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David Platt KC

Call 1987 • KC 2011

"One of the best KCs of his generation."
(Chambers & Partners)

Inquests & Public Inquiries

Inquests

David undertakes a wide range of Inquest work. Often this is linked to his disease and personal injury practice given his experience in industrial accidents, asbestos, hazardous substances and fatal claims. Clients value the integrated service which he can therefore provide.

These cases have involved fatalities arising from alleged “aerotoxic poisoning”, liquid nitrogen, industrial accidents, construction fatalities and all forms of inquest arising from an employment or public context.

Public Inquiries

David has been instructed in a large number of major public inquiries, in particular relating to non-domestic local authority planning. He has appeared in inquiries involving large waste applications (both incinerator and landfill operations), mineral applications, strategic manufacturing operations, together with both highway and local plan inquiries. Many of these were for Kent County Council.

Selected Cases

  • Re Anne Spindler [2022].  Inquest into the death of a former teacher who allegedly developed mesothelioma as a consequence of asbestos exposure.  The family unsuccessfully sought to argue for an Art 2 Inquest.
  • Re Matthew Bass Deceased [2018].  Inquest into the death of a BA member of staff raising further possible issues over aerotoxicity
  • Re Richard Westgate [2017] – High profile Inquest into alleged death of a BA pilot from so-called “aerotoxic syndrome”.
  • Callagher Inquest [2016] – High profile food poisoning and clinical negligence.
  • Chelsea & Westminster Hospital Bowen Inquest [2016–17] – Scientist found dead in a laboratory working with liquid nitrogen.
  • M25 Beaconsfield Crane Collapse Inquest [2014] – Fatality following a crane collapse across the M25 motorway leading to a lengthy inquest and prospective prosecution.
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Recommendations


“He is the stand-out silk in disease litigation and the one to go to for complex or leading issues.”….. “He has a huge capacity to absorb details of a case and a proper academic understanding of quite difficult issues that arise.”

Chambers & Partners, 2024

“One of the best disease silks in the country. Provides clear and analytical advice. He understands the broader commercial realities.”

Chambers & Partners, 2024

‘David is a Rolls Royce of a silk. Excellent robust and no-nonsense advice.’

Legal 500, 2024

“He is an incredibly intelligent person who offers logical advice. He is pragmatic, down to earth and very effective.”

Chambers & Partners, 2022

“David is without doubt the finest silk in practice in respect of his asbestos work.”

Legal 500, 2022

“Superb to work with – the advice he provides is clear, commercially sensible and tactically astute.”

Chambers & Partners, 2022

“He is a very good advocate who is always on top of his game and is well respected by both clients and opponents.” “He is bright, enthusiastic and extremely experienced in high-level disease cases.”

Chambers & Partners, 2021

“A real expert when it comes to dealing with complex medical and scientific issues and handling multiple experts on these issues.”

Legal 500, 2021

“A top-quality barrister who really knows his area.”; “He’s a very impressive advocate and has a good head for complex issues.”

Chambers & Partners, 2020

“Always immaculately prepared, demonstrating mastery of the papers. He has a prodigious intellect and is also highly personable and approachable. He understands the value of relationships.”

Chambers & Partners, 2018

“His courtroom manner is confident. He presents the arguments in a clear and logical fashion.”

Chambers & Partners, 2018

“He never wastes a word and just instinctively knows what the pressure points are for a judge.”

Chambers & Partners, 2016


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