Harris v Mears - QBD 10 April 1997
Claimant: Gemma Harris, 1Incident: Road traffic accident
Injuries: Claimant seven-years-old when insurance underwriter father, who was bringing her up as a single parent, was killed in motorway accident. Father was 31 at the time of his death and had a promising career with a major insurance company. Claim against driver of vehicle in which claimant's father was travelling. Court told that had dead man, who was travelling in rear of vehicle, been wearing seat belt at time, he would probably have escaped injury.
Award: £100,000 agreed damages
Judge: Deputy judge Nigel Wilkinson QC
Plaintiff's counsel: Timothy Carlisle
Plaintiff's solicitor: Ratcliffe Duce & Gammer
Osborne v Oetegenn - CA 10 April 1997
Claimant: William Osborne, 76
Incident: Road traffic accident
Injuries: Claimant's wife of 50 years killed at age of 72. Judge Lauriston QC at Weymouth County Court on September 21 1995 awarded £21,000 damages, describing the Osbornes' marriage as a "traditional" one with William Osborne being the main bread winner, and his wife bearing responsibility for domestic chores. Insurers for defendant who had accepted liability argued award was substantially too high. Court of appeal found award "fair and reasonable", except for £1,248 awarded for extra money claimant said to have had to spend on pre-cooked food.
Award: £21,263 damages
Judges: Lord Justice Otton and Sir Christopher Slade
Apellant's counsel: Roderick Denyer QC
Apellant's solicitors: Cartwrights, Bristol
Respondent's counsel: Richard Mawhinney
Respondent's solicitors: Clarke Willmott & Clarke
Hill v Cullen - CAP 14 April 1997
Claimant: Karen Hill, 28
Incident: Road traffic accident
Injuries: Claimant was 22 when she suffered head injuries after motorcycle on which she was a pillion passenger crashed, leaving her wholly dependant on the care of others. Doctors see little hope of any significant improvement in her condition that could enable her to lead normal, independent life. She is currently looked after at home by professional carers at a cost of £65,000 a year. Agreed damages aimed to provide sufficient income to meet the cost of care for the rest of her life.
Award: £1,275,000 agreed damages
Judge: Mr Justice Potts
Appellants' counsel: Charles Welchman
Appellants' solicitors: Blandy & Blandy
