Civil Law (Wrongs) Act 2002
20Each of several wrongdoers can be sued
Start here
Get a plain-English read of 20
Turn the raw legal text into a practical explanation grounded in Civil Law (Wrongs) Act 2002.
20 Each of several wrongdoers can be sued (1) A judgment or decision against a person for damage caused by a wrong does not bar an action against someone else who is also liable for the same damage. (2) However, if separate actions are brought in relation to the same damage— (a) the total amount recovered in the actions cannot exceed the amount of damages awarded in the judgment or decision given first or, if that amount is amended on appeal, the amount as amended; and (b) the plaintiff is only entitled to costs in the action for which judgment or decision is given first (including costs on appeal from the judgment or decision), unless the court considers there were reasonable grounds for bringing the actions separately.
Part 2.5 Proceedings against and contributions between wrongdoers