Felicity was involved in a road traffic collision that killed her mum. Felicity herself sustained serious orthopaedic and psychological injuries and later developed fibromyalgia, as well. Our Sheffield Serious Injury team secured a six-figure sum in compensation for Felicity.

The Accident

Felicity was driving along a main country road in Lincolnshire on her way to Norfolk for a holiday with her mum. A driver on the opposite side of the road lost control of her vehicle and veered onto the wrong side of the road. She collided with both Felicity’s vehicle and the vehicle in front of her.

Felicity's mum was sat in the front passenger seat. She sustained serious injuries from which she tragically passed away the next day.

The Aftermath

At the time of the accident Felicity was in her 40s and working in the hair and beauty industry. She lived with her long-term partner and enjoyed an active social life. Some of her biggest loves included gardening, walking, travelling, and working.

But after the accident she not only suffered the loss of her mum, her once active life was severely restricted too. Felicity sustained fractures to her lower leg, which required surgery and insertion of metalwork. She also sustained injuries to her back, neck, shoulders, and knees. She suffered seatbelt injuries to her abdomen and chest and developed generalised joint pain.

The accident and bereavement of her mum also caused low moods, flashbacks and bad dreams. Felicity developed generalised anxiety. She also suffered anxiety related to car travel.

Felicity needed her partner and friends to help with personal care, cooking, housework, gardening, and attending appointments.

Getting Justice For Felicity

Our first step was to wait for evidence about the circumstances surrounding the accident to be disclosed by the police. Our collision investigator kept in contact with the police to keep up to date with the criminal court proceedings being pursued against the other driver. She was found guilty of causing death by driving without care and attention. We collaborated with the insurer to set up an assessment of Felicity's needs. This identified the need for a package of support. The package included:

• Physiotherapy
• Case management
• Psychotherapy.

An agreement was reached for the insurer to fund input directly via the Rehabilitation Code. This meant the treatment and support Felicity needed could begin in the early stages. We also obtained interim payments to help Felicity.

Despite Felicity's rehabilitation, it became apparent she wouldn't be able to resume her pre-accident job due to her ongoing pain and fatigue. She couldn't stand for long periods of time, forcing her to resign.

Expert advice confirmed Felicity was unlikely to be able to return to a full-time job. Although the advice did say that she could take up part-time sedentary work, after further treatment. Some adaptations to her home and specialist equipment would help her too.

A Six-Figure Settlement

Some of the experts disagreed on the causes of Felicity's ongoing symptoms. The matter was heading towards a trial before a settlement meeting took place.

We achieved a six-figure sum for Felicity without the need for a trial. This compensation will cover her loss of earnings and reduced pension. It will also pay for further treatment, specialist equipment and assistance that will help her to lead a better quality of life.

Our colleagues in the Court of Protection Department helped Felicity to set up a Personal Injury Compensation Trust. This ensured she can still claim means tested benefits, which gives her an extra layer of security for the future.

Using Irwin Mitchell Asset Management, she also received extra advice from a financial planner.

What Felicity Says About Us

After securing the settlement, Felicity was delighted to give us a glowing reference: "I'm so glad I insisted on using Irwin Mitchell to handle my case. Throughout I've been kept informed, and I never felt like I couldn't ask if I didn't understand something.

"Having one person handle my case from start to finish has made this awful situation much easier. I feel the service I received was friendly, personal and always professional."

Get In Touch

If you've been involved in a road traffic accident that wasn't your fault, we could help you to claim compensation.

Visit our road traffic accidents page for more information on the services we offer.

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