Getting access to specialist equipment following an undiagnosed spinal cord compression
“I used to play golf because I used to like being around friends and being outside. When I first stood up in the ParaGolfer, I almost cried. I just loved it so much”
David’s Story
David began experiencing severe back and shoulder pain in August 2018.
Despite multiple visits to his GP and worsening symptoms including limb weakness, gait abnormalities and numbness, there were significant delays in his investigation, referral and treatment.
David had an undiagnosed spinal cord compression and as a result of the delay in operating, David was left paralysed and is now a permanent wheelchair user.
David’s life before was very active, with his wife and three children and his previous job as a lorry driver, there was rarely a quiet day. After David was left paralysed, his life was totally turned upside down.
“Our whole house had to be adjusted. I can’t think of anything that hasn’t had to be adjusted because of what happened” David said.
“I used to be able to do everything for my family, for my wife, now she has to do everything for me.”
How did Irwin Mitchell help?
While David was in a coma, as a result of his delayed surgery, his daughter was the one who contacted our medical negligence team with concerns about the treatment he had received.We used David’s medical records and reports from independent medical experts to assess how avoidable his injuries were to establish alleged failures in his care. We also compiled detailed evidence to assess the long-term impact of his injuries to support the valuation of David’s claim. The case was settled out of court shortly before trial, with David receiving compensation for his injuries. While working on David’s case, his solicitors introduced him to The Golf Trust, a charity that helps make golf accessible to all. They provide disabled people with access to specialist equipment including the paragolfer, an all-terrain mobility unit that can lift people from a sitting to a standing position and enable them to swing a golf club freely.
- How Irwin Mitchell helped David get access to a paragolfer wheelchair for rehabilitation
How will the settlement help David?
The settlement has provided David with the financial security and support he needs to manage the impact of his injuries. It will fund his ongoing care, specialist equipment, and adaptations to his home to support his independence and mobility.
Before his injuries, David was a keen golfer and were build a ParaGolfer into David’s settlement claim to support his rehabilitation.
“I used to play golf because I used to like being around friends and being outside. When I first stood up in the paragolfer, I almost cried. I just loved it so much” David told us when asked about the paragolfer.
“Because it was built into my claim, I had the money for it, I was moping around for two years and felt like I had nothing in my life before Irwin Mitchell helped me with my case. I always knew that my solicitors had my back.”
Working with The Golf Trust
David’s claim was handled by Louise Forsyth and Alexandra Highfield, who work in our medical negligence team.
When asked about David’s claim and his experience with the Golf Trust, Louise said:
“When I met David, he was understandably very low, very depressed. He said he used to love to play golf but said he felt like he would never get to play again and that was having a detrimental effect to his wellbeing. It was a big part of his social life before his injury. When we introduced him to The Golf Trust he was able to take advantage of the trials with the paragolfer there and he was so happy to be able to get back into something he thought he’d lost access to”
“Whilst no amount of money will make up for David’s injury, the settlement will enable him to access the support he needs and improve his quality of life.”
Alexandra added, “It was a privilege to help David, and hopefully this settlement will help him find a way forward and regain his independence.”
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