Thomson v Lewisham and North Southwark Health Authority – QBD, 3 March 1997

Claimant: Alex Thomson, 8 (suing through mother)

Incident: Medical negligence

Injuries: Oxygen starvation at birth resulting in cerebral palsy and claimant suffering spasticity in all four limbs. Physical, cognitive, visual, language abilities seriously impaired Claimant suffers from fits, is unlikely ever to be able to work and will require continual care

Award: £1.25m (agreed)

Judge: Mr Justice Hooper

Plaintiff's counsel: John Grace QC and J Watson

Plaintiff's solicitor: Bindman & Partners

Wieland v Haigh & ors – QBD, 3 March 1997

Claimant: Michael Wieland, 32

Incident: Road traffic accident

Injuries: Head injury. Claimant transferred to hospital shortly after accident and suffered epileptic seizures during transfer. Plaintiff then became unconscious and was later unable to speak or open eyes for a period. Fragments of bone were discovered embedded in his brain and there was substantial damage to the right front lobe. Further epileptic seizures followed. Claimant made reasonable physical recovery but has suffered lasting loss of sense of smell. He also suffers from epileptic seizures and has memory, learning and cognitive impairment. Considerable diminution of value on labour market

Award: £270,000 (agreed)

Judge: Mr Justice Gage

Plaintiff's counsel: John

Gimlette

Plaintiff's solicitor: Downs, Dorking

Wright v Maceachen – QBD, 28 February 1997

Claimant: Susan Anne Wright, 41

Incident: Road traffic accident

Injuries: Claimant, a mother of four, was the front seat passenger in car driven by her husband. The vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a motorcycle driven by defendant (deceased). Claimant seeking damages for whiplash injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Damages awarded on the basis of minor back injury lasting in total around six months and psychological disorder lasting about 30 months. General damages assessed at £8,000

Award: £8,246

Judge: Mr Justice May

Plaintiff's counsel: Richard Davidson

Plaintiff's solicitor: Roger Brooker & Co, Chelmsford