James Howett

James specialises in advising insurers and public health organisations in relation to high value claims arising from employer’s liability, public liability and various health related scenarios.

He has over 20 years’ litigation experience in providing strategic assistance to insurers and public bodies. He is well versed in representing our client’s interests in a variety of claims from their inception, conducting detailed investigations on their behalf and right through to resolution. He has a particular interest in claims arising from the workplace and from a public liability perspective in the manufacturing, construction, aviation, education, transport/logistics and public sectors. He also specialises in claims arising out of the public health arena including Human Rights Act, data protection, Equality Act (including discrimination), stress at work, false imprisonment and mental health.

James is the Casualty Account Manager for one of our insurer clients and a senior technical advisor to another. He is part of our Casualty Team in Birmingham which provides practical advice and solutions to a variety of claims with particular emphasis on the insured/customer’s journey throughout this process. He specialises in cases of high value and complexity and is recognised for his personal approach on novel claims, providing a solution which is well considered from both a technical and business perspective. He has represented our clients at a wide variety of Court hearings including inquests and trials. He has also resolved matters at mediations and joint settlement meetings (including on a virtual basis).

Recent relevant experience includes:

• Advising a large educational establishment in respect of a multi-party, high value and complex claim involving a serious injury to one of their staff members. Having obtained expert medical and accountancy evidence, the claim was resolved at a settlement meeting with a significant contribution from another party.
• Succeeding at trial to defend a manufacturing company in relation to a claim allegedly arising from manual handling and purported to be of significant value. A positive result following a two day trial was reliant on the careful gathering of documentary evidence and witness statements from relevant employees.
• Successfully defending clients during the litigation process and at trial on a variety of different claims and obtaining the best result for our clients as a result of strategic planning and practical advice. He is also responsible for technical supervision of colleagues who deal with portfolio of claims of different value and complexity.
• Providing training and practical tips on approaches to employer’s liability and public liability claims; advising on case law, statutory regulations and claims handling techniques like evidence gathering and proofing witnesses. He regularly advises one of his clients in case surgeries and strategy sessions.