A law firm accused of negligence once again tried to get the case thrown out, arguing that all 134 litigants had used a single claim form. The lawsuit involves millions of pounds and focuses on nine development projects by Northern Powerhouse Development Limited from 2017 to 2020. The claimants say the firm didn’t warn them about the risks of project delays and potential loss of their investment deposits.
In the case Ryan Morris & Ors v Williams & Co Solicitors (A Firm), the law firm argued that it’s against the rules for multiple people to file claims together. Despite their argument, the High Court disagreed, citing a similar case called Abbott v. Ministry of Defence. The law firm appealed, saying the rules limit when many people can file separate claims together using one form.
In the Court of Appeal, the judges rejected the law firm’s argument. They pointed out the firm’s flip-flopping on whether the rules allowed multiple claimants. They also stressed the need for fairness for defendants in cases where many people file together. The judges suggested reviewing the rules to make sure they’re working well.
Source: Court of Appeal allows single claim form for 134 claimants suing firm | Law Gazette
