Property Damage
Michael frequently acts in relation to property damage matters, which very frequently dovetail with his expertise in other areas. Michael has a particular interest in relation to quantum issues and always seeks to pursue the effective commercial solution.
Examples of Michael’s work are given below.
- The Grenfell Tower Litigation: civil claims arising out of the Grenfell Tower Fire, including a very substantial claim by RBKC for fire damage to the tower. Acting for the main contractor. Led, as part of a team, by Andrew Rigney KC.
- The Gym v Brighton Seafront Regeneration & ors: multi-party dispute relating to flood damage to a commercial gym, following construction works.
- Leigh & ors v Fluidmaster: £0.5m flood damage claim following supply of an allegedly defective plumbing valve.
- Techspace Property Group v UK Power Networks: £0.4m claim for damage allegedly caused by a power surge from an electrical sub-station.
- Advising and settling particulars for fire damage at a residential property caused by hot works during a construction project.
- Acting in a number of cases of damage allegedly caused by cavity wall insulation, including through to trial.
- Claim for flood damage caused by surface and foul water pumping stations, against maintenance contractor.
- Significant experience of subsidence claims.
- Hiscox v Precious Marble and TPN Electrical [2018] EWHC 3585 (TCC): as a pupil, Michael assisted with a 6-day trial concerning property damage arising out of an escape of water followed by a fire. Assisting Daniel Shapiro KC.
- Prezzo v High Point Estates [2018] EWHC 1851 (TCC): as a pupil, Michael assisted with Part 8 proceedings concerning the principle in Berni Inns. Assisting Daniel Shapiro KC.
Selected Cases
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- Daniel Shapiro KC, Michael Harper and Alethea Redfern acted for World Challenge Expeditions Ltd in its successful claim against Zurich Insurance Company Ltd
- DIPT v Sanglier v Apollo: the importance of assessing the evidence, settling reasonably, and understanding the terms on which you contract
Articles
- DIPT v Sanglier v Apollo: the importance of assessing the evidence, settling reasonably, and understanding the terms on which you contract
- Hindsight is 20/20: Assessment of damages in light of Covid-19
Qualifications
- BPTC
- BCL, University of Oxford
- BA Hons, University of Oxford
- Lord Denning Scholarship, Lincoln’s Inn
- Graduate Fund Scholarship, Oxford Law Faculty
Memberships
- COMBAR
- PNBA
Recommendations
“Michael is a future star with exceptional ability, dedication and commitment to the cause.” “Michael is a go-to counsel for a range of professional negligence claims. He brings a reassuring calm and insight to all matters.”
Chambers & Partners, 2025
“Michael has a real eye for detail and immerses himself in the case. A seriously talented junior, excellent in both his drafting and ability to engage with clients.” “Michael is a tenacious barrister. He is incredibly diligent and leaves no stone unturned. He makes even the most difficult issues digestible for clients.”
Legal 500, 2025
“Technically brilliant and very able in complex matters.”
Legal 500, 2024
“Michael is enormously talented and enthusiastic in equal measure. He consumes the facts voraciously and applies the law surgically.”
Legal 500, 2023
“Michael is enormously talented and enthusiastic in equal measure. He consumes the facts voraciously and applies the law surgically.”
Legal 500, 2022
