£32,690 for 50% loss of lung function

In 1999, a 61-year-old man was awarded £32,690 in a work injury compensation claim for an asbestos-related claim after suffering a 50% loss of lung function due to his exposure to asbestos while working in a Merseyside shipyard from 1953 to 1958. The claimant began experiencing symptoms in 1995, at age 57, when he was diagnosed with pleural plaques and asbestosis after being hospitalized with pneumonia.

The claimant argued that his lung function had been halved due to his exposure, and that there was a risk the asbestosis could progress, potentially leading to lung cancer. A medical expert confirmed that the claimant suffered from hyperventilation, partly due to anxiety about his condition. It was also accepted that his condition would deteriorate further, although the timeline was uncertain, with life expectancy estimates ranging from 1 to 5 years.

The court, at Oldham County Court, awarded £28,000 for pain, suffering, and loss of amenities, with an additional £4,690 for past and future losses, bringing the total compensation to £32,690. In today's terms, the value of the claim would amount to £52,873.

See also:

Asbestos related compensation claims

Merseyside personal injury solicitors

Disclaimer

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.