£4,700 awarded after claimant bitten by rat

A claimant was awarded £4,700 at Mansfield County Court after being bitten by a rat through protective gloves provided by his employer. The gloves were meant to protect against Weil's disease (leptospirosis), a condition contracted through contact with contaminated soil or water.

The rat bite occurred on the claimant's right hand, between the thumb and index finger, causing significant pain and swelling, although he did not contract the disease. He was unable to work for 12 weeks, with limited use of his hand for the first six weeks due to pain and swelling. The claimant also experienced periodic numbness and tingling, receiving physiotherapy and electromagnetic therapy.

Despite continued symptoms like reduced grip strength and occasional aching, these were expected to resolve over time. The claimant argued that his employer failed to provide a safe working environment, and after unsuccessful settlement negotiations, the case went to trial three years after the accident, where he was awarded £4,700 in general damages.

See also:

Mansfield personal injury solicitors

Weil's disease (leptospirosis) compensation claims.

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.