THE family of a boy left brain damaged in a motorway crash at the age of eight have won a High Court payout that will ensure he gets proper care for the rest of his life.
Sam Boreham, now 21, from Ruislip Manor, suffered irreparable brain damage from the collision in 1998. He was on his way to Old Trafford to watch his hero David Beckham play for Manchester United, as a birthday treat.
He now suffers neurological problems including a quick temper, lack of concentration and being unable to process thought and functions fully.
After a 14-year battle for compensation, Mr Boreham’s family has been awarded an undisclosed sum from the insurer Direct Line.
Stephanie Clarke, associate solicitor at Irwin Mitchell, who represented the family, said: “Due to the complex nature of Sam’s brain injuries and the uncertainty of how these affect him, this settlement has taken some time to resolve, but we’re pleased the family can now make plans for his future.
“Sam did not have an easy childhood due to the accident. His brain injuries meant he was better placed in a specialist school with one-on-one support, which we helped secure with an earlier interim payment.
“The full settlement will allow Sam to eventually live on his own with the help of a specialist carer and continue with his college studies.
“The love and support given by Sam’s dedicated family to him since the accident has been remarkable.”
Mr Boreham and his twin brother, Ben, were travelling with mum Jane, brother Dean and a family friend from their home in Ruislip to Manchester the night before the football match.
At about midnight their car hit a stationary, unlit vehicle in the middle lane of the M1, that had crashed after the driver fell asleep at the wheel.
No charges were brought against the driver despite the family being told by doctors they were all lucky to be alive.
Mrs Boreham, 45, contacted solicitors, but Sam’s case could only be agreed once he had reached full maturity, so his permanent long-term damage could be assessed.
She said: “Sam has suffered terribly. He was a very happy boy and was doing well at school but that all changed after the crash and he struggled with schoolwork and friendships.
“His relationship with the family changed, particularly with his brother Ben, and they would regularly fight during their teenage years.
“There were times when I felt completely lost. As a family we still struggle to come to terms with what happened that day.
“At least now we can look ahead.”
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