Shahram Sharghy successfully represented a Claimant who sustained acoustic shock caused by airbag activation in a serious road traffic accident in Bates v. (1) MMA Insurance (2) Bates [2021]
This caused the Claimant to develop partial deafness and severe tinnitus impacting on her ability to work in a school. She was highly likely to retire early due to her symptoms. The notion of acoustic shock is well-known in medical literature, though causation due to airbag activation is not universally accepted by ENT and vestibular experts. A multi-day trial was listed to take place in September 2021 with several experts due to give oral evidence. A few days prior to trial, the Defendants made an offer which represented almost complete acceptance on the issue of causation This offer was accepted by the Claimant who will now be able to seek the private treatment required as well as take early retirement without suffering financially.
