Road traffic accidents often have very serious consequences for those involved and when a negligent driver causes devastating, life changing brain injuries, the repercussions are felt throughout the victim’s family emotionally, and financially.
Andrew Chin, father of two and a former managing director of a stainless steel firm, faces a lifetime of care and painful rehabilitation after his stationary car was ploughed into by another motorist who was later convicted of driving without due care and attention.
39 year old Mr Chin sustained horrific injuries as he was thrown forward by the force of the impact and smashed his head on the steering wheel of his vehicle. He spent two weeks in intensive care on a life support machine and is now enduring neuropsychological treatment and physiotherapy nearly every day.
£3.6million award to cover costs of ongoing care and loss of income
A compensation award equating to £3.6million was made by a Liverpool Crown Court judge. The money will be used to fund Mr Chin’s ongoing care needs and cover his loss of income, which would have impacted on his entire family. His lawyers stated that he will never be able to live independently or return to work.
Mr Chin’s 32year old wife said: “It has been an incredibly hard few years for our family, and I don’t think anyone can imagine how devastating a brain injury can be, it’s turned our lives upside down as its robbed Andrew of his independence.”
£500,000 sought by passenger disabled in head-on collision
A claim for £500,000 is being made against another motorist, Rhodie Povey of Stansfield, who killed one woman and left her sister with severe brain damage.
Povey was jailed for three years for causing death by dangerous driving. He had been driving at up to 77mph when he collided head on with Jane Gatt. 44 year old Jane died of multiple injuries two days after the accident and her 57 year old sister Mrs Smith, a passenger in her vehicle, sustained severe injuries leading to physical disability, an unsteady gait and sight problems.
Mrs Smith’s lawyers have issued a High Court writ seeking a provisional award of £500,000 with the option to return to court in the future to seek a further payment should her condition deteriorate leading to epilepsy. Mrs Smith is no longer able to live independently, is unable to manage her own financial affairs, and is dependent on care. The insurance company of the driver who caused the crash has admitted liability.
The future depends on an adequate compensation award
In extremely serious cases such as these where future rehabilitation and quality care, and the financial needs of an entire family, rest upon an adequate compensation award being made, it is vital to engage the services of highly specialist serious injury lawyers who have specific experience in bringing claims in the High Court.
Serious injury specialists form part of the accident claims team at Stephensons. We have been successful in achieving extremely high level payouts for many clients including awards comprising index-linked annual payments to meet rising care and treatment costs, and loss of income. To speak directly to one of our experts in complete confidence, call 01616 966 229.
By personal injury solicitor and Stephensons’ Partner, Kate Sweeney
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