References: 187 ALR 612, [2002] HCA 17
Links: Austlii
Coram: Gaudron ACJ, McHugh, Kirby, Hayne, Callinan JJ
Ratio:(High Court of Australia) Trade and commerce – Damages – Equitable contribution – Liability to pay damages under ss 75B, 82, 87 of Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) for breach of s 52 of the Act – Whether solicitor who gave negligent advice should contribute to the loss suffered by his client as a consequence of another’s misrepresentation which loss could have been avoided by careful advice by the solicitor – Whether equitable maxims prevent requirement of contribution.
Equity – Equitable contribution – Scope of – Requirement of co-ordinate liability – Whether solicitor who gave negligent advice should contribute to loss suffered by client as a consequence of another’s representation where the loss could have been avoided by careful advice by the solicitor.
Contribution – Equitable contribution – Scope of and availability – Co-ordinate liability – Requirements of – Whether compatible with the obligations imposed by Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth) for breach of s 52 of the Act.
Words and phrases – ‘co-ordinate liability’, ‘natural justice’.
This case is cited by:
- Cited – Zurich Insurance Plc UK Branch -v- International Energy Group Ltd SC (Bailii, [2015] UKSC 33, [2015] Lloyd’s Rep IR 598, [2015] WLR(D) 233, [2015] 2 WLR 1471, [2016] AC 509, Bailii Summary, WLRD , UKSC 2013/0057, SC, SC Summary, SC Summary Video)
A claim had been made for mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos, but the claim arose in Guernsey. Acknowledging the acute difficultis particular to the evidence in such cases, the House of Lords, in Fairchild. had introduced the Special Rule . .
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Last Update: 01-Jul-16
Ref: 566220