The partnership between a UK agency responsible for managing clinical negligence claims against NHS Hospital Trusts and legal insurance firm DWF has been instrumental in the effort to improve patient safety and reduce the incidence of clinical negligence. DWF maintains a comprehensive database of outcomes from cost negotiations, providing valuable insights that help the agency develop effective strategies to manage clinical negligence claims.

By analysing the data on cost negotiations, the agency can identify trends and emerging issues, as well as underlying causes of high costs in clinical negligence claims. Armed with this information, the agency can work with NHS Hospital Trusts to implement targeted interventions and policies aimed at preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The insights provided by DWF have contributed to a culture of patient safety, making it possible to identify and mitigate risks more effectively. Moreover, by working closely with the agency, DWF has helped to create a more efficient and effective system for managing clinical negligence claims, reducing costs and ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.

In this case, a tax authority (referred to as "TA") brought litigation against 114 defendants, alleging that they had been induced by misrepresentations to pay out tax refunds it was not liable to pay, totalling over £1.5 billion.

DWF played a central role in the case by developing a strategy to seek indemnity basis costs, which would result in the defendants being responsible for paying all of the TA's legal costs. DWF was able to persuade three leading counsel to change tack and seek indemnity basis costs, which was ultimately successful when the court granted an order in those terms.

DWF also drafted a costs schedule that was vital to securing a substantial interim payment on account of costs. This payment, amounting to £5.47 million, helped to cover the TA's legal expenses while the case was ongoing.

The case demonstrates the importance of developing a strong legal strategy and being proactive in seeking indemnity basis costs and interim payments on account of costs. Without these measures, the TA may have faced significant financial strain during the course of the litigation.

DWF was instructed to act on behalf of two electronic communications operators in a complex and significant dispute that proceeded in the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber). The case had far-reaching implications for the entire mobile telecoms sector and our clients sought our expertise due to the size and complexity of the claim.

This case was particularly challenging due to its complexity and various factors which needed to be considered when calculating costs. DWF took a strategic approach to the case, beginning with drafting the bill of costs and other formal documents. We then provided advice on strategy and offers, using our expertise in complex litigation to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients. 

DWF were able to recover a substantial amount of costs, which was a significant achievement given the complexity of the case and the potential impact on the mobile telecoms sector. Our clients were pleased with the outcome, and we were able to establish ourselves as trusted partner for complex and significant disputes. 

This case concerned the malicious online posting of the personal details of almost 100,000 employees, of a large retail business by a former employee and it concluded by way of a successful appeal to the UK Supreme Court. 

DWF provided strategic legal advice throughout the complex costs management process and worked closely with the retailer to prepare the bills of costs to facilitate recovery of the costs incurred in all three hearings. Despite the challenging nature of the case, DWF was able to negotiate a high level of recovery of those costs, securing a significant sum for the defendant. 

Through careful planning and close collaboration with the client, DWF achieved a successful outcome in the UK Supreme Court, ultimately proving that the defendant was not liable for personal detail breach. This case highlights DWF's expertise in complex litigation, including costs management and recovery, and demonstrates the firm's ability to deliver positive outcomes for clients facing high-stake legal challenges. 

In this case, a group of claimants filed a lawsuit against a major transport company, claiming compensation for losses resulting from a cyberattack on their systems. DWF provided strategic advice to the company on costs management to reduce the claimants' budgeted costs and facilitate an early settlement.

DWF reviewed the case and identified elements of 'common cost' that, if disallowed, would save substantial sums and make proceeding to trial less attractive to the claimants. DWF then prepared all procedural costs documentation and engaged with the claimants' legal team and the court to ensure that the claimants' budgeted costs were reasonable and proportionate. 

DWF's approach to costs management was based on a thorough understanding of the case, the law, and the party's interests. DWF argued that the claimants' budgeted costs were excessive and unjustified and that significant reductions should be made. 

Mr Justice Saini agreed with DWF's arguments and made significant reductions to the claimants' budgeted costs. These reductions potentially saved tens of millions of pounds and facilitated an early settlement between the transport company and the claimants. The settlement provided a mutually acceptable outcome for both parties and avoided the need for a lengthy and expensive trial.