Stephen Baker BA (Hons)

Partner

Professional qualifications:

Honours Degree in Law - University of York
Qualified as a solicitor in 1993
Called to the Bar in 1994
Senior Litigator - Association of Personal Injury Lawyers
Regulated Principal - Solicitors Regulation Authority


Experience:

Stephen qualified as a solicitor in 1993, having trained  in London where he developed a particular interest in personal injury and employment work, whilst gaining experience in a number of other disciplines.

He subsequently qualified as a Barrister in 1994 and conducted a successful career at the Bar in Manchester before joining Harris Fowler in 1998.  During the course of his work as a Barrister, Stephen appeared as an advocate in cases before the County Court, High Court, Court of Appeal, Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal as well as at Coroner’s Inquests.

During his time in Manchester he was highlighted as “an excellent advocate” in an article in The Times, in which a survey was conducted amongst law firms in the North West.

After moving to Harris Fowler Stephen has further developed his expertise in personal injury law, with a particular interest in cases involving serious injury, especially brain injury, psychiatric injury and injury suffered by members of the Armed Forces.

In addition to dealing with a full range of personal injury claims, Stephen is also able to advise on the employment implications for clients who have suffered injury, particularly those whose employment has been terminated as a result of the injuries they have suffered.

Some of Stephen's cases:

Road Traffic accident cases

Taylor. v C.
This case arose from a road traffic accident in which Simon Taylor sustained significant brain injuries. From the outset it was clear to Stephen Baker, a senior Partner at Harris Fowler specialising in this type of case, that both Simon and his parents were going to need substantial help and support.
Recovery in brain injury and other catastrophic injury cases can be significantly improved if treatment is started early, so obtaining interim payments to enable the rehabilitation process to start is essential.

Working with Case Managers and consultants, Stephen facilitated arrangements for a team to provide full medical and care support for Simon whilst we progressed the claim against the defendant’s insurers.

The claim eventually resulted in a substantial award for our client.

B. v H.
In this case our client was a child who was knocked over by a motorist and suffered orthopaedic and brain injuries.  The claim resulted in an award of £1,400,000.00. 

In addition to securing the award of financial compensation for the client, Stephen put in place arrangements for a full package of medical and vocational rehabilitation.

C. v .T. 
In this claim, Stephen acted on behalf of a pedestrian who was struck by a motorist.  Liability was initially denied on behalf of the Defendant, on the basis that our client should effectively not have been walking in the road without looking. 

The matter was successful at trial, but was then appealed to the Court of Appeal, where we succeeded in maintaining the judgment secured at trial.  We secured a substantial award on behalf of our client in this case

Accidents at work

S.  v B B 
In this claim Stephen secured a settlement of £75,500.00 in relation to a claim for work-induced psychological stress and depression, notwithstanding an initial denial of liability on the part of B B.

M.  v S. 
in this claim, Stephen acted for a client who had to lift a heavy wheelchair in the course of her duties.  Liability was initially denied on behalf of the Defendant.  Stephen was ultimately able to secure a substantial settlement for our client

C v KS (a school)
 In this case, Stephen acted for a client who suffered sexual abuse while at school.  Despite an initial denial of liability on behalf of the school, he was able to secure a six figure sum in settlement.

F.  v Ministry of Defence
Stephen has a particular interest in cases involving injury to military personnel. 

In this case, the client suffered cold weather injury through inadequate equipment and procedures while on Arctic training.  After an initial denial of liability by the Ministry of Defence, Stephen was able to secure a substantial settlement on behalf of his client.