Nicolas (Nick) is instructed almost exclusively on behalf of claimants and is typically instructed in complex high-value claims because of his ability to find a way through the most impenetrable detail and to present a claim, both in written form (Advices and detailed Schedules) and to a court in an easily digestible form.
He is also well known for (and instructed because of) his excellent client skills demonstrating himself to be consistently able to deal effectively and sympathetically with grievously injured and vulnerable claimants.
Considerable experience of catastrophic/brain/spinal-cord injuries (largely employers' liability claims), Fatal Accidents Act and industrial disease litigation.
Recommended by Legal 500 (in 2010) and by Chambers & Partners (2007-2010) as a Band 1 leading junior and said to be:
"someone solicitors use when they have got something complex and problematic to deal with as he can get to the heart of the issue" (C&P 2007) and that:
"nothing fazes Hillier or prevents him continuing his job in a delightful manner" (C&P 2010)
"is firm calm and decisive" (C&P 2009) provides:
"silk standard advice and advocacy" (Legal 500 2010) and is:
"a safe pair of hands with an excellent bedside manner" (C&P 2008).
Clinical Negligence
Experience principally in obstetrics, orthopaedic and dental claims.
Professional Negligence
Largely solicitor’s negligence actions originating from failed personal injury/clinical negligence claims.
Connery v PHS [2011] EWHC 1685 (RTA). Substantial award (in excess of £440,000) received for a Complex Regional Pain Syndrome resulting from a whiplash injury.
Somnez v Kebabery Wholesale (unreported: 31.10.09, High Court) (Employers Liability) Machine accident. Traumatic amputation of dominant right arm at the shoulder. Liability trial (claim thereafter settled for the gross sum of £531,000).
Yildirim v Kossick (unreported 20.7.10, High Court) (RTA, fatal). Liability trial. Concluded in widow’s favour (claim thereafter was approved in the sum of £200,000 gross).
Ahmad v Ahmad (compromised shortly before trial to be heard in January 2011) (RTA) Traumatic Brain Injury to a child with substantial impact upon future employment prospects (settled for £1,915,000 gross).
O'Leary v Dietrich (compromised shortly before trial in Dec 2009) (RTA) resulting in above knee amputation (settled for £1,800,000).
N v V (7.10.09, High Court) (RTA) Injuries provoking a debilitating heart condition that threatened to preclude a (medical) consultant from continuing in clinical practice. The claim involved multiple issues as to likely prognosis and future working capacity. The complex multi-element pay structure for Consultants in the NHS gave rise to an involved claim for lost earnings (past and future) and pension loss calculations (settled on the eve of trial for £575,000).
Godbold v Mahmood [2005] Lloyds Rep Med 379, [2006] PIQR Q5 (RTA). Serious brain injury claim. Substantial "Sowden" issue resolved in the Claimant's favour. One of the first rulings on Periodical Payment Orders.
Harris v BRB (Residuary) and EWS Railway Ltd [2006] PIQR P10 (Employers Liability: Noise Induced Hearing Loss) Court of Appeal.
Edmonds v Lloyds Bank plc [2004] EWCA Civ 1526 (Employers Liability: accident) Court of Appeal. Ruling on an issue of an alleged (but not proved) failure to mitigate loss (refusal to undergo treatment).
Pirelli plc v Gaca [2004]1 WLR 2683, [2004] PIQR Q49 (Employers Liability: accident) Court of Appeal. Ruling on the deduction (from damages) of payments received by a Claimant from a policy of insurance paid for by the Defendant/employer.
Purdue v Devon Fire & Rescue Service [2002] EWCA 1538 (RTA). Court of Appeal. Ruling on primary liability and contributory negligence in a collision case involving an emergency vehicle travelling through a red traffic light.
Married and lives in London with an energetic and seemingly tireless family. General interest in sport, being a now (long!) retired rugby player, a struggling golfer and an all seasons surfer!
Nicolas is listed as a Leading Junior in Personal Injury and Personal Injury: Industrial Disease. Nicolas "wins particular credit for an industrial disease practice that includes asbestos-related disease, RSI and noise-induced hearing loss cases."
Chambers & Partners Client's Guide 2011
Listed as a Leading Junior and is recommended as being "excellent for disease claims".
Legal 500 Clients' Guide 2010
Nicolas is listed as a leading junior in Personal Injury. Sources note that "absolutely nothing fazes Hillier or prevents him from continuing with his job in a delightful manner."
Chambers and Partners Client's Guide 2010
Nicolas is listed as a leading junior in Personal Injury: Industrial Disease.
Chambers and Partners Client's Guide 2010
9 Gough Square are always happy to help with any further enquiries
