An unfortunate parallel might be drawn between a typical construction dispute and a bad incident in a school playground. The main protagonists might be as guilty as sin, but if they possibly can they'll always pin the blame on somebody else. Owing to the nature of construction work, disputes are often multiparty affairs. Contribution proceedings are therefore of particular relevance, not least because defendants to the main action tend to spray them in every possible direction in an effort to lay off as much blame as possible. Under the Limitation Act, contribution proceedings must be brought within two years of the settlement of the main action. In my previous article (18 November 2005, www.building.co.uk/archive) I mentioned the plight of Aer Lingus and complained that it was unjust that the clock started ticking on those two years before damages had been assessed in the main action. The Court of Appeal was of the same view. On 17 January it overturned the original ruling.
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