header-logo header-logo

‘A good man always knows his limitations…’

08 September 2023 / Andrew Francis
Issue: 8039 / Categories: Features , Property , Limitation
printer mail-detail
136513
A trio of recent cases has proven the value of knowing the law of limitations: Andrew Francis sets out some key lessons on avoiding the perils they demonstrated
  • Three recent cases—Jalla v Shell, URS v BDW and Duke of Sussex v NGN—have highlighted the importance of staying abreast of the laws surrounding limitation and any legislative changes in which they may be hiding.

One of the commonest claims in negligence against lawyers is the failure to act in time to avoid clients’ claims being barred by the expiry of limitation periods.

Three recent judgments have brought this into focus. The range of facts between them demonstrates the importance of taking steps to avoid claims being time-barred. Putting the Clint Eastwood line ‘a good man always knows his limitations’ (as said in Magnum Force (1973)), into different context, the message is clear. We must know our limitation periods and ensure that the relevant period is not missed.

The best course is to mark any limitation

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

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

Kate Gaskell, CEO of Flex Legal, reflects on chasing her childhood dreams underscores the importance of welcoming those from all backgrounds into the profession

Dorsey & Whitney—Jonathan Christy

Dorsey & Whitney—Jonathan Christy

Dispute resolution team welcomes associate in London

Winckworth Sherwood—Kevin McManamon

Winckworth Sherwood—Kevin McManamon

Special education needs and mental capacity expert joins as partner

NEWS
Overcrowded prisons, mental health hospitals and immigration centres are failing to meet international and domestic human rights standards, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) has warned
Two speedier and more streamlined qualification routes have been launched for probate and conveyancing professionals
Workplace stress was a contributing factor in almost one in eight cases before the employment tribunal last year, indicating its endemic grip on the UK workplace
In Ward v Rai, the High Court reaffirmed that imprecise points of dispute can and will be struck out. Writing in NLJ this week, Amy Dunkley of Bolt Burdon Kemp reports on the decision and its implications for practitioners
Could the Supreme Court’s ruling in R v Hayes; R v Palombo unintentionally unsettle future complex fraud trials? Maia Cohen-Lask of Corker Binning explores the question in NLJ this week
back-to-top-scroll