Hammersmith Woman Awarded £4 Million from Insurers After Losing Leg

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Travel journalist Charlotte Swift still runs triathlons despite car crash injury

A travel journalist from Hammersmith who lost a leg in a road accident has been awarded more than £4 million in compensation from her husband’s motor insurers.

Charlotte Swift, 43, had her left leg amputated below the knee after a crash on the M5 in 2013 involving a car being driven by husband Malcolm Carpenter.

However, despite a "pretty bleak picture" painted by medical experts, the High Court heard that Charlotte continues to take part in sports, including the triathlon.

Mrs Justice Lambert said the "determined and stoical mum" has also returned to her travel journalism job, writing articles for British Airways magazines.

The £4,098,051 award includes a six-figure sum for a lifetime’s supply of prosthetic limbs. As well as a running blade, she will need two "everyday" limbs, including one that lets her wear high heels. The judge added: "She has demonstrated considerable independence of mind."

The court heard how Charlotte enjoyed tennis, waterskiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing and was very active before the accident. She also liked travelling, often going alone to remote, far-flung destinations.

The judge said she was "determined to reclaim as much of her busy work and sporting pre-accident lifestyle" as she could.

The payout includes £913,000 for aids and equipment, almost £670,000 for care, over £480,000 for lost earnings, almost £970,000 for extra housing costs and over £250,000 for additional holiday costs.

The insurer had accepted liability, but disputed the value of the claim.

Malcom Carpenter was Charlotte's partner at the time of the incident, but the couple have since married.

You can follow Charlotte's travels at her Twitter account @abitofswifty.

August 3, 2018