While Johnson stood there, gun dangling in apparent negligence by his side.

A cause of action in negligence is traditionally considered to require three ingredients:

As I understand the position, the duty in negligence arose purely from the fact that the wife was also a customer of the bank.

Theoretically, however, they could still find themselves being sued in negligence by the family of the deceased.

"It is a new low in administrative negligence," he said.

A claim in negligence, on the other hand, can be brought by any consumer.

It is the first element that must be established to proceed with an action in negligence.

Claims for property losses under £275 will therefore have to be pursued in contract and negligence.

Arthur may also have an action in negligence under the employer's personal duty of care.

Lawyers who act solely for defendants in medical negligence will have no need to be on the panel.