Depression as Sequlae of – Quantum of damages to be awarded

Training

I am excited to announce that IAC will again be presenting training on the calculation of simple loss of income and loss of support
calculations. The training is aimed at attorneys in order to equip them to give better instructions, have a better understanding of the actuarial calculation process and to aid in settlement of matters.

Same will be taking place on the following dates:

Durban 13 July 2010
Johannesburg 15 July 2010
Pretoria 15 July 2010
Cape Town 28 July 2010
Port Elizabeth 29 July 2010

Further details will follow.

VAN DER MESCHT v THE ROAD ACCIDENT FUND – 12182/2008 [UNREPORTED] – JUDGEMENT 12 MARCH 2010

The plaintiff claimed damages from the defendant arising from bodily injuries she sustained in a motor vehicle collision on 8 January 2005. The plaintiff was a cyclist on the Kliprivier Road when the insured vehicle, travelling in the same direction, collided with her from the rear. The collision caused her to fall from the bicycle and she sustained a head injury as well as orthopaedic injuries.

Both the merits and certain heads of quantum were in dispute. The Court found in favor of the plaintiff in regards to the merits.

The plaintiff’s past hospital and medical expenses as well as future medical expenses was settled. The court had to assess the plaintiff’s loss of earning capacity and general damages. It was common cause that the plaintiff suffered a head injury. What remained to be considered were the psychological sequelae of the brain injury. The plaintiff’s psychiatrist testified that the head injury had resulted in a post-traumatic neuropsychological disorder, as well as depression.

The crucial issue in quantifying the plaintiff’s damages for loss of income was to consider the effects of the psychological deficits on her employability and therefore earning capacity. Pre-morbid she excelled in the workplace and moreover fostered excellent relationships. Outside the workplace she proved her organisational capabilities in organising her own cycling events attracting some 2500 participants.

Post-collision the plaintiff remained in the employ of her employer but her capabilities dwindled resulting from her neuropsychological profile. Briefly stated, she lacked motivation and drive and often became emotional and irritable, resulting in a decline in performance and resultant loss of income to her employer.

It was common cause that depression manifested itself once prior to the collision. In addition a family history of depression had been identified. However, since the collision she often suffered from bouts of depression. In this regard the plaintiff’s psychiatrist testified that the plaintiff, prior to the collision, was pre-disposed to developing depression which could be treated and, in any event, did not cause any level of dysfunction. In contradistinction hereto, the depression the plaintiff now suffers is as a result of organic injury to the brain cells.

The depression the plaintiff now has to endure affects her coping and adaptation skills. The depression can be treated but not cured and she will therefore function at a lower level. In addition the plaintiff also suffers from cognitive deficits post-morbid.

A comparison by the plaintiff’s Industrial Psychologist between the plaintiff’s performance and that of her rival co-employee revealed that Pre-collision, the plaintiff out-performed her rival but postcollision the plaintiff brought in less than half the business her rival did.

As a result two possibilities was advanced by the plaintiff’s Industrial Psychologists: either that she remains employed at her present place of employment earning substantially less or employment in a less stressful and demanding work environment in a secretarial environment.

The defendant’s Industrial Psychologist’s opposing view was disregarded by the court. Plaintiff suggested a contingency allowance of 10% pre-morbid, and 20% post-morbid. The defendant contended for a contingency allowance of 50%.

The Honourable Judge held that a contingency deduction of 15% on the pre-morbid scenario is appropriate taking into account plaintiff’s age of 46 years, her consistent and stable employment history in public relations/marketing, the absence of any indications that she would not have further excelled in her work environment and the positive attitude she had displayed towards her work prior to the accident.

The Honourable Judge further held that a contingency deduction of 10% on the post-morbid scenario is appropriate taking into account the plaintiff’s current employer although aware of her condition since 2005, has kept her on and increased her salary from time to time; the plaintiff has no formal qualification; the plaintiff’s husband’s evidence that she was steadily improving and the negative effects a lower category employment is likely to have on her mood and therefore functioning.

Referring to the judgment of the Supreme Court of Appeal in De Jongh v Du Pisani NO [2004] All SA 565 (SCA) the Honourable Judge further held that the sum of R400 000 would constitute fair and adequate compensation in respect of the plaintiff’s general damages.

The plaintiff was awarded R3 333 068.00 for future loss of income and general damages of R 400 000.00 as well as Costs.

Sending us an Instruction

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• Email : damagesclaims@iac.co.za, or
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With the trial season heating up here are a few wise words to keep you humble and your anger in check –
“A man wrapped up in him self makes a very small package.” – unknown
“Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make
yourself as you wish to be.” – Thomas A` Kempis