A 37-year-old music teacher who suffered two road accidents through no fault of her own has been awarded £279,281.00 compensation for whiplash.

It is believed to be one of the highest ever payments for injuries of this type according to Merseyside law firm Lees Lloyd Whitley who advised the woman.

Jo-Ann Cameron of Lees Lloyd Whitley led the case, assisted by Simon Earlam of Exchange Chambers. Jo-Ann comments: “Our client has been through an unbelievable run of bad luck, which has resulted in her losing her career and her passion in life. People may say it was only whiplash, but at Lees Lloyd Whitley we will go down every avenue to ensure that every client receives the compensation to which they are entitled to as this case proves.

“Music was her life, but she is no longer able to carry her musical instruments, and has had to give up her job as a teacher and her role as an orchestral conductor.”

The woman had been involved in accidents in March 1997 and October 2000 when the vehicle she was in was struck from behind. She suffered whiplash on both occasions but had fully recovered by January 2001 when she had her third accident. The fourth accident took place just weeks later in March 2001.

Experts agreed that her ability to recover from the later accidents was lessened by the previous accidents. Her injuries included damage to the soft tissue to the spine and psychological effects.

Three orthopaedic experts were called on throughout the case, but could not agree on how long the injury would continue to impede her life. Loss of earnings past and future and pension provisions up to the age of 65, along with special damages for up to five years for medical aftercare for chiropractic treatment were included in the award.

Lee Benson, head of the road traffic accident team at Lees Lloyd Whitley comments: “We would like to congratulate Jo-Ann on winning this case. She has worked tirelessly for over four years to get the right compensation for her client. In a time when there is so much in the press about a compensation culture and vexatious litigators, there are many genuine cases out there and people who need sound legal advice.”