Personal Injury
Chris took silk in 2010 and his practice concentrates on the fields of personal injury and health and safety work. He also addresses issues concerning policy and indemnity. Chris is therefore able to offer advice and assistance in relation to all three areas when they are found together.
Chris has a strong background in dealing with dishonest claims and contempt of court.
Chris receives a significant number of instructions which call for a sensitive approach and where his advice needs to include both legal and non-legal factors.
Recently, Chris has undertaken a number of cases involving injury to vulnerable individuals whilst in the care of institutions. He has also become very familiar with the effect both dash cam and CCTV footage on claims arising out of road traffic accidents. He is actively involved in the early stage of a number of catastrophic injury claims where there are different levels of co-operation between the parties.
He has significant experience of the following:
- The issues which arise during the rehabilitation of catastrophically injured Claimants both where there is joint instruction and where there is not;
- Taking part in discussions as to the way forward;
- Representing the interests of more than one insurer;
- dealing with incidents which give rise to multiple claims of varying levels of severity;
- Advising on the status of insurers and on indemnity;
- Interlocutory applications;
- The preparation and deployment of lay & expert evidence in relation to liability;
- The preparation and deployment of lay & expert evidence in cases involving catastrophic injury;
- Dealing with high value loss of earnings cases
- Taking part in Joint Settlement Meetings and mediations;
- Trial.
Chris is a member of the Bar Council and its Courts and Legal Services sub-committee and is on the executive committee of P.I.B.A. He sits as a Recorder in the Crown Court.
Selected Cases
- Assisting with claims of differing levels of severity brought by a number of parties arising out of a terrorist incident.
- Representing a company (criminal prosecution) and its insurer (catastrophic injury) in relation to the collapse of a platform during the course of the construction of a football stadium.
- Working together (outside litigation) to set up and maintain a suitable regime for a travelling family whose son sustained a hypoxic injury whilst in foster care.
- Defending an institution against a claim brought on behalf of an autistic child who suffered from blindness as a result of self-inflicted injuries.
- Dealing with a claim brought by a brain injured father whose child was born after the accident which caused his injury, the care of whom is subject to the jurisdiction of the family court.
- Representing a man rendered tetraplegic and unable to return to his own home as a result of an accident in which his brother was driving.
News
- Christopher Kennedy KC appointed as a Deputy High Court Judge
- Paxton Jones v Chichester Harbour Conservancy
Articles
Qualifications
- BA (Hons), Cambridge University
- Recorder of the Crown Court
Memberships
- Health & Safety Lawyer’s Association
- Personal Injury Bar Association
- Professional Negligence Bar Association
Recommendations
“Christopher is a leading silk in the field of defendant personal injury litigation.”…”His preparation and attention to detail is meticulous, and he is excellent on quantum issues.”
Chambers & Partners, 2025
“Careful analysis of evidence, detailed and comprehensive preparation of pleadings, and helpful contribution to general strategy with particular keen appreciation for commercial considerations.”
Legal 500, 2025
“He is fantastic on liability issues and has assisted in some incredibly complex cases.”
Chambers & Partners, 2024
‘Christopher is first-class with clients. His preparation is meticulous and he provides tactically astute advice. A brilliant advocate.’
Legal 500, 2024
“Absolutely fantastic – he is one of the greatest leaders in his field. He is very tenacious and an excellent advocate.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022
“Very well respected across the board.”
Legal 500, 2022
“He has forensic attention to detail.” “Very intelligent and has excellent commercial awareness.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021
“He is excellent on high-value and complex personal injury claims. He’s always extremely well prepared and approachable, and is a fantastic negotiator.” “He’s very good with clients and is able to present complex issues in a straightforward way.” “He has a lovely manner and is able to drill down into complex evidence without flustering witnesses and experts.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020