Tim Wilkinson secures £8.75m settlement for brain-injured client

December 12, 2025

Tim Wilkinson of Exchange Chambers, instructed by Richard Crabtree and Patricia Higgens of Slater & Gordon, has secured an £8.75m settlement for his client after successful negotiations with the MIB at a Joint Settlement Meeting. The award was made under the Untraced Drivers Agreement 2003.

The claimant, aged 8 at the time of the accident and 20 at the time of the settlement, was injured in a road traffic accident involving an untraced driver. He sustained a traumatic brain injury as a result.

Despite a good physical recovery, the claimant’s behaviour deteriorated over time. He was diagnosed with ADHD, his education suffered, and he became increasingly troubled with aggressive and impulsive behaviour. Initial neuropsychological testing gave rise to little concern in terms of cognitive impairment. However, with further testing in his teenage years, executive impairment became increasingly apparent and all experts agreed that he had frontal lobe paradox.

The claimant was expelled from secondary education and became involved in low level criminal activity resulting in a suspended sentence and probation. He lacked legal financial capacity.

Despite initial reluctance to engage with case management and support, he began to benefit from care and support. He was considered unlikely ever to obtain gainful employment.

The MIB served life expectancy evidence ahead of the JSM which suggested a reduction in life expectancy of 15-20 years. The accuracy of that evidence was successfully challenged on a number of levels. The future pecuniary loss multiplier was agreed at the JSM and reflected a reduction in life expectancy of 5 years.

Funding for past case management and support was provided by the MIB under the Rehabilitation Code.

Other past losses amounted to £400,000, including a claim for pain, suffering and loss of amenity.

Future care and case management were agreed at £6 million, with the remaining amount of nearly £2.5 million comprising claims for accommodation, increased holiday costs and professional deputy costs.

Commenting on the case, Tim Wilkinson said:

“This was an exceptionally complex and sensitive case, and I am pleased that we were able to secure a settlement that will provide our client with the care and support he needs. I would like to thank Richard Crabtree and Patricia Higgens at Slater & Gordon for their exceptional work throughout. Their insight and dedication were fundamental to achieving a settlement that properly reflects the client’s lifelong needs.”