The courts are often called upon to sanction treatment for patients whose ability to make...
A young woman who was catastrophically injured when she was hit by a car on a pelican crossing has achieved a multi-million-pound settlement of her claim against the driver's insurers.
The woman was aged 15 at the time of the accident, which left her in a deep coma for a lengthy period. Her severe brain injuries left her only able to communicate with her eyes and reliant on a feeding tube for nutrition. Her complex needs mean that she will always require 24-hour care.
She sued the motorist's insurance company, which, following negotiations, agreed to a settlement of her case on the basis of 90 per cent liability. As well as a £4.35 million lump sum, she will receive index-linked and tax-free payments of £215,000 a year to cover the costs of her care.
In approving the settlement at the High Court, a judge said, "It is a delight to see that, despite the catastrophe she suffered, she has been able to recover to the point of drawing clear enjoyment from the society of family, carers and supporters and also the activities which she has some limited ability to participate in." He added that the extent of her recovery was a testament to the care and support lavished on her by family, friends and carers, which was 'in the finest tradition of how family – close and wider – look after their own'.