LOSS OF SERVICES CLAIM FOR “HOUSEWIFE” IS NOT A NOMINAL LOSS

FATAL ACCIDENTS AND ACTIONS ARISING FROM DEATH

I looked at the case of Knauer -v- Ministry of Defence [2014] EWHC 2553 (QB) in an earlier post.  However one significant aspect of the case justifies close examination. The judge put a clear and definite value on the loss to a widower caused by the death of his wife who were in a “traditional” relationship where she did all the housework.  This case belies the contention that loss of services claims are “nominal”. They have a substantial value and careful enquiries have to be made.

THE FACTS

The couple were in, what the judge described, as a “traditional” relationship whereby Mrs Knauer did the majority of the housework.  The judge carried out a careful valuation of the services provided and concluded that they had a substantial financial value.

The multiplicand

1. The claimant’s case as put in the Schedule of Loss and in the report of Ms Kirby is that…

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