Personal injury awards

Taylor v Sutton and Wandsworth Health Authority - QBD 12 May 1997

Claimant: Samuel Taylor, nine years

Incident: Medical negligence

Injuries: Claimant admitted to hospital after he stopped breathing at age of 11 weeks as result of acute bronchiolitis. Resuscitation was too late to save him from brain damage. Although his intellectual abilities are "relatively well preserved" he will be confined to a wheelchair for life. Claim brought on basis that nursing staff failed to monitor claimant's condition even though it was agreed he had been resuscitated promptly and had thereafter received excellent treatment.

Award: £650,000 agreed damages

Judge: Mr Justice Curtis

Counsel for plaintiff: Laura Cox QC

Solicitors for plaintiff: Charles Russell



Turner-Smith v Barking Havering and Brentwood Health Authority - QBD 12 May 1997

Claimant: Bradley Turner-Smith, six years

Incident: Medical negligence

Injuries: Claimant suffered from rare disorder leading to acute dehydration. Hospital staff took action to rehydrate him four days after his birth, but the blood supply to his right leg had been severely compromised and gangrene later set in. Foot had to be amputated, but it was contended that earlier rehydration could have saved the foot. Health authority claimed the damage had already been done before hospital staff could reasonably have been expected to spot signs of trouble.

Award: £37,389 agreed damages

Judge: Judge Andrew Geddes

Counsel for plaintiff: Iain Goldrein QC

Solicitors for Plaintiff: Kaltons



Morris v Mitchell - QBD 12 May 1997

Claimant: Yvonne Morris, 3Incident: Road traffic accident

Injuries: Claim by widow of motor mechanic and part-time firefighter Keith Morris, 36, who was killed as he crossed the road. Widow, left to bring up three daughters aged two, nine and 11, at time of the accident. Of the agreed damages £45,000 to be held in trust for the children.

Award: £150,000 agreed damages

Judge: Viscount Colville of Culross QC

Counsel for plaintiff: Andrew Baillie

Solicitors for Plaintiff: Thompsons, Middlesex