Richard Mumford

Clinical Negligence

Richard acts for both claimants and defendants across the full range of medically-related injury, up to and including very high value birth injury cases and paraplegia. He frequently acts in claims valued in the region of £2.5m to £5m and regularly appears against silks, both during negotiations and at trial.

Richard is recognised as a ‘Leading Junior’ for clinical negligence by both Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500. Recent editorial includes:

• “He is very calm, he has a very pleasing manner, and he is a tough negotiator.”  Chambers & Partners 2026
• “Richard provides clear and well-considered advice on a range of matters. Richard is a trusted pair of hands who guides us in the right directions.” Chambers & Partners 2026
• “His advocacy skills really stood out to me; he is incredibly technical, very commercial about the client’s interest and confident in his knowledge.” Chambers & Partners 2026
• “He is sensible, pragmatic and approachable, and always provides a prompt and helpful service.” Chambers & Partners 2026
• “Richard’s advice is always clearly articulated and timely, cutting through the extraneous or immaterial points to focus on the critical issues.” Chambers & Partners 2025
• “Impressive advocate with superb cross examination skills and ability to think well on his feet.” Legal 500 2025
• “Richard has a calm, measured and affable approach to claims.” Chambers & Partners 2025

Selected Cases

• Parsons v Isle of Wight NHS Trust [2023] EWHC 3115 (KB), Ritchie J, 5 December 2023. Consent to thoracic epidural in context of bowel resection for cancer. “Under skilful cross examination by Mr Mumford the contradictions in the Claimant’s evidence were revealed” (per Ritchie J, para 93)
• Duce v Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust [2018] EWCA Civ 1307. Consent to hysterectomy and risk of post-operative pain; appeal underscored need for factual causation in consent cases. Described in McCulloch v Forth Valley Health Board [2023] UKSC 26 as “The most important case on a doctor’s duty of care to inform since Montgomery” (per Lord Hamblen, para 50)
• AB v Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust [2016] EWHC 1024 (QB), Irwin J, 4 May 2016 Paraplegia following delayed diagnosis of spinal abscess. Application of defence of illegality in response to claim for additional care by reason of substance abuse. Consideration of recoverability of personal injury trust costs in claimant with capacity.
• Hussain v King Edward VII Hospital  [2012] EWHC 3441 (QB), Eady J (30 November 2012) and [2013] EWCA Civ 1863, Court of Appeal (12 December 2013). Allegation of shoulder injury as result of mishandling (dismissed). Appeal considered application to admit fresh evidence which could/should have been obtained before trial.
• Romy Smith (by her Mother and Litigation friend Sally Smith) v East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust [2008] EWHC 2234 (QB) High value birth injury quantum case in ambulant minor with complex care needs.