Informal Welcome Reception

Registration and refreshments

Morning chair: Suzanne Trask, APIL EC Member, Setfords and Legal Studio

Chaired by: Paul Balen, Trust Mediation Ltd

Panellists:
Laura Johnson KC, Deka Chambers
Frances McCarthy, Past APIL President, Pattinson & Brewer
Matthew Stockwell, Barrister, Exchange Chambers

Mobility equipment for incomplete spinal cord injury and complex injuries 

This session will explore the provision of mobility equipment for clients with incomplete spinal cord and other complex injuries, including how to evidence need and justify equipment within a claim. Delegates will gain practical insight into claim pathways, adaptations and innovations in walkers, and lessons learned from real case studies.

APIL Annual General Meeting

Click here to book an AGM place only

Panel session: Cauda Equina Syndrome

This panel session will explore the key challenges arising in cauda equina syndrome (CES) cases, including both clinical negligence and traumatic presentations. Delegates will gain insight into correlating clinical symptoms with imaging, as well as recognising and avoiding common pitfalls when handling these complex claims.

Chaired by: Rob Horner, Barrister, Deka Chambers

Panellists:
Alex Dabek, Member of the Conference Planning Committee, Bolt Burdon Kemp
Matthew Newton-Ede, Consultant Spinal Surgeon, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital
Dr David Wilson, Consultant Musculoskeletal Radiologist, St Luke’s Radiology

Afternoon chair: Jessica Bowles, Member of the Conference Planning Committee and Joint Coordinator of APIL’s Spinal Cord Injury SIG, Irwin Mitchell LLP

The benefits of obtaining enhanced imaging

This session will examine the role of enhanced imaging, including the benefits of 3T MRI scans and the importance of understanding white matter tracts. Delegates will gain insight into recognising relevant clinical symptoms and behavioural changes, alongside the challenges, limitations, and recommended next steps when using advanced imaging evidence.

Challenges of obtaining evidence on mild TBI

This session will explore the challenges of obtaining evidence in mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases and the practical considerations involved in preparing these claims. Delegates will gain guidance on navigating next steps once evidence is gathered, as well as how to recognise and avoid common pitfalls.

Speaker:
William Chapman, 7BR

Mock cross examination: Care

This mock cross-examination session will focus on care and key quantum issues, providing analytical insights and practical considerations for practitioners. Aimed at an advanced level, delegates will gain a deeper understanding of how care is tested and challenged in practice.

Speakers:
Ben Bradley KC, Outer Temple Chambers
Heidi Stanley, Director and Case Manager, StanleySmith Case Managers

Dinner dance
With live entertainment from Steve McGill  

Registration and refreshments

The client’s journey

This panel will explore the client’s journey through litigation, reflecting on both successful outcomes and the challenges encountered along the way. Delegates will gain insight into improving client care and support, and consider whether more can be done to support clients beyond the conclusion of their case.

Women’s sexual health

This session will explore women’s sexual health following spinal cord injury (SCI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), including fertility considerations and the often-overlooked costs associated with these injuries. Delegates will gain insight into assessing quantum and strategies for ensuring these complex needs are properly recognised and reflected in claims.

Speaker:
Nicola Greaney KC, 39 Essex Street

Provisional damages and PPOs

This session will examine the strategic use of provisional damages and periodical payment orders (PPOs), including the risks and financial consequences of failing to secure them. Delegates will gain insight into the tactical considerations involved, the impact of changes to the discount rate, and how these mechanisms can support long-term security for clients.

Artificial intelligence

This session will explore how artificial intelligence can support legal practice, including the efficient collation of information and its role in the disclosure process. Delegates will also consider confidentiality risks, ethical considerations, and the potential pitfalls of using AI in litigation.

Speakers:
Georgia Briscoe, Managing Director, Medical Law Services, Fletchers
Noah Milton, Director of AI, Fletchers

JPIL case and comment
Kindly sponsored by Thomson Reuters

Members of the JPIL editorial board will provide expert analysis of key cases affecting catastrophic injury practitioners, drawing on recent and forthcoming editions of JPIL. Delegates will gain insight into the practical implications of these decisions and how they may influence litigation strategy and case handling.