regarded and excellent both with clients and in court." "Excellent when dealing with complex cases and difficult clients"

Chambers and Partners (2019) - Clinical Negligence (Band 2) - "She is thorough and has a good grasp of the issues. She is able to build a good rapport with the clients and she is very approachable."

Legal 500 (2018/2019) - "She is a superb advocate."

Chambers and Partners (2018) - "Very good with the clients and excellent in court." "A great court performer who goes the extra mile for clients. She exudes confidence, affability and charm. She is extremely knowledgeable and professional in her field."

The Legal 500 (2017) - "An incisive advocate, who is excellent with clients."

The Legal 500 (2016) -"Very bright and capable with excellent advocacy skills"

The Legal 500 (2015) - "Her calm, no-nonsense approach inspires solicitors’ and clients’ confidence"

The Legal 500 (2014) - "She has impressive cross-examination skills and is able to read the mood of a judge"

Personal Injury Bar Association (PIBA) Professional Negligence Bar Association North of England Medico-Legal Society (Council Member)

Recently Concluded Cases

BA: Acted with leading counsel for the Claimant in a claim arising from haemorrhagic disease of the newborn as a result of vitamin K deficiency syndrome resulting in profound learning difficulties. Settled at JSM for substantial lump sum and periodic payments, amounting to an approximate capitalised value of £12m.
 
C: Acted for the Claimant in a claim arising from the death of her husband following a failure to diagnose pseudomyxoma peritonei. Claim settled at JSM.
 
R: Acted for 2 Defendant NHS Trusts in a claim arising from alleged phrenic nerve damage in the course of thymectomy, with complex issues regarding consent. Claim settled shortly before trial.
 
B: Acted for the Defendant NHS Trust in a claim arising out of the death of an 18 month old child as a result of an undiagnosed cardiac defect. Successfully defended at trial.
 
S: Acted with leading counsel for the Claimant in a birth injury claim, where C was profoundly disabled as a result of cerebral palsy. Interim payments obtained and claim settled following negotiations. W: Acted for the Defendant NHS Trust in a claim arising from a failure to make a timely disgnosis of breast cancer, affecting extent to which Claimant required treatment and her life exectancy. Settled following JSM.
 
S: Acted for the 3rd party in a complex brain injury case arising out of an alleged injury on scaffolding. Part 20 claim discontinued following service of robust defence.
 
D: Acted for the Appellant in a CICA claim arising out of childhood sexual abuse, securing substantial award on appeal, including award for loss of earning capacity.
 
D: Acted for the Defendant in a claim in respect of hand arm vibration syndrome, with medical causation in issue. Successfully defended at trial.
 
C: Acted for the Claimant in a case of severe e-coli food poisoning in a small child, who developed a rare type of renal failure as a result. Settlement of the case had to be postponed for many years as the long-term prognosis was uncertain, the condition that the Claimant had developed was so rare. Issues as to the appropriateness of an award of provisional damages.
 
R: Acted for the Defendant in a claim brought by a former pupil of the Defendant’s school for children with special educational needs, who had suffered severe injuries to his arm when he fell through non-safety glass at the Defendant’s school. Complex issues relating to the relevant building regulations with regard to safety glass. Claim dismissed.
 
F: Acted for the Claimant in a claim for clinical negligence arising out of the treatment of a traumatically induced detached retina, which had left the Claimant blind in one eye. Complex issues relating to breach of duty and causation. Case settled prior to trial. I: Acted for Claimant in a claim by a daughter who had been sexually and physically abused by her adoptive father as a child. Judgment was obtained against the Defendant and the matter proceeded to assessment of damages, at which the Defendant appeared and acted in person. Delicate and difficult issues arose. Claimant awarded more than £90,000 in damages.
 
B: Acted for the Defendant in a claim in respect of alleged Complex Regional Pain Syndrome arising out of a minor injury. Conflicting medical opinion as to the genuineness of the Claimant’s alleged disability and video surveillance evidence. Claim for £250,000 settled for a very modest sum shortly before trial.
 
W: Successfully represented the 3 Claimants in a complicated personal injury claim of modest value arising out of a road traffic accident, against the driver of another vehicle and his insurance company. Insurance Company contended that neither the Defendant nor the 3 claimants were genuine and effectively contended that no accident had occurred between the vehicles.
 
R: Acted for the Defendant in a claim arising out of an accident in which a young, self-employed father had been fatally injured in a farming accident. Complicated case to value as the deceased was self-employed, was not married to the Claimant and was the biological father of only one of the 4 children of the family.
 
B: Acted for the Defendant in a claim for more than £1m brought by a self-employed professional woman arising out of a simple tripping accident, as a result of which the Claimant claimed her earnings had substantially reduced. Complicated issues of medical causation. Case settled for very much less than £1m.
 
S: Successful defence at trial of a claim by a wood machinist for carpal tunnel syndrome with issues relating to both ergonomics and vibration. Liability and medical causation in issue.
 
M: Successful defence at trial of a claim by a former assembly worker for noise-induced hearing loss, where limitation, liability and medical causation were in issue.
 
G: Successful defence at trial of a claim by a pipefitter for hand-arm vibration syndrome, where limitation, liability and medical causation were in issue.
 
B: Acted for the Claimant in a clinical negligence claim arising out of the negligent prescription of contact lenses to a child who had already very poor sight in one eye and whose sight in the “good” eye was irreparably damaged by a catastrophic infection caused by ill-fitting lenses. Difficult issues of causation and valuation. Case settled following JSM for, essentially, the full realistic valuation of the claim.
 

Reported Cases

Jameson -v- Central Electricity Generating Board and Babcock Energy [1998] QB 323 Effect of "full and final settlement" of a claim by the deceased during his lifetime made by one of 2 joint tortfeasors upon a subsequent claim under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976 by his widow against the other tortfeasor.
 
Hird -v- Milner [1998] CL Striking out for want of prosecution.
 
Philips -v- Derbyshire County Council [1997] ELR 461 Judicial review of decision of Special Educational Needs.
 
Various Claimants -v- Metro-Cammell Limited and J W Roberts Asbestos exposure arising from construction of railway carriages.
 
Wareing -v- Rhodia and Stanton Plc Effect of alleged industrial environmental pollution upon a dairy herd in Derbyshire.
 
Law -v- Wansbeck District Council Whether a local authority was a "provider of services" within the meaning of s 19 Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in granting a tenancy of domestic premises to a disabled woman.
  • Recorder
  • Deputy District Judge
  • Fee-paid Judge of the First Tier Tribunal assigned to the Health, Education and Social Care Chamber (Mental Health)
  • Counsel to T & N Compensation Scheme for victims of asbestos exposure (2012)

LLB (Hons), University of Liverpool Inns of Court School of Law

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