Marc Willems KC leading Oliver Celensu recently secured a lump sum settlement of £6.455 million in a case where the Claimant sustained catastrophic injuries to his leg in a road traffic accident. The Claimant’s significant orthopaedic injuries resulted in him requiring the use of a wheelchair for the remainder of his life. He will require 24 hour care, single storey accommodation and a range of treatments and therapies.
The Defendant admitted primary liability but alleged, without foundation, contributory negligence.
The Claimant’s rehabilitation was slow and interrupted as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic and health issues with the case presenting a series of challenges throughout.
By adopting a collaborative approach with the Defendant, the Claimant was able to settle the claim at only the second way forward meeting avoiding a further 18-24 months of litigation. However, the settlement was reached at the way forward meeting which took place the day before a very substantial Interim Payment application was listed in the High Court. By being prepared to disclose all the available medical and quantum evidence available for the purposes of seeking the large Interim Payment the Claimant allowed the Defendant to see the weight of evidence in the Claimant’s favour which contributed to the parties being able to settle.
The settlement will allow the Claimant to purchase suitable accommodation and the aids and equipment as recommended by the expert witnesses. Marc and Oliver were instructed by Mike Molloy, Firdous Patel and Emily Boothman of Horwich Cohen Coghlan solicitors.
