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20 April 2007 / Prof A Mcgee , P Hughes , Dr Friston , M Smith
Issue: 7269 / Categories: Features , Procedure & practice
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Costs law brief

Ordinary claims, Defamation claims, Group litigation, Public interest challenges

Costs capping

In Willis v Nicolson [2007] EWCA Civ 199, the Court of Appeal (assisted by the senior costs judge as assessor) dealt with an appeal in respect of an application for a costs cap in a personal injury claim.  The claimant was a motorcyclist who had suffered extremely serious injuries in a road traffic accident.  On a full liability basis, the value of the claim is likely to be at least £5 million; the total costs for the whole action were estimated by the claimant’s solicitors at £959,342.

Field J refused the defendant’s application for a costs cap, but in order to provide her with a measure of protection, he ordered that the claimant be held to his latest estimate.

The Court of Appeal (Buxton, Smith and Wilson LLJs) dismissed the appeal for the primary reasons that it was now too late to impose a costs cap and also because of the further costs that would be

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Clarke Willmott—Anita Rasaratnam

Clarke Willmott—Anita Rasaratnam

Clarke Willmott strengthens social housing development offering with senior London appointment

Trowers & Hamlins—David Meecham

Trowers & Hamlins—David Meecham

Trowers strengthens Birmingham real estate team with partner hire

Blake Morgan—Jennifer Ray & Louise Culleton

Blake Morgan—Jennifer Ray & Louise Culleton

Blake Morgan expands private client and regulatory teams with new legal directors

NEWS
A mood of cautious optimism has enveloped the criminal law sector following indications the Prime Minister may abandon planned jury reforms
Helping to source the services and providers you need
The Senior Courts Costs Office has clarified that judges conducting detailed assessment proceedings cannot order security for costs—a ruling that may leave successful parties exposed to further litigation expense
Rejecting a generous settlement can prove an expensive mistake, as two recent high-profile cases demonstrate
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) continues to show that failing to disclose regulatory issues can attract harsher consequences than the original misconduct itself
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