Douglas Denton

Douglas has vast experience in the following:

• mesothelioma and other asbestos related conditions
• noise-induced hearing loss cases
• upper limb disorders
• RSI/HAVS
• occupational induced asthma
• occupational induced dermatitis
• upper limb disorder claims
• work-related stress claims

NIHL

Douglas acts almost exclusively for Defendants in NIHL claims and has been instructed in numerous multi-day trials involving expert evidence. Whilst many of the claims are of a modest value, increasingly the emphasis has shifted to complex issues of causation. Douglas has expertise in dealing with all aspects of causation and limitation. He has also lectured to both the Liverpool and Manchester Law Societies and local and national law firms on the subject.

Asbestos

Douglas acts for both Claimants and Defendants and has regularly been instructed in cases with a value of in excess of £1 million. His expertise extends to all aspects of asbestos-related injuries including mesothelioma, asbestos-induced lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural thickening.  Douglas has appeared regularly at show cause hearings before the Masters at the Royal Courts of Justice.

RSI/HAVS/Upper limb disorders

Douglas acts for both Claimants and Defendants and has expertise in often complex causation arguments concerning the aetiology of the said conditions and the causative relevance of alleged breaches on the development/exacerbation of the same.

Occupational induced asthma/dermatitis

Douglas has been instructed on numerous cases for both Claimants and Defendants in cases involving exposure to various sensitizing agents.

Regularly instructed in employers’ liability cases, occupiers liability, road traffic litigation including fraud and LVI claims and local authority claims.

CRU and CICA appeals.

Douglas is also instructed in product liability claims arising out of defective medical devices or pharmaceutical products, whether brought under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 or in negligence.  Douglas has advised upon and litigated various product liability claims involving property damage and/or personal injuries involving a wide range of consumer and commercial products.

Douglas acts for both Claimants and the NHS in complex clinical and dental negligence claims. He has been instructed in a variety of claims against private doctors, GPs, dentists and NHS Trusts. Recent cases include:

• Death of a Claimant from sepsis/organ failure following surgery for colovesical fistula.
• Claimant who suffered a myocardial infarction from a prescription of an excessive dose of Metoraminol following laposcopic surgery.
• Claimant claiming damages for the death of her son who had brain abnormalities in utero, following a failure to interpret a 20-week scan.
• Alleged failure of the HNS to obtain consent to gynecological surgery and subsequent invasive treatment.
• Negligent orthodontics and dental implant treatment.

Douglas is regularly instructed on behalf of both Claimants and Defendants in claims involving the alleged negligence of various professionals. Recent cases have included solicitors, accountants and insurance brokers.

Douglas is regularly instructed in cases of the utmost severity and recognises the need and useful contribution of ADR/mediation and JSMs in either resolving matters or narrowing issues.  He recognises the importance of the early involvement of Counsel and the need for a team orientated approach in cases of this nature.

Douglas has considerable experience of inquests (with and without a jury) and has represented various interested parties in the Coroner’s Court. Douglas has received instructions in all manner of inquests ranging from occupational deaths (both insidious disease and accidents) to those in a clinical setting.

Douglas has considerable experience of corporate and commercial law, including:

• Sale and supply of goods and services
• Directors disputes
• Personal and corporate insolvency
• Contractual disputes very often with an insurance element.

• LLB (Hons)
• LLM (Cantab)
• Inns of Court School of Law