Overview
Claims for loss of earnings are a critical component of many personal injury and civil litigation cases, yet they are also among the most vulnerable to failure. Poorly evidenced claims, misunderstanding of legal principles, or flawed calculations can lead not only to reduced awards but, in serious cases, findings of fundamental dishonesty or claims being struck out entirely.
This webinar is designed to address the common pitfalls that arise in loss of earnings claims and to provide practical guidance on how to present robust, well-supported cases. It will explore the legal framework, methods of calculation, and key evidential requirements, while highlighting where and why claims most frequently go wrong.
Through a combination of legal analysis and practical examples, the session will equip practitioners with the knowledge and tools needed to prepare, present, and defend claims for loss of earnings effectively, whether acting for claimants or defendants.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Understand the legal principles governing claims for loss of earnings
- Accurately calculate loss of income using appropriate methods, including multiplier and multiplicand approaches
- Identify common errors and evidential gaps that can undermine a loss of earnings claim
- Recognise the risks associated with advancing unevidenced claims, including allegations of fundamental dishonesty
- Assess and apply concepts such as disability in the labour market and Blamire awards
- Evaluate claims involving self-employed individuals and appreciate the additional evidential challenges they present
- Understand claims for loss of congenial employment and how they are assessed
- Prepare and critically analyse schedules of damages relating to loss of earnings
- Effectively prove loss of earnings at trial using practical strategies and examples
Barrister
Kings Chambers, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham and 4-5 Gray's Inn Square, London
Gordon was called to the Bar in 1991 having originally qualified and practised as a solicitor. He practices from Kings Chambers, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham and 4-5 Gray's Inn Square, London. He works in the area of personal injury litigation and in the law relating to civil procedure, limitation and costs. He has a particular interest in issues relating to damages, evidence, costs and procedure.
Gordon is a former executive committee member of APIL and has lectured widely for APIL and CPIL on personal injury and procedure topics. Gordon is the author of Personal Injury Practice Notes (Cavendish); The APIL Guide to Fatal Accidents (now in its 4th edition); the 14th edition of Munkman and Exall on Damages for Personal Injury Death and Periodical Payments the New Law. He also wrote the section on limitation for the APIL loose-leaf and contributes two chapters to Munkman on Employer’s Liability... view full biography