James was a tenant in a newly built property that, despite its recent construction, suffered from significant damp and mould issues. Over time, the poor living conditions began to affect James’s health, and he was diagnosed with chronic mild asthma, which was directly linked to the environmental conditions within the property.
How we helped James
We intimated a claim against the builders responsible for the property, asserting that the damp and mould were due to construction defects. Initially, the builders denied liability, prompting us to gather robust evidence to support James’s case.
We instructed a range of independent experts, including a surveyor and a heating engineer, and obtained reports from the National House Building Council and the Environmental Health Department of the local authority. All reports confirmed the presence of damp and mould and highlighted failings in the property’s construction and ventilation.
With this evidence, we proceeded to raise court proceedings on James’s behalf. To accurately assess the impact of the housing conditions on his health, we obtained medical reports from a respiratory consultant, psychiatrist, rheumatologist, and gastric consultant. These reports helped us to fully value James’s claim, considering both physical and psychological effects.
Settlement
Following negotiations, we settled with the insurers acting on behalf of the builders. This outcome ensured that James received appropriate compensation for his suffering and the costs associated with his medical treatment.