$55,000 Non-Pecuniary Damages for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Reasons for judgement were released this week by the BC Supreme Court, Vernon Registry, addressing quantum and liability following a motorcycle accident.
In this week’s case (Langley v. Heppner) the Plaintiff was injured in a 2003 BC collision.  The Plaintiff was operating a motorcycle and was following a vehicle operated by the Defendant.  Both vehicles were behind a slow moving van.  As the motorists approached a straight stretch of road both the Plaintiff and Defendant attempted to pass the van in the on-coming traffic lane.  They did so at almost the same time resulting in a violent crash catapulting the Plaintiff about 60 feet.
Mr. Justice Barrow held that both motorists were at fault with the Defendant bearing 80% of the blame.   Paragraphs 11-37 of the reasons for judgement are worth reviewing for the Courts discussion of liability.
The Plaintiff suffered various injuries.  Most of these went on to heal however he was left with persistent neck and shoulder pain.  Ultimately he was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.  The limitations related to this were expected to continue to improve however there was a likelihood of long standing symptoms.  Mr. Justice Barrow assessed the Plaintiff’s non-pecuniary damages (money for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life) at $55,000.  In doing so the Court provided the following reasons:
[43] Turning to Mr. Langley’s injuries more generally, he suffered a number of bruises and abrasions which resolved unremarkably. His low back was sore, and although it remained sore and painful for a considerable time following the accident, it was asymptomatic by the time of the trial (six years post-accident). His most significant and persistent injury is to his right shoulder and the right side of his neck…
[51] I am satisfied on a balance of probabilities that the plaintiff has thoracic outlet syndrome and that it is a result of the motor vehicle accident…
[58] Mr. Langley’s right shoulder and right neck pain are the most significant consequence of the accident. I accept that he is always in some degree of discomfort in these areas. His level of discomfort increases when he becomes fatigued, but it is most seriously aggravated when he does any activity that involves lifting his right arm to or above shoulder level…
I am satisfied that Mr. Langley’s functional abilities will improve in some respects, although not to a significant degree…
[81] In view of all of the foregoing, an appropriate award for non?pecuniary damages is $55,000.