Loss of earnings

Ronan v Sainsburys Supermarkets Ltd [2006] All ER (D) 80 (Jul) (QBD)

While working for the defendant, the claimant had an accident resulting in a number of operations on his leg. He seemed to be making good progress and obtained other employment; however, a further operation was only partially successful with the result that he became depressed, lost confidence, and decided not to return to work. He decided to go to university and took a three-year degree to qualify as a teacher. The court attributed the decision to go to university to the consequences of the accident and awarded a sum for past earnings equivalent to three years’ earnings. Because of the upheaval in the claimant’s life, the judge awarded a further £50,000 allowance in relation to future earnings.