No win, no fee compensation news
04/02/2010

LPG burn claim success

A driver who suffered burn injuries as a result of liquid petroleum gas leaking from a petrol station pump has won the right to keep no win, no fee compensation for the accident.

His injuries were of such a severe nature that he needed several skin graft operations at hospital and time off work, said his personal injury solicitor.

The 68-year-old was previously awarded £17,000 no win, no fee compensation during an earlier ruling at Cardiff County Court only for the supermarket chain which owns the petrol station to appeal the decision.

In explaining his decision, the judge said there had been a failure to keep the pumps in safe working condition, citing two similar accidents which had occurred at the same petrol station.

Liquid petroleum gas (LPG) burns are extremely painful and, owing to the low temperature of the gas, result in injuries similar to those seen in frostbite victims.

Concluding that the accident was caused by a "mechanical defect", the judge at the Civil Appeal Court in London disputed the supermarket's contention that the accident was caused by a problem with the claimant's vehicle, clearing the way for the no win, no fee compensation settlement.

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