Insurer wants to get a life expectancy report in my claim
I was knocked off my moped 2 years ago and my compensation claim has been ongoing without an issue until recently. I was in the armed forces for 10 years and steadily getting promoted. Due to the accident I was medically discharged and have recently started working as an IT specialist. I will now lose out on a fair amount of pension compared to if I remained in the force and this is being claimed by my solicitor. The other side is asking for a life expectancy report. Why should I agree to this?
Jason, by e-mail
Answer
When we calculate future financial loss such as a claim for loss of pension we need to work out how long the Claimant is likely to survive. This is normally done by reference to a book of tables called the Ogden tables. This is a book that uses statistical data to provide what we call a multiplier – that is how many years we need to multiply the annual loss by. The tables take into account “everyday” health issues that the general population will encounter and so these tables are the starting point and should normally be used.
However, where someone has a pre-existing medical condition that is unrelated to the injuries sustained in the accident and which could have a material impact on life expectancy and the claim is of a significant value, the court will often allow a life expectancy report to ensure a just result. I don’t know your medical history and suggest you discuss this with your solicitor who will have access to your medical records.
Download
