Harminder specialises in mesothelioma and asbestos disease cases and catastrophic injuries arising from road traffic accidents and work accidents. She has over 15 years litigation experience and has taken numerous cases to trial, the longest one involving a 6 week trial relating to a complex multi-party action regarding dust exposure in the glass industry. Harminder has successfully given evidence on behalf of her client in court after being cross-examined by the Defendants in a limitation trial.
As a result, Harminder has a formidable reputation as one of the country’s leading asbestos litigators with an impressive track record of reported cases. Legal 500 2013 described her as ‘inspirational’, with a ‘superb track record’.
Harminder is an APIL Fellow and advises the Parliamentary Asbestos Committee and is active in lobbying the Government on numerous issues.
Several of her cases have set precedents. Notable cases are as follows:
Frank Baker v Tate & Lyle plc – obtained judgment on liability against the defendant Tate & Lyle plc as occupier.
Najib v John Laing – the highest award to date for general damages for a mesothelioma victim and innovatively obtained an award for photodynamic therapy, i.e. alternative treatment.
Beesley v New Century Group – the highest care award to date in a mesothelioma case.
Sloan v Halsen Insulation – This is the first case in which periodical payments have been awarded to a dependent in a fatal case. Periodical payments to be paid annually to the widow for life for the loss of companionship and day-to-day practical needs.
A v B – a complicated brain injury case in which an interim payment in excess of £700,000 was obtained. The case settled for over £3 million. The case involved complex issues regarding mental capacity. The capacity was split, i.e. the brain injured client was found to have capacity to litigate but not capacity to deal with financial affairs.