Irwin Mitchell’s specialist personal injury team have assisted an aspiring fashion photographer claim £688,000 in compensation after he suffered multiple injuries as a result of a road traffic collision.

Our client was returning home on his scooter when a car collided with him head on.  The impact threw him on to the Defendant’s car where his head hit the windscreen before he fell on to the tarmac.  As a result of the collision, our client sustained a mild brain injury (despite wearing a motor cycle helmet) and had a severe fracture to his left arm and wrist. 

In terms of the fractures, they required nine operations over an eighteen month period to heal. However, our client’s range of movement, strength and fine motor skills continued to be affected, limiting his abilities. He struggled to carry anything of weight with his left hand or grip things, such as his camera, in the same way as before, limiting him to tripod work.

As for the brain injury, this caused ongoing psychological and psychiatric difficulties. At the time Irwin Mitchell came on board (as previous Solicitors had been acting), a case manager was in place but unfortunately, had been appointed on a joint basis. Interim funds were being restricted and our client was on the verge of being homeless.

As liability had already been admitted, we were able to obtain an interim payment in the sum of £50,000 to instruct a case manager on a unilateral basis and to ensure that our client was able to access rehabilitation on a private basis.  

Via subsequent interim payments, our client had access to the gym, private Pilates and tennis lessons to aid his balance, as recommended by his audiology consultant. Our client also had access to neuropsychology and a private psychiatrist who assisted him in managing his anxiety and mood more effectively.  An occupational therapist assisted in terms of fatigue management and also vocational rehabilitation.

At the time of the crash, our client was just about to sign for a leading commercial photography agency which was no longer possible as a result of his injuries.   Although he continued to do some photography work, notably for L'Oreal, he was unable to pursue the career that he had forged for himself in the years prior.

With the help of Laura Middleton-Guerard – personal injury specialist based in our London offices - the case was settled shortly before trial at a Joint Settlement Meeting.  The amount secured for the client was £688,000 to cover both a sizeable loss of earnings claim based on his earnings in the photography world had he not been injured and the cost of continued support from a neuropsychologist as the client was still exhibiting adjustment disorder difficulties and mood variations.  

Laura commented: “After close to 3 years with other solicitors, our client instructed us instead. We were able to secure interim payments to ensure the case manager could put in place the support and therapies our client required. A positive settlement was reached after a trying process for our client who will now continue to rebuild his life after the significant injuries he sustained.”

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a road traffic accident, our serious injury lawyers could help you claim compensation. See our Road Traffic Accident Compensation page for more information.

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