£5,400 compensation for whiplash caused by husband

Compensation of £5,400 was awarded to a 40 year-old woman at Chichester County Court for injuries including whiplash and lacerations.

The injuries were sustained in a road traffic accident three years earlier when a member of her family collided with another vehicle on the road.

Injury details

The claimant, a passenger in her husband’s car, was injured in a collision during a family trip. She suffered whiplash to her neck, shoulders, and back, and a gardening fork in the car caused a laceration on her shin. Though she initially self-treated the wound, it became infected, requiring hospital treatment and antibiotics. Her leg injury healed after six weeks, but pain in her neck and back persisted, affecting her ability to care for her four children.

While the whiplash resolved after 12 months, the scar on her shin remained visible and occasionally caused discomfort. A dermatologist diagnosed the scar as minor but permanently tender.

Allegation

It was alleged that the defendant had been negligent insofar as they failed to drive their car safely, causing a collision.

As a result the claimant suffered whiplash injuries to the neck, back and shoulder as well as laceration and grazes to her shin.

The claimant was unable to enjoy her holiday fully. On return she was unable to look after her four young children as before.

The whiplash injuries healed completely within 12 months.

The laceration left a noticeable scar that would be permanent.

See also:

Personal Injury Solicitors in Chichester

Conclusion and settlement

Liability was not admitted and the matter progressed to a Court hearing.

The Judge concluded that the claimant's husband was responsible for the accident.

Compensation of £5,400 was accepted by way of a Court award.

£2,700 of the damages was attributed to the injuries to the claimant's neck, back and shoulders.

For the laceration to the claimant's leg and scar she received an award of £2,700.

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.