The family of a Pontefract mother who died in a horrific road accident has received £370,000 in compensation after help from trade union the GMB.

The 43-year-old died from multiple injuries following the crash in March 2007 on Whitwell Road near Gayle’s Common in West Yorkshire when the car she was a passenger in collided with an HGV lorry.

Her son, who was ten at the time and has learning difficulties, suffered multiple injuries including head injuries, serious nervous shock injuries and a cut to his eye socket which needed surgery.

The pair were passengers in a family friend’s car who was taking them home from school. There were no seatbelts in the car.

Thompsons Solicitors made claim for compensation

Following her tragic death her husband contacted his trade union the GMB for advice. The GMB instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim for compensation against the car drivers’ insurers

Thompsons was successful in securing payments for the young son’s injuries as well as compensation for all the family for the loss of their mother, wife and relative, and also the support and assistance she provided to all the family. Thompsons also secured damages for the shock and suffering of the family members who were in attendance shortly after the accident.

The GMB member said: “The day of the accident was a living nightmare. My worst fears came true when we realised that my wife and son were involved in a car crash.

“My wife was a wonderful woman and was the main carer for our three children. Our son has learning difficulties and my wife spent a lot of time with him, supporting him with his needs. We all miss her terribly.”

Compensation to provide care and support for the children

Tim Roache, regional secretary at the GMB said: “This family have been through an appalling time and we are glad we have been able to give them support through our legal services.

“This compensation can never make up the huge gap this accident has created in this family’s life but we hope it will help provide some financial help to provide care and support for the children.”

Marion Voss from Thompsons Solicitors added: “This was a tragic accident which claimed a loving mother during a time when her children needed her support the most.

“It was important for us to secure compensation for the son’s injuries but also for the family’s loss. It is impossible to translate the loss of a mother and wife into a sum of money but it was important to claim the cost of the continuing care and support in these heartbreaking circumstances.”