Defendants are not required to take any steps in proceedings if a claim form is not validly served within the time limit. This has been confirmed by the Court of Appeal in Bellway Homes Ltd v Occupiers of Samuel Garside House and the ruling highlights how crucial it is to serve documents correctly. Here the claimants were not permitted to pursue their claim when they failed to serve it properly.

In litigation, making the best use of the rules available to you is an integral part of pursuing a successful claim and can be used to your strategic advantage. Who can help you with that? Good lawyers with a comprehensive understanding of these rules and their (sometimes complex) time limits!