Maher & Anor v Groupama Grand Est [2009] EWCA Civ 1191 (12 November 2009)

Maher & Anor v Groupama Grand Est [2009] EWCA Civ 1191 (12 November 2009)

Damages are to be assessed by reference to English law as a matter of remedy governed by lex fori, and the court's power to award interest under section 35A of the Senior Courts Act 1981 is procedural, allowing both English and French law to be relevant in the exercise of discretion.

Citation
[2009] EWCA Civ 1191
Parties
Claimant/respondent: Gerard Maher; Claimant/respondent: Daniela Maher; Defendant/appellant: Groupama Grand Est
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
12 November 2009
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Court of Appeal (civil Division) Judgment
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Assessment of Damages, Interest on Damages, Choice of Law, Direct Action Against Insurer

Case Brief

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Parties

Gerard Maher

Claimant/respondent

Daniela Maher

Claimant/respondent

Groupama Grand Est

Defendant/appellant

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Court of Appeal (civil Division) Judgment

  1. 1 Whether damages should be assessed under English or French law
  2. 2 Whether pre-judgment interest should be awarded under English or French law

Ratio Decidendi

Damages are to be assessed by reference to English law as a matter of remedy governed by lex fori, and the court's power to award interest under section 35A of the Senior Courts Act 1981 is procedural, allowing both English and French law to be relevant in the exercise of discretion.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Damages to be assessed under English law
  • Court may award interest under section 35A of the Senior Courts Act 1981, considering both English and French law