Man compensated for psychiatric illness caused by work email leak

Stress at work claim involving an email being sent out concerning the client’s poor performance to a large number of work colleagues. The claim was particularly difficult as it was a “one off event” (such claims rarely succeed) and involved allegations of fraud. To add weight to the client’s claim it was argued that a breach of the Data Protection Act had also occurred.

Settlement was achieved at over £250,000.00 one day before trial.

Personal injury lawyers face several challenges when handling cases involving psychiatric illnesses caused by work-related incidents such as email leaks. Proving causation: It can be difficult to establish a direct link between the work-related incident and the psychiatric illness. The lawyer must gather strong evidence to prove that the email leak was the direct cause of the psychiatric illness. Diagnosis and treatment: Personal injury cases involving psychiatric illnesses often require expert medical testimony to diagnose and assess the extent of the injury. This can be challenging to obtain as psychiatric evaluations are complex and time-consuming. Resistance from employers and insurance companies: In many cases, employers and insurance companies may resist paying compensation for psychiatric injuries, arguing that the illness was pre-existing or not caused by work-related events. Complex legal requirements: Personal injury cases involving psychiatric illnesses often require a deep understanding of the applicable laws, including workers' compensation laws, disability laws, and employment laws. This requires a skilled and experienced personal injury lawyer.

• Proving causation
• Diagnosis and treatment
• Resistance from employers and insurance companies
• Complex legal requirements
• Emotional Distress

• 1. Review the case

  The lawyer would review the facts of the case to determine if the man has a valid claim for psychiatric injury.

• 2. Investigate the incident

  The lawyer would gather information about the email leak and how it caused the man's psychiatric illness.

• 3. Assess damages

  The lawyer would assess the extent of the man's injury, including any medical treatment required, lost wages, and other damages.

• 4. Determine liability

  The lawyer would determine who is responsible for the email leak, whether it's the man's employer or someone else.

• 5. File a claim

  If liability can be established, the lawyer would file a claim on behalf of the man seeking compensation for his injury.

• 6. Negotiate a settlement

  The lawyer would negotiate with the responsible party or their insurance company to reach a settlement agreement that compensates the man for his injury.

• 7. Litigation

  If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial where a judge or jury would determine the compensation to be awarded to the man.

To add weight to the client’s claim it was argued that a breach of the Data Protection Act had also occurred. Settlement was achieved at over £250,000.00 one day before trial.