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Dominic Regan sails into the latest developments on costs in Trafigura

It was certain that Trafigura would end up in the Court of Appeal having regards to the level of costs claimed. We now have the comprehensive judgment of the court: Motto and others v Trafigura Ltd [2011] EWCA Civ 1150, [2011] All ER (D) 138 (Oct).

Large bill

With a gift for the understatement, the master of the rolls suggested that the defendant was “dismayed” to receive a bill for £104,707,772. The litigation arose out of an incident in August 2006, when the defendant discharged toxic materials from a ship in Africa. Ultimately, 29,614 claimants came forward. Despite allegations of dire injury and damage it transpired that the victims had sustained mild flu-like symptoms. A settlement package of £30m was eventually agreed.

Influence of early admission

There are many important lessons for all litigators in this case. The first and foremost is that it is wise for a defendant

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Figure it out

Dominic Regan sails into the latest developments on costs in Trafigura

Large bill

Influence of early admission

There are many important lessons for all litigators in this case. The first and foremost is that it is wise for a defendant

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content

If you are already a subscriber sign in

...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

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