SETTLEMENT DOES NOT BAR CLAIM AGAINST SUCCESSIVE CONTRACT BREAKER

Heaton v AXA Equity and Law Life Assurance Society plc [2000] 3 WLR 1341

In Heaton v AXA Equity and Law Life Assurance Society plc [2000] 3 WLR 1341 the claimants had claims against successive contract breakers. They settled their claim with the first contract breaker and the settlement agreement stated that the settlement was reached in full and final settlement of all claims and potential claims which the parties had or might have against each other. The claimants then brought an action against the second contract breakers. It was held that they were entitled to do so and that they were not prevented from doing so by the settlement agreement which they had concluded with the first contract breaker.