Product Liability
Peter is well-versed in claims involving products that have caused (or are said to have caused) injury or damage to property. He is comfortable marshalling the often-complex expert evidence and legal principles encountered in this field of work.
Recent work includes:
- Representing a claimant injured when a nine-month-old car (which he had bought new) crashed. The claimant’s case was that the vehicle suffered from an intermittent brake servo defect that could, and did, cause the brakes suddenly and unexpectedly to lose power. Peter was involved from an early stage. The claim was fiercely resisted by a leading national car dealership and a major international motor manufacturer. Eventually the claim settled for almost all its full value a few days before trial.
- Acting for a claimant injured when a ladder he had only just purchased new from a leading hardware store collapsed. A key issue was whether the instructions on the ladder, which the claimant had installed incorrectly, were adequate. The claim settled satisfactorily.
- Acting for a packaging manufacturer accused of providing defective packaging to a food processing company which was said to have resulted in spoiled food and a large loss of profits.
- Acting for a national retailer said to have supplied a defective halogen heater which caused a fire and large-scale property damage.
- Acting for a well-known manufacturer of electronic and electrical equipment sued as a result of a fire said to have caused by a defective microwave. The case raised issues of the correct identity of the parties to it.
Selected Cases
View full profile »News
- Abbott & Ors v. Ministry of Defence [2022] EWHC 1807 (QB): bulk claim form impermissible
- Michael Kent KC and Peter Houghton in the Supreme Court
Articles
- Abbott & Ors v. Ministry of Defence [2022] EWHC 1807 (QB): bulk claim form impermissible
- QOCS strikes again: Corstorphine v Liverpool City Council
Qualifications
- MA (Hons) (Cantab) (Double First Class)
- MPhil (Cantab) (Distinction)
- CPE (City) (Distinction)
- BVC (ICSL) (Outstanding)
- Lord Brougham and Lord Denning Scholarships (Lincoln’s)
Recommendations
“He is exceptionally intelligent, a go-to for complex cases to unpick difficult liability or quantum arguments. A real details man.”… “Peter is incredibly knowledgeable in his field and his attention to detail in his drafting is superb. He is able to empathise with clients whilst remaining professional.”
Chambers & Partners, 2024
“Peter is the most detail-orientated junior at the Bar. He is massively intelligent.”
Legal 500, 2024
“His grasp of the issues and ability to retain information are hugely impressive. He is meticulous in his preparation and his interaction with clients and experts is exemplary, as is the quality of his legal and tactical advice.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022
“An exceptionally robust advocate who presents arguments in an extremely persuasive manner, and also takes an active role both pre and post hearings.”
Legal 500, 2022
“He is very knowledgeable and has a real depth of expertise in disease litigation.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022
“He is very good, knows what he’s talking about and makes all the right points.”; “He is very analytical but pleasant to deal with.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021
“Peter is hardworking and studious. He has an excellent eye for detail and his drafting skills are superb. Takes on work at short notice that others might fear to touch.”
Legal 500, 2021
“He is very good at tailoring his advice to each client.”; “He is extremely reliable, very responsive and has a calm manner.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021
