PI Brief Update

RB v Radford - Helen Reynolds, Spencers Solicitors

20/05/19. Road traffic accident: laceration to forehead, whiplash, minor head injury, post-concussion syndrome. Settlement: 7th August 2018.

On 14th June 2016 the Claimant (aged 30 at the time of the accident) was a front seat passenger in a Fiat 500 traveling around 20mph. A Seat Leon collided with the rear of the claimant’s vehicle, causing the vehicle to spin around. The claimant hit the left side of her forehead against the door, causing a deep laceration which was bleeding. In addition, she was also aware of severe neck and back pain. The emergency services attended the scene and had to cut the roof off the car in order to be lifted out by paramedics. She was placed on a spinal board and immobilised in a collar and was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department at Scunthorpe General Hospital. The Claimant was dazed and disorientated and drifted in and out of consciousness.

The Claimant underwent a CT scan of her head and neck and was kept under neurological observation for 2 days due to concerns regarding the head injury. The Claimant suffered with headache, dizziness and poor short-term memory and confusion. A further CT scan showed a small amount of blood on the brain however, no further treatment was required.

Liability was admitted by the Defendant.

Quantum

The Claimant was transferred to Hull where the laceration to her forehead was sutured under local anaesthetic.

She suffered with severe headaches and had little memory of the first 2 – 3 days after the accident. Following the repair of the laceration she was left with altered sensation and numbness on the left side of her forehead. She also suffered with intermittent problems with the vision in her left eye and was referred for Ophthalmological opinion.

The Claimant continued to suffer symptoms of post-concussion syndrome including headache, dizziness, short term memory problems, anxiety and fatigue. She remained under the care of her GP and was referred for physiotherapy treatment for her ongoing neck pain.

The Claimant took 3 weeks off work and was unable to attend the gym for 3 months. She also suffered with some intermittent flashbacks and nightmares which affected her sleep.

The symptoms of post-concussion syndrome, as a result of the minor head injury, were expected to resolve within approximately 12 months.

The Claimant was left with a scar to her forehead, 5cm in length. She wore a fringe and makeup to camouflage the scar but remained socially embarrassed. The altered sensation to her forehead was expected to settle within 18 months post-accident and the appearance of the scar was expected to improve, with conservative scar management, though would remain permanent.

The neck pain improved with physiotherapy treatment and was expected to resolve by approximately 12 months post-accident.

The claim was settled on 7th August 2018 by way of acceptance of the Defendants Part 36 offer in the sum of £20,000; PSLA £19,235.00 and Treatment costs £765.00

Helen Reynolds of Spencers Solicitors represented the claimant.

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