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NLJ this week: Missed the date? Three cases on the perils of exceeding the time-bar

08 September 2023
Issue: 8039 / Categories: Legal News , Property , Limitation
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Deadlines, expiry dates and limitation periods surely lurk in the nightmares of most lawyers. Writing in this week’s NLJ, Andrew Francis, barrister at Serle Court, sets out three recent cases that demonstrate ‘the importance of taking steps to avoid claims being time-barred’.

Referring to these three cases, Francis highlights some basic precepts in the law of limitation as well as changes in case law and legislation. He explores the limitation issues involved and the lessons that can be learned from each case.

The three cases concern an oil spill, the Duke of Sussex’s claim against News Group Newspapers, and the defective construction of a block of flats. The issues covered included the definition of ‘continuing nuisance’, amended pleadings to take advantage of a retrospective extension to the limitation period, and a late application to amend pleadings. 

Read more on limitation dangers here.

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Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Hugh James—Phil Edwards

Serious injury teambolstered by high-profile partner hire

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Freeths—Melanie Stancliffe

Firm strengthens employment team with partner hire

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

DAC Beachcroft—Tim Barr

Lawyers’ liability practice strengthened with partner appointment in London

NEWS
Tech companies will be legally required to prevent material that encourages or assists serious self-harm appearing on their platforms, under Online Safety Act 2023 regulations due to come into force in the autumn
Commercial leasehold, the defence of insanity and ‘consent’ in the criminal law are among the next tranche of projects for the Law Commission
The Bar has a culture of ‘impunity’ and ‘collusive bystanding’ in which making a complaint is deemed career-ending due to a ‘cohort of untouchables’ at the top, Baroness Harriet Harman KC has found
Lawyers have broadly welcomed plans to electronically tag up to 22,000 more offenders, scrap most prison terms below a year and make prisoners ‘earn’ early release
David Lammy, Ellie Reeves and Baroness Levitt have taken up office at the Ministry of Justice, following the cabinet reshuffle
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