Property Damage
Alex has a broad experience of litigation arising out of damage caused to property, and undertakes all aspects of property damage work. He has a particular interest in fire and flood claims.
Alex is currently instructed in a large flood claim caused by allegedly defective plumbing work at a high value property development in London.
In 2018 Alex was instructed (led by Paul Reed KC) by the owner of a substantial property in Lancashire which was damaged by a fire causing losses of £5m. The claim was compromised in 2019 following the issue of TCC proceedings and a mediation.
From 2012 to 2015 Alex was instructed (with Roger ter Haar KC) in the litigation arising from a catastrophic flood at the Greenwich Millennium Village in London. The trial was heard over five weeks in the TCC in summer 2013. Alex was also instructed in the appeal pursued in front of the Court of Appeal in relation to indemnity clauses.
From 2008 to 2010, Alex was instructed by Total UK Limited in relation to the Buncefield incident. He advised and appeared in around 40 of the high value property damage claims, which proceeded in the TCC and the Commercial Court, both alone and with leading counsel. These claims ranged in value from £500,000 to many millions, and all were successfully compromised before trial.
Alex has extensive experience of cases involving:
- Property fires caused by defective works and/or failed protective measures.
- Tree root encroachment claims.
- Flooding caused by blocked or overloaded sewers.
- Flooding caused by defective plumbing installation or maintenance.
- Damage to plant and engineering equipment.
- All associated insurance coverage and subrogation issues.
Selected Cases
View full profile »News
- Alexander Macpherson successful in important High Court case about the TUPE Regulations
- Success for Alexander Macpherson in High Court mesothelioma trial
Articles
- Success for Alexander Macpherson in High Court mesothelioma trial
- Alexander Macpherson represents insurers in tranche of claims considering underpayment of issue fees in NIHL claims
Events
Qualifications
- Astbury Scholar, Middle Temple
- Diploma in Law, City University
- English Literature, Oriel College, Oxford
Memberships
- PIBA
- PNBA
- TECBAR
Recommendations
“Alex has a reassuring ability to navigate through complex causation issues and identify practical and commercially sound solutions.”…”He has a unique ability to digest tons of evidence and get quickly to the hub of the case.”…”He is an excellent advocate and an absolute pleasure to work with.”
Chambers & Partners, 2025
“Alex is succinct in his advice and has the ability to navigate through complex, technical causation issues in a calm, authoritative way.”
Legal 500, 2025
“He has an incisive ability to get straight to the heart of an issue and is calmly authoritative in conference and in court.”
Chambers & Partners, 2024
“Alexander is forensic and an excellent communicator of complex issues – he is superb at unpicking difficult liability and causation issues.”
Legal 500, 2024
“Alexander is an excellent advocate. His advice is balanced, clear and concise.”…”He is a pleasure to work with.”… “Alexander has excellent technical knowledge in occupational disease cases.”… “He remains calm under pressure and is personable with clients.”
Chambers & Partners, 2023
“Alexander is exceptionally good with complex and novel procedural issues.”
Legal 500, 2023
“He is thorough, robust and can turn around defences and advice very quickly. He is very impressive.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022
“He is able to identify and navigate through challenging causation issues in an effective and pragmatic way.”
Legal 500, 2022
“He is a skilful and thorough cross-examiner.”; “A phenomenally talented individual.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021
“Able to navigate through difficult issues in an effective and pragmatic way.”
Legal 500, 2021
“He’s really good – the quality of his drafting is excellent.”…”He’s a very, very good advocate.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020
“He has an impressively deep understanding of areas stretching beyond asbestos diseases, offering enviable expertise in cases involving noise-induced hearing loss and hand-arm vibration syndrome.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020
“He excels in cases involving challenging quantum issues and contested expert evidence.“
Legal 500, 2020
