Cases from LAWTEL's PI Quantum Database. Contact Deborah Talbot on 0171 970 4823.

A Sevenoaks cyclist, who was seriously injured when he fell off his bike at a railway crossing, has launched High Court action against Railtrack. Clive Cooper, 52, claims his accident was caused by negligence and breach of duty on the part of the company. In August 1997, Cooper was cycling over the Teston railway crossing when his front wheel became stuck in a gap between concrete slabs. He lost control of his bicycle, was catapulted over the handlebars, and landed headfirst. He suffered abrasions and injuries to his head, left shoulder, collarbone, ribs, and a personality change. It is alleged he is likely to have to retire early from his job as a senior analyst and programmer because of the injuries he suffered. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation treatment at a hospital.

Claim issued by Vandamm Walters & Co, London EC

Michael and Margery Gregory of Rye, Sussex, who claim they have lost around £350,000 worth of furniture and personal items following the appointment of administrative receivers over Mermaid Hotel (Rye), are now suing the receivers, Alan Lewis and Martin Fishman of London, claiming they have wrongfully sold their possessions. Their claim seeks return of the furniture and possessions as well as damages. Items said to have been sold include furniture, clocks, paintings, swords, silverware, and bedheads.

Claim issued by Ryder & Co, Tunbridge Wells

A Welwyn Garden City man who was badly hurt during a snow-boarding holiday in France two years ago is taking a holiday company to the High Court. Nicholas Rayner is suing Oxfordshire-based Chalet Snowboard for damages in respect of the injuries he received at Les Deux Alpes in France in June 1997.

Claim issued by Morgan Jones & Pett, Great Yarmouth

Triax Engineering is suing Huffey Construction of East Mitcham for £55,229.66 allegedly due on invoices for goods sold and delivered. The money is said to be owing in respect of ventilator assemblies supplied. Triax claims that it has received payments totalling £129,695.73 and no complaint has been received about the ventilators. It was also given a cheque for the amount claimed, but says this was dishonoured.

Claim issued by Pictons, St Albans

Ove Arup & Partners of London is suing Whitefriars City Estates of London for £215,639.91 for services said to have been provided by them to Whitefriars. The claim says Whitefriars was invoiced for the services in March and April this year but failed to make payment.

Claim issued by Bracher Rawlins of London EC

Fairfax Gerrard Traders of Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, is suing Thrustbore Contractors of Nuneaton, Warwickshire. The claim is for £16,737.50 plus interest for goods allegedly sold and delivered and services provided by Directional Drilling Supplies. The debt was assigned to Fairfax Gerrard.

Claim issued by Paul Davidson Taylor of Horsham, West Sussex