A FORMER NHS worker has been awarded almost £1 million compensation after a shattered ankle ruined her life.

Sandra Mehmetemin, of Hunt Avenue, Heybridge, was 53 when she suffered the bad break along with other injuries in a collision on the A414 in Maldon in 2009.

The then NHS administrator, who since the incident has had to retire on medical grounds, has undergone six major operations on lower leg and ankle fractures, which a surgeon described as like "a vase being smashed."

She has a "significant permanent disability", permanently using crutches or a mobility scooter.

Sandra's husband Mustapha Mehmetemin gave up his job to care for her, and has been living off benefits.

The NHS administrator sued motor insurers for £1.6 million for her injury, including compensation for the care her husband gives her after “sacrificing” his own working life.

Last week, Sandra was awarded nearly £1 million in damages by Judge Sir Robert Nelson at London's High Court, after suing the other motorist involved in the crash.

Sir Robert said that a specialist had described Mrs Mehmetemin's ankle injury as being "as bad as it gets."

He said: "Pain is a regular daily feature of her life.

"Mrs Mehmetemin's ability to carry on her normal life is greatly affected in almost every sphere."

He said she had gone from being "an active sociable woman" to being "predominantly housebound."

Sir Robert awarded her more than £420,000 to cover the costs of past and future care.

The total pay-out came to £963,793.97, including £80,000 for her pain, suffering and loss of amenity.

Mrs Mehmetemin said: “I am relieved that I have been awarded compensation to reflect the losses and expenses following my serious injuries. However, no amount of money will compensate me for being unable to assist in the care of my four beautiful grandchildren and my elderly father.

“I would urge all drivers to consider their actions on the road and the potential effects of collisions on the lives of innocent victims.”

Sally Moore, of the personal injury team at law firm Leigh Day, said: “We are pleased that the judge recognised the severity of our client’s injuries and the impact on her life in the damages he awarded. We hope that Sandra will now have the security she lost when she was the innocent victim of a car crash.”