Facts
Workers contracted lung disease from dust. They did not know of the damage until after the had passed.
Issue
Does time run before the claimant knows of the damage?
Held
The claims were time-barred.
Principle
Under the old law, time ran from when the damage occurred, even if the claimant could not know of it.
Why it matters
Led to statutory reform in England. Shows the harsh effect of a strict limitation rule.
Cited in these chapters
Cite this page
Cartledge v E Jopling & Sons Ltd [1963] AC 758 (Lanbuk) <https://www.lanbuk.com/llb/torts/cases/cartledge-v-jopling> 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.