UU could face ‘significant number’ of personal claims, legal expert warns

United Utilities (UU) could potentially face a "significant number" of personal injury claims in the wake of last month's cryptosporidium contamination, according to a legal expert.

Speaking to Utility Week, Noel Walsh, head of the water group at law firm Weightmans, said that UU should expect claims to be made by people who suffered nausea, stomach pains and diarrhoea at around the time the contamination was first identified at the start of August, even though no reported illnesses have yet emerged.

“There could be quite a number,” he said. “It is highly likely there will be a number coming out and saying it affected them and that they had short term medical problems as a result.”

Public Health England has not linked any illnesses to the cryptosporidium contamination, which led to UU issuing a boil water notice to more than 300,000 properties, but Walsh said this may not prevent compensation claims being made.

“While it is difficult for the individual to prove, it is also difficult for UU to disprove. There is the link between cryptosporidium and stomach problems, so if an individual claims the symptoms came on before they were given the advice to boil the water, legitimately they could have been affected and could claim.”

He added that any successful personal injury claims are likely to result in around £1,000 being award to each claimant, adding to the £25 million costs estimated by UU.

Walsh acknowleged that “quick action” in issuing the notice “in effect brought their liability to an end” at the point it was made, but warned there still could be a “significant number” of claims.

A spokesperson from UU said the company has not yet received any personal injury claims as a result of the cryptosporidium contamination, but added that any claims made would be looked at on a case by case basis.