Headford v Bristol and District Health Authority

[1994] LS Law Med 406

QUEEN'S BENCH DIVISION

and Deputy Judge Alan TYRRELL QC

Limitation — Disability — Abuse of process — Court's inherent jurisdiction — Delay of 28 years before initiation of proceedings — Plaintiff throughout under disability — Unreasonable delay due to failure to act by those caring for plaintiff — Defendant prejudiced by unavailability of evidence, change in medical practice and change in insurance arrangements — Effect of res ipsa loquitur plea by plaintiff