£3,000 awarded to taxi driver for thumb injury

In the Northampton County Court, a 56-year-old self-employed taxi driver was awarded £3,250 for a soft tissue injury to his thumb, which was caused by a road traffic accident.

At the age of 53, his taxi was involved in a collision, during which his left thumb was hyperextended when he caught it in the steering wheel while exiting his vehicle. Despite immediate pain and throbbing, there was no swelling or bruising. The injury caused him persistent discomfort, interfering with his daily activities, including his ability to play golf, carry shopping, and garden. It also affected his sleep.

The claimant visited his doctor several times, took painkillers, wore a thumb support, and attended six physiotherapy sessions. Eighteen weeks after the accident, a medical expert diagnosed a sprain with mild thickening of the ulna collateral ligament, as revealed by an MRI scan. The scan also showed some arthritic degeneration at the base of the thumb, which had been asymptomatic prior to the accident.

A hand surgeon reviewed the case eight months later, suggesting that the injury would likely resolve in about 20 months. However, the surgeon noted that similar problems might have occurred even without the accident, but they would have likely resolved within 12 months. Two years after the incident, at the time of trial, the claimant still experienced pain, stiffness, and required a thumb support, awaiting further treatment.

The injury was attributed to the defendant's failure to drive with due care and attention, directly causing the claimant's ongoing thumb issues.

Settlement and conclusion

The Judge agreed with the expert that the duration of the injury was 20 months, and he decided that the injury fell within the JC Guidelines Chapter 7(I)(y), severe dislocation of thumb. Although there was no actual dislocation, the injury was similar to a dislocation in its severity and the length of recovery time.

£3,250 was awarded for pain, suffering and loss of amenity.

See also:

Car accident injury compensation claim

Thumb injury compensation claims

Northampton personal injury solicitors

Disclaimer

Case studies are for informational purposes only and aim to help prospective claimants understand the injury claim process. They are based on cases handled by Quittance panel solicitors or sourced from public court records.

Author:
Gaynor Haliday, Legal researcher

About the author

Gaynor Haliday is an experienced legal researcher and published author. She has had numerous articles published in the press and is a legal industry commentator.