Odell v Olive – QBD 16 January 1997
Claimant: Joan Odell, 4Incident: Road traffic accident
Injuries: Widow's claim over death of motorcyclist husband who was involved in a head-on collision with car. Deceased, Bernard Odell, who was general manager of a shipping business, was conscious for some time after the accident prior to his death and was said to have suffered agony from internal injuries. The couple have a son and a daughter, aged five and six respectively
Award: £350,000 (agreed damages)
Judge: Mr Justice Newman
Plaintiff's counsel: Andrew Hogarth
Plaintiff's solicitors: Trowers & Hamlin
Langley v Dray – QBD 14 January 1997
Claimant: Craig Langley
Incident: Road traffic accident
Injuries: Former policeman sued young joyrider he had chased in fast pursuit vehicle. The police vehicle skidded on ice and hit a lamp post. Claimant suffered severe neck injuries and was forced to take early retirement from West Midlands police force. Claimant was described during the case as "the backbone of his service" and "a round peg in a round hole". After the accident he underwent extensive treatment by physiotherapy and electro-acupuncture but still suffers constant pain in his neck and takes pain-killers daily. He has had to give up hobbies of shooting and weight-lifting
Award: £285,000
Judge: Deputy Judge John Mitting QC
Plaintiff's counsel: Stephen Oliver-Jones QC
Plaintiff's solicitor: Russell Jones & Walker
