Collings v Nottingham Health Authority – QBD 20 October 1997
Claimant: Alexander Collings, 1Incident: Medical negligence
Injuries: Claimant suffered cerebral palsy as result of oxygen starvation at birth. Liability admitted by health authority. Despite disability, claimant is described as a bright boy who enjoys school. He will always need support but court told there is a 'realistic possibility' he will one day be able to establish himself in his own home and live independently. Life expectancy put at near normal.
Award: £1.4m, agreed damages
Judge: Mr Justice Butterfield
Plaintiff's counsel: Ruth Downing
Plaintiff's solicitors: Ashton Bond Gigg
Easton v Ferraro – QBD 15 October 1997
Claimant: Caroline Easton, 37
Incident: Road traffic accident
Injuries: Claimant, a former Metropolitan police inspector, suffered spinal injuries in car crash. Injuries rendered her incapable of running or playing games with her children. She attempted to continue with light duties in the police but pain finally forced her to abandon her career. Her back still gives her trouble.
Award: £130,000, agreed damages
Judge: Judge Graham Jones
Plaintiff's counsel: Brian Gallagher
Plaintiff's solicitors: Russell Jones & Walker
Shed v Betticare – QBD 14 October 1997
Claimant: Anne Shed, 55
Incident: Road traffic accident
Injuries: Claimant, a mother of two, sustained fractured skull after car in which she was passenger collided with another in July 1991. Liability admitted but case initially contested on quantum. Consideration being given to part of damages being paid into structured investment fund.
Award: £350,000, agreed damages
Judge: Mr Justice Alliott
Plaintiff's counsel: Stephen Miller QC, Sarah Lambert
Plaintiff's solicitors: Batchelors, Bromley
