Pannone's Solicitors Won Me a Better Future

When Robert was just 10 years old he was knocked down by a car and suffered significant injuries that made it difficult for him to walk and use his right arm.

Now, like most 15 year olds he enjoys swimming, attending his local youth club and playing computer games. But because of his accident and unlike most other teenagers Robert has had to overcome many obstacles just to be able to do the things he likes.

Pannone was able to help make Robert's life a little easier by winning a claim against the Motor Insurer's Bureau in only 2 years .

The settlement won for Robert has made things easier and helped him and his family try to rebuild their lives. They have now been able to purchase a specially adapted house and Pannone's support team have also helped providing access to specialist carers, and educational help and support.

Most importantly of all though Robert, like other teenagers, can now take part in the activities and hobbies he enjoys. He goes out for trike rides with his carer and has recently gained his 10 metre swimming badge.

Together the family are now looking forward to the future and the opportunities it will bring.

If you need help to secure your future following an accident or injury, ask for a free consultation with one of Pannone's personal injury solicitors by calling 0800 0384 0384 or email us.

A Life with Better Care

Katie Smith was just 12 years old when she sustained devastating brain injuries in a road traffic accident on the 4 th December 2002. Just over four years later on the 9 th February 2007, the court approved a lump sum settlement.

What that means in real terms is a substantial six figure payment award which will enable Katie's parents, Sharon and Dave, to make sure that she is cared for. When compensation is agreed, the relief for parents of children like Katie, injured in accidents or through medical negligence, is immense, but it is only as a result of the hard work and dedication of specialist severe injury solicitors like Carol Jackson at Pannone that settlements are reached.

Contentious Areas
Carol took on Katie's case soon after the accident and immediately began to assemble the evidence necessary to mount a claim against the negligent driver. There were arguments with regard to the circumstances of the accident and liability was agreed and approved by the court 90:10 in Katie's favour.

Other issues arose with regard to the value of the case, said Carol, "As is commonly the case in serious injuries, the issue of life expectancy was contentious". Professor Barnes final estimate of life expectancy for Katie was that she would live to aged 62.

The defendants relied on Dr Green, a consultant paediatric neurologist who calculated life expectancy to just over 30 years. There was clearly some considerable divergence of opinion on this issue.

The level of settlement was in-line with Professor Barnes estimate of life expectancy, which resulted in a much higher amount of compensation for Katie.

The other major area of contention was future care. The Pannone team were able to prove that there was evidence from the care diaries kept that there was need for two waking carers as opposed to a night sleeper/sitter.

Tough Negotiations
Katie's parents and the Pannone team were in favour of resolving the case by periodical payments for some areas of the claim. The defendants preferred a lump sum award which was refused but after some tough negotiation the defendants eventually offered a revised sum. "It was," said Carol "an amount which more than allowed for future inflation and on the evidence the offer was a very good one."

Hugh Jones , Head of Private Client will administer the settlement through the Court of Protection on behalf of Katie and Pannone will continue to provide support for Katie and her family in the years to come. Commented Carol Jackson, "In cases like this, which are quite intense, you form a bond with the family and the client. Katie is a bubbly and vibrant teenager whose personality shines through her disability and it's been a privilege to work on her behalf."

Thanks
Said Katie's mum, Sharon, "We are relieved that Katie has financial security and will be able to enjoy excellent quality of life with proper care. Our thanks go to Carol Jackson and her team at Pannone."

Read more about how we can assist you with head related injuries.

Call Freephone 0800 0384 384 or e-mail us now for a free consultation with a Personal Injury Solicitor or Lawyer at Pannone LLP.