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Highest ever payout goes to pedestrian crossing accident victim
14 March 2007
Leanne Evans was hit by a 79 year old driver on a pelican crossing when she was 13. The driver was fined £75 and convicted of careless driving.
Today, a Judge awarded her £8.5 million at the High Court in Birmingham.
Leanne now needs 8 carers on a round-the-clock basis, has severe memory impairment and relies on a wheelchair for mobility.
Her father, Ivor Evans, a roof tiler from Birmingham, said: “We are very pleased for Leanne. This award will at least give her a limited quality of life and allow her to enjoy some of the things that every other 22 year old likes to do, like going to Westlife pop concerts, going to the theatre and having a holiday, as well as making sure she has all the medical care that she needs."
Their solicitor, Richard Langton, of Russell Jones & Walker in Birmingham, said:
"We believe this is the largest ever award given to anyone for a personal injury, but Leanne’s situation is exceptional. She was an extremely bright girl with an equally bright future in front of her."
“The fact that she happened to be crossing the road at the proper place on that day in April nine years ago has resulted in her life being completely turned upside down. She deserves as much help as possible to allow her to live as normal a life as she can”, he added.
Her father, Ivor, said: “I still remember that sunny April day when it happened. Our beautiful young daughter was crossing in a safe place as we had taught her and she was mown down by a driver who veered around the lollipop lady, went across two roads and ended up in a wall. He was fined £70 with £30 costs. Leanne’s and our lives have been devastated.”
The award will help to pay for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy as well as psychotherapy. She needs a specially adapted vehicle and constant care.
Leanne’s parents, Ivor and Sandra, both gave up work when Leanne was in hospital and they have moved to a new house in Birmingham which has been specially adapted for her.
Richard Langton commented: “The damages will be held by the Court of Protection and will be administered by them for the rest of Leanne’s life. People tend to think that a compensation payment is like a lottery win. Having known what this family has been through--and will carry on going through—I am sure no one would want to swap places with them. “