Court Confirms Complexity Banding in Major Costs Win for Carpenters Group

Carpenters Group is pleased to report a significant legal costs victory in the case of Campbell v Cornell.

This highlights our Costs Team’s technical expertise and reinforces our commitment to securing fair and proportionate outcomes for insurer clients.

The case involved a property damage claim arising from a road traffic accident that occurred in 2022. The claim was brought by the Claimant and settled by Carpenters insurer client in February 2024, without litigation. However, following the settlement, the Claimant initiated Part 8 proceedings in May 2025, seeking a Fixed Costs Determination Assessment by Birmingham Court.

The Claimant sought to recover fixed costs in accordance with Complexity Band 4 under PD 45 Table 12. The Claimant relied on CPR 26.15 Table 1 subsection (c), under Band 4 definitions, on the basis that this was a property and building dispute. Carpenters Group, acting for the Defendant, argued that the claim fell under Complexity Band 1, which is designated for RTA related non-personal injury claims, in accordance with subsection (a) under Band 1 definitions.

The Court found in favour of the Defendant’s submissions, confirming that the claim should be categorised under Complexity Band 1 as it was a Road Traffic Accident related non-personal injury claim. 

In total, the Claimant’s substantive costs were reduced by 87.2% - a significant saving for our insurer client. 

Costs Operations Manager, Matt Williams said:

"This decision not only provides a favourable resolution in this case for our client, but it also establishes a valuable precedent for challenging inflated fixed costs claims in subsequent cases"

The decision underscores the importance of accurate Complexity Banding and demonstrates the effectiveness of Carpenters Group’s Costs Team in navigating the technicalities of the 1st October 2023 rule changes. It also sends a clear message to insurer clients that our team is focused on reducing reserves and challenging unjustified claims.

This result reflects the growing trend of receiving parties seeking higher complexity bands on Fast Track claims, and the Court’s ruling provides clarity and reassurance for defendants facing similar disputes.

For further information about this outcome or to discuss legal costs matters, please contact Matthew Williams, Costs Operations Manager at Carpenters Group.