A WOMAN who sustained serious multiple injuries in a road accident four years ago was awarded damages of £525,000 in the High Court yesterday.
Ms Wilma Jeffers (31), a sales assistant, of Drumleck, Castlebellingham, Co Louth, sued Mr John Cahill of Hillcrest, Julianstown, Co Meath, and Legal and Trade Collections Ltd, Usher Court, Dublin, following a collision between two cars on the Dublin Belfast road at Mosney, Co Meath, on April 12th, 1992.
The President of the High Court, Mr Justice Costello, in a reserved judgment, said that liability was no longer being denied and he was required only to assess damages.
Ms Jeffers sustained a head injury, loss of consciousness, a fractured nose and facial lacerations, a penetrating injury to her left eye and serious leg and foot injuries. She had to undergo several operations.
The judge had been informed during the hearing that partial agreement had been reached as to damages.
It was agreed that in respect of special damages to date, Ms Jeffers would be paid £75,000, and in respect of general damages for pain and suffering in the past and future, she would be paid £200,000.
A further sum of £25,000 was agreed in respect of future medicines, future surgery and hospitalisation, visits to a GP and physiotherapy.
Mr Justice Costello assessed damages for future loss of earnings at £150,000 and for future accommodation needs at £75,000.
He said it was not submitted that damages should be assessed on the basis of the cost of a new house for Ms Jeffers, but rather that an existing house be adapted to meet her needs.