Seemingly trivial accident causes catastrophic, life-changing injuries and results in multi-million-pound settlement

August 24, 2021

A seemingly trivial accident caused a 10-year-old boy to suffer catastrophic, life changing injuries and led to a multi-million-pound settlement.

Bill Braithwaite QC and Chris Barnes from Exchange Chambers acted for the claimant who was the passenger in a car when it was hit from behind at very low speed. The seemingly minor accident left him with intractable and utterly disabling epilepsy.

The case was hard fought throughout with a trial required to establish liability against the defendant.

With the resulting quantum trial imminent, settlement was eventually reached at around £8 million.  As a result, the claimant can now receive the care and support required to regain the best quality of life possible.

“There are two main points to take from this case,” said Bill Braithwaite QC.

“The first is that seemingly trivial accidents can cause catastrophic, life- changing injuries.

“The second, which is just as important, is that claimant lawyers should always have the confidence to run their case to trial when it is in the best interests of their client.  This case settled – but the other side knew that we were fully prepared to go to trial.”