Havenhad v Jeffrey – Court of Appeal, 24 February 1997
Claimant: Annie Havenhad, 86
Incident: Road traffic accident
Injuries: Claimant suffered spinal injuries when she was knocked down by a taxi as she crossed Furnival Street, Sheffield, on 30 January 1995. The claimant is now capable of walking only a few steps in her own home with the aid of a Zimmer frame. She is effectively wheelchair-bound
Award: Reduced on appeal from £292,250 to £217,50Plaintiff's counsel: Charles Douthwaite
Plaintiff's solicitor: Irwin Mitchell, Sheffield
Jones v Lockery – QBD, 25 February 1997
Claimant: Valmai Jones, 56
Incident: Road traffic accident
Injuries: Claimant developed a rare and crippling neurological condition known as Arnold Chiari Malformation affecting her spine after a road accident in which her car collided with another in Haversham High Street. She suffered post-traumatic paralysis and now has difficulty walking. Claimed that whiplash injuries triggered the onset of the condition. Contended for the defendant that the symptoms could have come on at any time and were unconnected with the accident
Award: £390,000 (agreed)
Plaintiff's counsel: Raymond Croxon QC
Plaintiff's solicitor: Shoosmiths & Harrison, Reading
Gardiner v Europlas and anor – QBD, 14 February 1997
Claimant: Peter Gardiner, 3Incident: Fall at work
Injuries: The claimant, a fitter, fell from scaffolding and broke his back. Held that employers, a glazing firm and scaffolding company, were guilty of negligence. At the time of the accident the claimant was re-pointing the gables of a house and fell 15ft. His back was broken and he also sustained skull fractures. Judge said his employers had allowed "dangerous set of practices to develop" before the accident and the scaffolding company had failed to provide safe means of access for the job
Award: To be assessed
Judge: Mr Justice Sedley
Plaintiff's counsel: Graham Hamilton QC and A Slatter
Plaintiff's solicitors: Matthew Arnold Baldwins, Watford
