£900,000 damages awarded after a motorcycle accident

£900,000 awarded to motorcycle rider seriously injured in road accident.

Solicitors secured compensation of £900,000 for a 60 year old man who suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident.

Injury Details

The claimant, who was aged 55 at the time, was involved in a serious road traffic accident as a result of which he suffered personal injuries. The claimant was at the time riding a motorcycle which was hit by another vehicle.

The claimant suffered serious injuries of a cosmetic nature but also fractures to a number of limbs including both wrists, his cervical spine, his knee and four ribs and suffered significant internal injuries.

The seriousness of the injuries was demonstrated by the 4 month stay in hospital during the course of which the claimant had four major operations.

The accident left the claimant with permanent disabilities of a physical and mental nature leaving the claimant with depression, post traumatic stress disorder, mobility problems, incontinence and loss of sexual function.

Liability

Fault for the accident was not disputed by the defendant.

Effect on Lifestyle

The permanent disability had a significant effect on the claimant's employment and leisure activities. Prior to the accident the claimant had been engaged as a flying instructor. He was unfortunately unable to return to that occupation following the accident. His commercial pilot's licence was withdrawn following a medical although he was able to pass the medical for his private pilot's licence.

The claimant had prior to the accident worked in his own business which was a flying school but this business was lost as a result of the accident.

Flying for the claimant was not just a work activity but a social activity as well which was much restricted.

Settlement

The claimant instructed solicitors to act on his behalf. As liability was not disputed there was no need to issue Court proceedings.

In an agreed out of court settlement the claimant received £110,000 for his pain suffering and loss of amenity. The remainder of his agreed damages were made up from past financial losses and future loss of earnings. This resulted in a total award of £900,000.