Former Lancastrian

I think we all have a soft spot for the individual who takes on a giant in cases where they believe they have been wronged such as this case
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...ow-laptop.html

Sixteen years to get this case to the Supreme Court in which essentially could have been settled in 5 minutes.
His legal fees alone are quarter of a million quid though he did receive damages of 116 thousand quid but not known if he actually received that money.
So are we cheering on the little guy and hoping he wins or questioning his sanity in carrying on with this case even though many of us would feel he is correct on principle and probably legally right.
If people like this didn't take a stand then Im pretty sure the corporate giants would feel that they have the ability to do anything they want.
There again I expect the lawyers aren't complaining or debating if there should be a maximum time that a case like this should be settled in.

I tip my hat to you Mr Durkin and hope you win.

Almost Canadian

Principles are expensive.

If he wins, he will likely be awarded his costs which, In England, will mean that he will recover 85-90% of his actual costs. However, the reverse is also true and, if he has made noises about bankruptcy previously, the opposing party's lawyers will likely have made an Application for security for costs.

The Courts below have disagreed upon the appropriate judgment.

FirstRatofftheShipUK

I would bet this is more a case of 'what do I have to loose' rather than steel determination or unshakeable principles.

If Mr. D had assets and wealth no lawyer in their right mind would counsel him to pursue such a case; costs could destroy him if he is not successful and/or found to be vexatious.

Oink

It's given him something to fill his otherwise meaningless life.

FirstRatofftheShipUK

Yes - there is some wisdom in this observation. The self represented litigant who has a) a sense of 'injustice' b) time on their hands c) some knowledge and d) no $ to loose
= the WMD of the court system.

Tirytory

I think if I was his wife and his kids I would have requested he lose his principals for a life with a but more money in it. What has he actually gained by it?

Shard

No fan of PC World so I am on Durkin's side.

scrubbedexpat091

Why did the company not just settle, would have been cheaper for them it appears...

Shard

Because they are pinheads.

Yorkiechef

Does Mr D also live in Vancouver, near you perhaps?

Oink

If he did, he wouldn't be worried about a $2000 computer, he'd go out and buy another one.

Yorkiechef

Do people near you have no principles, Are they all prepared to take it up the starfish whenever the going gets tough?

Oink

Absolutely, you can't spend principles.

Yorkiechef

You need to google davinas fanny fudge, you might need it. It is funny and cringeworthy.

Former Lancastrian

UPDATE :
Well the Supreme Court ruled in his favour and awarded him 8 thousand in damages.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...ear-fight.html