Chris Murray

When the Unthinkable Occurs. Failing To Prepare = Preparing To Fail:

Chris is a partner with Clyde and Co and assistant coroner for Manchester South. He specialises in complex personal injury litigation in relation to road traffic accidents, employers’ and public liability matters including disease-related claims. A Chambers-listed lawyer, he has been recognised by The Legal 500 for his work within Clyde & Co’s top ranking personal injury defendant team. He is also a member of the judicial panel for British Swimming and European Swimming.

A fatality in the course of mountain rescue activities is unthinkable, but could happen. What happens on an inquest? What might a team leader face under cross examination? There will be a 10/15 minute mock examination by a coroner of a mountain rescue team leader or representative in the ‘hot seat’. After this introduction, Chris will discuss and explain how teams need to prepare for the unthinkable through a clear plan, dealing with evidence gathering, having the required risk management paperwork to hand, supporting any witnesses called to give evidence and understanding the dynamics beyond what the coroner might ask, underpinned by all the principles discussed in Saturday’s session with Andy Hibbert.