Product Liability
Daniel Shapiro QC is typically instructed in technically complicated product liability cases of substantial value, and raising particular scientific and expert issues which require a high degree of input from Leading Counsel. These usually arise in commercial situations raising significant legal issues, often involving multiple contracts. Much of his product liability work is pre-action or pre-arbitration and results in the early satisfactory resolution of disputes. He acts for a wide range of clients, often in conjunction with their product liability insurers. He has acted in relation to many consumer and commercial products, from children’s shampoo; vehicle brake pads, power generation equipment, through to milking parlours. Daniel also regularly acts in professional negligence disputes arising out of product liability claims and in relation to cover under product liability insurance policies.
Selected Cases
- Dublin Coach v Dawson, EvoBus; Daniel is defending EvoBus, the UK supplier of Mercedes Coaches.
- Coote v Ullstein, Hodge Jones & Allen [2022] EWHC 607 (QB); Daniel obtained summary judgment for Hodge Jones & Allen, leading Nicola Atkins.
- Baxi heating v ERIKS; Daniel defended the manufacturer of rubber gaskets intended for use in unvented hot water cylinders.
- Veolia v Peebles Parsons; Daniel defended the repairer and installer of a stator within the rotor of a generator.
- Evans v Dairymaster; Daniel defended the manufacturer and installer of a milking parlour, leading Richard Sage. The Claimants discontinued just before trial.
- Wheatley v Hit Air; Daniel defended the supplier of an equestrian air bag jacket, leading Adam Taylor.
- Hufford v Samsung Electronics (UK) Ltd [2014] EWHC 2956 (TCC); [2014] 1 BLR 634 – Daniel acted for the defendant in respect of an allegedly defective fridge-freezer which it was determined had not caused a fire.
- AFT – Daniel acted in respect of a number of actions concerning allegedly defective glue.
- Renold v Holroyd – Daniel acted for the Claimant in a claim for damage caused by the non-operation of a fire suppression system.
- Inhealth v Cruickshank – He acted for the Claimant in respect of a fire in an MRI scanner.
Awards
News
- Summary judgment – no real prospect of establishing the MMR vaccine was unsafe
- Spire Healthcare Ltd v Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc [2020] EWHC 3299 (Comm)
Articles
- Covid-19: Business Interruption insurance, an FCA class action, and the long-tail risks to insurance brokers
- Covid-19 package holiday cancellations: a clear contractual entitlement to a 14 day refund ignored by most tour operators
Events
Qualifications
- CPE / Diploma in Law (Distinction – Inner Temple Bursary 1997), City University (1997 – 1998)
- BA Hons, Merton College, University of Oxford (1994 – 1997)
- George Webb Medley Prize in Economics, Oxford University (1996)
- Merton College Exhibition (1995 & 1996)
Memberships
- COMBAR
- PNBA
- TECBAR
Rankings
- Daniel is recommended by Chambers & Partners as a leading silk for Professional Negligence, Insurance, and Property Damage.
- Daniel is recommended by Legal 500 as a leading silk for Professional Negligence and Insurance & Reinsurance.
- Daniel is a recommended silk in Who’s Who Legal, for both Professional Negligence and Insurance and Reinsurance.
- Winner: Insurance Junior of the Year, Chambers & Partners Bar Awards 2016.
- Shortlisted: Professional Negligence Junior of the Year, Chambers & Partners Bar Awards 2018 and 2012.
Recommendations
“Daniel is very user-friendly, bright and commercially minded. He gains a detailed understanding of large volumes of documentation quickly. He is always practical and to the point.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022
“An extremely impressive all-rounder. Intellectually very strong, he writes thorough and detailed advice, but in a writing style that is nevertheless engaging and accessible. When advising in conference, his ability to set out complex legal arguments and strategy for clients is a particular strength and one that sets him apart from his contemporaries.”
Legal 500, 2022
“A very impressive and persuasive advocate who is completely dedicated to getting the right result for his clients. He is very proactive and user-friendly.” “He’s very popular, effective and produces learned opinions.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021
“Daniel has a very sharp intelligence. His drafting is thorough, and he is very robust in putting forward the best case/defence possible.”
Legal 500, 2021
“He is extremely knowledgeable and is not afraid to make a call and stand behind it.”
Legal 500, 2021
“He is working far beyond his call and seniority.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020
“Good on his feet, good with clients and able to turn things round efficiently.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020
“He is really sharp-witted and excellent in conference; he’s great on the black letter law but has an excellent balance of strategic legal advice and commercial advice.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020
“He is very down to earth and sensible in how he approaches cases, and is persistent in court, in a good way.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020
“He has an excellent sense for strategy and great client handling skills.”
Legal 500, 2019
“Daniel Shapiro is “a very impressive and experienced advocate” recognised for his “calm and authoritative court presence”.”
Who’s Who Legal UK Bar, 2018
“A barrister already working at silk level, he is extremely quick and very bright, and has an extraordinary courtroom presence. He is a very skilled presenter and cross-examiner.”
Chambers & Partners, 2018
