Claim for leptospirosis contracted at work.

The Claimant was an HGV driver, responsible for collecting & disposing of waste water. In August 2015 the Claimant was tasked with transferring waste water from a brewery. Whilst completing this job, some of the waste water splashed into the Claimant’s face. He was not instructed by his employer to wear protective goggles or a face mask.

A few days later, he began to feel very unwell, and was experiencing flu-like symptoms.

His condition deteriorated, and he was admitted to hospital via ambulance. He was in liver and renal failure.

Following tests and investigations, the Claimant was advised that he had contracted leptospirosis, also known as Weil’s Disease. This is a bacterial infection, often carried by rats.

The Claimant believed that he had contracted this through his work, namely when the waste water made contact with his face.

It took the Claimant a number of months to recover to the extent that he was able to return to work. Over three years down the line, the Claimant continues to experience severe fatigue, and has been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a common complication following Weil’s Disease.

The Defendant made an early admission of breach of duty, in failing to provide the Claimant with the necessary protective wear. However, they put the Claimant to strict proof on causation, namely proving that he had contracted the infection through his work. The Defendant noted that the Claimant had, a few days before the incident at work, been on a gorge walk, and suggested that the Claimant may have come into contact with the bacterial infection then.

A report was obtained from an expert in Environmental Sciences. They advised, on examining the evidence, that, on the balance of probabilities, the Claimant had contracted leptospirosis whilst at work, when transferring the waste water.

This report was disclosed to the Defendant, and proceedings commenced. Shortly thereafter, the Defendant made an offer of settlement of £42,500, which the Claimant accepted. This was to the compensate the Claimant for the pain and suffering caused, his loss of earnings, and care provided to him whilst he was recovering.