Stephen’s Claim after a Life-Threatening Car Accident

Stephen became a tetraplegic after a life-threatening accident. We helped him make an interim claim to purchase a suitable property while we negotiated with the Defendants.

Stephen was driving to his place of work and could not see an unlit tractor unit attached to an articulated lorry which was protruding into the road in front of him. Stephen collided with the unlit trailer and he suffered life threatening injuries to his lungs. As a result of the accident, Stephen was rendered tetraplegic.

The Spinal Injuries Unit at Northern General Hospital in Sheffield recommended us to Stephen. Our Personal Injury team took this as a great compliment.

When he left hospital, Stephen was unable to return to his flat. Although the local housing department supplied him with adapted ground floor accommodation, the property was not suitable for a wheelchair user. Furthermore, it was too small for Stephen to share with his wife and 3 young, active children. We explained this to the the Defendants’ insurance company and persuaded them to make an interim payment. Stephen used the payment to buy a spacious, self contained bungalow for his family. We instructed architects and explained that they needed to plan the inside of the property to improve wheelchair circulation.

We held further lengthy negotiations and we persuaded the Defendants to make a substantial offer. This allowed Stephen to settle his case without the need to go to Trial. This will cover Stephen’s past and future requirements. Additionally, it compensates his loss of earnings as a result of being unable to return to work.

In cases like Stephen’s, our highly experienced personal injury solicitors keep a clear focus on their clients’ long term needs as well as the short term ones.