Field Fisher Waterhouse wins substantial payout for Potters Bar victim
15 May 2007
Law firm, Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has recovered a
substantial payout in the High Court for a top Taiwanese TV
presenter, Tanya Liu, who was injured in the Potters Bar rail
crash.
Prior to the accident, Ms Liu worked as a news anchor for the
Hong Kong based satellite TV station, Phoenix TV. The channel is
the only independent station to broadcast to mainland China, and
regularly has an audience of 140 million viewers. Ms Liu
interviewed senior political figures and business leaders in China
and abroad, including Bill Clinton and Bill Gates.
Following the accident in May 2002, Ms Liu, now 39-years-old,
was in a coma for two months having suffered brain damage, spinal
fractures and internal injuries. In July 2002, she regained
consciousness having been repatriated to Beijing. At the time her
recovery was described as miraculous, after doctors had declared
her injuries so severe that she should be allowed to die.
Notwithstanding a remarkable recovery, Ms Liu has been left with
intellectual, cognitive and physical difficulties. She is now
cared for round-the-clock by professionals and her family in Hong
Kong.
Mr Justice Irwin agreed an award against Jarvis Facilities Ltd
and Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd which he said was “on my view a
substantial sum and reflects the severity of this injury.”
Paul McNeil,
a personal
injury lawyer at Field Fisher Waterhouse, acted for Ms Liu.
Paul McNeil
said: “Tanya was the most seriously injured surviving victim of the
Potters Bar rail crash. The case was extremely complex involving
legal issues in the UK, China and Taiwan. The family is satisfied
with the outcome of the case. However no amount of money will
compensate Tanya for the horrendous injuries she suffered, and the
glittering career which was snatched from her as a result of this
avoidable accident.”
James Badenoch QC and Henry Witcomb of One Crown Office Row were
counsel for Ms Liu.
For further press information please contact:
Louise Eckersley, PR Executive on +44 (0)20 7861 4120
Scarlett Yianni, PR Assistant on +44 (0)20 7861 4795