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Isn’t all loss consequential? A review of recent case law and its relevance to contractual practices within the built environment

Connell, Adam; Mason, Jim

Authors

Adam Connell

Profile image of James Mason

Dr James Mason Jim.Mason@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Professor of Construction Law



Abstract

Purpose -
The purpose of this paper is to demystify the meaning of the term “consequential loss” in relation to the practice of construction law. Parties may have different understandings of the term and typically an exclusion clause will not solely relate to consequential loss, but will also include other heads of losses for which the party will not be liable for, such as loss of profit, loss of revenue and loss of business.

Design/methodology/approach -
The question emerges as to whether the term consequential loss has a definitive legal meaning in its own right. This study seeks to ascertain the definition of the term consequential loss within the construction industry through a review of the legal position regarding liability for breach of contract and consequential loss through the consideration of the case law relating to this topic and the associated secondary sources of information.

Findings -
The study concludes by elucidating a clear interpretation of the term consequential loss and guidance of how it should be used in contract law.

Originality/value -
Recent cases and established authorities are considered together for the first time in this work which assists in the development of legal principles of direct and indirect losses and the determination of how they apply to the built environment.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 24, 2014
Online Publication Date Oct 12, 2015
Publication Date Oct 12, 2015
Deposit Date Dec 5, 2016
Journal International Journal of Law in the Built Environment
Print ISSN 1756-1450
Publisher Emerald
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 7
Issue 3
Pages 176-194
DOI https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLBE-01-2014-0002
Keywords construction law, damages, consequential loss, direct loss, contract law, exclusion clauses
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/841480
Contract Date Dec 5, 2016