Piper v Milton Keynes Health Authority – QBD 22 January 199Claimant: Sydney Piper, 43, widower of Claire Piper, suing on behalf of himself and seven-year-old daughter and four-year-old son

Incident: Alleged medical negligence

Injury: Mrs Piper, 31 at time of death, referred by GP to general surgeon after she complained of stomach pains; 1986 report showing borderline malignancy not sent to her GP; at beginning of 1990 she was found to have extensive ovarian cancer which had spread to other organs in stomach and colon and which it was claimed could have been prevented by hysterectomy; she died in February 1990

Award: £39,000 (agreed damages)

Judge: Mr Justice May

Plaintiff's solicitors: Osborne Morris & Morgan (Leighton Buzzard)

Smith v Duffield – QBD 22 January 199Claimant: Richard Smith, 3Accident: Claimant mechanic knocked down as he repaired vehicle on hard shoulder of MInjury: Claimant almost cut in two; was in intensive care for just over two months; underwent 14 operations; sustained massive injuries to lower back and pelvis; unable to sit, stand or lie down comfortably; only able to walk short distances

Award: £550,000 (agreed damages)

Judge: Mr Justice May

Plaintiff's solicitors: Collins & Co

Wise v Ballast Nedam Construction – QBD 22 January 199Claimant: Carol Wise, 40, widow of Peter Wise, suing on behalf of herself and their 16 and 14-year-old sons

Incident: Peter Wise electrocuted after contact with 11,000 volt cable while cutting down tree branches

Injury: Fatal

Award: £105,000 (agreed damages)

Judge: Mr Justice May

Plaintiff's solicitors: Robin Thompson & Partners

Brunt v Brunt – QBD 29 January 199Claimant: Daniel Brunt, 2Incident: Car passenger critically injured after vehicle collided head on with tree

Injuries: Claimant, a qualified electronics engineer, suffered severe head injuries; multiple fractures to his jaw and has been left incapable of managing his own affairs; now lives in sheltered accommodation

Award: £1.1 million (agreed damages); case adjourned for consideration of structuring

Judge: Mr Justice French

Plaintiff's solicitors: Field Fisher Waterhouse