Fitness Enthusiast Continuing To Struggle After Serious Internal Injuries

An HGV driver whose life was ‘turned upside down’ as he suffered internal and back injuries when he was hit by a van while delivering cargo has instructed specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the incident and help secure support for his recovery.

James Finney, 42, from Harthill, South Yorkshire was delivering wooden sleepers to the Station Hotel, Finningley in April 2015 when he was struck by a transit van he was helping to guide into the venue’s parking area.

He lowered the tail-lift of his truck and turned to help a driver of a transit van enter the car park at the hotel.

As he returned to continue lowering his tail-lift, he was struck by the van, pinned to the back of his truck and dragged along the tail-lift, causing significant injuries to his back, ribs and leg, as well as serious internal abdominal injuries.

The father-of-three was rushed to hospital by ambulance and spent 11 days in intensive care at Doncaster Royal Infirmary with internal bleeding, a dissected bowel, damage to his leg and spine. James also underwent two operations to remove part of his bowel and appendix.

Since the incident James has been unable to work due to the severe back pain he continues to suffer. A police investigation led to the driver of the transit van that struck him being fined and given seven penalty points.

James, who before the accident was a keen motorcyclist, member of the local gym and took part in a number of charity walks, has now instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the incident and to secure specialist support and rehabilitation to aid his recovery.

Ian Whittaker, an expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, who is representing James, said:

Expert Opinion

“This incident has had a huge impact on James and his family. The injuries he suffered were very serious and he continues to suffer with pain as a result of the incident.

“We are now working to secure James, who has been unable to work since April, funds that will cover his lost earnings and ensure he is able to access the help and support he needs as he continues his rehabilitation after this horrendous ordeal.

“Sadly, we see a number of cases like James’ where vulnerable road users are involved in collisions with vehicles and know just how serious the consequences of these incidents can be. James suffered terrible injuries in this incident and we would urge all road users to take their responsibilities for safety very seriously.” Ian Whittaker - Paralegal & Associate

James, who completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge for cancer research charities in 2014, said: “This incident has had a huge impact on my life as I can no longer do the things I have always enjoyed. I loved to keep fit and take part in charity walks, but I know that for the time-being those activities are a distant memory for me.

“My injuries and the time I spent in hospital have also affected my family, my working life and my enjoyment of simple things like food, as I can no longer eat the things I used to due to the internal injuries I suffered.

“It has completely turned my life upside down and I’ve instructed Irwin Mitchell to help with my rehabilitation and to try to get help financially as I’ve been unable to work since the accident. I hope by speaking out it makes drivers think carefully about how they drive in future.”

If you or a loved has been seriously injured in a road traffic accident, our serious injury solicitors could help you to claim compensation. Visit our Road Traffic Accident Claims page for more information.