A BUDDING Basketball star who was permanently injured after being run over by a council lorry has won a payout with the help of her Union and solicitors.
The Claimant was in the middle of taking her GCSE’s when she was hit by a council lorry outside her school in May 2009. She suffered permanent injuries to her right leg and hip, was confined to a wheelchair for three months, and was on crutches for a further two months.
A keen sportswoman, she had planned to become a fitness instructor and basketball coach, and she was due to try out for the National Basketball Trials in Gateshead later that summer.
Following the accident, which has also left her with permanent scars on her leg, she went on to pass all her GCSEs and eventually train as a lifeguard, although she has had to give up her dream of becoming a basketball player and coach.
The Claimant’s father is a member of Unite the Union, and they fully supported her claim. They referred her to Beecham Peacock Solicitors in Newcastle, who won the settlement of £48,000 from the council on her behalf.
Kirsten Scott of Beecham Peacock said: “This is an incredible young woman, who has managed to achieve so much already despite this terrible accident.
“We were delighted to be able to help her.”
The Claimant still suffers from chronic daily pain in her leg and hip. She has not been able to return to playing basketball.
She said: “I am still in pain every day, and I’ve never been able to return to basketball which I used to love. However, I’m really pleased with the settlement and very happy that it’s all over, so I can start to move on with my life.”
Karen Reay, North East Regional secretary of Unite, said: “I am pleased that the union has been able to help the daughter of one of our members when the family needed this support.”
