In 2021, Kristaps Naglis had taken his six-year-old daughter, Sharlotte, to the local shop to buy some sweets. As Kristaps and Sharlotte were walking back home, the Defendant driver rounded the corner at speed, mounted the kerb and drove into collision with Sharlotte.
As a result of the collision, Sharlotte was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Kristaps suffered severe and enduring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of witnessing the collision and its immediate aftermath. He continues to experience debilitating psychological symptoms, including intrusive memories, anxiety and depression. The defendant driver was found to have both alcohol and drugs in his system. He was subsequently convicted and received a custodial sentence.
Kristaps brought a secondary victim claim against the defendant. Whilst liability was admitted, causation was heavily disputed. As a consequence of his daughter’s tragic death, Kristaps became socially withdrawn and was unable to continue his plans to undertake further education to build upon his existing qualifications. His PTSD significantly limited his ability to work, leaving him capable only of undertaking unskilled roles at minimum wage.
The trauma also contributed to the breakdown of his marriage. Ultimately, Kristaps returned to Latvia in an effort to escape the constant triggers and reminders of Sharlotte’s death in the UK.
The claim was robustly defended, with the defendants arguing that Kristaps’ ongoing difficulties were not caused by PTSD. An initial Part 36 offer was made and rejected. Following a Joint Settlement Meeting in December 2025, the claim settled for a substantial amount, a 500% increase from the original rejected offer.
Kristaps Naglis, Sharlotte’s father, said: “No amount of compensation can ever make up for the loss of my daughter, and the trauma of that day will stay with me for the rest of my life. What this process has given me, however, is a sense that my suffering has been properly recognised.
I am deeply grateful to Mark Robinson and the Hugh James team for the compassion, patience and determination they showed throughout my case. Mark supported me through one of the darkest periods of my life and fought tirelessly on my behalf when the claim was strongly contested. I could not have gone through this process without his guidance and understanding, and I will always be thankful for the care and commitment he showed to me and my family.”
Since their daughter’s passing, Sharlotte’s mother has cemented ‘Sharlotte’s Law’ into the Road Safety strategy, implemented in January 2026. Sharlotte’s Law, which seeks to close a legal loophole on blood testing after fatal driving offences, aims to remove the need for a suspect’s consent to test blood samples in cases involving deaths caused by motor vehicles.
Mark Robinson, Partner in our Serious Injury team, acted for Kristaps and said: “This is one of the most heartbreaking cases I have encountered in my career. The loss of a child is unimaginable, and no amount of compensation can ever begin to make up for that loss.
Throughout this process, our focus has been on supporting Kristaps as fully and sensitively as possible during an incredibly painful time. It is hoped that this settlement will now provide him with a measure of financial security and reassurance as he continues to live with the devastating consequences of this tragic collision.”
