Facts
Gas fitters installing central heating set the claimant's house on fire. She came home and watched it burn.
Issue
Can shock from seeing one's property destroyed be recoverable?
Held
Yes; it was capable of being recoverable.
Principle
Psychiatric harm caused by witnessing damage to property may be actionable.
Why it matters
Extends beyond injury to people.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Attia v British Gas plc [1988] QB 304 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/attia-v-british-gas> accessed 31 October 2026
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This summary is a Lanbuk study aid based on the generally known facts and reports of the case. It is not legal advice.