Specialist Serious Injury Lawyers At Irwin Mitchell Have Secured A Six-Figure Settlement For The Woman

A woman who suffered life-changing injuries after she was involved in a head on collision with a 4x4 vehicle that shunted her off the road has received a six-figure settlement to aid her rehabilitation and recovery.

Rachael Burnett, from Lincoln, was travelling along the B1191 Heath Road in the direction of Scopwick, Lincolnshire, when she collided head on with the 4x4 vehicle. The force of the collision left Rachael in her car on a grass verge, with the back of the car buried in a hedge.

The crash occurred in November 2012, and left the 41-year-old with multiple, life-changing injuries, including pelvic fractures, fractured right leg, two broken arms, lower back fractures, lacerated thigh, and soft tissue damage.

Rachael instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help secure a settlement to fund the future support and rehabilitation she now needs as a result of her injuries and psychological trauma.

Rachael’s decision to instruct Irwin Mitchell came after experiencing numerous changes in case handler and delays with other firms in resolving her case, which caused great stress to Rachael who has been unable to work since the accident, leaving her financially vulnerable and, more importantly, significantly impacting her chances of a full recovery.

Rachael, who has been married to her husband Frank for seven years and has a son, Frank Jnr, with him, said: “Even almost five years later, I am still struggling to come to terms with my accident and the life-changing effect it has had on me.

“I am still taking medication to help with my physical injuries, and I find myself in pain often. Even just walking or sitting at times can be almost unbearable. However, over time with the right rehabilitation programme, I am confident that my physical health will improve.

“I also suffer from flashbacks and nightmares, and these are really hard to overcome and I become very upset. My anxiety has definitely worsened over time, but I recognise this and I am hopeful that it is another thing I will be able to overcome.

“While it can’t undo what has happened, the settlement is a great relief because I know I have the funds for ongoing treatment as well as the ability to concentrate of my rehabilitation rather than worry about the bills.

“I hope my experience will help raise awareness of the importance of safety on the road. It is so important that drivers pay proper attention behind the wheel, because the consequences can be devastatingly life-changing.”

The accident, which took place on 14 November, left both Rachael and Frank Jnr, who was 18-months old at the time, needing medical attention. Racheal was taken by air ambulance to Queens Medical Centre (QMC) in Nottingham, after the fire service cut her out of her car, a process which took two hours. Frank Jnr was taken to Lincoln County Hospital and treated for minor injuries, before being discharged.

Upon her arrival at QMC, Rachael underwent CT scans and numerous examinations so doctors could discover the full extent of her severe injuries. In the following days and weeks, Rachael underwent extensive surgery to treat her injuries, including open reduction and fixation of her pelvis, and arm fractures.

A week after the accident, Rachael was transferred closer to home to Lincoln County Hospital where she remained until Christmas Eve. Rachael has been in and out of hospital for surgery to aid her recovery since then and hopes that this settlement will enable her to kick on with rehabilitation.

Ruth Booy, a Partner and the expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Cambridge office representing Rachael, said: 

Expert Opinion

“The life-changing injuries sustained by Rachael in this horrific accident can put a huge strain on financial stability, quality of life and relationships so access to rehabilitative treatment is essential for recovery.

“Of course nothing can turn back the clock for Rachael, but we are pleased to have finally been able to secure her a settlement, which will not only provide her with some financial security as she continues her recovery but will also fund specialist support and rehabilitation.” Ruth Booy - Partner