Motorist to pay big bucks after serious crash

A motorist will have to pay more than $100,000 in compensation after the vehicle he was driving became involved in a serious accident on January 30, 2012.

The High Court heard that the victim, Kim Russell Romney, ‘suffered severe injuries’ after the rear of her vehicle was hit by another vehicle driven by John Chinnery.

It is said that the accident resulted from ‘negligence’ on the part of Chinnery.

The woman who was 53-year-old at the time of the crash was employed as a case manager at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution.

She underwent medical treatment in the British Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Florida in the United States of America.

Among other things, the victim underwent physiotherapy to teach her how to walk again; lost her voice as a direct result of surgeries; now wears a medical bracelet; and has plates in her neck.

The court heard that her lifestyle has ‘changed dramatically’ and she now has to depend on her husband to do many things for her.

Breakdown of total cost

In determining the amount of money that should be paid to the injured woman, Master Eddy Ventose ruled:

(1) The Claimant (Kim Russel Romney) is awarded special damages in the sum of US$44,572.36.

(2) The Claimant is awarded general damages in the sum of US$45,540.

(3) The Claimant is entitled to prescribed costs based on the total award of damages of US$52,312.36.

(4) The claimant is entitled to interest on the sum of US$52,312.36 at a rate of 5% from the date of assessment until payment.

Meanwhile, of the total for both general and special damages ($90,112), Chinnery will be required to pay only $52,312 going forward.

That is because a portion of the total damages already has been paid. A breakdown of that portion shows Nagico Insurance Company Limited already paying $25,000 on behalf of the motorist at fault. That motorist, Chinnery, also already paid $12,800.