Recover Compensate Network case studies

Accident at work - ability to employ experts

Mr P had attended his local Solicitor following an accident at work where he had been struck on the head. 

His local Solicitors did not refer him to Digby Brown. Mr P was offered £10,000. His Solicitors were suggesting that they go back and try and negotiate for a figure of about £14,000.

Mr P wanted a second opinion and came to Digby Brown. Mr P had sustained a severe brain injury. Physically he looked well but had serious problems with concentration, memory loss and fatigue. 

An action was raised on his behalf. Numerous medical experts were instructed and the outlays involved in properly preparing and running the case were in excess of £9,000. Liability was agreed on a 50/50 basis. 

The case settled on the morning of the Proof after extensive negotiations at £300,000.

Accident at work - 1600% rise on original settlement offer for McDonald's employee

Ms S (19 months) suffered a minor burn to her left foot following a cup of tea being spilled on her by an employee of McDonald’s. There was no swelling or blistering and the redness on her foot cleared up after 2 weeks.

Our referring firm instructed a report from the General Practitioner and intimated the claim to McDonalds with the report and photographs. The claim was investigated by Finch Legal Solicitors and shortly afterwards an admission of liability was received with an offer of £500.

The referrer asked us to consider the case further as Ms S began to suffer psychological symptoms in particular anxiety on the sight of paper cups.

We instructed a Consultant Psychiatrist who specialised in treating young children. He noted that Ms S suffered from sleep disturbance, frightened behaviour if she sees steam from a kettle. Ms S then reverted back to using nappies at night time despite being toilet trained prior to the accident and using a baby cup for drinking.

It was our expert’s opinion that Ms S sustained an Adjustment Disorder with predominant disturbance of emotions. It was his view that given her young age, it was likely that she would not suffer any permanent psychological damage arising from the accident.

The valuation was forwarded to Finch Legal requesting their offer in settlement. No response was received and a Court action was commenced.

During the time of service the Solicitors then sent correspondence to us advising that they would offer to settle this case at £8,400. Instructions were received from the client to accept this award. On what looked like a rather routine low value case we were able to get a 1600% rise on the original offer. 

A good example of how the right expert can add considerable value to a case.