Cases
Andrew McLaughlin - Industrial Disease
Head of Personal Injury team
Call: 1993
Inn: Middle Temple
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Andrew primarily acts in the defence of clients in significant industrial disease and personal injury cases. He has an impressively deep understanding of areas stretching beyond asbestos diseases, offering enviable expertise in cases involving non-freezing cold injury and hand-arm vibration syndrome.”
Andrew is a leading industrial disease barrister whose work takes him all over the country but especially in the South West and Wales. He is one of a handful of specialists nationwide recommended in Chambers UK spotlight table for disease work as well as the Legal 500. He is the only barrister in Bristol who has retained his place in the Chambers & Partners spotlight table for disease work over the past 5 years.
He has been involved in a number of reported cases involving asbestos/respiratory disease (mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, occupational asthma), occupational stress and harassment/bullying, noise, work related upper limb disorders, hand/arm vibration syndrome, sexual abuse, bacterial exposure (c difficile, mrsa, campylobacter). He is also a Panel A member of the TSOL panel. He represented the Secretary of State for Transport in Smith v Secretary of State for Transport [2020] EWHC 1954 (asbestosis). He successfully defended nearly 20 claims for alleged symptoms arising from exposure to ammonia gas and aluminium salts at a chemical plant in Shropshire which were discontinued after defences were filed. Presently he is instructed in several very substantial mesothelioma claims including the defence of one pleaded at in excess of £3m.
Andrew successfully represented the defendant in the Court of Appeal in the case of Coventry University v Mian [2014] EWCA Civ 1275, an appeal against a decision of HHJ Barrie that the university was liable to Dr Mian, a senior lecturer, for work-related stress. In 2013, Andrew defeated a huge claim for stress at work involving an 8-day High Court trial, the defence of a substantial claim for exposure to C difficile causing permanent bowel problems, defending a claim for acoustic shock and recovering damages for claimants in various complicated mesothelioma claims. He acted on behalf of the Bank of New York Mellon in connection with a claim for in excess of £1 million by a former Head of Executive Office for stress at work, which was reported in the national press.
Directory Quotes
Andrew has a forensic eye.’ ‘He provides a commercial overview.’ Andrew’s drafting skills are comprehensive, his pleadings are a pleasure to read.’ “
Andrew is very astute and incredibly hard-working. He has a very forensic approach to breaking down the component aspects of each claim.”
A forceful advocate. He has a brilliant manner and is sensible and down to earth. A shining star.”
Very hard-working, he never misses a deadline and his work is very detailed. He is absolutely first-rate and one of the most robust leaders in this space.”
Superb advocate, very good in Court. Also provides clear and concise advice which gets to the heart of a case without dwelling on peripheral issues. Very good manner with clients, relatable and engaging.”
A brave advocate who will stand his corner in front of a difficult judge. Clients love him as he speaks their language and provides very sensible and commercial advice. ‘He’s excellent with clients, has a keen eye for detail and is a powerful and persuasive advocate.“
Leading personal injury barrister in the Western Circuit, adept at handling a variety of issues including stress, RTA and industrial disease claims. ‘He’s thorough, analytical and provides very commercially pragmatic advice.’ ‘Technically superb and extremely forensic, yet still able to adopt a pragmatic approach to claims.’ ‘Very effective in court.’ “
An exceptionally good trial advocate, who is also incisive and pragmatic with his advice.”
Primarily acts in the defence of clients in significant industrial disease and personal injury cases. He has an impressively deep understanding of areas stretching beyond asbestos diseases, offering enviable expertise in cases involving noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and hand-arm vibration syndrome. ‘He’s particularly strong on procedure and good on his feet. He’s easy to deal with and turns around papers very quickly.’ “
Leading personal injury barrister in the Western Circuit, adept at handling a variety of issues including stress, RTA and industrial disease claims. His cases concern serious injuries sustained in accidents at work. ‘He has a very good understanding of the case law and is an authority on asbestos claims.’ ‘He is knowledgeable, incisive, pays attention to the detail and is extremely efficient with his paperwork. He provides practical and thorough advice.’ ”
Formidable on his feet; he takes no prisoners.”
Seminars & Events
- Past Event
Catastrophic and serious injuries conference - life ending and life shortening accidents
Venue: Bristol Beacon, Trenchard St, Bristol BS1 5AR - Past Event
Personal injury conference for defendant practitioners
Venue: The Studio, 7 Cannon Street, Birmingham B2 5EP
Appointments:
- A Panel of GLD counsel, dealing with the most complex work on behalf of government
- Attorney General’s List of Panel Counsel 2012 – 2023
Qualifications & awards:
- BA (Hons) York
Professional memberships:
- Member of the Personal Injury Bar Association Scholarships Benefactor’s and Blackstone scholarships from Middle Temple
Andrew McLaughlin is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.