Our specialist accident and illness abroad lawyers helped Alison Grant to regain her independence and enjoy the active lifestyle that she valued so highly before being involved in a serious accident.
Alison was driving to visit her parents in Switzerland when her car was hit by a speeding drunk driver in France.
The accident left Alison with serious spinal injuries and needing 24-hour care. She now relies on a wheelchair and has limited lower and upper body movement. Sadly the injuries were so severe that she had to leave her job as an Army Major, cutting off her salary and the support network that she previously relied on.
The Importance Of Getting Specialist Legal Advice
After losing her salary and support network, Alison needed specialist legal advice. Our accidents and illness abroad experts have years of experience in helping people injured overseas, so were well suited to support Alison with her case.
Compensation payments are considerably lower under French law and Alison was facing a settlement that would have left her unable to access the rehabilitation she desperately needed.
Fortunately, a European Court of Justice ruling meant that Alison’s claim could be made in the English courts.
A claim can take time, especially when the accident took place overseas but Alison’s lawyer, Michael Zurbrugg, along with his team of specialists helped her to access early payments while the claim continued.
Interim Compensation Payments Allow Alison To Access Rehabilitation
These interim payments allowed Alison to access specialist care and make changes to her home, allowing her to live relatively independently.
Before her accident, Alison competed in a number of sports and was a particularly keen skier. With specialist care and rehabilitation Alison was able to get back on the slopes.
Alison also now competes in international sailing competitions through the charity Sailability. She has also tried her hand at microlight flying, white water rafting, horse riding and a range of other sports.
We have now settled her compensation claim and she has the funds needed to pay for her future care. Commenting on Alison’s case, Michael Zurbrugg said: “Alison is a truly inspirational character and I am extremely pleased to have helped her secure the funds she needs for her future care, and to help in her future career and sporting achievements.”
Alison’s story shows us how important rehabilitation can be, as she explained: “Simple tasks are a daily challenge for me now. Continuing rehabilitation therapy is essential and my sporting activities have had to be adapted, but thanks to the amazing support of so many people and the financial independence that Michael and Irwin Mitchell have achieved for me, I am able to continue to take part.”
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