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TCC (England and Wales): issuing 'very general' defect claims to preserve limitation not an abuse; claimant needs a known basis—Willmott Dixon v Karakusevic Carson

Published on: 06 February 2025

Published by a LexisNexis Construction expert
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Article summary

Willmott Dixon Holdings Ltd v Karakusevic Carson Architects Llp [2024] EWHC 3449 (TCC)

What was the background?

  • The claimant, Willmott Dixon Holdings Ltd, was the parent of a Willmott Dixon company that acted as the design and build contractor for Bridport House in Hackney
  • The first defendant, Karakusevic Carson Architects LLP (KCA), was appointed as project architect for Bridport House, with Practical Completion certified on 31 August 2011
  • The claim form was filed on 30 August 2023, a day before the potential expiry of the limitation period
  • The claim concerns alleged defects in the residential scheme, which the employer (the London Borough of Hackney) says stem from KCA’s negligence and/or contractual breaches
  • Proceedings were also commenced against Peter Brett Associates LLP and Toureen Contractors Ltd
  • KCA applied to strike out the claim form, arguing it was an abuse of process

What did the court decide?

Decision

The application to strike out the claim form was dismissed.

Court rationale

The court concluded that Willmott Dixon already understood the nub of the case, including the categories of alleged defects and the contractual duties engaged...

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