Carter v Bath District Health Authority – QBD 6 November, 1997
Claimant: Kylie Carter, Incident: Medical negligence
Injuries: Claimant suffered oxygen starvation during birth at Royal United Hospital, Bath in September 1988 and was rendered quadriplegic. She is now wholly dependent on others and her injuries are regarded as being of "the severest sort". She suffers abnormal muscle tone and dystonic spasms affect her whole body. She is also speechless. Despite this she is said to have cognitive abilities which may enable her to make progress at school. Currently said to be functioning at about half her normal age level
Award: £1,326,000 (agreed damages)
Judge: Mr Justice Ian Kennedy
Plaintiff's counsel: Charles Lewis
Plaintiff's solicitor: Awdry Bailey & Douglas
Howard v Chatland – QBD 14 November 1997
Claimant: Margaret Howard, 4Incident: Road traffic accident
Injuries: Claimant, a former head teacher, received severe whiplash injuries when her vehicle was hit from behind. As a result of the accident she has suffered loss of movement in her neck and lower back. Despite attempts to return to work she has been forced to take medical retirement
Award: £300,000 (agreed damages)
Judge: Mr Justice Cresswell
Plaintiff's counsel: Bruce Brodie
Plaintiff's solicitor: Attwater & Liell
Evans v Fox & anor – QBD 21 November 1997
Claimant: David Evans, 2Incident: Road traffic accident
Injuries: Claimant, a bricklayer at time of accident. While riding pillion on his brother's motorcycle he suffered head injuries. As a result his intellect and memory have been so badly affected it is unlikely he will ever be able to return to work again. His brother was killed in the accident. Court told that claimant's wife, a legal secretary, has devoted herself to her husband's care.
Award: £525,000 (agreed damages)
Judge: Mr Justice Wright
Plaintiff's counsel: Peter Andrews QC
Plaintiff's solicitor: Whitehead Monckton
