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 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.
News
- David Platt QC obtains landmark judgment in low-exposure asbestos claim: Bannister v Freemans Plc
- Andrew Rigney QC, David Platt QC, Catherine Foster and Toby Sparrow shortlisted for Legal 500 UK Awards 2020
Events
Qualifications
- MA (Law) Trinity Hall, Cambridge (scholar)
Memberships
- London Common Law & Commercial Bar Association
- Personal Injuries Bar Association
- Professional Negligence Bar Association
Recommendations
“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
“His knowledge of the relevant areas dealing with asbestos litigation is second to none.”
Chambers & Partners, 2016
“He is the consummate tactician and a natural negotiator.”
Legal 500, 2016
“A persuasive advocate who is excellent at assimilating the detail of a case in a short space of time.”
Chambers & Partners, 2015
“He has an excellent understanding of complex medical and legal issues.”
Legal 500, 2015
“His legal skills are a given; he’s someone you’re happy to be locked in a room for a day. He’ll get on with your clients and adds something with his advice.”
Chambers & Partners, 2014
“A powerful weapon in any case” and “provides superb advice.”
Legal 500, 2014
