Interpretation of combined commercial policy wording
Ted Baker Plc v AXA Insurance UK Plc [2012] EWHC 1406 (Comm)
The claimant clothing retailer discovered that an employee had been stealing stock from its warehouse. The claimant claimed on its commercial combined insurance policy that it held with AXA, for losses during the period of 2004-2008 in relation to loss of stock (£1 million) and losses for consequential loss or business interruption (£3 million).
High Court decision on the consequences of failing to undertake adequate e-disclosure
West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited v. Willbros Global Holdings Inc [2012] EWHC 396 (TCC)
The claimant company hired a contractor to carry out construction work on a natural gas pipeline in West Africa. The defendant company had provided a guarantee in relation to the contract. The contract was terminated prior to completion of the works, and the claimant issued proceedings under the guarantee seeking payment of the additional costs of completing the pipeline.
Unfavourable expert reports – Prohibition on ‘Expert shopping’
Edwards-Tubb v JD Wetherspoon [2011] EWCA Civ 136
The claimant suffered an injury as a result of an accident at work, for which the defendant employer admitted liability.
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Keydata Claims
FSCS’s Lifemark action
The FSCS has paid out millions to consumers following the collapse of Keydata in June 2009.
In the last week it has instructed Herbert Smith to send letters to hundreds of IFAs relating to Lifemark products: the Secure Income Bond 4, Secure Income Plan 1 - 12 and Defined Income Plan 1 - 8, requesting early payment of claims. We understand that Herbert Smith will be sending similar letters relating to other products in the coming weeks.
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Mediation shouldn't be seen as optional
High Court decision that highlights the importance of mediation
PGF II SA v OMFS Co 2012 EWHC 83 (TCC)
The claimant landlord claimed for dilapidations arising out of alleged breaches of the repairing covenants of an underlease, particularly in relation to the air conditioning system. Read more
High Court decision on the recovery of “mitigation costs” under Professional Indemnity Insurance Policies
Standard Life Assurance Ltd v ACE European Group [2012] EWHC 104 (Comm)
The Claimant owned an investment fund containing a substantial proportion of asset-backed securities. Following the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008, the asset-backed securities became increasingly illiquid, making their valuation more and more subjective. Read more
Claims for compensation under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886
The Riot (Damages) Act 1886 is designed to compensate people and businesses which suffer losses following riots. It also enables insurance companies which have paid out claims under policies to recover the cost of such claims from the relevant police authority in charge at the place of the riots. Read more
When does time begin to run when an insurer refuses indemnity under a third party liability policy?
William McIlroy Swindon Ltd, Rannoch Investments Ltd v Quinn Insurance Ltd
[2011] EWCA Civ 825
Quinn Insurance Limited (“the Insurer”) provided public liability insurance to one of the Claimants’ sub-contractors (“the Policyholder”). The Policyholder was sued by the Claimants in relation to a fire which occurred in 2006, and the Insurer refused indemnity under the public liability cover in February 2009 alleging that the Policyholder had been in breach of certain policy conditions.
ECJ ruling on legal expenses; Austrian law
The recent ruling in Stark v DAS Osterreichische Allgemeine Rechtsschutversicerung AG by the ECJ, whilst addressing a question of Austrian law, is relevant to all involved in legal expenses insurance.
Court of Appeal decision on CFA success fees
Sousa v London Borough of Waltham Forest [2010] EWCA Civ 194
The Claimant suffered subsidence damage to his property caused by the roots of a tree which was owned by the Defendant. The Claimant claimed on his house insurance policy for the damage, and his insurer provided him with a full indemnity. The insurer then proceeded to exercise its right of subrogation and instructed a firm of solicitors who were to work under a collective conditional fee agreement.