Law firm, Fieldfisher 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 Fieldfisher, 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.