Lyons v Fox Williams LLP

Lyons v Fox Williams LLP

Fox Williams LLP was not instructed to advise on LTD claims, and the scope of the retainer did not include such advice. No duty to warn arose because the risks relating to LTD claims were not apparent within the scope of the retainer, and Mr Lyons relied on EY for handling LTD claims. Therefore, no liability was...

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Appellant: Cathal Anthony Lyons; Respondent: Fox Williams LLP
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
25 October 2018
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Appeal From High Court Judgment
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Solicitor's Duty of Care, Scope of Retainer, Duty to Warn, Limitation of Claims, Jurisdiction Clauses
Professional Negligence Contract Law Solicitor's Duty of Care Scope of Retainer Duty to Warn Limitation of Claims Jurisdiction Clauses

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Parties

Cathal Anthony Lyons

Appellant

Fox Williams LLP

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Appeal From High Court Judgment

  1. 1 Whether Fox Williams LLP owed a duty to advise or warn Mr Lyons regarding LTD insurance claims
  2. 2 Whether Fox Williams LLP breached its duty of care by failing to include a jurisdiction clause in the severance agreement
  3. 3 Whether Fox Williams LLP was negligent in failing to advise on time limits and preservation of LTD claims

Ratio Decidendi

Fox Williams LLP was not instructed to advise on LTD claims, and the scope of the retainer did not include such advice. No duty to warn arose because the risks relating to LTD claims were not apparent within the scope of the retainer, and Mr Lyons relied on EY for handling LTD claims. Therefore, no liability was established for negligence or breach of duty.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed