‘Determined’ accident victim wins right to keep personal injury compensation

Posted 17/03/2011

A man who was accused of lying by an insurance company has won the right to keep his personal injury compensation after a court threw out the allegations.

Mark Noble, 43, was involved in a motorbike accident in Hampshire in September 2003 and the motorist involved, Martin Owens, admitted liability.

The victim was paid £3.4 million in damages to in 2008 help him to cope with his extensive injuries, which left him in pain and virtually wheelchair-bound.

In the months afterwards, he taught himself to walk again for short periods and was able to drive occasionally.

However, Direct Line, Mr Owens’ insurer, set up surveillance on him and in March 2009, accused him of lying about the extent of his injuries. The compensation was frozen while the case went to appeal.

This week, a High Court judge threw out Direct Line’s allegations and praised Mr Noble for his sheer determination in attempting to live as normal a life as possible. He will now receive the full amount of compensation originally awarded to him.

“Direct Line have made a tragedy more painful and extreme and I can’t forgive them for what they have put me through,” he commented.

Claiming personal injury compensation can be complicated, so it is a good idea to get professional advice from a team such as that at Ashtons Legal, which will be able to guide every client through the process as quickly and smoothly as possible.