Shoosmiths’ serious injury team was instructed by our client who was injured in a road traffic accident when he was struck by a lorry.
He was taken to hospital by ambulance where he was diagnosed as having sustained numerous serious injuries, including:
- Multiple neck and spinal fractures
- Fractures to both clavicles
- Fractures to eight ribs with a flail segment
- A chest injury comprising haemopneumothorax (blood and air in the chest cavity)
- A fracture to his femur
- A fracture and dislocation in the right wrist
- Small bowel injury
- Small liver laceration
- Significant scarring due to abrasions and operations
Our client spent several months recuperating in hospital before being able to return to his own home.
Given the nature of his injuries, we had to obtain medical evidence from several experts, including spinal and orthopedic specialists, an expert in pain medicine, a plastic surgeon, and a wrist expert.
The expert evidence was that our client would continue to suffer with limitations in his wrist and ongoing pain indefinitely. This was problematic because his job involved daily use of computers and keyboards. It also meant that his ability to carry out even simple household tasks was limited.
In addition, he suffered with constant pain to his knee and right leg due to the injuries sustained in the accident and resulting nerve damage. He also suffered loss of sensation in his leg and foot and regularly experienced pins and needles. This caused problems when sitting in one place for a prolonged period and prevented him from being able to return to his pre-accident level of fitness.
We issued court proceedings, but our personal injury solicitor, Kate Price-Marson, was able to agree a settlement for our client for a sum which reflected his future limitations and additional costs he would incur because of his injuries, including on-going physiotherapy and future costs such as to travel on flights with increased leg room, cleaning and gardening which he could no longer undertake, further surgery costs and associated loss of earnings.
Remarking after the case settled, Kate Price-Marson said ‘I am pleased that we were able to achieve a positive settlement for our client so that he can move on with his life, with a sum of compensation that allows him to obtain the care and services he will need due to the injuries he sustained.’
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information given. © Shoosmiths LLP 2024
