A Rochester man who suffered brain damage in a freak accident while helping to lower a boat into the water at Hoo on the River Medway is suing for damages. Brian Metherell, 59, was helping to lower a 29-ton Hood Class yacht down a slipway in September 1993 when the accident happened. His writ says it is believed he was thrown against a taut cable which then catapulted him over the cable and onto the jetty wall, where he landed on his head causing severe head injury and brain damage. The claim is against his employer, Medway Moulding of Paddock Wood, Kent.

Writ issued by Barker Austin, London E1.

Insurance companies Commercial Union and Eagle Star face an £800,000 High Court claim over their refusal to pay out on an insurance policy. Three companies – Helene of Edinburgh, Targatex Fabrics and Cable Cloth Co, both of London NW2 – claimed on their insurance after a burglary at their premises in London, but their writ says the insurers failed to meet the £811,596 claim in respect of damage, lost stock and losses caused by business interruption.

Writ issued by Paisner & Co, London EC4.

Moray Firth Malings is suing the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce over a demand for more than £3m. Moray Firth's writ seeks a declaration that the board's decision to claim £3,738,448 is unlawful, and that it does not owe it any money. In a separate action, the board is suing the company for £3,738,448.52 which it claims is owed for recovery of export refund, prefinance processing security, advanced fixed certificate securities, and adjustments.

Writ for the company issued by Richards Butler, London EC3; writ for the board issued by R Woolman, Ministry of Agriculture.

A Banbury man has launched a High Court damages claim against the Ministry of Defence over his discharge from the RAF. Richard Parr, of Banbury, Oxfordshire, says he joined the RAF under an April 1976 contract and that in August 1990 he was offered and accepted a re-engagement or extension of service, and that this was confirmed in writing. However, he claims that in breach of contract the MoD repudiated its obligations and discharged him on 25 November 1991.

Writ issued by Shoosmiths & Harrison, Banbury.