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