Claims examples

Disputes can lead first to Legal Defence Costs and then damages. The following are Scenarios based on actual incidents of Photographers claims. Identities and costs are not disclosed as they are confidential..... and we don’t want to be sued for a breach of Confidentiality or Privacy.

Breach of professional duty of care & Contract

-          Professional photographer fails to take any pictures of the Best Man. Sued for a breach of contract and a failure of professional duty of care.

-          Professional Photographer accepts a wedding assignment but is later unable to complete the assignment. Appoints a sub contract photographer to undertake the job. Legal dispute ensues. Client alleges certain agreed shots were not taken and the general quality of photographs not up to the quality expected of a Professional Photographer. It was found the quality of work was not to the standard represented to the client when considering which photographer to appoint. Legal costs and damages awarded against photographer.

-          Professional photographer is unable to provide any pictures due to films being lost by Developers. Wedding shots are re-staged. Legal costs and damages awarded for additional costs incurred and upset/inconvenience.

-          Fashion Photographer loses Digital images when fire destroys computer equipment and back-up tapes. Sued for the re-hiring of models, location travel and other expenses. Breach of Contract.

Breach of Privacy

-          Photographer releases pictures of same sex wedding without specific authority from the married couple. Legal dispute ensues as clients allege a breach of Privacy and confidentiality.

Breach of Confidentiality

-          Photographer takes and releases pictures of high profile media wedding he knew to be subject to a confidentiality agreement with a magazine that had paid a significant sum for exclusive pictures. Legal costs and damages awarded against the photographer despite the fact he had not entered into a confidentiality agreement with anyone.

Breach of Copyright

-          Photographer accidentally uses another organisations copyright image in electronic publications. Sued by owners. Legal costs and damages awarded

Public Liability

-          Child falls from staging onto playground. Photographer sued for injuries sustained. Legal costs and damages awarded

-          Member of the public trips over equipment placed on the floor. Photographer sued for injuries. Legal costs and damages awarded.

Employers Liability

-          Voluntary helper is injured when attempting to set up equipment. Deemed to be an employee while working for and under the care of the photographer.  Photographer sued for lack of adequate training and supervision.