Gabriel Farmer > Chambers of Anna Vigars KC > Bristol, England > Barrister Profile

Gabriel Farmer

0117 930 9000 gabriel.farmer@guildhallchambers.co.uk

Work Department

Personal injury; inquests; clinical negligence

Position

Gabriel has a longstanding specialist practice in personal injury and clinical negligence. He enjoys a balanced claimant/defendant practice and brings robustness and sensitivity in equal measure. He is known for prompt delivery of written work as well as being highly pragmatic. His experience includes representation at all levels including the Court of Appeal. His cases often include QC opponents.

When instructed by Defendants he delivers early tactical/evidential advice as part of the CCMC process.

His PI caseload generally comprises catastrophic cases. He has broad experience of liability issues spanning fatal accidents, RTA/MIB claims, occupier/public liability claims, asbestos claims, cases of post-accident clinical negligence or involving technical factual issues. Quantum disputes regularly involve fatality, paralysis, traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, amputation and claims involving CRPS / Somatoform / or other chronic pain disorders.

His clinical negligence work has recently included GP and surgical breaches of duty including failures to respond appropriately to the formation of spinal abscesses and bowel perforation.

He has longstanding experience of inquest work having undertaken Treasury Panel work as well as a number of high-profile inquest cases. He has been chosen in a number of cases to act as counsel to the Coroner.

He is ranked in Chambers UK as “Extremely thorough in his preparation, and knowledgeable of the relevant law” and “Always on top of the detail.” and has been described in Legal 500 as “highly effective” and “ultimately the advocate you want on your side”.

Career

Called 1994, Grays Inn.

Gabriel is typically instructed in liability disputes arising out of:

• Complex liability cases – eg where fraud is suspected or alleged
• Fatal accidents
• Road traffic accidents involving RTA/MIB issues
• Exposure to noxious substances including asbestos
• Regulatory breaches / employer liability cases
• Highways Act claims (where quantum is substantial)
• Public liability injury cases

Gabriel enjoys a mixed practice claiming and defending in cases involving GP and hospital negligence.

Recent cases include:

• Successful defence at trial of claim for failure by GP to provide “safety netting” advice leading to death and substantial Fatal Accident claim for dependency;
• Negligent failure to prescribe prophylactic antibiotics leading to spinal neurological impairment;
• Post surgery well leg compartment syndrome leading to chronic pain and impaired mobility
• Negligent failure to diagnose and treat spinal discitis following a workplace laceration causing neurological impairment

Memberships

PIBA.

Education

• BSc Hons (Reading) 2:1
• CPE (Leeds)