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Aldi Stores Ltd v Holmes Buildings Plc: CA 1 Dec 2003

What makes a claim a ‘new claim’ as defined in section 35(2) of the Limitation Act 1980 is not the newness of the case according to the type or quantum of the remedy claimed, but the newness of the cause of action that it involves. A cause of action is a set of facts that … Continue reading Aldi Stores Ltd v Holmes Buildings Plc: CA 1 Dec 2003

The Secretary of State for Transport v Arriva Rail East Midlands Ltd (‘Arriva’): CA 18 Dec 2019

Applicable time limit for the bringing of claims arising out of a public procurement process which is not governed by the Public Contracts (and similar) Regulations. It raises the stark contrast between the 3-month time limit required for an application for judicial review, and the 6-year limit for a claim for breach of statutory duty … Continue reading The Secretary of State for Transport v Arriva Rail East Midlands Ltd (‘Arriva’): CA 18 Dec 2019

Catholic Care (Diocese of Leeds) and Another v Young: CA 14 Nov 2006

The claimant sought damages saying that he had been abused as a child whilst in the defendant’s care. The defendants appealed a finding that the claimant had not first known of his injury more than three years before begining his action. Held: The same word ‘reasonable’ in sections 14(2) and 14(3) of the 1980 Act … Continue reading Catholic Care (Diocese of Leeds) and Another v Young: CA 14 Nov 2006

NA v Nottinghamshire County Council: QBD 2 Dec 2014

The claimant said that as a child the defendant had failed in its duty to protect her from her abusive mother and later from foster parents. Held: Males J, dealt with the issues of liability and limitation, leaving issues concerning causation and quantum of damages to be dealt with later if necessary. As to limitation, … Continue reading NA v Nottinghamshire County Council: QBD 2 Dec 2014

Kew v Bettamix Ltd and others: CA 14 Nov 2006

The defendant appealed a finding of negligence and the associated costs order. Held: The claimant had obtained an order allowing an extension of the limitation period in order to pursue the claim. Whilst the substantial damages award should be left in place, but on the limitation issue, the claimant had failed in several respects, and … Continue reading Kew v Bettamix Ltd and others: CA 14 Nov 2006

Smith v Leicestershire Health Authority: CA 29 Jan 1998

The plaintiff appealed a finding that she had sufficient knowledge of her possible claim for medical negligence against the defendants, and that she was out of time. She had known of her condition, but said she had no sufficient reason to see that it might have arisen from the negligence now found. Held: The court … Continue reading Smith v Leicestershire Health Authority: CA 29 Jan 1998

Eagle v Redlime Ltd: QBD 4 Apr 2011

The builder replied to a claim in negligence that it was out of time. They had built a concrete base for a kennels. The claimant said that they had not constructed proper foundations, and that he had come to know this only within the limitation period when it began to crack. Judges: Eder J Citations: … Continue reading Eagle v Redlime Ltd: QBD 4 Apr 2011

Aristotelis Kleanthous, Sofoulla Kleanthous v The London Borough of Barnet (Adverse Possession): LRA 8 Dec 2006

LRA Adverse possession – whether user permissive – whether factual possession and intention to possess established – whether title was acknowledged under ss 29 and 30 of the Limitation Act 1980 – effect of squatter being secure tenant and subsequently exercising right to buy – J A Pye (Oxford) Ltd v Graham [2003] 1 AC … Continue reading Aristotelis Kleanthous, Sofoulla Kleanthous v The London Borough of Barnet (Adverse Possession): LRA 8 Dec 2006

Thompson and Thompson v Hatherton Marina Limited: LRA 11 May 2007

LRA Adverse Possession – Registration with possessory freehold title – Limitation of action – Alteration of the register – Meaning of alteration and rectification – Land Registration Act 2002 s 9(1)(c),(5), s 11(7), s 65, s 131, Sch 4 paras 1, 5, and 6 – Limitation Act 1980 s 15(1), (6), s 17, Sch.1, paras … Continue reading Thompson and Thompson v Hatherton Marina Limited: LRA 11 May 2007

J C Decaux Ltd v Kwik Save Stores Ltd (Adverse Possession): LRA 23 Jun 2006

Land Registration Act 1925 section 75 – Limitation Act 1980 section 15 and Sch 1 Para 8(4) – Adverse possession – Agreement – Lease or Licence – Whether consent given by paper owner – Whether squatter had intention to possess – Adverse possession not made out – Application dismissed Citations: [2006] EWLandRA 2004 – 1242 … Continue reading J C Decaux Ltd v Kwik Save Stores Ltd (Adverse Possession): LRA 23 Jun 2006

Edwards v Golding and others: CA 3 Apr 2007

The claimant appealed against an order that his claim in defamation had failed for limitation, the judge having held that time ran from publication even though the claimant did not know the identity of the author. Held: The appeal was dismissed. The court had to take two separate decisions. First had the cause of action … Continue reading Edwards v Golding and others: CA 3 Apr 2007

Graham v Entec Europe Ltd (T/A Exploration Associates): CA 6 Aug 2003

The claimant’s bungalow suffered subsidence. Repair works were undertaken as advised by the defendants, but unsuccessfully. The claimant’s insurers instructed experts negotiators to investigate with a view to a claim. The defendants now claimed the action was out of time, since the knowledge of the defects acquired by the loss adjusters was to be imputed … Continue reading Graham v Entec Europe Ltd (T/A Exploration Associates): CA 6 Aug 2003

Mirza v Birmingham Health Authority: QBD 31 Jul 2001

The claimant had undergone heart surgery as an infant in 1976, and claimed damages for professional negligence. The procedure involved a dangerous procedure, a resection of coarctation. As a consequence, the Claimant suffered a number of problems associated with neurological deficit and partial paraplegia. Held: As to limitation, the knowledge required to satisfy s.14(1)(b) is … Continue reading Mirza v Birmingham Health Authority: QBD 31 Jul 2001

Wilson and Another v Grainger: ChD 4 Dec 2009

The claimants appealed against a decision of the Adjudicator that they had not acquired a piece of their neighbour’s land by adverse possession, on the basis that their use had been by virtue of an oral licence. The judge had found the occupation to be insufficient to demnstrate exclusion of others from the land. Held: … Continue reading Wilson and Another v Grainger: ChD 4 Dec 2009

Wiberg v City and County of Swansea: LT 22 Nov 2001

COMPENSATION – preliminary issues – whether claim statute barred – whether compensation agreed – whether acquiring authority estopped from relying on limitation – Limitation Act 1980 s 9 – held no estoppel – held compensation agreed Citations: [2001] EWLands ACQ – 8 – 2001 Links: Bailii Jurisdiction: England and Wales Land Updated: 26 August 2022; … Continue reading Wiberg v City and County of Swansea: LT 22 Nov 2001

Irwin and Another v Lynch and Another: CA 6 Oct 2010

The court considered an appeal against an order allowing an amendment outside the limitation period which would Judges: Lloyd, Wilson, Gross LJJ Citations: [2010] EWCA Civ 1153, [2011] Bus LR 504, [2011] BPIR 158, [2011] 1 WLR 1364 Links: Bailii Statutes: Civil Procedure Rules 19.5, Limitation Act 1980 35 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited … Continue reading Irwin and Another v Lynch and Another: CA 6 Oct 2010

Global Financial Recoveries Ltd v Jones: ChD 13 Jan 2000

The defendant entered into a mortgage loan. The property was repossessed and he faced an action for recovery of the shortfall. It was argued that the claim was out of time after six years. The court held that the debt remained a specialty debt and the twelve year period applied, but nevertheless, the actual claimant … Continue reading Global Financial Recoveries Ltd v Jones: ChD 13 Jan 2000

BCL Old Co Ltd and Others Basf Se (Formerly Basf Ag) and Others: CAT 19 Nov 2009

The claimants wished to claim damages arising from the participation by the defendants in an unlawful cartel. The Court of Appeal had said that the claim was out of time, and that the claimants would have to seek an extension of time to bring their claim. Held: The Tribunal acted on the basis that it … Continue reading BCL Old Co Ltd and Others Basf Se (Formerly Basf Ag) and Others: CAT 19 Nov 2009

O’Donovan v Manchester (Ringway) Airport Plc: UTLC 26 Aug 2009

COMPENSATION – limitation – Land Compensation Act 1973 – whether proceedings brought when notice of reference sent to Tribunal – whether notice of reference a nullity if failing to identify all persons interested in the land – held claim not statute barred – 1973 Act s 16, Limitation Act 1980 s 9(1), Lands Tribunal Rules … Continue reading O’Donovan v Manchester (Ringway) Airport Plc: UTLC 26 Aug 2009

Doyle v PRA Group (UK) Ltd: CA 23 Jan 2019

Whether the cause of action for the outstanding sums accrued when D first defaulted in his payments or only when D failed to comply with the default notice stipulated by CCA s.87(1) and required by clause 8f of the Agreement. D appealed from a finding against him. Held: The appeal failed. ‘The effect of the … Continue reading Doyle v PRA Group (UK) Ltd: CA 23 Jan 2019

Swansea City Council v Glass: CA 1992

The defendant had failed himself to repair his property, and the Local Authority carried out the work itself under the 1957 Act. It sought to recover the associated costs from the defendant, but he said that their claim was time barred, being more than six years after the work had been concluded. The authority argued … Continue reading Swansea City Council v Glass: CA 1992

Parry v Clwyd Health Authority: QBD 1996

The court preferred the more objective approach as to looking at when a plaintiff was to be fixed with knowledge of his injury: ‘If the purpose of section 14(3) is to create deemed or constructive knowledge in circumstances where there is no actual knowledge, it is highly improbable that Parliament intended that the application of … Continue reading Parry v Clwyd Health Authority: QBD 1996

Goose v Wilson Sandford and Co (A Firm) and Another: ChD 10 May 1994

A court can turn down, and refuse to hear or accept claims, which were similar to a previous, statute barred, deceit claim. Citations: Times 10-May-1994 Statutes: Limitation Act 1980 2 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Appeal from – Goose v Wilson Sandford and Co and Mainon CA 13-Feb-1998 A judge was properly criticised for … Continue reading Goose v Wilson Sandford and Co (A Firm) and Another: ChD 10 May 1994

Re a Debtor: ChD 1997

The creditor appealed the decision to set aside a statutory demand as statute barred. Held: The appeal was dismissed. Bankruptcy proceedings based on a statutory demand for moneys due under a previous default judgment constituted ‘an action upon a judgment’ within s24(1). Insolvency proceedings constituted a fresh action or proceeding newly brought, of the kind … Continue reading Re a Debtor: ChD 1997

Mahomed v Bank of Baroda: CA 10 Dec 1998

A claim against a bank for repayment of a deposit does not of itself restart the limitation period on a claim, but where a customer revoked a demand, asking for payment at next maturity, the contract continued and the limitation period started afresh. Citations: Times 10-Dec-1998, Gazette 10-Dec-1998, [1998] EWCA Civ 1776 Statutes: Limitation Act … Continue reading Mahomed v Bank of Baroda: CA 10 Dec 1998

Jim Ennis Construction Ltd v Premier Asphalt Ltd: TCC 24 Jul 2009

The court was asked as to the date of accrual of the cause of action where a losing party to an adjudication brought under Part II of the 1996 Act later begins proceedings to seek a final determination of the matters decided by the adjudicator with a view to recovering monies paid to the winning … Continue reading Jim Ennis Construction Ltd v Premier Asphalt Ltd: TCC 24 Jul 2009

Gold v Mincoff Science and Gold: ChD 18 Jan 2001

A sleeping partner in a business executed several charges over partnership property, unaware that the funds raised were being used for purposes other than the partnership business. Their solicitors admitted negligence in not advising them sufficiently closely as to the effect of the all monies nature of the charges. A claim was brought to recover … Continue reading Gold v Mincoff Science and Gold: ChD 18 Jan 2001

Schulman v Hewson and others: ChD 2002

Blackburne J assumed that a plea of accessory liability was covered by s.21(1)(a). Judges: Blackburne J Citations: [2002] EWHC 855 (Ch) Statutes: Limitation Act 1980 21(1)(a) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Williams v Central Bank of Nigeria QBD 8-Apr-2011 The claimant had been defrauded by a customer of the defendant bank. He … Continue reading Schulman v Hewson and others: ChD 2002

In Re A Debtor (2672 of 2000): ChD 2 Nov 2000

More than six years after a costs order, the creditor began bankruptcy proceedings for unpaid costs. The debtor claimed the debt was time barred. The court found that the time started when the judgment became enforceable. As regards an order for costs, that happened only when the amount was fixed by taxation. The six year … Continue reading In Re A Debtor (2672 of 2000): ChD 2 Nov 2000

In Re A Debtor (No 647-Sd-1999): ChD 10 Apr 2000

A statutory demand by the Inland Revenue, which was based upon a debt which was statute barred, was not supportable and had to be set aside. The demand was based upon the judgement obtained by the Inland Revenue, and not upon the underlying tax debt. The limitation arrangements were different. Citations: Times 10-Apr-2000 Statutes: Limitation … Continue reading In Re A Debtor (No 647-Sd-1999): ChD 10 Apr 2000

Central Bank of Nigeria v Williams: CA 3 Apr 2012

The claimant alleged that he had been defrauded and accused the appellant of involvement in the fraud. The Bank appealed against a finding that the claim against it was not time limited. Held: The appeal failed. The action was by a beneficiary under a trust and had been brought in respect of a fraudulent breach … Continue reading Central Bank of Nigeria v Williams: CA 3 Apr 2012

Welsh Development Agency v Redpath Dorman Long Ltd: CA 4 Apr 1994

A new claim was not deemed to have been made until the pleading was actually amended for limitation purposes, and should not be allowed after the limitation period had expired. The date of the application for leave to amend was not at issue. The court will normally require the claimant to bring fresh proceedings, in … Continue reading Welsh Development Agency v Redpath Dorman Long Ltd: CA 4 Apr 1994

Burnden Holdings (UK) Ltd v Fielding and Another: ChD 5 Sep 2014

The company sought to recover from the defendants, two former directors. Held: The claim was statute barred.Hodge QC dealt with the claimant’s reliance on section 32: ‘That leaves the claimant’s reliance upon section 32. There the difficulties that the claimant faces are that there are no facts sufficiently asserted to give rise, in my judgment, … Continue reading Burnden Holdings (UK) Ltd v Fielding and Another: ChD 5 Sep 2014

Khairule v North West Strategic Health Authority: QBD 4 Jul 2008

Cox J considered the circumstances required to justify the extension of time for limitation: ‘In my view the crucial question in cases such as these, when considering the effects of the passage of time generally and the Section 33 discretion, is whether it is still possible to have a fair trial of the issues on … Continue reading Khairule v North West Strategic Health Authority: QBD 4 Jul 2008

McHugh v Gray: QBD 27 Jul 2006

Judges: Beatson J Citations: [2006] EWHC 1968 (QB) Links: Bailii Statutes: Limitation Act 1980 11 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Coad v Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Health Authority CA 17-Jul-1996 A nurse suffered a back injury in 1983 in the course of her employment. She left the employment of the health authority … Continue reading McHugh v Gray: QBD 27 Jul 2006

Roberts v Gill and Co and Another: CA 15 Jul 2008

The claimant sought damages in negligence against solicitors who had advised the executors in an estate of which he was a beneficiary. He now sought to amend his claim to make a claim in his personal and in derivative capacities. Sums had been paid out of the estate which had defeated the inheritance rights of … Continue reading Roberts v Gill and Co and Another: CA 15 Jul 2008

A (Historic Child Abuse) v Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council: CA 4 Jul 2008

The authority appealed an order that the claimants could proceed with claims for damages for child abuse said to have been suffered in care in 1970. Judges: May LJ, Keene LJ, Smith LJ Citations: [2008] EWCA Civ 783 Links: Bailii Statutes: Limitation Act 1980 11 14 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Limitation, Torts – Other Updated: … Continue reading A (Historic Child Abuse) v Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council: CA 4 Jul 2008

Farraj and Another v King’s Healthcare NHS Trust and Another: QBD 26 May 2006

The claimants sought damages after the birth of their child with a severe hereditary disease which they said the defendant hospital had failed to diagnose after testing for that disease. The hospital sought a contribution from the company CSL who had carried out the test. The third party said that the claim was out of … Continue reading Farraj and Another v King’s Healthcare NHS Trust and Another: QBD 26 May 2006

Berezovsky v Abramovich: ComC 22 May 2008

Applications were made to amend pleadings and for consequential orders. The claimant sought damages of $4.3 billion alleging breach of trust. The claimant sought to add claims which the defendant said were out of time. Held: The proposed amendment was refused. ‘It is open to the Claimant to bring claims for breach of trust or … Continue reading Berezovsky v Abramovich: ComC 22 May 2008

Bradford and Bingley Plc v Cutler: CA 18 Jan 2008

The borrower fell into arrears when he lost his job. Benefits payments were made toward the debt under the 1992 Act. Those stopped, and the house was repossessed. The property was sold, and the claimant eventually sought to recover the shortfall. They relied on the last benefits payment as acknowledgement of the debt, saying it … Continue reading Bradford and Bingley Plc v Cutler: CA 18 Jan 2008

Ofulue and Another v Bossert: CA 29 Jan 2008

The claimants appealed an order finding that the defendant had acquired their land by adverse possession. They said that the defendant had asserted in defence to possession proceedings that they were tenants, and that this contradicted an intent to deny the claimants’ title. Held: The appeal failed. A finding by the ECHR that a particular … Continue reading Ofulue and Another v Bossert: CA 29 Jan 2008

James Cropper Plc and Another v Aviva Life and Pensions UK Ltd: ChD 8 Jul 2022

PENSIONS – PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE – LIMITATION – Liability of scheme administrator – Delay in closing Barber Window – Defendant’s application to strike out and for summary judgment – Claimants’ application for permission to amend particulars of claim – Limitation Act 1980, ss 14A, 14B, 32 Judges: His Honour Judge Hodge QC Sitting as a Judge … Continue reading James Cropper Plc and Another v Aviva Life and Pensions UK Ltd: ChD 8 Jul 2022

Long v Tower Hamlets London Borough Council: ChD 20 Mar 1996

The parties had agreed for a lease, and the tenant entered possession, but no formal lease was executed. The tenant stopped paying rent in 1977 or 1984. He now claimed rectification of the registers to show him as proprietor. The landlord argued that as a lease in writing, time ran from the notice to quit. … Continue reading Long v Tower Hamlets London Borough Council: ChD 20 Mar 1996

O’Byrne v Aventis Pasteur Sa: CA 9 Oct 2007

The claimant had made a mistake in naming the defendant company, but had intended the company which it now requested the court to substitute as defendant. The limitation period had expired. Held: The substitution was necessary to decide the issue raised by the action. The defendant’s appeal failed. Citations: [2007] EWCA Civ 966, Times 19-Nov-2007, … Continue reading O’Byrne v Aventis Pasteur Sa: CA 9 Oct 2007

Donovan v Gwentoys Ltd: HL 1990

The plaintiff, then a 16 year old girl slipped and fell whilst employed at the defendant’s factory. The limitation period expired on her 21st birthday. She commenced proceedings five and a half months after that date. The judge extended time under LA section 33, holding that he could only consider prejudice suffered by the defendant … Continue reading Donovan v Gwentoys Ltd: HL 1990

Adelson and Another v Associated Newspapers Ltd: CA 9 Jul 2007

The claimant sought to add the name of a further claimant. The defendant objected, saying that it was after the expiry of the limitation period. Held: The claimant was seeking to use the rules for substitution of parties to add a party. In defamation law, the claim of each claimant was a single and separate … Continue reading Adelson and Another v Associated Newspapers Ltd: CA 9 Jul 2007

3M United Kingdom Plc and Another v Linklaters and Paines (A Firm): CA 3 May 2006

Claim in proceedings for damages for breach of duty under a retainer; The preliminary issue which the judge had to determine was whether the claimants had commenced the proceedings within any applicable period of limitation. Judges: Lord Justice Chadwick Citations: [2006] EWCA Civ 530 Links: Bailii Statutes: Limitation Act 1980 12A(4)(b) Jurisdiction: England and Wales … Continue reading 3M United Kingdom Plc and Another v Linklaters and Paines (A Firm): CA 3 May 2006

Allen v Matthews: CA 13 Mar 2007

The defendants appealed an order refusing title by adverse possession to registered land. They denied that the limitation period had been restarted by their solicitor’s letter acknowledging the title. Held: The letter must be read as a whole. As such it was an admission of title. The requirement that the possession be adverse requires only … Continue reading Allen v Matthews: CA 13 Mar 2007

McCoubrey v Ministry of Defence: CA 24 Jan 2007

The defendant appealed a decision allowing a claim to proceed more than ten years after it had been suffered. The claimant’s hearing had been damaged after an officer threw a thunderflash into his trench on an exercise. Held: The defendant’s appeal was allowed. ‘If a claimant can bring himself within section 11(4)(b), then he can … Continue reading McCoubrey v Ministry of Defence: CA 24 Jan 2007

P and O Nedlloyd Bv v Arab Metals Co and others: CA 13 Dec 2006

An order for specific performance had been refused in a disputed contract for carriage. The claimant argued that normal limitation periods should not be applied by analogy. Held: Because there was no corresponding legal remedy the remedy in equity was not ‘correspondent to the remedy at law’, and nor did ‘the suit in equity [correspond] … Continue reading P and O Nedlloyd Bv v Arab Metals Co and others: CA 13 Dec 2006

O’Byrne v Aventis Pasteur MSD Ltd: QBD 20 Oct 2006

The claimant sought damages under the 1967 Act asserting injury from a drug sold by the defendant. Proceedings had been mistakenly commenced against Aventis Pasteur MSD Ltd within the limitation period, but outside the limitation period, it was sought to substitute the actual manufacturer Aventis Pasteur SA. Held: The substitution should be made. The sole … Continue reading O’Byrne v Aventis Pasteur MSD Ltd: QBD 20 Oct 2006

Halton International Inc Another v Guernroy Ltd: CA 27 Jun 2006

The parties had been involved in investing in an airline to secure its future, but it was now said that one party had broken the shareholders’ or voting agreement in not allowing further investments on a pari passu basis. The defendants argued that the claim was out of time unless the claimant could bring the … Continue reading Halton International Inc Another v Guernroy Ltd: CA 27 Jun 2006

Horton v Sadler and Another: HL 14 Jun 2006

The claimant had been injured in a road traffic accident for which the defendant was responsible in negligence. The defendant was not insured, and so a claim was to be made against the MIB. The plaintiff issued proceedings just before the expiry of the period, but failed to give first the requisite formal notice to … Continue reading Horton v Sadler and Another: HL 14 Jun 2006

Senior and Another v Pearson and Ward (A Firm): CA 26 Jan 2001

An amendment outside the limitation period against solicitors alleging a failure to advise was permitted, where the original allegation was simply that the solicitors had acted without or in disregard of instructions. Citations: [2001] EWCA Civ 229 Links: Bailii Statutes: Limitation Act 1980 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Cited by: Cited – Dowson and Others v … Continue reading Senior and Another v Pearson and Ward (A Firm): CA 26 Jan 2001

Halton International Inc (Holding) and Another v Guernroy Ltd: ChD 9 Sep 2005

Parties had entered into a shareholders’ agreement as to voting arrengemets within a company. Thay disputed whether votes had been used in reach of that agreement, particularly as to the issue of new shares and their allotment, but the court now considered whether the claim was out of time. That issue depended upon whether a … Continue reading Halton International Inc (Holding) and Another v Guernroy Ltd: ChD 9 Sep 2005

Haward and others v Fawcetts: HL 1 Mar 2006

The claimant sought damages from his accountants, claiming negligence. The accountants pleaded limitation. They had advised him in connection with an investment in a company which investment went wrong. Held: It was argued that the limitation period was to be extended until three years after the discovery by the claimant of why it was that … Continue reading Haward and others v Fawcetts: HL 1 Mar 2006

Rhone-Poulenc Rorer International Holdings Inc and Another v Yeda Research and Development Co Ltd: ChD 16 Feb 2006

The patent application had been presented to the European Patent Office and granted only after 13 years. The claimant now appealed refusal to allow amendment of its claim to allow a claim in its sole name. The defendant argued that it was out of time. Held: The appeal succeeded: ‘ the long-standing rule of practice … Continue reading Rhone-Poulenc Rorer International Holdings Inc and Another v Yeda Research and Development Co Ltd: ChD 16 Feb 2006

Jacqueline Adam v Rasal Ali: CA 21 Feb 2006

The defendant sought damages against the defendant for personal injury from his alleged negligence. Her action was struck out and she recommenced the action. The defendant pleaded that she was out of time. The claimant said that the first action having been struck out, the judge retained his discretion to disapply the limitation period, following … Continue reading Jacqueline Adam v Rasal Ali: CA 21 Feb 2006

Aer Lingus v Gildacroft Ltd and Another: CA 17 Jan 2006

The claimant had been found liable to pay damages for personal injury, and now sought contribution from the defendants. The defendants said that they were out of time since the contribution action had been commenced more than 2 years after the judgment. Held: The appeal succeeded. The judgment had been for damages to be assessed. … Continue reading Aer Lingus v Gildacroft Ltd and Another: CA 17 Jan 2006

Rowbottom v Royal Masonic Hospital: CA 12 Feb 2002

The claimant sought damages for the negligent failure to administer antibiotics. Earlier proceedings had been discontinued, and the hospital resisted subsequent proceedings, claiming them to be time-barred. The claimant asserted that he knew of the negligence not when advised by counsel, but rather at a later date when he received a medical report. Held: Time … Continue reading Rowbottom v Royal Masonic Hospital: CA 12 Feb 2002

P and O Nedloyd BV v Arab Metals Co and Others (‘The UB Tiger’): QBD 22 Jun 2005

The claimants sought to amend their particulars of claim to add a request for declarations with regard to a bill of lading and contract for carriage. Held: The application to amend was made more than six years after the cause of action accrued. It was in its nature a new claim. The additional possibility that … Continue reading P and O Nedloyd BV v Arab Metals Co and Others (‘The UB Tiger’): QBD 22 Jun 2005

Griffin and others v Clwyd Health Authority and others: CA 14 May 2001

Citations: [2001] EWCA Civ 818 Links: Bailii Statutes: Limitation Act 1980 33 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – Coad v Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Health Authority CA 17-Jul-1996 A nurse suffered a back injury in 1983 in the course of her employment. She left the employment of the health authority in either 1990 … Continue reading Griffin and others v Clwyd Health Authority and others: CA 14 May 2001

AB and Others v Ministry of Defence: QBD 5 Jun 2009

Former members of the armed forces and others claimed damages for personal injuries, claiming that they had been obliged to expose themselves to the effects of atomic bomb explosions in the 1950s. The defendant argued that the claims were now out of time. Held: New scientific evidence had become available to support the claim, and … Continue reading AB and Others v Ministry of Defence: QBD 5 Jun 2009

Cressey v E Timm and Son Ltd and E Timm and Son Holding Ltd: CA 24 Jun 2005

The claimant sought to counter a defence that his claim was out of time, saying that he had been misinformed as to the name of his employer. Held: A person could not sue simply ‘his employer’. He must find a name, particularly as against a limited company, to begin his action. The claimant had been … Continue reading Cressey v E Timm and Son Ltd and E Timm and Son Holding Ltd: CA 24 Jun 2005

Batsford Estates (1983) Company Ltd v Taylor and Another: CA 29 Apr 2005

The company owner eventually made a positive decision not to take any possession proceedings against the occupiers following service of a notice to quit. The occupiers then remained in possession for more than 12 years. Held: After serving a notice to quit the owner did not take any further steps to obtain possession, even after … Continue reading Batsford Estates (1983) Company Ltd v Taylor and Another: CA 29 Apr 2005

Green and others v Gaul and Another; In re Loftus deceased: ChD 18 Mar 2005

The claimants began an action in January 2003 to seek to set aside the appointment of an administrator from December 1991, and to have set aside transfers of property made within the estate. Held: The limitation period against a personal representative began to run only after one year, the executor’s year, after the grant. No … Continue reading Green and others v Gaul and Another; In re Loftus deceased: ChD 18 Mar 2005

Morgan Est (Scotland) Ltd v Hanson Concrete Products Ltd: CA 17 Feb 2005

The defendant appealed an order adding two new claimants. Held: Cases decided under the old RSC were not apposite for matters covered by the new Civil Procedure Rules. The court was not bound by the Sardinia Sulcis rules: ‘The Sardinia Sulcis should be allowed to sink back to the ocean bottom. It would muddy the … Continue reading Morgan Est (Scotland) Ltd v Hanson Concrete Products Ltd: CA 17 Feb 2005

Ridgeway Motors (Isleworth) Ltd v Alts Ltd: CA 10 Feb 2005

The company appelaed a refusal of the judge to strike out a winding up petition. They said the petition was based upon a judgment which was now time barred. The petitioner replied that such a petition was not an action under the section. Held: Although a winding up petition is, in a general sense, a … Continue reading Ridgeway Motors (Isleworth) Ltd v Alts Ltd: CA 10 Feb 2005

Inland Revenue and Another v Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Group Plc: CA 4 Feb 2005

The company sought repayment of excess advance corporation tax payments made under a mistake of law. The question was the extent of the effect of the ruling in Klienwort Benson, in particular whether it covered sums paid as taxation, and how the law of limitation was to be allowed for. Held: Money paid under a … Continue reading Inland Revenue and Another v Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Group Plc: CA 4 Feb 2005

Morgan EST (Scotland) Ltd v Hanson Concrete Products Ltd: TCC 22 Jul 2004

Citations: [2004] EWHC 1778 (TCC) Links: Bailii Statutes: Limitation Act 1980 35 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Appealed to – Morgan Est (Scotland) Ltd v Hanson Concrete Products Ltd CA 17-Feb-2005 The defendant appealed an order adding two new claimants. Held: Cases decided under the old RSC were not apposite for matters covered by the … Continue reading Morgan EST (Scotland) Ltd v Hanson Concrete Products Ltd: TCC 22 Jul 2004

Inglewood Investments Company Ltd v Baker: CA 8 Nov 2002

The court considered a claim for the adverse possesion of land. Held: Dyson LJ said: ‘to establish a claim of adverse possession for the requisite period of 12 years it is necessary to establish: (1) actual possession; (2) an intention to possess. That has two elements. First a subjective element requiring the person, the trespasser, … Continue reading Inglewood Investments Company Ltd v Baker: CA 8 Nov 2002

Phillips and Co (A Firm) v Bath Housing Co-Operative Ltd: CA 11 Dec 2012

The defendant appealed against a order finding it was liable for the fees claimed by its former solicitors. They had said that the claim for costs was barred by limitation. Held: The defendant’s appeal failed; a solicitor’s claim for his costs, billed but not yet fixed by assessment or agreement, fell within the phrase ‘debt … Continue reading Phillips and Co (A Firm) v Bath Housing Co-Operative Ltd: CA 11 Dec 2012

Fenech v East London and City Health Authority: CA 2000

The court was asked how to set the time at which the claimant became fixed with knowledge of her injury. They ‘found it unnecessary to attempt any final reconciliation, because ‘on any sort of objective approach’ the claimant should have made inquiries long before she did. ‘ Judges: Simon Brown LJ, Robert Walker LJ and … Continue reading Fenech v East London and City Health Authority: CA 2000

Wilkinson and Another v West Bromwich Building Society: CA 30 Jul 2004

The Society had repossessed and sold the mortgagors’ house in 1990. It knew then that there was a shortfall, but took no further recovery proceedings until 2002. What was the date from which the relevant limitation period began to run? Though the deed provided for payment of monthly instalments, it did not include an express … Continue reading Wilkinson and Another v West Bromwich Building Society: CA 30 Jul 2004

Buckler v J F Finnegan Ltd: CA 21 Jun 2004

The claimant sought damages for personal injuries after ingesting asbestos while employed as a joiner by the defendant. The defendant appealed an order allowing the claim to go ahead despite being out of time. Citations: [2004] EWCA Civ 920 Links: Bailii Statutes: Limitation Act 1980 33 Jurisdiction: England and Wales Citing: Cited – KR and … Continue reading Buckler v J F Finnegan Ltd: CA 21 Jun 2004

Collin v Duke of Westminster: CA 1985

In 1975 the tenant sought to exercise his right to purchase the freehold reversion of his property. The landlord argued that the rent payable precluded any such entitlement. Under the law as then understood, the landlord’s contention appeared correct. The leaseholder proceeded no further. In 1980 the law was clarified so as to indicate that … Continue reading Collin v Duke of Westminster: CA 1985

Various Claimants v MGN Ltd: ChD 27 May 2022

Judges: The Hon Mr Justice Fancourt Citations: [2022] EWHC 1222 (Ch) Links: Bailii Statutes: Limitation Act 1980 32(1)(b) Jurisdiction: England and Wales Limitation Updated: 11 June 2022; Ref: scu.678298

Haward and Others v Fawcetts (A Firm) and Another: CA 11 Mar 2004

The court looked at the date from which the limitation period ran in an action for professional negligence: ‘It is clear from the words of the section itself . . that it is concerned with knowledge of facts, as opposed to knowledge of matters of law. In particular, subsection (9) specifically excludes knowledge that the … Continue reading Haward and Others v Fawcetts (A Firm) and Another: CA 11 Mar 2004

Williams v Fanshaw Porter and Hazelhurst: CA 18 Feb 2004

The claimant alleged that her solicitors had concealed from her the fact that they had entered a consent order which dismissed her claim for medical negligence. Held: The solicitor had failed to inform the client that her original claim against a doctor had been struck out although he was aware at the time that it … Continue reading Williams v Fanshaw Porter and Hazelhurst: CA 18 Feb 2004

Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Group Plc v The Commissioners of Inland Revenue, HM Attorney General: ChD 18 Jul 2003

The taxpayer sought to bring an action for restitution by the revenue of sums paid under a mistake of law. Under the Metallgesellschaft decision, rights of election for recovery of overpaid tax applied only between UK resident companies. Held: The limitation period began only upon the decision which stated the law, and not upon the … Continue reading Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Group Plc v The Commissioners of Inland Revenue, HM Attorney General: ChD 18 Jul 2003

Adams v Bracknell Forest Borough Council: CA 6 May 2003

The claimant sought damages from the defendant for having failed to diagnose his dysexia, resulting in educational failure. The respondent argued a reasonable peson would have sought help earlier. The council appealed a refusal to strike out of the claim. Held: Given undiagnosed dysexia, it was unlikely that he would seek help. The fact that … Continue reading Adams v Bracknell Forest Borough Council: CA 6 May 2003

Rhondda Cynon Taff Borough Council v Watkins: CA 12 Feb 2003

Land had been purchased compulsorily, but the respondent unlawfully returned to possession in 1966, and now claimed title by adverse possession. The Council executed a vesting deed poll in 1988. The Council asserted that he could not be in adverse possession of his own land. Held: ‘anyone who has possession of land can maintain an … Continue reading Rhondda Cynon Taff Borough Council v Watkins: CA 12 Feb 2003

Piggott v Aulton (Deceased): CA 29 Jan 2003

The claimant had issued proceedings against the deceased after his death, but before a personal representative had been appointed. They later discontinued and re-issued against the person appointed by the court to defend the action. The defendant then said the proceedings were an abuse of process, and pleaded a limitation defence. Held: The deceased was … Continue reading Piggott v Aulton (Deceased): CA 29 Jan 2003