Motorcycle Accident – Compensation Award
A motorcyclist who lost a leg in a motorcycle accident has been awarded a £1 million in compensation. Lisa Bennett, then aged 37, was involved in a motorcycle accident on 7 December, 2004. She was a second year nursing student at Bournemouth University at the time. The former trainee psychiatric nurse was knocked off her 125cc motorcycle on her way to her first night shift at St Ann’s Hospital.
The driver of the car admitted liability and the claim has been settled out of court for £1 million. However, 20% was deducted for “contributory negligence” as a light on Bennett’s motorcycle was found to be faulty following an investigation.
Bennett sustained horrific life changing injuries. Her son, then aged just 12, had to help care for her. Her personal injury solicitors said that the compensation would help to fund Bennett’s prosthesis and ways to make her life as comfortable as possible. Due to severe nerve damage, Bennett would very likely continue to suffer extreme pain for a very long time. Perhaps, even for the rest of her life.
She suffered a fractured spine and broke bones in her shoulder and rib cage. However, it was her right leg that was most seriously injured in the motorcycle accident, and unfortunately, the leg had to be amputated just below the knee. This was followed by four more operations to control infection. She is now bravely trying to get on with her life, despite being fitted with a prosthetic limb. As could be expected, she still regularly uses a wheelchair and suffers severe pain.
Bennett’s personal injury solicitors, made a compensation claim against the driver of the car that crashed into her and her motorcycle. In an out of court settlement (which is not unusual as almost all personal injury claims are settled out of court) the insurance company of the car driver admitted to 80% liability for the accident. The other 20% liability was attributed to Bennett, as a light on her bike was not working and that made it more difficult for the car driver to see her. Bennett had said that the light was working when she left her house. She received £800,000 in compensation.
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Jacob Ryderson is a contributing author at No Win No Fee Solicitors.