Judge allows tick bite claim to proceed

A Court of Session judge has ruled that a forestry worker can proceed with his damages claim against the Forestry Commission, reports the Scotsman.

Iain MacEchern is claiming £80,000 in damages after a tick bite left him seriously ill with lyme disease. The 57-year old had to spend a number of months in hospital, and still has problems with his balance and grip.

He is claiming that his employer did not carry out a sufficient risk assessment of the dangers posed by tick bites, and did not do enough to protect him from ticks and other parasites.

The Forestry Commission has denied negligence.