From almost the start of his legal career, Jim has practiced exclusively in the field of personal injury law. This has enabled him to build a strong practice in claims involving employers’ liability, occupiers’ liability, and public liability.

Jim is regularly instructed as counsel of choice by one of the largest UK construction firms. Such cases routinely involve multiple defendants, often with numerous consequential contribution claims.

Jim has a long track record of advising on cases arising from a wide range of accident circumstances, including falls from height, manual handling, and repetitive strain. Jim takes considerable effort to understand the precise mechanics of such accidents, in order to be able to advise as to liability.

Many of the cases he works on involve injuries of the upmost severity resulting high-value claims. He is instructed to draft pleadings, advise both on paper and in conference, conduct JSMs and trial advocacy. The Legal 500 directory notes that he is ‘particularly strong on advising on liability issues’ [2024] and is ‘never afraid of a fight, when necessary’ [2023].

In this continuously evolving area of law, Jim keeps ahead of the recent developments in case law and CPR changes by writing regular updates which he shares on his personal and Chambers websites, as well as on his LinkedIn account.

Jim Hester’s notable Employers’ liability cases

AW v Various (2024) – representing one of 3 employers pursued in relation to a construction-dust related injury said to have occurred during the construction of the Tottenham Hotspur football stadium, valued up to £700,000.

MV v UCP (2023) – representing claimant injured following an explosion which took place following a build up of chemicals at his workplace.

JV v E (2022) – representing the Defendant employer in an accident which took place on an oil rig in the North Sea. Settled following 2 x JSMs.

F v MoD (2024) – representing MoD in a High Court brain injury claim following a fight between 2 servicemen whilst deployed in Estonia. Issues as to vicarious liability.

CD v CKS (2024) – representing claimant who sustained significant injury following falling through a roof on his first day as a roofer. Value in excess of £500,000.

Jim Hester’s notable Public and Occupiers’ Liability cases

HG v NCC (2023) – acting for claimant as to brain injury sustained in the course of the bike leg of a triathlon on public roads.

CG v MoD (2024) – acting for MoD in claim for traumatic hearing loss/ tinnitus said to have been caused to a non-MoD employee as a result of a controlled explosion of historic ordnance.

EB v VST42 (2024) - acting for defendant landlord in claim for respiratory injury said to have been caused by faulty AGA in tenant’s premises.

Jim Hester has a strong background in representing parties in claims arising out of road traffic accidents. His expertise includes cases involving injured motorists, pedestrians and children, cyclists and motorcyclists. The nature the injuries on his instructed cases range from those more commonly seen following a motor accident, to those of the upmost seriousness.

Jim excels in cases where liability is a hotly contested issue, or where the medical evidence is complex and prognosis arguable. He advises and represents both claimants and defendants at all stages of the case, from pre-litigation advice through to settlement meetings and final court hearings.

Jim Hester’s notable RTA cases:

JP v EC (2024) – Acting for claimant following a motorcyclist being struck by a drunk driver. Settled for £200,000+

JL v SRG (2024) – Acting for claimant struck by driver on wrong side of road on A-road, resulting in death of defendant driver.

BP & JB v TA (2023) – Acting for couple sustaining significant injuries following head on crash on A1, after seizure of driver driving in the opposite direction (resulting in his death). An initial defence of automatism was conceded and the cases settled.

ML v RS (2022) – acting in high-speed collision between a Lotus and a Ferrari occurring on the French/ Belgium border.

Accidents resulting in the death of an individual can be deeply distressing for all involved. Jim is skilled at providing legal advice and representation in fatal accident cases to ensure clients’ interests are protected.

He is instructed on cases arising from a wide range of fatalities, including deaths resulting from occupational disease, road traffic accidents and accidents in the workplace. This expertise enables him to assist individuals, public bodies and commercial organisations through all stages of the legal process arising from a fatal incident.

Jim Hester’s notable fatal accidents cases:

JM v GJ (2024) – acting for personal representatives of motorcyclist killed in collision with car.

MW v HM (2024) – acting for personal representatives of pedestrian killed by a car whilst he was in the course of crossing the road.

HF v Various (2024) – acting for wife of husband who died from asbestos-related lung cancer (a return condition following an earlier provisional damages order).

GP v SP (2024) – acting for defendant employer following death of former employee from mesothelioma.