Please note: The Court of Appeal later reversed the finding against the architect; the result given here is the first-instance one.
Facts
An architect told a bricklayer to cut a chase in a gable wall without supporting it. The wall collapsed and injured him.
Issue
Is a instruction causing physical injury actionable?
Held
The architect was held liable at first instance.
Principle
Careless instructions that cause physical injury can give rise to liability.
Why it matters
Negligent statement causing physical harm.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Clayton v Woodman & Son (Builders) Ltd (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/clayton-v-woodman> accessed 31 October 2026
The accessed date is today's date. Check your course or publisher's style guide.
This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.