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James Bentley appears for successful Claimant in important fixed costs case

17/01/2020

Bateman v Devon County Council (HHJ Mitchell, Plymouth County Court, 2^nd September 2019) decided an important issue relating to fixed costs, which will no doubt have an impact on a number of claims up and down the country. James acted for the successful Claimant.

The facts were that the Claimant was injured whilst riding his motorcycle along a Highway for which the Defendant was responsible. The reason for the fall was that he drove over a pothole in the road. The matter settled for £800.

Should fixed costs apply to such a claim? The Claimant argued that on a proper interpretation of the rules the answer was no. Costs should be assessed. The Defendant submitted that the protocols should be read more purposively, and to do otherwise would lead to an absurd result.

Having begun by way of provisional assessment, and then having continued to oral review, it was decided that the matter should be tried as a preliminary issue before the DCJ in Plymouth – HHJ Mitchell.

HHJ Mitchell adopted the Claimant’s submissions, applying the cases of Quader v Esure [2016] EWCA Civ 1109 and Inco Europe Limited v First Choice Distribution [2000] 1 WLR 586. Costs were therefore to be assessed.

Seeing as there are no doubt a not insignificant number of claims where Claimants are in a similar position to Mr. Bateman, Bateman v Devon County Council stands as a persuasive authority that costs should be assessed.

Please find an article exploring the case in more detail here and a copy of the Judgment here.

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James Bentley appears for successful Claimant in important fixed costs case

Authors

James Bentley

Popular Insights

For help or advice please call 0117 930 9000 or complete the form below.

Frequently asked questions

Do barristers at Guildhall Chambers work on a “no win, no fee” basis? Can I fund my case with legal insurance?

Do any of the barristers at Guildhall Chambers work without requiring a fee?

Do barristers at Guildhall Chambers provide their services to clients who are funded by the Legal Aid Agency?

Guildhall Chambers

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James Bentley appears for successful Claimant in important fixed costs case

Authors

James Bentley

Popular Insights

For help or advice please call 0117 930 9000 or complete the form below.

Frequently asked questions

How do I contact chambers and your clerks?

What services do barristers from Guildhall Chambers provide?

What is Public Access (Direct Access)?

How are fees calculated for different areas of work?

How do quotes and fees at Guildhall Chambers work?

Do barristers at Guildhall Chambers work on a “no win, no fee” basis? Can I fund my case with legal insurance?

Do any of the barristers at Guildhall Chambers work without requiring a fee?

Do barristers at Guildhall Chambers provide their services to clients who are funded by the Legal Aid Agency?

Do you have timescales for the services which you provide?

What will increase the level of fees to be paid on a case?

Who regulates the barristers at Guildhall Chambers?

What is the complaints procedure at Guildhall Chambers?

Where is Guildhall Chambers based?

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