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Richard Cope is an Associate Director and highly experienced personal injury lawyer, known for his expertise in complex industrial disease and military claims. He provides clear, empathetic guidance to clients navigating life-changing circumstances.
Richard qualified in 1993 and has built over 30 years’ experience acting for both claimants and defendants in personal injury matters. He has been an accredited APIL Senior Litigator since 2008, reflecting his depth of expertise in complex litigation.
While he has handled a broad range of claims throughout his career, Richard now focuses primarily on industrial disease work, including asbestos-related illness, hand arm vibration syndrome, work-related upper limb disorders, and industrial deafness. He also has extensive experience representing military personnel, particularly in claims involving non-freezing cold injury (NFCI), and is developing a specialist interest in stress at work cases.
Richard is known for his methodical approach and his ability to work closely with expert witnesses and counsel to build strong, evidence-led claims, ensuring his clients achieve the best possible outcomes.
A former Sergeant developed non-freezing cold injury following repeated exposure to extreme conditions during military service.
Tap to read moreRichard represented a former Sergeant in the Grenadier Guards who developed non-freezing cold injury (NFCI) following repeated exposure to cold environments during deployments in the Falkland Islands, Afghanistan, North Yorkshire, and Botswana.
Despite the chain of command being aware of his condition and referring him for investigation, the client was still required to undertake cold weather training exercises.
He was later medically discharged from the Army.
Liability was agreed at an early stage, and the claim concluded at a joint settlement meeting with a substantial six-figure award, reflecting both the physical and long-term career impact of the condition.
A retired electrician developed asbestosis following prolonged occupational exposure to asbestos in a paper mill.
Tap to read moreRichard acted for a retired electrician who developed asbestosis as a result of prolonged exposure to asbestos during his work at a paper mill.
His role required frequent work around steam pipes and boiler systems heavily insulated with asbestos materials. Liability was denied, and the case required detailed expert evidence to assess the extent of cumulative exposure over time.
The claim was successfully resolved, securing compensation for the client despite the challenges in establishing historic exposure.
A grounds worker developed advanced hand arm vibration syndrome due to prolonged use of vibrating tools.
Tap to read moreSuccessfully took a case to trial on behalf of a grounds warden who suffered hand arm vibration syndrome graded bilaterally at stage 3V(5);0sn on the Stockholm scale.
The client was injured as a result of her heavy use of vibrating tools and equipment including mowers, chainsaws, strimmers and trimmers as part of her land management duties for the Defendant. Causation was disputed. Both sides medical experts gave evidence at trial.
The court preferred the client’s expert evidence and found in favour of the client. The sum awarded by the court at trial exceeded an offer the client had previously made to settle her claim, entitling her to an additional 10% of damages and enhanced interest on damages.
A military client developed severe psychological illness due to excessive workload and inadequate workplace support.
Tap to read moreRecovered compensation for a Corporal in the RAF in this stress at work case. The client worked in the “Crypto Cell” at RAF Lossiemouth. Her work was fast paced and demanding and involved, amongst other things, ensuring communications between aircraft and between aircraft and ground units were secure through the provision of encrypted communication keys.
As a result of staff absences the client’s workload and responsibilities increased significantly leading to unmanageable work related stress. Her line manager was confrontational and aggressive. She was referred for counselling and took time off work. Her system of work was not changed. Her mental health deteriorated leading to the termination of her military service. Expert psychiatric evidence revealed she had suffered pathological anxiety and depression.
The claim settled for a five figure sum after court proceedings were issued.
If you have been injured at work due to unsafe conditions, poor training, or employer negligence, our team can help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
If your treatment has fallen below an acceptable standard, we can help you make a medical negligence claim and support you through every stage of the process.
Whether you were a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian, we can help you make a claim following a road traffic accident and recover compensation for your injuries.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury, our specialist team can support you through every stage of your claim. We provide clear guidance and work to secure the compensation you need for your recovery and future care.
