Question 1 of 7

A claimant is bringing a civil action against a defendant for £400,000. After exchange of witness evidence, the defendant serves on the claimant a Part 36 offer to settle in the sum of £300,000. The claimant rejects this offer and the case proceeds to trial where the claimant is awarded £300,000 (all figures are inclusive of interest). Which ONE of the following statements best describes the likely costs consequences?

A. The defendant will pay the claimant's costs before the expiry of the relevant period, and the claimant will pay the defendant’s costs from the expiry of the relevant period, pursuant to CPR Part 36, because the claimant failed to beat the defendant's offer. B. There are no part 36 costs consequences, because the claimant rejected the defendant's offer within the relevant period. C. The claimant will get its costs pursuant to the general rule because it has been successful at trial. D. The claimant will pay the defendant's costs before the expiry of the relevant period, and the defendant will pay the claimant's costs from the expiry of the relevant period, pursuant to CPR Part 36, because the claimant beat the defendant's offer. E. The claimant will have to pay the defendant’s costs of the proceedings pursuant to the general rule because the claimant has refused a reasonable offer.