Record payout for girl paralysed in car crash

Posted 07/10/2010

A record personal injury compensation payout has been approved for a teenager who was left brain damaged and paralysed following a car accident.

Chrissie Johnson, then 16, had been given a lift in a car driven by Serena Compton-Cooke in November 2006.

However, the vehicle collided with a lorry near Essex, causing Chrissie to sustain catastrophic brain injuries.

She now lives in a care home and relies on others to carry out everyday tasks for her.

Chrissie’s family took legal action on her behalf against the insurer of Ms Compton-Cooke and at the High Court this week, what is believed to be the biggest personal injury compensation payout ever was approved.

Mrs Justice Swift awarded Chrissie a lump sum of £4 million as well as annual index-linked payouts for the rest of her life, which should amount to more than £17 million.

“No amount of money can redress the damage that was caused, but what it can do is improve the quality of life of Chrissie,” she commented.

The money will partly go towards buying a specially-adapted home for Chrissie to live in.

Many people who are injured while passengers in a car are unaware they may be able to claim compensation against the insurer of the driver. Anyone affected should seek the advice of solicitors, as this is perfectly legitimate.