Proportionate bill of costs?

Dominic Regan’s blog summarising Motto & Ors v Trafigura Ltd & Anor [2011] EWHC 90201 (Costs):

“£107,707,772.72 – That was the amount of the bill presented by Leigh Day to the defendants in the Trafigura pollution injury claims where it was ultimately accepted that most claimants had flu like symptoms. … Please do not mention this case to Sir Rupert Jackson; I fear the poor man would implode.”

Proportionality anyone? Don’t make me laugh. You’ll make my sides hurt. And where there’s blame, there’s a claim.

Despite the valiant efforts of those representing the claimants, Master Hurst held: “I have no hesitation in saying that the base costs, excluding additional liabilities, have the appearance of being disproportionate.”