Hensman v Goodsall – QBD 21 January 1997

Claimant: Michael Stuart Hensman, 2Incident: Road traffic accident

Injuries: Claimant involved in accident with defendant's car while riding his motorcycle. Suffered fractured pelvis and severe leg injuries necessitating amputation of right leg below knee. He was 22 at the time of the accident and worked as a produce supervisor for Safeway in New Ash Green, Kent. Provisional damages sought on assumption no more amputation will be necessary of right leg above knee. Claimant could face possibility of knee replacements at later stage. Liability admitted

Award: £197,934

Judge: Mr Justice Collins

Plaintiff's counsel: Peter Dedman

Plaintiff's solicitor: Wiseman Lee, East Ham

Murin v Kurtulus – QBD 21 January 1997

Claimant: Jacqueline Murin, 33

Incident: Road traffic accident

Injuries: Claimant was a passenger in van driven by defendant along Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1. Vehicle veered for no apparent reason, mounted pavement and crashed into wall. Claimant suffered severe head injuries, fracture of left leg, right ankle displacement, fractured nose and deep laceration of the lower lip. Her mental functions have been impaired to extent she will require continuing care and support. She will remain unable either to manage her financial affairs or obtain gainful employment

Award: £375,000

Judge: Mr Justice Buckley

Plaintiff's counsel: Alan Gore

Plaintiff's solicitor: Hodge Jones & Allen (on behalf of the Official Solicitor)

Burt v Hilliard – QBD 21 January 1997

Claimant: Arthur Burt, 6Incident: Road traffic accident

Injuries: Claimant was standing between two vehicles as one was being manoeuvred so that jump leads could be used. The vehicle being manoeuvred suddenly moved forwards trapping claimant's right leg between the bumpers of the two vehicles. Right leg had to be amputated above the knee as a result. Prior to accident claimant had been an active man whose hobbies were dancing, cricket and DIY

Award: £125,000 (agreed damages)

Judge: Judge John Griffith-Williams QC

Plaintiff's counsel: Leo Curran

Plaintiff's solicitor: Curwens