Dad Speaks Out On Action For Brain Injury Week

A dad who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a crash has spoken of his determination to look to the future after legal experts secured vital funds to aid his ongoing recovery.

Paul Stobbs had to be airlifted to hospital following the collision in Chesterfield in which he also suffered a fractured spine.

The 45-year-old from Clowne, Derbyshire, had be intubated and spent around two months in hospital. He cannot remember the year before the crash and still suffers mobility problems and struggles to walk.

Following the crash in December 2016, Paul instructed specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access rehabilitation services to support his recovery.

He has now joined his legal team in supporting Action for Brain Injury Week to raise awareness of the effect brain injuries can have on people, particularly with regards to fatigue.

It comes after Irwin Mitchell secured a substantial undisclosed settlement which will fund Paul’s ongoing rehabilitation as well as allow him to buy a bungalow so he can enjoy more independence.

Expert Opinion

“Paul’s story vividly highlights the huge impact that brain injuries can have. The injuries he suffered in the collision have had a profound effect on him and his family.

“More than two years on he still faces a number of challenges to overcome his injuries the best he can.

“While nothing will make up for what has happened we are pleased that Paul can now access the vital treatment and therapies he requires.

“Action for Brain Injury Week acts is an important reminder of the huge challenges that survivors of such problems can face. Fatigue in particular is a tough issue which can often be misunderstood.” David Withers - Partner, ATE Product Manager and BTE Relationship Partner

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people affected by brain injuries 

Paul is married to Tracey. The couple live with their three daughters, Gerri, 21, Bobbie, 13, and seven-year-old Maxie as well as four-year-old son Colt.

A former Chesterfield FC coach, Paul, had previously worked for an electrical company and wanted to become an electrician.
 
A car collided with his vehicle when he was crossing from Hickwood Lane over Creswell Road into Station Road, on 11 December, 2016.

Paul was airlifted at Sheffield Royal Hallamshire where he spent one month before he was transferred to Chesterfield Royal Hospital. He was then transferred to the Osborne 4 ward at Sheffield Northern General Hospital in January 2017 and was discharged home February 2017.

He also suffered a number of other injuries including fractures to his neck. He also suffered from soft tissue injuries to his foot and shoulder.

Paul still experiences issues including sight, speech, memory and sleep problems. He requires a stick to walk.

His injuries mean he has not been able to return to work.

Paul said: “I required a host of rehabilitation support in hospital including occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and physiotherapy. I remember having a huge amount of pain in my neck and shoulders and actually struggled a lot with the right side of my body.

“Even when I came home I was still facing a lot of difficulties. Living in a two-storey house was a real problem and I had to sleep downstairs due to my limited mobility.”

Irwin Mitchell was able to secure Paul an interim payment to support his physiotherapy needs and this ensured he could get to the gym and work to boost his mobility. Now, after securing a settlement from the insurer of the other driver, Paul has his sights set on the future.

He said: “I have been hugely reliant on Tracey since the crash but I am working hard to move forward with my life. This settlement will make a huge difference, as I hope to not only secure further rehabilitation but also plan to buy a bungalow. The latter would have a huge effect on me and really help me boost my independence.

“It has been an incredibly difficult few years but I am now getting to the point when I just want to look forward. It was important to me to speak out on Action for Brain Injury Week, as I do worry that some people still do not realise the huge effect that such injuries can have.

“Trying to recover has been a daily battle, but I am finally reaching a point where the future is looking a little brighter.”

Action for Brain Injury Week, an initiative created by Headway runs from 20-26 May. This year’s theme is ‘brain drain – wake up to fatigue’.