Court Case Confirms 'Double Jeopardy' Rule Applies To Damages Payments

A recent court case concerning a Midlands care worker and her employer, Wolverhampton City Council, has clarified a complex area of law regarding the payment of contractual benefits, such as sick pay, in cases of multiple claims.

The ruling from the Court of Appeal is good news for businesses as it confirms that employees cannot bring about further claims against their employers once a subsequent event takes place. Suzanne Hawkins, the solicitor from Midlands law firm Browne Jacobson who acted for the defendant, said: "This ruling is good news for the insurance industry as it brings clarity to an area of law that has been in confusion for some time. Clear rulings on complex issues such as contractual benefits should be welcomed by insurers and employers as they provide guidance on future cases and also deter employees from bringing spurious or speculative claims to court."

Mrs Brazier, a care assistant, suffered an...