Castanho v. Brown & Root and Ors. - Lord Wilberforce, Lord Diplock, Lord Keith of Kinkel, Lord Scarman and Lord Bridge - H.L. - Dec. 4, 1980

Castanho v. Brown & Root - House of Lords decision

Castanho, a Portuguese worker, had been rendered quadraplegic in an accident while working for Brown & Root on a North Sea oil rig supply vessel. An action had been started in England and Brown & Root had made two interim payments. Castanho then signed a power of attorney giving lawyers in Texas, U.S.A., where Brown & Root are based, power to bring an action in that state in respect of his injuries. Notice of the discontinuance of the English proceedings had been validly served under R.S.C., O.21, r.2. Brown & Root applied to have that notice struck out. Mr. Justice Parker granted the application and an injunction restraining any further proceedings in the U.S.A.