$25,000 Non-Pecuniary Damages for Neck, Shoulder and Back Soft Tissue Injuries
Following a 2 day trial using the Fast Track Rule (Rule 66), reasons for judgement were released today compensating a Plaintiff as a result of a 2005 BC car accident.
The Plaintiff was injured as a passenger. The offending motorist admitted fault and the trial focused on damages (lawful compensation) only.
The Plaintiff had a range of complaints following the accident including pain in her neck, right shoulder and low back, and a significant increase in the frequency of her pre-existing migraine headaches.
In assessing a fair award for pain and suffering the court made the following finding:
[24] I accept the plaintiff’s evidence that she was injured in the August 9, 2005 motor vehicle accident. In this regard, I note that while the physicians who examined the plaintiff also accepted the plaintiff’s assertions, the fact that they did so does not assist the court in making that finding. Their observations thereafter are of considerable assistance in assessing the possible course of the plaintiff’s recovery, however. It does appear, taking account of what is before me, that the plaintiff recovered functionally very quickly although she may suffer some minor aches and pains that will occasionally interfere with her activities.
[25] The plaintiff has suffered some moderate interference with her life due to pain and suffering. The cases advanced as comparables by the parties are of some assistance in locating this case on an appropriate scale. I assess her damages for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life at $25,000.
The Plaintiff also led evidence that she was able to take advantage of fewer overtime opportunities as a result of her injuries. For this loss the court awarded $20,000.
The court found that the injuries should continue to improve but may linger for a while longer. In addressing loss of earning capacity the court awarded $15,000 making the following findings:
She is capable of doing her work and of working considerable overtime. On the basis of the medical evidence there is good reason to expect that she will fully recover in the next few years, with a modest chance of some limited impairment further into the future. I think some allowance must be made for the possibility that the plaintiff may occasionally suffer losses into the future that are related to the injuries she has suffered. I think the evidence suggests that these losses will be incurred, for the most part, in the next few years. I fix the sum of $15,000 for loss of future earning capacity.