Gowans v Teneco (Polbeth Packaging) Ltd [2000] ScotCS 261 (18 October 2000)

Gowans v Teneco (Polbeth Packaging) Ltd [2000] ScotCS 261 (18 October 2000)

The pursuer gave actual authority to his solicitor to settle the claim for £10,000; the settlement was validly concluded on 29 January 1999 and the pursuer's subsequent attempt to withdraw authority was ineffective.

Citation
[2000] ScotCS 261
Parties
Pursuer: Steven Gowans; Defenders: Teneco (Polbeth Packaging) Ltd
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Judgment Date
18 October 2000
Procedural Posture
Personal Injury Claim for Damages / Proof on Whether Claim Was Settled
Outcome
Defenders assoilzied (absolved from liability); claim held to be settled.
Legal Topics
Authority of Solicitor to Settle, Compromise of Litigation, Actual Authority, Settlement Agreements, Personal Injury Damages

Case Brief

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Parties

Steven Gowans

Pursuer

Teneco (Polbeth Packaging) Ltd

Defenders

Procedural Posture

Personal Injury Claim for Damages / Proof on Whether Claim Was Settled

  1. 1 Whether the pursuer's claim for damages was validly settled by his solicitor with authority
  2. 2 Whether the pursuer gave actual authority to his solicitor to settle the claim for £10,000

Ratio Decidendi

The pursuer gave actual authority to his solicitor to settle the claim for £10,000; the settlement was validly concluded on 29 January 1999 and the pursuer's subsequent attempt to withdraw authority was ineffective.

Court Disposition

Defenders assoilzied (absolved from liability); claim held to be settled.

Orders

  • Defenders' second plea in law upheld
  • Pursuer's claim dismissed as settled