£87,400 awarded after claimant thrown from speedboat

Public liability compensation of £87,400 was awarded to a 15-year-old boy for serious laceration injuries from a propeller arising from a boat accident six years earlier.

Injury details

The claimant, a young boy, was a passenger in a speedboat that hit a sandbank, causing him to be thrown from the boat and into the propeller. He sustained severe lacerations to his left buttock, with deep cuts spreading across the width of the area, along with multiple smaller lacerations to his pelvis and lower abdomen.

He was taken to the hospital where he underwent treatment under general anaesthetic. Over four weeks, he required 11 procedures, including a skin graft to his buttock. He was discharged two months later and continued treatment with endoanal ultrasound scans and electromyography to assess muscle recovery.

The boy made a good physical recovery but was left with significant permanent scarring on his buttock, perineum, thigh, and groin. He required a permanent colostomy to avoid incontinence and faced an increased risk of hernia. Future surgery might reduce his need for the colostomy.

Psychologically, the boy was affected, with increased risks of shyness, introversion, and learning difficulties. He received counselling as part of his treatment.

Allegation

It was alleged that the speedboat owner was negligent in failing to operate the vessel safely, leading to the claimant’s injury. The speedboat struck a sandbank, an incident that could have been avoided with reasonable care and skill.

As a result, the claimant was thrown from the boat and suffered severe injuries from the propeller. The injuries were permanent and significant, with future surgery likely needed to address ongoing issues.

See also:

Personal Injury Solicitors in Chelmsford

Conclusion and settlement

Liability was admitted and the matter proceeded to Chelmsford County Court infant approval hearing.

Compensation of £87,400 was accepted by way of a Court award.

£60,000 of the damages was attributed to "pin, suffering and loss of amenity."

The remaining £17,400 was awarded for future surgery costs.

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.