Martin V Seaward

Barrister specialising in personal and fatal injuries, occupational pensions, coroner’s inquests, administrative and public law. Coroner’s inquests: firefighter deaths in Oldham (2013); the Shirley Towers High-Rise Block (2010); the Harrow Court High-Rise Block (2007); and the Bethnal Green Basement (2006); plus sailors’ deaths aboard HMS Trident (2009) and soldier’s deaths in Afghanistan (2010). Personal injury–claimant: caseload specialising in fire and military services; also, road traffic and railways. Recent significant reported cases include: Wembridge v Winter [2013] EWHC 2331 (QB) – tortious liability of fire and rescue services for injuries caused by explosion at Marlie Farm; Gravil v Carroll & Redruth Rugby Football Club [2008] EWCA CIV 689; [2008] 1CR 1222 – determined that employing clubs of fully and semi-professional rugby players should be vicariously liable for their players’ deliberate assaults. Administrative and public law: R (oao LFEPA) v Board of Medical Referees (Coogan) [2012] EWHC 3828 (Admin) –composition of Board; Marrion, Scott & Burke v Boards of Medical Referees [2009] EWCA Civ 450–ill-health pension and appeal rights of firefighters and police officers; Ex parte Callaghan [2008] All ER (D) 58 (Dec) – acceleration injuries qualify for an award; Walker v Inner London Crown Court [2008] AllER (D) 241(Jan) – meaning of ‘in the execution of duty’. Pensions: Matthews v Kent & Medway Towns Fire Authority (part-time workers) [2006] 1CR 365 (HL) – victory for retained firefighters and landmark authority for part-time workers; Hopper [2001] OPLR 357; [2001] All ER (D) 11(Oct) + OPLR- Chancery Division – nature of pensionable pay; Jordan (Cambridge Crown Court, 25/01/02) – jurisdiction of Boards of Medical Referees.

Durham University (BA).