Product Liability
Patrick has extensive experience in product liability work involving complex technical, engineering and design issues and parties inclind ginternational manufacrutrers and suppliers, causing serious personal injuries, property damage and business interruption. Recent cases include:
- Tyre claims
- Defects in motor vehicles
- Vehicle fires
- Fire claims generally
- Defects to industrial equipment, construction plant, lifting equipment
- Children’s play equipment
- Pool equipment causing toxic inhalation
Selected Cases
Examples of Patrick’s recent and ongoing cases include the following:-
Morris v Dhollandia (ongoing). Acting in contribution proceedings brought against the manufacturer and supplier of a goods vehicle tail lift that snapped shut, causing a fatal head injury to the driver.
D v K (ongoing). A serious brain injury to a lorry driver caused when an air hose connector fractured and catapulted through the rear window of his cab.
Watling v Robinson: (2022) Acting for a claimant thrown from a newly-bought motorcycle, allegedly due to a faulty front disc brake assembly. The trial involved engineering and reconstruction evidence.
B v N (2022): Accident causing paraplegia during the dismantling of a passenger lift.
H v Whyte Bikes (2021): An allegation of a defective front fork on a mountain bike which failed during a jump, causing a catastrophic injury to the rider.
L v B ; KC v L (2018, 2019) – Two unconnected fatal leisure diving cases. Allegations in each accident included those of defective breathing equipment.
P v C (2017)– Tetraplegia claim against UK subsidiary of international tyre manufacturer, successfully struck out because UK subsidiary was the wrong defendant.
View full profile »News
- Fundamental dishonesty finding in a high-value brain injury claim – Patrick Blakesley KC acts for the successful defendant
- Limitation decision in a fatal accident claim: on 21 April 2023, the High Court handed down judgment following a trial of a preliminary limitation issue
Articles
- Limitation decision in a fatal accident claim: on 21 April 2023, the High Court handed down judgment following a trial of a preliminary limitation issue
- The Motor Vehicles (Compulsory Insurance) Act 2022: a System Restore Point
Memberships
- Commercial Bar Association
- London Common Law & Commercial Bar Association
- Personal Injury Bar Association
- Professional Negligence Bar Association
- Pan European Organisation of Personal Injury Lawyers
Recommendations
“He is calm and collected, and always has a good handle on the wider commercial issues at play.”
Chambers & Partners, 2024
‘Patrick is a very eloquent and elegant advocate. He has a calm and forceful manner as well as being highly intelligent.’
Legal 500, 2024
“His technical knowledge and commercial awareness are very impressive. He is a strong negotiator.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022
“Patrick is a formidable opponent, striking the right balance between pragmatism and tenacity.”
Legal 500, 2022
“He has an impressive legal brain and is very good with clients.” “He is very persuasive and clear in his advocacy.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021
“Charming manner whether with experts, witnesses or clients. Excellent advocacy skills in court or settlement meetings. Pragmatic and commercial.”
Legal 500, 2021
“He’s personable, thorough and very tactical in negotiations.” “Extremely bright, very down to earth and impressive.” “He’s accessible and effective in his negotiation style.” “He’s brilliant on his feet – he could charm the birds out of the trees.”
Chambers & Partners, 2020
“He is brilliant with clients and has an effective courtroom manner.”
Legal 500, 2020
“He is rated because of his excellent outcomes both from trials and JSMs.”
Chambers & Partners, 2016
“He is excellent with the client and forensic in his ability to digest a lot of medical information.”
Chambers & Partners, 2016
“He is calm, thoughtful and has a good manner with clients and judges.”
Legal 500, 2016
“He’s not frightened of having a conflict where it needs to be had, and his advocacy and negotiation skills are particularly strong.”
Chambers & Partners, 2015
