Noel, a keen skier and horseperson, was injured in 2019 when he was riding his motorcycle to work. As he was approaching a side turning, a car pulled out immediately in front of him causing him to fall off his motorbike and to be pulled under the car. Due to the severity of his injuries, an air ambulance transported him to his closest major trauma centre where he received treatment for his injuries which included a head injury, spinal cord injury and various fractured bones. Noel also needed an above-the-knee amputation.
Shortly after being admitted to the major trauma centre, Noel instructed CL Medilaw to act for him, to bring a personal injury claim, for the pain and suffering caused as a result of his injuries, and for future losses and care.
Liability for the accident was not disputed by the car driver’s insurer and it was agreed that both sides would work together under the Rehabilitation Code to enable Noel to make the best possible recovery from his injuries.
The steps to injury rehabilitation
In October 2019, just a few weeks after the collision, a case manager was instructed who carried out an initial needs assessment. This assessment is used to identify the immediate needs of the injured party, which in this case included extensive rehabilitation at a specialist spinal injuries centre. Noel and his family own a number of horses which he was unable to look after himself due to his injuries and the insurers agreed to fund livery for the horses and a part time gardener to look after the extensive grounds at the family home, a role previously performed by Noel.
Funding was arranged by CL Medilaw to transfer him to a private hospital specialising in spinal rehabilitation. He spent 7 months at this rehabilitation centre and made significant improvements. However, his ongoing disabilities meant he was not able immediately to return to the family home as adaptations were needed to install a rear extension with lift, and a home gym with hydrotherapy pool to enable essential rehabilitation to continue.
Noel’s case manager, who had been working with him for many months, was able to secure a temporary home to rent whilst adaptations were made to the family home which were completed around 2 years post-accident.
Working together with insurers for the best outcome
By working in collaboration with the drivers’ insurers, Noel was able to receive inpatient rehabilitation at a specialist spinal injuries centre, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, occupational therapy, adaptations to the family home and various specialist equipment including wheelchairs, an adapted car and prosthetics.
The final compensation secured by the serious injury claim specialist solicitors meant that he will have a complete package of care available for the remainder of his life.
Compensation allows you to achieve your pre-injury goals
Among Noel’s goals was a return to skiing and to be able to accompany his family to horse riding competitions as he had done pre-accident. This has been made possible by the purchase of specialist ski-equipment and access to an adapted ski lodge in Austria, as well as a custom-built horse box lorry which allows him drive his family, with their horses, to meets across the country. An all-terrain wheelchair also allows him to visit the horses in their fields.
Why instruct a specialist solicitor?
Noel chose to instruct member law firm CL Medilaw to deal with his claim. By instructing a specialist major trauma solicitor to assist, he was able to access the expertise needed to secure interim payments to access specialist rehabilitation at an early stage to help him make the best recovery possible and a return to his pre-accident lifestyle.
Whilst no amount of money can ever undo the damage caused to his body that day, the settlement received will ensure he receives appropriate care, support and rehabilitation for the rest of his life.
Members of Major Trauma Group are experts in dealing with serious injury after motorcycle collisions and provide support to bikers and their families after injury.
