Nigel Adams is a Partner in Weightmans’ nationally recognised Catastrophic Injury team, based in their London office.
Nigel brings deep expertise in defending high-value, complex and sensitive personal injury claims involving life-changing and catastrophic injuries. He also advises on policy coverage and indemnity issues, when required and has extensive experience of criminal defence work and inquests. He has more than 37 years’ experience.
Nigel’s work covers a broad spectrum of catastrophic injury matters, including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, polytrauma, FND/FCD, amputations, claims involving psychological insult, secondary victims and also fatal accident claims. He also has extensive experience of dealing with claims that are fraudulent or exaggerated.
He advises major insurers, specialist sports and motor insurers, MIB, public bodies and corporates, guiding cases from the very outset of investigation through to trial or resolution, with an emphasis of identifying core issues at an early stage. Nigel is particularly skilled in developing early resolution strategy, managing medical complexity and overseeing rehabilitation and case management pathways.
Nigel is valued for his highly analytical approach and excellent case preparation: he breaks down medical, liability and evidential issues, clarifies key risk areas and identifies pragmatic, commercially viable solutions. He communicates clearly and works collaboratively with clients as well as the injured parties’ representatives to deliver the best possible outcomes. He ensures that litigation plans reflect both legal risk and real-world client priorities.
Nigel’s leadership on catastrophic injury matters is grounded in the firm’s purpose — to See the Possibility — helping clients navigate complex claims and to find ways to achieve outcomes and manage costs that align with their objectives.
Areas of expertise include:
Catastrophic and large-loss personal injury;
Brain and spinal injury;
Amputation and severe orthopaedic trauma;
Fatal accident and dependency claims;
Motor, employer liability (EL) / public liability (PL), and high-value litigation;
Complex liability, medical investigation and expert evidence;
Rehabilitation, case management, and cross-disciplinary working;
Inquests; and
Policy coverage
Nigel is recognised for fostering strong relationships with insurers, claims handlers and technical teams to include providing training and strategic support.
Nigel is committed to continuous professional development and thought leadership. He has contributed to publications on catastrophic injury and fraud, shares best practices and mentors rising talent within the firm.
Experience and notable cases:
R v Elson EWCA 1994 (Identification Parade which brought about a change in PACE);
Interface Properties Ltd v Eagle Star Insurance Co Ltd EWCA 2004 (fraudulent claim for an allegedly stolen vehicle);
Hatton v Cooper EWCA 2001 (evidence and apportionment of liability in an RTA);
Brown v AA Developments and Others HC (motor accident liability);
Edwards v London Borough of Sutton EWCA 2016 (Occupier’s Liability);
Broughal (claimant), DotCom Solicitors (respondent) v Walsh Builders Ltd & Anor EWCA & Supreme Court 2018 (recusal of a Judge & wasted costs)