48% burns to passenger in car after petrol fire in crashed car

Mr D was a passenger in a car that left the road at speed, drove violently into a tree and burst into flames. He was trapped in the car before being freed.

His injuries were life threatening and included burn injuries to 48% of his body surface area (face, scalp, right upper limb and shoulder, back, chest, buttocks, both hands and both legs) including 32% full thickness burns requiring numerous surgical procedures for debridement and skin grafts. In the right arm burn excision was required down to the bone and he was at serious risk of amputation of that arm.

He had considerable blood loss. He suffered almost total right ear loss, a supra-orbital fracture above the right eye and a fractured skull.

He was in a specialist burns unit for over four months. He remained severely and permanently scarred and disabled. He was disadvantaged on the labour market as a result of his injuries. He suffered significant psychological injuries.

The claim was settled for £325,000. The Defendants earlier made an offer (by way of payment into court) to settle for £50,000. The legal costs were paid by the defendant.


57% burns to child in house explosion

Master C aged 5 suffered significant burn and psychiatric injuries when his home was destroyed in a gas explosion. He was found under the rubble of the house when he was heard crying.

His mother tragically died a week later from blast injuries to her lungs, and his older brother was also injured.

57% of his body was covered in 1st and 2nd degree burns: 25% of them full thickness. He also suffered very severe lung injuries requiring 7 weeks intubation, septicaemia, blood transfusions, tracheotomy and many skin grafts.

He required operations on his neck to release contractures of his scarring. He is likely to require further surgery to his neck and leg and in other areas.

Given his age his claim was settled on the basis of a provisional award of damages in the sum of £185,000. His younger brother received £122,000. The legal costs were paid by the defendant.