Woman hit by police van settles claim with Met Police for £1.3m

A woman who was hit by a Metropolitan Police van as she crossed the road has settled a legal claim against the force for £1.3m.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was struck as the vehicle responded to an emergency call in Streatham, south London, in 2019.

She suffered serious head injuries and is now cared for by her family, Giles Mooney KC, for the woman, told the High Court on Tuesday

He told the court that in 2024, the two sides agreed the woman partly contributed to the collision and she would be awarded 40% of any damages.

Mr Mooney said this meant she would receive around £1.3m, which the woman and her family hoped to use to buy a property to support her care.

Judge Sylvia de Bertodano approved the settlement and said the woman spent almost six months in hospital after the collision.

"She lives now with her family, but she continues to suffer life-changing, ongoing symptoms as a result of the accident. She will never work or live independently again," she said.

The judge said the settlement was "sensible" and described the family's care as "quite outstanding", adding: "I am sure that the claimant's family are hugely relieved that this is over."

She said: "I recognise that the damages in terms of money will only be a proportion of what is needed, but I very much hope that it means that the family can move forward in the certainty of what funding is available to support her future."

The judge addressed the woman in court, saying: "I would like to wish you and all your family the very, very best for the future."

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Adam Clemens, for Scotland Yard, said: "May I just take this opportunity to wish the claimant and her family the very best of luck going forward."

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