Charlie Sparling

Overview

Charlie specialises in complex personal injury and catastrophic claims involving both liability and quantum disputes. He appears for both Claimants and Defendants.

Charlie has a particular specialism in complex brain injury and somatoform pain disorder cases such as fibromyalgia. As his expertise straddles the conjunction of organic brain trauma and non-organic conditions, he is a leading practitioner in the field of high-value Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and chronic pain claims. Accordingly, Charlie is often instructed by leading insurers and solicitors at the earliest possible stage to secure his recommendations in respect of strategy and appropriate expert instruction in this difficult and complex area.

Charlie prides himself on a collegiate and calm approach to litigation, and an ability to shepherd expert evidence toward optimal case outcomes.

Charlie is recognised as a leading junior in personal injury in both Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500.

Professional Recommendations

“Charlie is meticulous in his preparation, has a keen strategic eye for the most important issues in a case and is excellent with expert witnesses.”

The Legal 500 2025

“His methodical approach, ability to foresee issues, tactical astuteness and his litigation advice are top tier. In addition, this is all delivered with the utmost client care.”

Chambers & Partners 2025

“His advocacy is excellent – he is very sharp, personable and practical.”

Chambers & Partners 2025

“Charlie is an incredibly creative litigator. He has a fierce intellect and knows litigation inside out.”

Chambers & Partners 2025

“Charlie is a great advocate. He likes detail and facts.”

Chambers & Partners 2024

“Charlie works in a collaborative manner from the outset and sets a clear vision and path to achieve successful outcomes. His advocacy skills are impressive: always confident, clear and concise.”

Chambers & Partners 2024

“He is good with the experts in cross-examination.”

Chambers & Partners 2024

“Charlie is commercially astute, alive to his client’s needs and a formidable advocate, whether in a settlement meeting or in court.”

The Legal 500 2024

“Charlie is a fantastic junior who provides commercial advice.”

Chambers & Partners 2023

“Charlie is a very strong advocate and regularly beats silks in court. His advice is of the highest-quality.”

The Legal 500 2023

“A very thorough and diligent barrister, and a persuasive advocate.”

The Legal 500 2022

“A very capable and competent barrister. He is very effective in cross-examinations and hugely persuasive in his submissions.” “He is clear with his advice and very commercial with his approach. He also has excellent relationships with his peers at the Bar, which makes settlement meetings easier.”

Chambers & Partners 2022

“A charming advocate who is very good in court.”

Chambers & Partners 2021

“Has a fantastic manner with clients and a very balanced view of cases.”

The Legal 500 2021

“He remains level headed when presented with difficult situations to manage.”

The Legal 500 2020

Expertise

Personal Injury

Charlie is recognised as a leading junior in both The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. He appears for Claimants and Defendants, regularly advising on liability in serious or fatal EL/PL and RTA matters. His work includes accidents resulting in brain injury, spinal injury, amputation and reduced life expectancy.

Charlie has a particular specialism acting in cases involving mild to severe brain injury, functional neurological disorders and chronic/somatoform pain conditions.

Examples of recent defendant work include:

E v A [2023] (KB) Charlie acted for the Defendant in this brain injury matter pleaded at over £5.9 million instructed by Horwich Farrelly on behalf of Zurich. Opposing counsel was William Waldron KC of Exchange Chambers instructed by Irwin Mitchell. Matter recently settled for a confidential sum prior to trial at JSM.

C v NR [2022] (KB) Charlie acts for the Defendant instructed by DAC Beachcroft in this High Court FND claim pleaded in excess of £2 million, in which the Claimant brings claims for accommodation and lifetime personal assistance. Lionel Stride of Temple Garden Chambers instructed by HCC solicitors appears for the Claimant, trial likely 2025.

C v SC [2022] (KB) Charlie acts for the Defendant instructed by Clyde and Co in this High Court brain injury claim in which the child Claimant was tackled during a 1^st XV rugby game and suffered anoxic brain injury. Liability is denied, and the matter will progress to a full trial in 2025. Stephen Killalea KC of Devereux Chambers appears for the Claimant.

Examples of recent claimant work include:

T v F [2023] (KB )- Charlie acts for the Claimant instructed by Field Fisher in this High Court MTBI matter in which the Claimant employee sustained a head injury due to a falling cellar door at his work premises. The Claimant presents with ongoing neuropsychiatric and neuropsychological symptoms including cognitive deficit and personality change. Matter is scheduled for trial in 2025.

F v IT [2023] (KB) – Charlie acted for the Claimant instructed by Minster Law in this High Court RTA in which the Defendant collided with the Claimant’s motorcycle at high-speed causing an open book fracture of the pelvis and a range of other serious orthopaedic injuries resulting in permanent loss of movement and disability. Matter settled for a confidential sum.

H v MOD [2022] (KB), Charlie acted for an NCO injured by the negligence of a fellow soldier whilst on a training exercise in Germany. C’s leg and arm were crushed between two vehicles resulting in discharge from the army and loss of a promising career in close protection work. Matter settled at JSM.