£254,610 awarded for severe latex allergy
At Leeds County Court, a 45 year old claimant brought an injury claim against her employers, an NHS Trust based in West Yorkshire. The claimant was awarded £254,610 for injuries arising from the defendant's failure to accommodate her latex allergy.
The basis of the claim
The claimant, a nurse, developed a permanent latex allergy while working for her employer from 2003. By the time the case reached court, the defendants had admitted liability.
The court had to decide how to compensate the claimant, particularly for her pain, suffering, and future loss of earnings. The claimant and her husband testified about how the allergy affected her daily life. She experienced allergic reactions whenever she came into contact with latex, including during activities like shopping, swimming, exercising, and visiting the dentist. At home, she even had to replace rubber-backed carpets with wooden flooring to manage her condition.
The most contested part of the case was the claim for past and future loss of earnings. The judge concluded that her allergy placed her at a significant disadvantage in the labour market. Although experts agreed she could work from home or in a controlled environment, neither could identify a suitable employer.
See also:
Personal injury solicitors in Leeds
Court decision
At the conclusion of the case the claimant received an award of £254,610, which included a substantial sum for her permanent latex allergy and a modest sum for psychological symptoms, as well as compensation for her past and future loss of earnings.
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Case studies are for informational purposes only and aim to help prospective claimants understand the injury claim process. They are based on cases handled by Quittance panel solicitors or sourced from public court records.
Author:
Gaynor Haliday, Legal researcher
About the author
Gaynor Haliday is an experienced legal researcher and published author. She has had numerous articles published in the press and is a legal industry commentator.