John Palmer

John joined DAC Beachcroft in July 2020 as a Partner in the Casualty Injury team with 30 years civil litigation experience.

For the last 25 years John has specialised in dealing with employers and public liability personal injury claims on behalf of both public and private sector clients. He acts for a variety of insurer clients and claims handlers.  John is well recognised for his robust defence of claims and his commercial approach.  He is regularly instructed pre-litigation to deal with complex, fraudulent and exaggerated claims. 

John has extensive experience in dealing with a broad range of claims including Highways Act and winter maintenance cases, claims under the Workplace and the Work Equipment Regulations and Social Services claims.  John has particular expertise in dealing with claims involving contractual disputes, claims for indemnity/contribution and recovery cases.

John regularly provides training to clients on all aspects of law, practice and procedure in his areas of practice.

Examples of significant claims John has handled are:

Milton Keynes Council –v- Struges (2016) QBD (admin). Father received a 8 months custodial sentence for contempt of court relating to a fraudulent personal injury claim. His daughter, who support the claim, received a 6 months sentence suspended for 1 year.

LB Havering –v- Bowyer, Jones and Bowyer (2012) QBD (Admin).  Each of the Defendants received custodial sentences following Contempt of Court proceedings.

Bell v London Borough of Havering (2010) C.A. Involving appeal against Trial Judges' finding of credibility of witness.

Carver v BAA (2008) C.A. Defendant awarded costs despite Part 36 offer being beaten by claimant.  Clarifies test under revised wording of Part 36.

Mason v Satelcom (2008) C.A. Interpretation of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.  Interpretation of "control" in Regulation 3(3).

Atkins v London Borough of Ealing (2006) High Court Appeal regarding S58 Defence under Highways Act 1980.  Deals with extent of evidence needed to show impracticality of discovery of a defect in utility cover (subsequent full recovery made from the utility company).

Galloway v London Borough of Richmond upon Thames (2003) C.A. Appeal dealing with test of "dangerous" pursuant to S41 of the Highways Act 1980.

Akel v London Borough of Havering (1999) C.A. Apportionment of liability for accident in a gymnasium.