Where a claimant had settled one claim with one of two joint tortfeasors on an issue which also concerned the action against the second, it was a matter for interpretation of that settlement as to whether or not the claimant could continue the action against the remaining defendant. In such an action where the claimant had received full compensation the defendant in the second action could seek a contribution from the defendant in the first.
Times 07-Jun-2000, [2000] EWCA Civ 164, [2000] 3 WLR 1341, [2001] Ch 173, [2001] CP Rep 10, [2000] 4 All ER 673, [2000] CPLR 505
Bailii
Civil Liability (Contributions) Act 1978
England and Wales
Citing:
Cited – Jameson and Another v Central Electricity Generating Board and others HL 16-Dec-1998
A joint tortfeasor’s concurrent liability was discharged entirely by a full and final settlement and compromise of the claim against the other tortfeasor if in respect of the same harm. A dependency claim made by the claimant’s executors could not . .
Appeal from – Heaton and Others v Axa Equity and Law Life Assurance Society Plc and Axa Equity and Law Unit Trust Managers Limited ChD 27-May-1999
Where a plaintiff settled a claim against one of two defendants, the court would be ready to look carefully at the full details of the settlement to see whether or not the co-defendant was intended also to be released by or under the terms of that . .
Cited by:
Appeal from – Heaton and Others v AXA Equity and Law Life Assurance Society plc and Another HL 25-Apr-2002
The claimant had settled one claim in full and final satisfaction against one party, but then sought further damages from the defendant, for issues related to a second but linked contract. The defendant claimed the benefit of the settlement.
Updated: 10 October 2021; Ref: scu.147197