In a recent application heard before the Supreme Court of Queensland, a personal injuries claimant failed in his attempt to join a respondent to his PIPA pre-court claim outside of the legislative timeframe. The prospective respondent’s insurance position was highly relevant to the court’s dismissal of the application. In this case alert, Scott Macoun and […]
A year after the Royal Commission report was submitted, claims handling has emerged in its wake as one of the biggest issues for the insurance industry. The Financial Sector Reform (Hayne Royal Commission Response) Act 2020 (the Act) was given assent on 17 December 2020. Schedule 4 of the Act which has the effect of […]
In our next Q&A with recently appointed senior lawyers, we get to know Auckland Senior Associate Alana Lathrope.
There have been a number of general liability trends strengthening or emerging across 2020. Construction risks remain a hot topic given the increased infrastructure activity across all states, coupled with the high levels of political, public and media attention on building defects and cladding issues. There is also growing interest in litigation funding activity focussing […]
On 17 November 2020, the NSW Government released the Draft Design and Building Practitioners Regulation 2020 (NSW) for public consultation, which is designed to support an effective legislative framework for industry reform. Insurers will need to know what mandatory insurance requirements will be put in place for design and construction practitioners. Whilst not in a […]
Today New Zealand’s new privacy regime comes into effect. Arguably the most important change created by the Act is that it is now mandatory for businesses to report privacy breaches in situations likely to cause serious harm. Assessing whether a business has a reasonable belief that a breach has caused serious harm can be a […]
On 17 November 2020, the Supreme Court handed down its decision in Southern Response Earthquake Services Limited v Ross [2020] NZSC 126. The decision confirms opt-out orders should be made available in representative actions where appropriate. Southern Response highlights that a plaintiff’s proposal should be adopted, including whether to make it opt-out or opt-in, unless […]
On 18 November 2020, the Court of Appeal handed down its decision in Dickson v Northern Lakes Rugby League Sport & Recreation Club Inc [2020] NSWCA 294. Wotton + Kearney acted for the Northern Lakes Rugby League Sport & Recreation Club Inc and Brendan Fletcher in their successful defence of the appeal proceedings. The decision […]
In our next Q&A with recently promoted partners we get to know Sydney property and construction PI specialist Robert Finnigan.
The NSW Government has introduced sweeping legislative changes that are intended to regain public confidence in the building and construction industry. The new legislation, in particular the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020, will have a significant effect on establishing the liability of design and building practitioners within the construction industry and how they are […]