Eversheds Sutherland

Wayne is a Principal Associate on our Corporate Claims team.

He is head of the disease team and has a particular interest in asbestos-related claims. Wayne regularly assists clients in high-value, complex and fatal claims. He has over 20 years of litigation experience.

Wayne rejoined Eversheds Sutherland in 2018 as head of the disease team, he brought a large insurer client with him and leads a team that services the client's book of disease claims. He has extensive experience in occupational disease claims, including asbestos claims, cancer claims and stress at work. His team is also regularly instructed in relation to noise-induced hearing loss, occupational asthma, chemical exposures and hand-arm vibration claims.

He also has extensive experience dealing with matters in the High Court and Supreme Court, including asbestos litigation that has shaped the way that causation is decided in lung cancer claims - Heneghan v Manchester Dry Dock & Ors.

More recently, Wayne has advised insurers in relation to a potential test case for policy triggers in public liability mesothelioma claims and has acted for an uninsured corporate client where he was able to successfully defend a mesothelioma claim on the de minimis exposure principle set in Bannister v Freemans [2020].

Since rejoining Wayne has broadened his practice and is now regularly instructed by US-based clients to provide strategic advice about the disease markets, especially in relation to the risk of asbestos-related claims, normally as part of a corporate restructuring or acquisition deal. He offers an historic insurance tracing service as part of this service.

Wayne often assists clients with guidance on emerging disease markets and the risk of claims.

He also has a particular interest in multijurisdiction claims and regularly advises clients on injury claims resulting from accidents that have taken place outside of the UK.

Wayne provides strategic advice to clients on reputational issues, brand protection and risk management.

In his spare time, Wayne is keen runner, having completed four marathons. He is a long-suffering supporter of Ipswich Town football club. He also enjoys reading and spending time with his young family.

Principal Associate