Disabled man launches six-figure personal injury case
A taxi passenger who was left permanently disabled when a car
door slammed into his head has launched a personal injury claim to
the tune of £300,000.
In May 2008, James Stokoe sustained a severe brain injury when
the door of the taxi he was travelling in collided with his
head.
Mr Stokoe got out and, after being sick, continued the journey
and was later dropped off on Park Lane, Darlington, near to his
home. At around 4.30am that night he was found lying on the
pavement unconscious and close to death.
The 26-year-old subsequently needed two operations on a
fractured skull and bleeding to his brain, which has left him
handicapped and unable to work for the rest of his life.
Mr Stokoe, who admits to being drunk at the time, opened the
door while the taxi was in motion, but a writ served on his behalf
claims that the driver's negligence was the reason he suffered his
tragic injuries. He also claims that the driver broke suddenly in
an attempt to slam the door.
The case continues.