Injured postwoman awarded £400,000 after crash

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http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/ ... 4795232.jp

A former postwoman from Northamptonshire who was left severely disabled after a car accident has been awarded more than £400,000 after a seven-year legal battle.

Louise Balsom, from Daventry, who was then aged 36, was driving her Ford Escort on the A361 South Way in Daventry in 2002 when she suffered a low-speed shunt from the car behind.

She suffered whiplash damage to her neck, shoulders and back and went on to develop severe fibromyalgia, a widespread chronic pain condition which is now unlikely to get better.

After a civil hearing at Northampton County Court, Recorder Timothy Clark, has now awarded her £419,000 for loss of earnings and general damages after saying he believed the mother-of-two's claim to be "entirely genuine".

Miss Balsom now uses a wheelchair and motorised scooter to get around and requires significant personal care and assistance even to get dressed.

She said the award meant she would now be able to receive the personal care she will need for the rest of her life.

She said: "I'm very relieved that this long fight for justice is finally over. It has been a real strain on my family and me. I can now look forward to receiving proper care for the rest of my life."

Initially a non-specialist solicitor obtained her an offer of £6,000 compensation, but she then employed chronic pain specialists, Brian Barr Solicitors, based in Manchester.

During the second case, the court heard that, before the accident, she was an energetic person "who was to be seen completing her postal round at speed".

She also enjoyed a wide range of hobbies including gardening, marching with a brass band while carrying her euphonium, and regular camping holidays.

In a court case that lasted eight days, Miss Balsom had been accused by the defendant's lawyers of "malingering" and "exaggerating" her injuries.

However the presiding judge found her to be completely truthful.

In his 101-page written judgement, Recorder Clark said: "She was entirely convincing when giving evidence.

"In some respects she is a shadow of her former self. She looked drained and haunted.

"It is clear from the evidence of the claimant and all who know her that prior to the accident the claimant was a very active happy woman who enjoyed a fulfilling family and social life, and pursued a job she enjoyed. "