Study Notes
Key Case | Caparo v Dickman (1990) | Negligence - Pure Economic Loss - Special Relationship
- Level:
- A-Level, BTEC National
- Board:
- AQA, Edexcel, OCR, IB, Eduqas, WJEC
Last updated 6 Oct 2020
This case provided further detail to the requirements of a special relationship. Liability for negligent misstatement can be established where the defendant is giving advice according to his skill or expertise, communicates that either directly or indirectly to the reliant party, knowing that they will reasonably rely upon it.
CASE SUMMARY
Claimant: Caparo Industries
Defendant: Dickman, chartered accountants and auditors
Facts: Caparo Industries purchased shares in Fidelity Ltd upon the basis of public accounts that had been prepared by Dickman.
Outcome: Not liable
Legal principle: Whilst there was no liability in this case because the accounts were not drawn up with the purpose of informing the claimant’s decision, there was no special relationship with the specific claimant, the courts did outline the three characteristics of establishing a special relationship.