Causation in valuers’ negligence cases: Reliance on earlier valuations

The Supreme Court has held that where a lender advanced money on the basis of an initial valuation, then refinanced the facility (effectively repaying and replacing the original loan) on the basis of a second negligent valuation, the liability of the negligent valuer was limited to the ‘top up’ element of any additional lending: Tiuta International … Read more

A litigator’s yearbook: 2017 (England and Wales)

As we see another year out, it’s a good time to look back at what 2017 has had in store. In this post we summarise some of the key developments from the perspective of the commercial litigator, covering topics such as privilege, contract law, jurisdiction and various aspects of court procedure. We hope you will find it … Read more

High Court decision may make it more difficult to bring claims against foreign parties under section 423 Insolvency Act (transactions defrauding creditors)

The High Court has held that a claim by a creditor under section 423 of the Insolvency Act 1986 does not fall within the jurisdictional gateway permitting service out of the jurisdiction at common law for claims “under an enactment which allows proceedings to be brought”: Orexim Trading Limited v Mahavir Port and Terminal Private … Read more

Court of Appeal clarifies extent to which ATE insurance policy is relevant when considering security for costs

A recent Court of Appeal decision confirms that the court can take account of a claimant’s after-the-event (ATE) insurance policy when considering whether to make an order for security for costs: Premier Motorauctions Ltd v PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP [2017] EWCA Civ 1872. The central question will be whether the policy provides the defendant with sufficient protection … Read more

A further reminder of the need for strict compliance in notifying warranty claims

In a recent decision, the High Court found that claims for breach of warranty had not been validly notified to one of seven defendants in accordance with the contractual provisions of a sale and purchase agreement, with the result that claims against all defendants were dismissed: Zayo Group International Ltd v Ainger and others [2017] EWHC … Read more