A Leicester-based couple, James Carter and Sarah Holden, were affected by a gas explosion at their home, giving rise to a personal injury claim against the landlord for failing to maintain safe gas installations. The incident occurred in Leicestershire and involved injuries to Sarah Holden and damage to their home and lives.
What Happened
On 18 May 2023, a gas explosion occurred in the couple’s kitchen in Leicester, allegedly caused by a poorly installed cooker. Sarah Holden sustained burns to her face, hands and throat and experienced psychological distress, including dizziness and fear of loud noises. The blast caused substantial property damage, forcing the couple to seek temporary accommodation while repairs were arranged. The landlord’s duty to maintain safe gas installations is central to the claim.
Legal Issues
- The landlord owed a duty of care to tenants to maintain safe gas installations under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and relevant case law such as Drysdale v Hedges.
- A breach of statutory duties and negligence caused the injuries and distress to the couple.
- Causation and recoverable losses, including medical costs, accommodation, and loss of earnings, are in scope.
Our Approach
We issued a detailed pre-action letter under the Pre-Action Protocol for Personal Injury Claims and the Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Disrepair to the landlord and their insurer. We enlisted a gas safety expert to support the breach allegations and obtained medical reports to document injuries. A comprehensive schedule of losses was prepared, and early negotiations were pursued to secure a fair settlement.
Outcome
The matter progressed with an early liability admission and a settlement that compensated injury, medical costs, and property damages. The couple also received support for accommodation and related expenses, helping them move forward during recovery.
Result / Why It Matters
Aldwych Legal’s focused approach to landlord liability and personal injury claims demonstrates our capability to obtain prompt resolutions while protecting clients’ financial and emotional well-being. We continue to advise tenants and homeowners across the country in similar scenarios.
