Merriam v Paris Construction and Peter Howlett – QBD 10 October 199Claimant: Mark Merriam, 3Accident: Plaintiff, 28 at time of accident, injured in 1987 road crash
Injuries: Serious head injury consisting of depressed fracture of frontal bones of skull causing intercerebral haemorrhages – marked persisting neurological deficit including severe memory disturbance. Plaintiff has had to give up job as self-employed chimney sweep and now needs high degree of supervision although he can carry out some tasks for himself.
Award: Agreed damages of £375,000
Judge: Mrs Justice Smith
Plaintiff's solicitors: Cowan & Wood, Dorking
Defendant's solicitors: Bunker & Co, Hove
Charalambides v Gilbert and Thames Valley – QBD 9 October 199Claimant: Antonious Charalambides, 19, suing through father, Andreas
Accident: Failure of hospital authorities to diagnose tumour
Injuries: Plaintiff, who was keen on sport, suffered severe pain in legs followed by severe headache in 1985 which was diagnosed as viral infection. Symptoms disappeared but recurred in September 1985 and December 1986 – at one stage he was treated for constipation and investigations were carried out for appendicitis – however it is claimed that if proper diagnosis had been carried out it would have been recognised he was suffering from spinal tumour known as astrocytona. Because of delay in treatment he needs a stick to walk for some of the time, is unable to walk more than 600 yards, sometimes needs crutches or a wheelchair and is unlikely to walk properly again.
Award: Agreed damages of £188,8Judge: Judge Fawcus
Plaintiff's solicitors: Boyes Turner & Burrows
Defendant's solicitors: Le Brasseur Tickle/Berrymans
Datu v Redbridge Health Authority – QBD 9 October 199Claimant: Rommel Datu
Accident: Medical negligence by health authority
Injuries: Plaintiff admitted to King George Hospital, Ilford, suffering from pressure deafness in right ear. As a result of negligent treatment he suffered bilateral inner ear deafness and suffers from tinnitus. He is now unable to continue with his work as a male nurse.
Award: Agreed damages of £270,000
Judge: Mr Justice May
Plaintiff's solicitors : Kennards
Defendant's solicitors: Beachcroft Stanleys