Barbara Gayle, Staff ReporterA WOMAN who was left crippled from the chest down after she was struck by a policeman's bullet has been awarded $16.7 million in damages against the government.
She is 62-year-old Viola Barrett who was a farmer and household helper before tragedy struck on January 14, 2004.
Mr. Justice Roy Jones in assessing damages in the Supreme Court, made an additional award of US$10,000 (J$620,000) for Barrett to purchase a motorised wheelchair.
Barrett who had to be lifted upstairs to the courthouse because there is no elevator on the building to assist elderly and disabled litigants, told the judge one of her greatest needs was to get a special wheelchair. She explained that the roads in her district were very bad and she needed the special wheelchair so she could go to church.
The incident took place along the Holland Bamboo main road.
Barrett was a passenger in a taxi when she was shot in the back.
CONDUCTING SPOT CHECKS
The police had reported that they were conducting spot checks along the road when they signalled the driver of the taxi to stop. The driver disobeyed and the police gave chase. During the chase, a policeman discharged his firearm and the bullet hit Barrett who was sitting in the back of the taxi.
Barrett sued the Attorney-General to recover damages. The Government accepted liability and the matter was set down for assessment.
Mr. Justice Jones assessed damages last week Tuesday and reserved his decision until Friday when he handed down the $16.7 million award which includes $14.5 million for pain and suffering. The award also includes future medical care and $200,000 for aggravated damages.
Attorney-at-law Don O. Foote who represented Barrett had asked the judge to make a substantial award because Barrett would need medical care and someone to care for her for the rest of her life.
