Our client Becky* (name changed for privacy reasons) was involved in a road traffic accident in 2020. She was a pedestrian when she was struck by a vehicle being driven by the Defendant driver. The driver was travelling at a grossly excessive speed and was also under the influence of illegal drugs.
Becky, then 28 years of age, was struck just before she achieved the safety of the far pavement and, as a consequence, suffered a life-threatening and life-changing traumatic brain injury.
The case was transferred to Hugh James in December 2024, from previous solicitors, at the instruction of Becky’s father, her Litigation Friend.
Becky’s legal journey
Despite the circumstances of the collision, whilst primary liability was admitted, contributory negligence on behalf of Becky was alleged by the Defendant’s solicitors and the litigation which followed included expert evidence for both parties in the field of accident reconstruction.
Becky was assisted by excellent accident reconstruction evidence from their chosen expert. There was precious little merit in this argument and, whilst this issue remained live until the conclusion of the claim, we did not incorporate within our negotiations any reduction for contributory negligence and made it plain to the Defendant’s team that a reduction would not be achieved at Trial, evidentially, and would not be countenanced within the settlement negotiations.
As a consequence of the collision, Becky suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, orthopaedic fractures, a facial fracture, thoracic injuries, and an abdominal injury. Her injuries were life-threatening. She remained in hospital for almost five months post-collision.
At the time the collision occurred, Becky was living with her partner and planning to marry and have a family. She was employed in a job which she loved and in which her talents were being recognised by her employers. She was studying for a degree to compliment her work and had a rewarding career ahead of her.
The brain injury has left Becky with severe cognitive impairment, neurobehavioral problems, fatigue, significant communication difficulties, and a visual deficit. Her head injury has had a profound effect on her relationships, her recreational activities and her domestic activities. She has been unable to return to work. Her relationship with her partner subsequently broke down and it was necessary for Becky to return to live with her father in the family home. Very much a backwards step for her.
Rehabilitation following the brain injury
To Becky’s credit, she has achieved a return to driving, a significant step forward for her in terms of her confidence and independence.
Shortly before settlement, Becky moved into an independent living property, with paid support in place, to support her in further developing her abilities to live independently. Becky was very resistant to the concept of support but was ably assisted in accepting this by the skilled team of therapists and Case Manager supporting her.
Subsequent to our team and Defendant’s teams securing medical and non-medical expert evidence in 10 disciplines, and with the case listed for Trial in 2027, the parties fully engaged in the negotiating process, with a settlement meeting being held and with subsequent negotiations continuing, resulting in a settlement in late 2025 which was Approved by the Court in the sum of £3,800,000.
The settlement incorporates a significant claim for future care and support, including recognising that additional support with childcare will be required to enable our client to enjoy the family life and parenting that is a central part of Becky’s plans for the future.
Jeanne Evans, Partner in our Serious Injury team who acted for Becky, said: “Becky suffered life threatening injuries and a severe traumatic brain injury when out jogging with her partner, a day that changed her life’s path. She has a wonderful family around her who have supported and encouraged her. That and her own determination and resolve have seen her make great progress. I am delighted that we have been able to secure compensation to allow Becky to continue to move forward, with support and financial security for the future.”
