I have 30 years' experience acting for victims of illnesses and accidents, and particularly for people suffering from the devastating cancer mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos in the workplace and by dust brought into the home.
It is a privilege to meet with so many families, to hear their stories, to be their advocate and provide the financial security needed in times of crisis.
Having dealt with hundreds of claims over the years, there are few types of case I haven't come across. I also know our opponents well.
Legal 500 2023 describe me as "one of the very best in the field of industrial disease". I am also recognised as a member of their "Hall of Fame" for Personal Injury lawyers.
Chambers 2022 describe me as "a brilliant lawyer who is prepared to take on complex cases … working hard for clients".
I lead a team of solicitors at Fieldfisher determined to achieve the highest compensation for people with asbestos disease in the shortest possible time, at no cost. We are described by Chambers as a 'market-leading industrial disease practice, with an outstanding reputation for handling mesothelioma and asbestos disease litigation.'
My cases include:
- Mesothelioma and asbestos claims
- Personal injury claims
- Work accident claims
- Road traffic accident claims
I regularly settle mesothelioma claims within three months of instruction. I have recently pioneered the recovery of private medical costs for developing immunotherapy treatment.
Over the last 30 years I have been involved in the most important asbestos cases to come before the courts, to include Fairchild v Glenhaven Funeral Services Ltd. (establishing one defendant liable for all damages in mesothelioma claims even where there are other exposers), Bussey v East Anglia (the Court of Appeal confirmed that employers were responsible for low exposures post-1965), Frances v Cape PLC (the first case of its kind against a manufacturer of asbestos products rather than an employer), and more recently in January 2021, Head v Culver Heating Co Ltd. (a mesothelioma case in the Court of Appeal concerning high loss of earnings).
My other personal injury work includes catastrophic and fatal road traffic, work accident, aviation and holiday claims. I acted for the victims of the Kegworth air disaster in the 1990s. I have recently acted for the family of a skier who died on the slopes on a Club Med holiday in France, a cyclist who suffered a catastrophic head injury in an accident and the family of a man who died in an aviation accident in Peru.
I am a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). I also sit on the forum of catastrophic injury solicitors (Focis) a small group of the most prominent catastrophic solicitors in the country. Membership is by invitation only. I regularly speak at conferences on asbestos disease and fatal accident claims.
I was named Lawyer of the Year 2023 for Personal Injury Litigation, London in the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in the UK.
What others say…
Peter Williams has a really good bedside manner with clients and gets good results. He knows the law inside out and doesn't take any rubbish from defendants.
He kept us informed at all times and is extremely knowledgeable.
Peter Williams is one of the very best in the field of industrial disease.
A brilliant lawyer who is prepared to take on complex cases and tackle them, working hard for clients.
A feisty litigator who is passionate and has good judgement.
Peter Williams, Dushal Mehta, and Andrew Morgan are all exceptional. They have handled some of the largest and best-known cases in this field. They are thorough and have excellent client-handling skills. They also have the respect of their opponents, which helps them to achieve the best outcomes for their clients.
Peter Williams represents clients in a variety of asbestos cases, and has brought cases which resulted in landmark judgments. He is especially adept at work on behalf of mesothelioma patients. "A very empathetic individual when it comes to clients."
Peter Williams routinely represents clients in a variety of asbestos cases, many of which hold wider significance for the industry. Seen by market sources as "a true expert" with "very detailed knowledge," he is also described as "a real people person." He is also admired for the way in which he is "prepared to take on tough cases."
Disarmingly low key in style, Peter Williams is a ruthless analyst of the other side's weaknesses and has very high client-care skills. He is pragmatic in negotiation and gets on well with his opponents in order to obtain quick results on favourable terms for clients. He is prepared to take on risky mesothelioma work in which liability is very hard fought.'
