Funds Will Ensure Man Receives Specialist Lifetime Care He Requires

A cyclist who suffered a life-changing brain injury in a crash has revealed his determination to look to the future after lawyers secured him a multi-million pound settlement to fund the specialist life-long care he requires.

Steven Greenwood suffered life-threatening injuries when a car pulled across the path of his bike when he was in a designated cycle lane, in Hebburn, near Gateshead.

Steven, who was living in Hebburn, was taken to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery as well as a number of further operations. The former lawyer spent nearly nine months in hospital. 

Cyclist asks lawyers for help after suffering brain injury in crash

Following the collision, Steven, who had to give up his career, instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate. 

Steven, aged 40, is now using Action for Brain Injury Week to speak for the first time about his resolve not to be defined by his injury. It comes after his legal team secured Steven a settlement which will fund the lifetime care and therapies he requires to live as independently as possible.

The funds, which have been carefully calculated and approved by the High Court, are being managed by Irwin Mitchell’s Court of Protection Team to ensure they last for the rest of Steven’s life.  

Expert Opinion

“While he’s lucky to be alive, Steven’s injuries have had a profound impact on his life and his career.

“Coming to terms with what happened to him and how life has changed has been incredibly difficult not only for Steven but his family.

“Action for Brain Injury Week is an important reminder of how the consequences of a brain injury can be felt long after the physical wounds have healed.

“The impact of Covid-19 and lockdown has understandably put a strain on the lives of many people, particularly those relying on care and therapies. However, Steven has not let this stand in his way and he’s worked extremely hard at his rehabilitation.

“While he’s made great progress in his recovery Steven still faces many challenges. The settlement means he now has the security of having in place the specialist care he needs to live as independently as possible.

“We’ll continue to support Steven to maximise his recovery. It’s also vital that people take care on the roads to reduce the number of people who suffer life-changing injuries.” Hema Rana - Partner

Brain injury: Our client's story

Steven, a keen cyclist and runner, was riding along Victoria Road West on 19 September, 2017, when a Seat Ibiza veered across his path as the driver attempted to turn right into Mill Crescent. 

Steven, who was wearing a helmet, also suffered facial fractures, a fractured pelvis and rib as well as a broken right leg.  

He was discharged from hospital in June, 2018.

Steven was unable to return to his home and has moved into an adapted home suitable to his needs.

Steven said: “Thankfully I don’t remember anything about the collision. All I know is what I’ve been told afterwards, including from witnesses. 

“While my family and friends visited me as much as they could in hospital there was a lot of time by myself when it was difficult not to think about what happened and how life would never be the same again. 

“There were some hard times especially around being forced to give up my career. However, I’ve always been fit and active so I drew on that and set a number of goals, the first being getting out of hospital. 

Lawyer who suffered life-changing injury wants to help others

“During lockdown it could have been easy to become disheartened and let my rehabilitation slide but I was determined not to undo all of the progress I’ve made over the last couple of years. 

“I know I still face many challenges ahead. My brain injury still means I’ve got cognitive difficulties. It takes longer to process and understand information. I’m a lot more forgetful than I was, I struggle to concentrate and I can’t always find the words I want to say. 

“I did wonder what I was going to do but then I thought about helping charities and speaking at events about my story. The help and support I’ve had over the past few years has been tremendous and has made a real difference so I thought this could be my way of giving something back.

“I just hope that others who may find themselves in a similar situation don’t feel they have to suffer alone. There’s help and support available and there’s definitely life after serious injury.”  

Action for Brain Injury Week runs from 17-23 May and is supported by the charity Headway. This year’s theme is how Covid-19 lockdown has affected people with a brain injury. For more information visit www.headway.org.uk

Find out more about our expertise in helping people following a brain injury at our dedicated serious injury section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.