£2.86m for Woman in RTA Brain Injury Claim
Claire Glasgow and Mona Gholami successfully settled a claim on behalf a woman who sustained a severe brain injury after being struck from behind by a speeding vehicle.
Megan*, who was in her late 60s at the time of the collision, suffered catastrophic and life-threatening injuries. She was rushed to hospital and received emergency treatment for multiple skull fractures and bleeding on the brain.
The impact caused a traumatic brain injury, resulting in paralysis on her right side and significant difficulties with speech, memory, and cognition. She also experienced visual disturbances and nerve damage, which added further complexity to her recovery and long-term prognosis.
To relieve pressure on her brain, Megan underwent emergency neurosurgery and was placed in a medically induced coma. She spent four months at Wellington Hospital receiving intensive rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, neuropsychology, and speech and language therapy.
Described by her family being very clever and extremely determined, Megan is a keen gardener and loves being a grandmother. Prior to the collision she had obtained a degree part-time while still working.
Experts said Megan's recover was "remarkable" but sadly she still lives with lasting impairments that affect her independence and quality of life. She suffers fatigue, memory loss, impaired executive function, and speech difficulties. She has permanently lost her sense of smell and remains at risk of developing epilepsy. Her life expectancy has been reduced, and she lacks capacity to manage her affairs.
Although she remains productive and driven, she tires easily and is unable to care actively for her grandchildren as she did previously.
Claire and Mona were instructed in a claim and liability was never disputed. The driver was successfully prosecuted and his insurer accepted responsibility.
Proceedings were issued and swiftly acknowledged by the insurer. The case was allocated to the multi-track and scheduled for a Costs and Case Management Conference (CCMC), which was later vacated following a Joint Settlement Meeting (JSM).
Extensive expert evidence was exchanged, covering neurology, neuropsychology, neuropsychiatry, ophthalmology, speech and language therapy, care, and life expectancy. Both parties agreed on the severity of the injuries but differed significantly on future care and therapy needs.
Negotiations at the JSM were robust. After several rounds of offers, the parties agreed to a final settlement of £2.86 million. The damages will enable Megan to access the care, therapies, and support she needs for the rest of her life.
Megan's daughter-in-law was also injured in the same incident and suffered orthopaedic and psychiatric injuries. Claire and Mona successfully settled a separate claim on her behalf.
Megan's litigation friend said: "Thank you very much for all your help and work on this. We couldn’t have imagined that recovery would have come as far as it has. Not to mention the support that can now be helped with for the future."
*name changed
Contact us
For further information about road traffic accident claims and personal injury claims, please call Claire Glasgow on 0330 460 6747 or email claire.glasgow@fieldfisher.com or please call Mona Gholami on 0330 460 6752 or email mona.gholami@fieldfisher.com.
Alternatively
- You can speak to our personal injury lawyers on freephone 0800 358 3848
- e-Mail them at personalinjury@fieldfisher.com
- Complete the short online enquiry form
All enquiries are completely free of charge and we will investigate all funding options for you including no win, no fee.
