She was very conscientious and career minded at the time

Former colleague

Miss Chettry, who lived in Welling, Kent at the time of the accident, was three days into a High Court hearing on the case, when the agreement to settle was reached.

The exact terms of the settlement have still to be confirmed, but the package is thought to be worth about �3m.

Miss Chettry, 39, now of Fernbrook Road, Blackheath, was on her lunch break from her job as a city PA when a light wind brought the post down on her.

Earlier in the case a friend and former colleague said she was: "Very, very conscientious and career minded.

'Totally helpless'

"She seemed to be going in the direction of working her way up in her career, and just really enjoyed her job.

"She was doing very well at the time, and was hoping that she would go on to manage other secretaries."

After the settlement agreement was reached, Miss Chettry's solicitor, Jenny Kennedy, said her client is now completely unable to look after herself.

"We've secured by way of a structured settlement provision of good nursing care for her for life in her own home," said Ms Kennedy.

"She is estranged from her family so the exact terms of the settlement are confidential."

The final settlement terms will have to be approved by a judge at a future date.