by David Carter
1 October 2010
A Lithuanian woman who claims she developed breast cancer as a result of a car crash two years ago is seeking compensation of £100,000, reports the Gazette News.
Elena Matkunaite, 44 suffered fractures to her leg and bruising to her breast when Adam Squirrell’s car struck hers in Colchester, in February 2008. She now alleges that there is a causal link between the accident on Maldon Road, and the malignant cancer with which she was diagnosed in January this year.
Mr Squirrell was said to have lost control of his Ford Fiesta and veered on to the wrong side of the road as Ms Matkunaite’s Sierra was driving towards it, and he was convicted of careless driving in August of the same year, opening the path for the compensation claim.
The carer, who has since returned home, claims she suffered from distress, depression and anxiety and is concerned her condition will hinder her drive to find work in the future. She has undergone surgery and is also receiving hormone treatment and chemotherapy.
A judge will decide whether there is a culpable link between the crash and Ms Matkunaite’s illness.