Huw Thomas, Associate Director at Harris Fowler, successfully secured almost £1.1 million in compensation for a Claimant who sustained a serious head injury following a bicycle accident.
Failure to Diagnose Head Injury in A&E
The claim centred on whether appropriate medical treatment had been provided when the Claimant attended a local Accident & Emergency department. Unfortunately, the true nature and severity of the head injury were not identified at the time, leading to a significant deterioration in the Claimant’s condition and ultimately resulting in long-term disability.
Although negligence was admitted by the Hospital Trust, there was minimal agreement regarding the extent of harm caused. As a result, the case was strongly contested.
Complex Medical Evidence Across Multiple Specialisms
A wide range of expert evidence was required to establish the full impact of the injury. Specialists in neurosurgery, neurology, neuropsychology and neuro-ophthalmology were instructed, alongside experts assessing:
- Past and future care needs
- Rehabilitation requirements
- Accommodation needs
- Visual rehabilitation
This detailed evidence was critical in building a clear picture of the Claimant’s ongoing challenges and future requirements.
High-Value Claim Settled Before High Court Trial
The claim progressed to an advanced stage and was close to being listed for Trial in the High Court. However, both parties agreed to attend a Joint Settlement Meeting beforehand, despite significant disagreements between expert witnesses.
Given the strength and reputation of the experts involved on both sides, the outcome at Trial was uncertain.
From £275,000 to Nearly £1.1 Million
The Defendant initially offered £275,000 and showed little willingness to increase this figure. However, through skilled negotiation at the Joint Settlement Meeting, Huw Thomas secured a substantially improved settlement of almost £1.1 million for the claimant.
Factors Affecting the Final Settlement
While the compensation awarded was significant, it was influenced by the Claimant’s limited pre-accident employment history. This created uncertainty around future earning capacity, even without the injury, which ultimately impacted the valuation of the claim.
Specialist Support for Serious Injury Claims
This case highlights the importance of expert legal representation in complex medical negligence claims. At Harris Fowler, our team is experienced in handling high-value, contested cases and securing the compensation clients need to support their long-term recovery.
If you think you have a case and need friendly, specialist advice, call us now on 0800 213 214 for a free no obligation discussion.
