Paralysed cyclist awarded SGD800,000 (USD580,000)

Singapore: A cyclist was paralysed from the neck down, after he crashed into a cycling barrier in July 2005. In March 2008, he received SGD800,000 (USD580,000) in a court settlement. Lifelong treatment was estimated to be SGD700,000 (USD507,500)

The claimant sued the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the contractor of the erected heavy-duty steel barrier for personal injuries caused by an "unsafe barrier" which had been installed at the end of a bridge. The contractor did not post signs to alert cyclists to the barrier at one end.

The claimant sustained spinal injuries, lost the feeling of his limbs and had breathing difficulties. He had to spend six months in the hospital.

Source: Strait Times, 27 March 2008
Asian Casualty Report 10th Edition June 2008 – Gen Re