Irwin Mitchell’s serious injury specialists represented a cyclist who unfortunately sustained a severe spinal cord injury after being involved in a road accident.
The man had been of for a weekend ride along country lanes when a car pulled out from a minor road into his path. Our client had to take emergency action and swerve to avoid a collision; this led him to lose control and fall from his bike.
The cyclist suffered a severe spinal cord injury as a result or the incident which meant he needed a lengthy period of inpatient rehabilitation at a specialist spinal injury unit. Our client made significant progress during this time but continues to experience serious and permanent disabilities. He will need care for the rest of his life and accommodation that's accessible by wheelchair.
Stephen Nye, Head of our Serious Injury team in Birmingham, dealt with the cyclist’s case and secured a settlement of £4.25 million in respect of the severity of the injuries caused and the man’s future care needs.
Stephen commented: “This was an unusual case in the sense that there was no actual collision, but it was clear that the driver should not have pulled out when he did. The blame was in fact denied and a forensic investigation was required into the evidence.
“My client has shown great fortitude in adjusting to his life post injury. To his great credit he has been able to return to work on a part-time basis.
“The settlement that we were able to achieve will ensure that he will have sufficient funds to meet his future care needs, to secure more suitable property and to continue with his rehabilitation.”
Stephen also expressed concerns regarding the safety of cyclists. He said: “This case again shows that a misjudgement by a car driver can give devastating consequences. Drivers must be alert to the presence of cyclists before they commit to a manoeuvre.”
Our expert serious injury lawyers will provide you with free initial advice on your compensation claim if you or a loved one has suffered a serious spinal injury. See our Spinal Injury Compensation Claims page for more information.
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