Peter Todd

I am a Consultant Solicitor specialising in clinical negligence, product liability, catastrophic injury claims, public law, inquests, contentious costs and complex civil litigation.

“Peter Todd is really the most fantastic solicitor you could have. Anyone who has the misfortune of an accident claim should think themselves very fortunate to have Peter on the case. Thank you so much.”

I was admitted as a solicitor in 1994 and have over 30 years’ post-qualification experience. Before joining Scott Moncrieff as a Consultant Solicitor in 2021, I spent more than 10 years as an equity partner at a top 200 London litigation law firm.

My work often involves complex, high-value, and sensitive claims. These include brain injury, spinal cord injury, fatal injury, birth defects linked to chemical or pharmaceutical exposure, vaccine injury, defective medical products, and criminal injury compensation claims. I also advise on challenges to NHS funding decisions.

Clinical negligence and product liability expertise

A large part of my practice focuses on clinical negligence and product liability claims. I have particular experience in cases involving acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, vaccine-related injury, organophosphate exposure and defective pharmaceutical or medical products under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.

Over the years, I have also acted in several major multi-party actions. These include the Gulf War Syndrome litigation, organophosphate litigation, Pandemrix® vaccine claims and defective intra-ocular lens claims.

Vaccine injury and defective medical product claims

I acted for:

86 clients who developed narcolepsy after receiving the Pandemrix® swine flu vaccine. Narcolepsy is a serious and incurable neurological disorder, and the claims required careful handling of complex medical and scientific evidence.

99 claimants who suffered visual impairment due to defective intra-ocular lenses manufactured by Oculentis BV. In addition, I have achieved substantial settlements in other product liability claims, including cases involving defective metal-on-metal hip prostheses.

I have also succeeded in claims under the Vaccine Damage Payment Act 1979, including appeals against refusals of awards. This included successfully defending the first appeal brought by the Department for Work and Pensions to the Court of Appeal in a case under the Vaccine Damage Payments Act 1979, DWP v John, a minor [2017].

Public law and NHS funding challenges

I have significant experience in public law and human rights claims. In particular, I have acted in judicial review challenges concerning access to medical treatment and NHS funding decisions.

My work includes high-profile challenges to NHS England decisions to refuse funding for medical treatment, including R (oao S) v NHS England [2016] and R (oao SB) v NHS England [2017].

I also acted in a challenge to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence concerning the assessment of a drug for Phenylketonuria, R (Cotter) v NICE and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

judicial review

I have acted in a number of high profile judicial reviews of NHS England’s decision to refuse funding for medical treatment including R (oao S) v NHS England [2016] and R (oao SB) v NHS England [2017]

Challenged the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence on its decision regarding the assessment of a drug for Phenylketonuria. R (Cotter) v NICE and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, July 2020) (R (Cotter v NICE and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Feb 2020 Administrative Court)

Acted pro bono for the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (R v Lord Chancellor, on the application of APIL) commencing proceedings for judicial review against the Lord Chancellor regarding his failure to review the discount rate, and then for APIL as an Interested Party in the proceedings issued against the Lord Chancellor by the Association of British Insurers. This led to the reduction of the discount rate from 2.5% to -0.75%, and a substantial increase in value of catastrophic loss claims.

Legal aid and access to justice

I am strongly committed to access to justice, regardless of a client’s ability to pay. Because of this, legal aid funding has been an important part of my work.

I spent around 20 years as an independent adjudicator for the Legal Aid Agency. I later chaired the Special Controls Review Panel, which determines funding appeals in high-profile and complex cases.

Where legal aid or legal expenses insurance is not available, I mainly act in tort claims on a conditional fee basis.

Contentious costs and wider litigation experience

Alongside clinical negligence and product liability work, I advise on professional negligence claims, contentious probate, breach of confidence, data protection claims, public law, human rights, contentious costs and commercial litigation.

I also have particular expertise in contentious costs. Previously, I served as a Solicitor Assessor in the High Court, advising on appeals against detailed assessment decisions alongside a High Court Judge and Costs Judge.

In addition, I have acted as a professional trustee, attorney, and deputy in matters involving probate and estate administration, trusts, Court of Protection matters and property transactions.

Cycling injury claims

I am a cyclist-friendly solicitor and have acted for many cyclists who have suffered serious injuries in road traffic collisions. This work often involves serious injury, complex liability issues and the long-term impact of life-changing trauma.

recognition

Ranked by both Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500, I have been described as “a hugely experienced and impressive” solicitor with “a first-class reputation”.

Chambers 2021 described me as “very approachable, friendly and engaging”, “proactive in coming up with ideas, different angles and solutions”, and “realistic about prospects”. Chambers also noted that my aim is “to alleviate the suffering of marginalised groups” and that I do so “with integrity and considerable sympathy”.

NOTABLE CASES

Acted pro bono for the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers in proceedings for judicial review against the Lord Chancellor regarding his failure to reduce the ‘discount rate’ set under s.2 of the Damages Act 1996 (2010-12). This prompted the current review of the discount rate.

Acted for the Claimant in a civil claim for rape against the actor/writer Steven Berkoff.

Inquest into the death of Geoffrey Perkins (2009).

Inquest into the death of a seven-year-old girl at a public swimming pool in Essex and civil claims arising from that incident, including successful judicial review proceedings against the HSE (refusal to act as enforcing authority).

Primodos claims (a multi-party action re causality of birth defects by a hormone pregnancy test).

Gulf War syndrome litigation (multi-party action for veterans of the Gulf War).

Organophosphate litigation (multi-party action for farmers and others exposed to sheep dip and other pesticide applications of organophosphates).

Various appeals against the refusal of compensation under the Vaccine Damage Payment Act 1979.

Various claims under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 against pharmaceutical corporations for damages, for injury and loss alleged to be caused by adverse reactions to vaccines.

Other multi-party actions including the Romantica Cruise Ship fire case, the Kerrin Point multi-party action and the Hepatitis ‘C’ contaminated blood transfusions cases, for victims of abuse in religious children’s schools in Ireland & for victims of defective hip replacement prostheses.

CLIENT COMMENTS

“Well what a journey! Peter Todd has supported and guided us through the most traumatic vaccine damage payment process. He has been approachable, empathetic and informative throughout. Every query answered with honest legal opinion. I would definitely recommend Peter to anyone who is drowning in the appeal minefield. Forever grateful. The Cross family”

“I cannot give enough praise and thanks for Peter Todd, who advised on my claim for the Covid vaccine damage payment. Peter is helping so many of us who would otherwise flounder in the complexity of the VDPS system. He is a beacon of hope for all those still with claims to resolve and I hope he feels the huge warmth that we all have for him in his quest to do the right thing for us all. Peter has been pivotal in getting fundamental changes made to the claim process and, without this, many of us would be left without compensation for the huge impact the Covid vaccine has had on so many lives. Thank you once again, Peter.”

“I highly recommend Scott-Moncrieff especially the excellent services of Mr Peter Todd, the knowledge and support I have recieved from this gentleman regarding my case has helped me attain a settlement he knew I could get. Peter is approachable and friendly and straightaway he puts you at ease and tells you how it is. Very responsive to emails and contact,keeps deadlines and knows exactly what he’s doing, at no point did I think he was failing me. Peter is very compassionate about the cases he fights for as he understands the emotions and necessity of justice for his clients.Once again I thank Peter for his service and will recommend him to anyone looking for help and legal advice in his area of expertise.”

“I cannot recommend Peter Todd highly enough. He supported me through my VDPS mandatory reversal claim with professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. From the very beginning, Peter was thorough, approachable, and incredibly knowledgeable about the process, making what is a very difficult and emotionally draining process far more manageable. Thanks to his understanding and clear advice I was able to achieve a successful outcome, I totally believe his involvement made the difference and I’m truly grateful for his support and the positive impact he’s had on my case. So, if you are looking for a solicitor who is not only skilled and responsive but also committed to his clients then Peter is an excellent choice.”

“I liaised with SCOMO Solicitors on a legal matter, and I was very pleased with the service I received. Peter Todd my solicitor, was knowledgeable professional, and communicative throughout the entire process. Everything was handled smoothly and efficiently and kept me updated every step of the way. I would highly recommend Peter and the team at SCOMO Solicitors to anyone looking for reliable legal support. Thank you Peter for your excellent work.”

“I feel very fortunate to have found Peter Todd to help me at the most awful time of my life. After losing my beloved mother to the AstraZeneca vaccine, I literally had no idea where to turn to. Thanks to Peter’s legal guidance and calm manner, we were able to fight for the inquest to be held and we received the rightful outcome, which was so important for my family and I. More importantly for my mum. Without Peter’s legal help I would have not been able to get the justice that was deserved, for my mother. His expertise in this field is outstanding and I am extremely grateful to him for his professional and gentle manner. Many thanks Peter.”

“Very much valued the time I met virtually with Peter Todd who was very open and knowledgeable regarding the subject matter discussed. I greatly appreciated his honest and considerate advice along with his thoughtful recommendations regarding my personal circumstances. Thanks so much Peter and wishing you and those you are supporting all the well-deserved success.”

“Peter Todd helped me get what was a very difficult claim across the line against the odds. He got me justice and the opportunity to rebuild my life . He is the best lawyer in the country as far as I’m concerned in this field . His knowledge in this field is nothing short of incredible . He is not just a fantastic lawyer but a decent human being aswell he really listened and understood what I went through and was determined to help me get justice . I’m very grateful to Peter and feel fortunate that he got involved .”

“Peter Todd was very empathic and kind.Always updating me and asking about my thoughts and concerns,and how I was recovering from the accident.”

“The solicitor was great – he got back to me really quickly and dealt with everything very promptly at a very stressful time. He listened to what was important to us and the pre-action letter to the Clinical Commissioning Group got the result we needed for our son.”

“Peter Todd and his team dealt with our case as part of a larger group in the Pandemrix case against GSK. The process lasted several years, during which they arranged meetings and visits by various specialists and experts involved in preparing our case. Peter and his team kept the wider group fully up to date throughout, as well as always keeping us personally updated via email, phone, Skype, sms, etc. They were always prepared to answer any questions we had (and we had plenty) during what was occasionally a pretty stressful experience, made less so by their dedication to our case. Thank you.”

“We received patient, clear and compassionate guidance throughout our case”

“Just wanted to say a huge thank you. Very professional and caring service provided by a brilliant team, especially Peter, who went out of his way to help us”

“We cannot express enough, the gratitude for the amazing support through extremely stressful times. Always professional and understanding. Peter Todd, you got us through it! Thank you!”

“Without your efforts on my behalf I would have secured no satisfaction whatsoever. I know how finely balanced the legal proceedings were and will be forever grateful for your sound advice throughout. I would be very grateful if my thanks could be communicated to all those who worked on my behalf.

“The success of the case would never have been achieved without the professionalism of Mr Todd and his team. Also Mr Todd’s empathy throughout this case.”

“Peter provided an excellent overall service in which, importantly, I was treated as a person rather than simply a client.”