Meet The Team

Huw Thomas is known for his approachable and supportive manner at Harris Fowler Solicitors. He works closely with clients to provide clear guidance and practical support, helping them navigate their legal matters with confidence and reassurance.

Biography

Huw qualified as a Solicitor in 1984, having trained in Cardiff, where he gained substantial experience in Personal Injury work on behalf of several large trade unions. From 1984 to 1992, Huw conducted general Civil Litigation at a firm of Solicitors in Hertfordshire before joining a large Cambridge practice in 1992 to specialise in Personal Injury law.

At Harris Fowler, Huw is an Associate Director. He has extensive experience representing clients in complex Medical Negligence cases, including claims against Hospital Trusts, GPs, and Private Practitioners. Huw works with specialist Medical Experts and experienced Barristers to ensure claims are handled efficiently, professionally, and with the highest standards of care.

Recognising the profound impact that medical and Medical Negligence can have on victims and their families, Huw approaches every case with compassion, understanding, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.

Qualifications

LL.B (Hons)
Post Graduate Law Society Finals
Qualified as Solicitor 1984

Reviews

“Huw Thomas provided exceptional support throughout my claim. He was professional, patient, and compassionate, explaining everything clearly.”

“Thanks to Huw and his team, we received the outcome we deserved. He made a very difficult time much easier to manage.”

“Huw handled my case with empathy and attention to detail, always keeping me informed and supported.”

Notable Cases

Case Summary – AB

This clinical negligence claim concerned a 61-year-old claimant who suffered severe brain damage following an alleged failure by an Accident and Emergency Department to identify and treat a subarachnoid haemorrhage, leading to a later major cerebral bleed. Liability was denied on the basis that the care provided fell within a reasonable range of A&E practice, although causation was largely agreed. The case involved significant conflicting expert evidence, making it an “all or nothing” claim with an estimated 50/50 chance of success, alongside substantial disputes over damages, particularly future care costs. The claimant, a protected party with significant disabilities, faced considerable litigation risk, and the claim was prepared for trial before settling shortly after a Joint Settlement Meeting for £550,000, thereby avoiding the uncertainty of trial.

Case Summary – CD

This claim concerned a claimant born in 1986 who sustained a head injury after falling from his bicycle and was treated at an Accident and Emergency Department, where the full extent of his injury was not diagnosed, leading to subsequent deterioration and significant disability. Although negligence was admitted by the Hospital Trust, causation and the consequences of that negligence were heavily disputed, resulting in a largely contested claim supported by extensive expert evidence across multiple neurological, visual, and care-related disciplines. The case progressed to an advanced stage, close to High Court trial, and involved substantial uncertainty due to conflicting expert opinions. Following a Joint Settlement Meeting, the claim settled for almost £1.1 million, a significant increase on the Defendant’s £275,000 offer, albeit mitigated by the claimant’s modest pre-accident employment history.

Case Summary – EF

This GP negligence claim was brought by the surviving spouse of a 61-year-old patient who died suddenly six days after a telephone consultation in which no serious diagnosis was made and only medication was prescribed. Expert evidence supported both breach of duty and causation, leading to a detailed Letter of Claim and an early admission of liability for an unnecessary death. The focus then shifted to damages, including pain and suffering prior to death, funeral expenses, a statutory bereavement award, and dependency claims for loss of income and services. Following preparation of a detailed Schedule of Loss and negotiations reflecting issues around life expectancy, the claim settled for just under £270,000.

Case Summary – GH

This claim concerned a claimant born in 1939 who suffered a fall away from home, after which a serious cervical spine injury was not detected in hospital, resulting in significant and ongoing disability and the need for substantial care at home. The case was medically complex, with highly uncertain and contested issues of both breach of duty and causation, and a real risk that the claim could fail entirely. Liability was firmly denied by the Hospital Trust, supported by extensive witness and expert evidence across multiple specialties. The matter was progressed close to a High Court trial before settlement discussions began, and the claim ultimately settled for just over £410,000, reflecting the significant litigation risk and mitigating factors despite the claim potentially being worth considerably more if liability had been established. The damages were placed into a Personal Injury Trust to protect the claimant’s ongoing benefit entitlement.