October 2006

CRASH VICTIM VOWS TO THROW OUT CRUTCHES

A car crash victim settled a £750,000 damages claim yesterday after telling a court of her determination to walk without crutches. Lawford Kidd's partner, Paul Kirkwood, acted for Mrs Ross

Lynda Ross, an accountant, was badly injured in 2004 after the car she was driving was hit head-on by an oncoming vehicle on the A9 near Pitlochry. Ms Ross told the Court of Session in Edinburgh that she faced surgery on her right leg about every six months for the next six years. She said: "Once that's fixed they will do everything else. I know I have a long way to go." She added that initially, she was confined to a wheelchair. "My long-term goal is to get rid of the crutches.

At the moment they cannot diagnose whether I will be able to do that and walk properly." Ms Ross, 37, formerly of Morningside Drive, Edinburgh, was suing the other driver, Robert Sangster, of West Park, Wick, for compensation. Liability was admitted and a civil jury was brought in to assess the level of damages Ms Ross should be awarded for her pain and suffering, in the action before Lord Turnbull. But after a break in the case her Counsel, Andrew Hajducki, QC, announced that the claim had been settled, although the terms were not disclosed. At the time of the crash, Ms Ross had been preparing for a new job as a financial controller at an Edinburgh hotel.