Man Receives Compensation after Road Accident Leaves Him Tetraplegic

Compensation for tetraplegic

A man who was involved in a road accident, causing him serious injuries and leaving him a ventilated tetraplegic, has received a significant sum as settlement.

Colin Ettinger of National Law Firm Irwin Mitchell said, “The accident that our client was involved in was horrific and has left him with serious lasting injuries. The figure that our client received was appropriate based on his injuries and future requirements. The case is particularly interesting as it examined the factors that contribute to a settlement in a serious neurotrauma case.”

These are:

• Promotion prospects in work were thoroughly explored. This meant that a claim for loss of earnings was put forward on the basis of a salary substantially higher than the client’s immediate pre accident earnings.

• Alternative accommodation was required. Suitable accommodation was found and modified for the client’s requirements. The claim was not resolved until it was demonstrated that the accommodation was suitable.

• A comprehensive care regime was also required. A case manager was appointed and again, settlement was delayed in order to ensure that appropriately qualified carers were recruited. This was to obtain the cost of recruitment, the rate necessary to pay the carers and time allowed to ensure that the care regime worked efficiently.

• Transport. An appropriately modified car was purchased as well as a wheelchair. These were not bought until the necessary expert's advice had been obtained. Provision was made to ensure that both vehicle and wheelchair were sufficient for the client's requirements.

Mr Ettinger said, “Of course, our client had other requirements for various other equipment therapies and medication, all of which were put in place prior to settlement. We secured interim payments so that the cost of the accommodation, transport and equipment as well as the cost of the carers could be payable prior to the hearing.

“Emphasis was placed on ensuring that our client's requirements were met and put in place in order to ensure that the accommodation equipment and care regime were tailored to our client's needs prior to any settlement".

If you or someone you know has been effected by spinal injury, our solicitors can help. Visit our spinal injury claim section.