In a decision of importance to the insurance industry, the Court of Appeal has ruled that motor insurers must cover the seven-figure cost of a catastrophic factory fire that broke out whilst a mechanic was doing a welding job on his car. The man worked
Minority shareholders may not have control of companies but they are entitled to fair treatment and to have a role in decision making. The High Court made that point in ordering that a businessman who was excluded from his managerial position in a company must
Large infrastructure projects often require the compulsory purchase of swathes of privately-owned land by public authorities – but what happens if land so acquired turns out not to be needed after all? The Court of Appeal tackled that important issue in the context of London’s
Many people might think that those who sleep on the job would not be entitled to be paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW) whilst their eyes are closed. But that is by no means always the case and the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has given
Neighbourhood plans made under the Localism Act 2011 are a vital means of ensuring that the voices of local people are heard in the planning process. In a High Court case that underlined the point, a neighbourhood plan was instrumental in defeating plans for construction
Paperwork costs of insolvency proceedings in respect of large companies with many clients can be very high. However, one High Court case concerning a troubled group of holiday companies showed that technology can be harnessed to achieve economy in the interest of creditors. The four
It is sometimes said that objectors’ opinions are not given enough weight in planning decisions. However, in one case, a determined homeowner obtained specialist legal advice and succeeded in overturning planning permission for a gypsy encampment that spoilt his views. Gypsy families had been living
It is hardly surprising that some people feel reluctant to make legal complaints about their existing employers. However, as one case concerning an NHS worker strikingly showed, such claims are commonplace and the law requires that employees must never be penalised for standing up for
Disagreements between neighbours can usually be resolved with a little legal advice and goodwill on both sides. However, in one case where that sadly did not happen, a homeowner was left facing a six-figure legal costs bill after an abortive attempt to make an elderly
In a decision that will be required reading for all professionals, the Court of Appeal has ruled that liability in respect of substandard services does not depend upon the existence of a contract, or even remuneration. The point was made in the case of an
