Even the biggest and best professional firms make mistakes sometimes, and when they do, their clients are entitled to be compensated for any losses they suffer as a result, as is illustrated by a recently reported negligence case involving a highly regarded firm of architects, Foster & Partners. Fosters are internationally acclaimed architects. They have designed many well known buildings, including ‘The Gherkin’ and the Millennium Bridge in London and the restored Reichstag in Berlin. Entrepreneur John Dhanoa instructed Fosters in ... Read More >
Claim against solicitors by disappointed client
Claim against solicitors by disappointed litigant – Dowling v Bennett Griffin [2014] EWCA Civ 1545 – solicitors acted for claimant in negligence claim against architect – uninsured architect unable to pay most of claimant’s legal costs and damages – solicitors not negligent for not applying for court order requiring architect to provide evidence of insurance. Litigation can be expensive, especially if an opponent fights the case. The winning party obviously wants to recover his legal costs, and any damages (or debt) the losing party is ... Read More >
Negligent architect’s plans left house with structural problems
Negligent architect - design - plans - renovation - refurbishment - structural problems - remedial works - repair costs - Farrer v Wiles [2013] EWCA Civ 1511 . England’s second highest court, the Court of Appeal, has recently dismissed an appeal by a negligent architect's insurers in which they disputed the amount he was ordered to pay a dissatisfied client. In 2002, Mr Noel Farrer (“the Architect”) was instructed by Mrs Wiles (“the Client”) to prepare plans to redesign the layout of a 200-year old coach house which she had recently bought ... Read More >