Simon Anderson successfully resolved an occupational stress claim brought by an overworked lawyer.

The claimant was a senior legal executive in the Leeds office of a national firm of solicitors. Following an extensive redundancy programme, she became a multi-track file handler with limited training and experience managing over 100 files. Before the business restructured she had an almost entirely fast track caseload.  Afterwards the employer failed to undertake a survey or otherwise consult the workforce concerning the implemented changes. She repeatedly informed her line manager that she was not coping. The firm was not prepared to remedy the problem by the obvious solution of recruiting additional staff and refused to refer her to occupational health. Having been repeatedly provided with new and reallocated files without first being consulted about her capacity she suffered a breakdown and was required to resign for the sake of her health. The psychiatric evidence established that she was unlikely to return to work as a lawyer. Substantial damages were agreed shortly before trial.

 

Contact Simon’s clerks

Senior Civil Clerk – Francine Kirk on 0113 202 8605

Business Development Clerk – Andy Reeves on 0113 213 5252

Talia Webster on 0113 202 8609

Daniel Highfield on 0113 213 5207

Joshua Duree on 0113 213 5246