INJURY TO KNEE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22293, 20 June 1934, Page 4

INJURY TO KNEE

SEQUEL TO MOTOR ACCIDENT HEAVY DAMAGES AWARDED (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, June 10. A petition to his Majesty the King praying for £2OO special damages and £IBOO general damages was brought in the Supreme Court to-day before Mr Justice Ostler under the Crown Suits Act by a retired Indian Army officer, Lieutenant-colonel George Stuart Douglas, C.1.E., whose kneecap was injured in an accident at Rotorua at the end of 3933. Ilis chief complaint is that he is precluded thereby from receiving a bigh appointment as military adviser in the States of the Indian Empire. Liability for the accident was admitted by the Crown, the case resolving itself into the assessment of damages.

The accident happened on December 18, the car Douglas was driving colliding with a Government-owned motor lorry driven by a Maori. His Honor, after hearing evidence, said the chances of Lieutenant-colonel Douglas receiving an appointment as military adviser to a native State were so remote that they ought to be ignored by the court in assessing damages. Special damages amounting to £IBB had been admitted, and in addition Douglas was entitled to a reasonable sum for the pain and suffering he had undergone, and he would allow £2OO, plus a further £SO for medical expenses likely to be incurred in the future. He had suffered a very severe injury to hi« knee joint and all the medical witnesses were of the opinion that there was a possibility that the knee would develop an arthritic condition which would prevent him following bis usual outdoor life. His Honor said be would therefore award £750 general damages, making a total of £llBB 17s 3d.