Richard is extremely knowledgeable, puts clients at ease and is an excellent trial advocate.”

The Legal 500 2024, Personal Injury

Richard is one of the leading practitioners on the Western circuit handling claims of catastrophic injury. He is highly regarded for his expertise in a wide array of complex and specialist liability claims including agriculture, animals, trees and construction. He has considerable experience in employer’s liability, sports injury and RTA claims, and regularly handles extremely high-value claims for claimant and defendant solicitors, particularly those involving brain injury.

Richard represented the claimant at first instance through to the House of Lords in the case of Mirvahedy v Henley [2003] UKHL 16 at which the claimant’s argument prevailed.  The claimant was severely injured when his car collided with a horse that had escaped from a field.  The case has become the leading case in respect of s2 (2) (b) of the Animals Act 1971.

Recent work includes:

  • Acting for the claimant who was rendered paraplegic when a tree fell on him whilst visiting a house – issues of liability and quantum. Liability is denied.  The claimant requires suitable accommodation and a 24-hour care package.
  • Representing the wife and dependants of a lorry driver killed in the M5 crash allegedly caused by smoke from a firework display. Richard represented the family at the Inquest and subsequently in civil proceedings, claiming under the Fatal Accidents Act.
  • The claimant suffered brain and physical injuries in an RTA – change in character and left-sided spasticity, reduced mobility with likely reliance on wheelchair – claim in excess of £6m.
  • The claimant was injured in an RTA with catastrophic head and facial injuries, leaving him with brain damage and total blindness. He is particularly incapacitated by reason of his inability to remember routes.  Now unemployable and requiring 24-hour care/assistance.  Case finally settled prior to trial at a value in excess of £3m.
  • Acting for the defendant (instructed by insurer) in a claim by a widow in respect of the death of her husband caused by a bullock owned by her husband’s company – issue as to whether the company was liable for the death when the accident was due to the husband’s own fault. The defendant succeeded in the trial at first instance.

Directory Quotes

Richard is a consummate professional. He is well respected by clients and opponents and is easy to work with, and very approachable. ‘Richard is calm and measured and takes control.’ “

Chambers UK 2024, Personal Injury

Richard is highly experienced in a variety of issues, including Animals Act claims and construction site accidents. He focuses on matters involving brain and spinal injuries. ‘Richard is extremely able, very approachable and really good with clients.’ “

Chambers UK 2023, Personal Injury

Richard is a very good trial advocate with courtroom gravitas.’

Legal 500 2023, Personal Injury

Richard is extremely capable, good with clients, thorough with paperwork and always available to discuss issues in cases. He is an expert in cases involving injuries caused by animals.”

Legal 500 2022, Personal Injury

Very able, thorough and good with clients.”

Legal 500 2022, Personal Injury

Richard is very calm, tenacious and thorough. An astute advocate who you really want on your side. He’s a skilled negotiator and a commercially aware practitioner.”

Chambers UK 2021, Personal Injury
  • Qualifications & awards:

    • MA (Cantab), ACI Arb
  • Professional memberships:

    • Personal Injury Bar Association
    • Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and Technology
    • Construction Bar Association
  • Richard Stead is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.