Bashayer Yousef Abdelaziz Al Majed https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9027-1207

Abstract

This paper aims to define and outline the legal framework governing whether insurers’ liability, and therefore insurance coverage, remains valid in the presence of concurrent causations. It uses a comparative qualitative methodology, with an analysis of case law, statute, and academic literature to attempt to understand where responsibility lies and whether the apparent simplicity of the French Civil law contains useful legislation that could be applied to future reforms for English and Welsh law. The paper aims to find that the law in England and Wales lacks clarity and strong precedent. There is an overlap between insurance law and liability, and the complexity with respect to concurrent causation affects the validity of many insurance claims. This causes legal difficulties where insurance claims cannot easily be concluded. The paper recommends reform to the law of England and Wales to adopt a legal principle similar to French civil law, where damage is fully compensated, regardless of cause, removing the complexity of concurrent causation entirely, providing better consumer support, and reducing a drain on court resources by speeding up processes.

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Keywords

Concurrent causation
Insurance liability
Civil liability
Insurance law
Proximate cause

References
I. Books & Articles:
Abraham K.S. Environmental Liability and the Limits of Insurance, (1988) 88 Colum L Rev 942. https://scholarship.law.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1349&context=faculty_scholarship.
Ansell R., Handley K. ‘A Significant Development In Covid-19 BI Insurance Litigation – Concurrent Causation Applies To “At The Premises” Wordings: London International Exhibition Centre Plc V Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Plc & Ors’ (4 Pump Court website 21 June 2023) accessed 13 March 2024, regarding London International Exhibition Centre Plc v Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Plc & Ors 21st June 2023.
Baker T., Siegelman P., (2013) ‘The Law and Economics of Liability Insurance: A Theoretical and Empirical Review’ (All Faculty Scholarship, Pen Carey Law 2013) 350 accessed 25th March 2024.
Brewer Jr, W ‘Concurrent Causation in Insurance Contracts’, (1961) 59 (8) Mich L Rev. 1141.
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Clyde & Co ‘Concurrent Proximate Cause’ (Website, 17 July 2018) accessed 16th March 2024.
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Harrington, J. ‘Concurrent Causation: An Adjuster’s Dilemma’, (Adjusters International 2020) accessed 14th March 2024.
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Meydan N., Reversac J M, (2023) ‘Legal Update for Insurance Sector in France’ (Clyde & Co website, 11 April 2023) accessed 13th March 2024.
Moréteau, Olivier. ‘Causal Uncertainty and Proportional Liability in France’ in Proportional Liability: Analytical and Comparative Perspectives, (Eds) Israel Gilead, Michael D. Green and Bernhard A. Koch, (De Gruyter, Boston 2013) 141-152 accessed 23 March 2024.
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II. Caselaw:
Anderson v Minneapolis (1920) 146 Minn. 430, 179 NW 45.
Atlasnavios-Navegação, LDA (formerly Bnavios-Navegação, LDA) v Navigators Insurance Co Ltd and others (The B Atlantic) [2019] AC 136.
Baker v Willoughby [1970] AC 46.
Civ. 2e., 15 June 2023, n° 21-20.538.
Donoghue v Stevenson [1932] AC 562.
Fairchild v Glenhaven Funeral Services [2003] 1 AC 32.
Financial Conduct Authority v Arch Insurance (UK) Ltd [2021] UKSC 1 para 174.
JJ Lloyd Instruments v Northern Star Insurance Co (The Miss Jay Jay) [1987] 1 Lloyd’s Rep. 32.
New Zealand Fire Service Commission v Legg [2016] NZHC 1492.
Paris Court of Appeal, 21 June 2022 (n°20/10832).
Spire Healthcare Ltd v Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd [2022] EWCA Civ 17.
Wayne Tank and Pump Co. Ltd. v Employers Liability Assurance Corporation Ltd. [1974] Q.B. 57.
III. Statute:
Compensation Act 2006.
How to Cite
Al Majed , B. Y. A. (2025). Concurrent Causation in Insurance – A Comparative Study Between England and France. International Review of Law, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.29117/irl.2025.0334
Section
Articles in English