Overview

This webinar explores how courts assess and quantify claims for future loss of earnings where a child has been injured, with a particular focus on “lost years” claims following the landmark decision in CCC v Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

The case confirms that “lost years” claims can be pursued on behalf of very young children and highlights the decisive role of robust, well-structured evidence in establishing likely future earnings. The financial implications are significant: in CCC, the court awarded £823,506 for lost years in addition to £224,000 for lifetime loss of earnings.

The webinar examines:

• The evidential requirements for proving future loss of earnings in young children
• How courts evaluate family earnings patterns and background
• When and how future pension loss may be awarded
• The impact of catastrophic injuries on earning capacity
• The court’s approach to less serious injuries that disadvantage a child in the labour market
• Claims brought in adulthood for injuries sustained in childhood, including sexual abuse claims

Drawing on key cases and applicable guidelines, the session provides a structured, practical framework to ensure that claims are properly pleaded, thoroughly evidenced, and maximised to secure full compensation for child claimants.

Learning objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand the legal principles governing “lost years” claims, particularly following CCC v Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
• Identify and assemble the necessary evidence to substantiate claims for future loss of earnings in very young children
• Evaluate the relevance of family earnings patterns and socio-economic background in projecting likely career trajectories
• Assess entitlement to pension loss awards and understand how such losses are calculated
• Distinguish between catastrophic and non-catastrophic injury claims, and analyse how each affects long-term earning capacity
• Advise on adult claims arising from childhood injuries, including cases where diminished earning capacity becomes apparent years later
• Apply a practical, step-by-step approach to pleading, evidencing, and maximising future loss of earnings claims to ensure full and fair compensation

Practical resources

Attendees will receive a dedicated questionnaire designed specifically for:

• Claimants under the age of 18, and
• Claimants who have not yet entered the labour market

This tool is aimed at helping practitioners gather the evidence needed to support robust and realistic future loss of earnings claims.