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United Kingdom lost yearsloss of earningspersonal injury

Pickett v British Rail Engineering Ltd

[1980] AC 136; [1978] UKHL 4
JurisdictionUnited Kingdom
CourtHouse of Lords
Year1980
StatusBinding authority

Key Principle

A living claimant whose life expectancy has been shortened by the defendant's tort may recover damages for loss of earnings during the 'lost years' (the years he would have worked but for the reduced expectancy), subject to deduction of the living expenses he would have incurred in that period.

Area of Law

General

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