Case Studies

Case Study 1 Asbestosis

A 55-year old former joiner had been exposed to asbestos dust in the 1950's whilst working for a building contractor in Bradford, West Yorkshire. He had been given negative advice by his previous solicitor and his Legal Aid funding (which applied to personal injury claims at that time) had been withdrawn. He came to JSP for a second opinion and it soon became apparent that his previous legal advisers had very little experience of dealing with asbestos-related claims and the advice that he had been given was incorrect. Court proceedings were commenced immediately and, as a result, the Defendant conceded liability and his claim settled for approximately £25,000.00.

Case Study 2 Mesothelioma  

A retired chemical engineer in his early 70's consulted JSP when he was diagnosed with mesothelioma (an asbestos-induced cancer) in late 2003. He had been exposed to asbestos in the 1970's whilst working for a multinational chemical company. Following an initial letter of claim to his former employers, the Defendant’s solicitors entered into negotiations with JSP and our client was offered the sum of £140,000.00 in April 2004, which he accepted. As a result of the speedy settlement, he was able to benefit from his compensation payment much earlier in his retirement than would otherwise have been possible.

Case Study 3 Vibration White Finger

Our client had spent much of his working life using a power-hammer in the manufacture of agricultural equipment. He developed a condition known as Vibration White Finger, which was said by his doctor to have been caused by excessive exposure to vibration in the course of his employment. Although he was aged only 26, he was disabled to the extent that he would be unable to undertake manual work for the remainder of his life. Court proceedings were commenced on his behalf and, although initially defended by his former employers, liability (fault) was finally admitted at the door of the Court. Our client's claim was settled and he was awarded £57,000.00 compensation.

Case Study 4 Repetitive Strain Injury

This client was employed by a fruit and vegetable grower to pick and pack tomatoes in a large greenhouse. As a result of the system of work, he developed a repetitive strain injury in both wrists and was significantly disabled. He consulted JSP with a view to making a claim for compensation and was advised that, although this particular type of claim posed some problems (given that not all of the medical or legal professions accept that RSI is genuinely work-related), the specific circumstances of his employment were such that his claim stood a good chance of success. Court proceedings were commenced on his behalf and, following considerable argument in relation to both medical and ergonomic issues, the Defendant submitted to judgement and our client was awarded £31,500.00.

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