Examining the current law relating to limitation and causes of action (tortious and contractual) within a construction context

This paper carries out an examination of the current law relating to limitation and causes of action (tortious and contractual) within a construction context and explains the main provisions from the Limitation Act 1980. It further analyses application of the 1980 Act in light of the recent decision, Abbott v Will Gannon & Smith Ltd. This new judgment involved analysis and reconciliation of the decisions in the key cases: Murphy v Brentwood DC and Pirelli General Cable Works Limited v Oscar Faber & Partners. Although the case law in this area sets out the principles for limitation and causes of action in general law the decisions come from construction-based disputes and are relevant to the author's legal specialism.