All those who work within the construction industry owe the client a duty of care. This duty stems from the construction professional’s area of expertise, whether as an architect, surveyor, engineer or builder, and the job he or she has been contracted to perform – where there has been a breach of duty and loss or injury have occurred it may be necessary for the client to make a professional negligence claims against construction contractors professionals.
After much research we found Robert Johnson to act for us in respect of dispute resolution with a member of our LLP. Robert and his team were professional, responsive and were able to grasp the situation extremely quickly whilst maintaining a personal touch. Robert was always available to answer questions, even when on holiday!! Our dispute was resolved quickly without the need to attend court. We would recommend the services of Robert Johnson and Healys who require the services of a solicitor and would in need use them again in the future. Thank you for all you hard work, understanding and commitment to our case.
Cooci Associates LLP
Issues of liability become less clear, however, where the negligence has been committed not by the main contractor but by a subcontractor working under its employ.
Healys are experts in dealing with Claims Against Construction Contractors, Contact us today if you feel you have been let down by your contractor or subcontractor. We offer free initial advice on your claim and if you do wish to proceed we offer a “No Win No Fee” service in a form of a Conditional Fee Agreement.
A short history of the Honeywill rule
For a long time, following the 1934 ruling of Honeywill and Stein Limited v Larkin Brothers (London’s Commercial Photographers), it was held that the main contractor could be held liable for the negligence of a subcontractor, providing the subcontractor had been employed to carry out hazardous work.
However, in 2008 the Court of Appeal in London heard the case of Biffa Waste Services Ltd and Another v Maschinenfabrik Ernst Hese GmbH and Another and ruled that the “Honeywill rule” should be narrowed to apply in only certain exceptional cases.
The case related to a fire which had occurred as a result of the negligence of welders subcontracted to install a ball mill at a waste disposal depot.
The list of contractors and subcontractors involved in the incident reads is convoluted: the first defendant was contracted to design and build a waste disposal plant, they then engaged a second defendant to design a ball mill, who in turn subcontracted the installation to a third party (a welder) whose negligence caused the fire.
Sherborne Land is a small but fast growing commercial property developer and investor. Since 2005 Healys have provided all elements of the broad range of commercial legal advice that we, and our group companies, have needed. In 2007 I had to seek the advice of Robert Johnson in the commercial litigation department. I am extremely glad that I did – in January 2010 I was awarded substantial damages for a wrong that I had suffered. Although the whole process is obviously a fraught one which is not to be undertaken lightly, Robert helped me through with confidence, calmness and assuredness. His knowledge of both the law and the due process were excellent whilst maintaining an awareness of my commercial needs. It is undoubtedly true to say that during the time that the litigation lasted, I viewed Robert as a partner as well as an advisor, in no small part because he and Healys shared the commercial risk by undertaking the matter on a “no win, no fee basis”. Without his marvellous support I would not have had the courage to take action and would not be in the happy state that I find myself in today.
Sherborne Land Limited
In clearing the original contractor of any liability, the Court of Appeal was critical of the Honeywill ruling and stated that its principle should be narrowed to apply “only to activities that are exceptionally dangerous whatever precautions are taken” – in the case of the welder it was clear that the welding had been carried out in the vicinity of “unwetted combustible material”.
Legal advice and Litigation with Healys’ Solicitors in London and Brighton
If you have suffered financial loss or personal injury as a result of the negligence of a construction contractor or subcontractor, our professional negligence solicitors can help you proceed with Claims Against Construction Contractors professionals you believe to be liable.
We provide quick, clear and in-depth advice, and, with transparency on costs, can help you make the right decision as to your best course of action.
Search
Call Us
Enquiry
Menu
