The years by which a person’s life expectancy is reduced following injury caused by another person. During his lifetime the claimant is able to recover as a separate head of damages for the loss of earnings during the ‘lost years’ (Pickett v. British Rail Engineering Ltd (1980) A.C. 136). However, the legal representatives of a deceased person can no longer recover damages under this head for the estate (Adminstration of Justice Act 1982).