Road Accident Victim

I was the victim in a road accident lawsuit against British Telecom. It took three and one-half years for the case to come to court and never in my wildess dreams could I have prepared for what was to come.

Our judge kept leading my witnesses; my barrister was never permitted to complete his line of questioning; yet, the opposition seemed able to do what they wished. When my barrister received an answer - crucial to proving my case - from a Doctor representing the opposition, both barristers sat down to talk. Finally, we had made headway. The Doctor admitted that this accident was the "straw that broke the camel's back." It was time that something was done!

Then the judge turned to the Doctor and said, "Do you understand what that means? Would you like to reconsider?" Well, that was it. The Doctor retracted his statement; said he was cohersed into saying it by my barrister.

British Telecom knew they had won and made a silly settlement offer, one we could ill afford not to accept. The judge was obviously bias, not to mention that we had already exceeded what our insurance would pay. The court had just taken too long to cross-examine me.

Because the judge gave the Doctor an opportunity to change his mind, the case was over. There is no chance to appeal; three and one-half years of pain and suffering lost forever. I received next to nothing in a case where the evidence was greatly in my favor. I don't get the treatment I need and am unable to go back to work.

Having experienced what I have, I am convinced that there is no justice in our legal system. Judges should have to answer to someone ... seems they are above it all.

Regards ..... Cheryl

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