Multi-million pound damages for pedestrian with catastrophic spinal injury

We have achieved a multi-million pound settlement for a young man who was hit while crossing the road by a vehicle that was being driven unlawfully and negligently. As a result, he sustained a catastrophic spinal injury (incomplete T5/6 paraplegia). He is now wheelchair-dependent.

He was unable to return to his former work and required long-term rehabilitation to optimise his physical outcome. We secured instructions over a number of other firms that were approached due to our relevant experience and understanding of our client’s needs. Although no formal admission of liability was made, as the defendant driver was acting outside the terms of his insurance, we were able to secure early acceptance from his insurer of its status as RTA insurer and of its legal liability to fund damages.

We secured substantial interim payments while the claim was ongoing to fund rehabilitation and provide for our client’s immediate requirements. Proceedings were issued and judgment entered for our client. We had constructive and progressive negotiations with the RTA insurer to quantify the claim, including extensive work on expert medical and quantum evidence and without prejudice disclosure.

This culminated in a joint settlement meeting at which a multi-million pound settlement agreement was reached to include damages for past and future care and accommodation, ongoing therapy and loss of earnings.