Property Damage
Daniel has extensive experience of acting in property damage claims arising out of explosions, fires and floods. He acts for both claimants and defendants, but often in subrogated claims. Daniel was heavily involved in the litigation arising out of the explosion at the Buncefield Oil Terminal in Hertfordshire, representing Hertfordshire Oil Storage, Chevron and latterly Total and was instructed to defend many of the larger or trickier property damage claims. His property damage practice has developed from there, clients appreciating his hands-on approach and willingness to think around problems. Daniel recognises that property damage claims are typically about achieving a recovery efficiently. He is committed to getting the best commercial result for the client.
Selected Cases
- Hiscox v Precious Marble and TPN Electrical [2018] EWHC 3585 (TCC). Daniel defended electrical contractors in respect of a claim for property damage arising out of an escape of water followed by a fire.
- Prezzo v High Point Estates [2018] EWHC 1851 (TCC). Daniel acted for Prezzo in this dispute as to the application and scope of the principle in Berni Inns.
- SFS Fire Services v Ashworth Frazer Ltd – Daniel acted for the defendant in respect of a claim relating to flooding of the archive of the Motor Manufacturers.
- 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.
- York Neuro Imaging (2) The University of York v VPS (UK) Ltd – Daniel acted for the owners of a
- substantial commercial building in a claim arising out of substantial flooding resulting from the heating and ventilation system.
- Endeavour drilling – Daniel acts for a drilling company in a claim arising out of damage to electricity cables.
- Mood Developments Ltd v VPS (UK) Ltd – Daniel acted for security service providers in a claim in respect of flooding at a property.
- CB Transport Refrigeration Limited v Iveco & Others – Daniel acted in a claim in respect of damage to a commercial damage by fire.
- A group of 124 different claimants v Total UK Ltd – Daniel was responsible for the defence of a group of 124 commercial claimants’ claims in the Technology and Construction Court across 2009 and 2010.
- Keystone v Total UK Ltd – Daniel acted for Total in relation to a claim in excess of £80,000,000 brought by Keystone, the distributor for McDonald’s Restaurants in the UK.
- NPIA v Total UK Ltd – Daniel acted in relation to the defence of a claim in excess of £12,000,000 brought by the National Police Improvements Agency.
- West London Oil Pipelines & United Kingdom Oil Pipelines v Total UK Ltd – Daniel acted for Total in relation to a claim in excess of £200,000,000 brought by the operators of the oil distribution pipelines and terminals feeding Heathrow Airport. The claim involved highly technical evidence as to the appropriate reconstruction of oil terminal and pipeline systems.
- Triumph Motorcycles – Daniel was instructed on behalf of Triumph Motorcycles to recover losses sustained in a factory fire caused by a petrol fuelling system.
Awards
Events
- Daniel Shapiro KC to speak at the British Insurance Law Association Virtual Lecture
- Daniel Shapiro QC to discuss coverage issues in cyber insurance at Lloyd’s Market Association
News
- Daniel Shapiro KC, Michael Harper and Alethea Redfern acted for World Challenge Expeditions Ltd in its successful claim against Zurich Insurance Company Ltd
- Daniel Shapiro KC, Caroline McColgan and Hamish Fraser acted for the successful Insurers in the first warranty & indemnity insurance claim to be decided by the Commercial Court
Articles
- Defending W&I claims: strategic themes illustrated in Finsbury Foods v Axis & Ors
- Covid-19: Business Interruption insurance, an FCA class action, and the long-tail risks to insurance brokers
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
