David Pittaway QC

Year of call: 1977

Year of silk: 2000

Specialist areas: Medical Law, Regulatory and Disciplinary, Public Inquiries and Inquests, Mediation and Arbitration, Product Liability and Insurance Law.

Education: Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge (MA) (Exhibitioner)

Appointments: Bencher of the Inner Temple, Deputy High Court Judge (QBD), Recorder, Chancellor of the Diocese of Peterborough, Legal Member of the MHRT, Legal Assessor to the RCVS and GSCC

ADR: Fellow Ch Inst of Arb, Accredited Mediator

• Lewis v Mole (2008 QB Exeter) - negligent failure of care by GP in failing to refer claimant for a blood test for hypothyroidism. The trial judge dismissed the claimant's case against his former GP that he was in breach of duty, and held on causation that, in any event, the claimant's hypothroidism did not develop until sometime after his GP appointment.
• Ryan St George v The Home Office (2007/CA 2008, RCJQB) - negligent failure of care leading to prisoner developing severe brain damage. The Court of Appeal has recently dismissed the Home Office's appeal and allowed the cross-appeal against the finding of 15% contributory negligence. The case on quantum is now in preparation on a 100% basis.
• Capper Pass [2007/8] He was appointed by Sir Philip Otton, Chairman of the Capper Pass Claims Scheme, to assess the damages in 40 lung cancer fatal accident and COPD claims arising out of the operation of Rio Tinto plc’s smelting plant on Humberside.

"David Pittaway QC wins much support. He 'knows how to navigate a complex case and get straight to the nub of the matter'." Chambers UK 2010

"David Pittaway QC ‘combines an encyclopedic knowledge with real humanity." Legal 500 2009

"David Pittaway QC is commended for his 'detailed medical knowledge' and has a strong profile in professional disciplinary and negligence work." Chambers UK 2009

" 'has good judgement, is a good tactician, and instinctively knows how the tribunal is thinking'." Chambers UK 2009

"David Pittaway QC...retains an excellent reputation and is especially recommended for disciplinary work." The Legal 500 2007

Following The Kingsway Hospital Inquest, Derby, the NHS Trust Board minuted his conduct of the inquest on their behalf as "outstanding".