Spinal Injury Survivor Preparing For New Home Boost

A Barnsley man who suffered serious spinal and complex orthopaedic  injuries in a car crash has revealed his hope for the future after lawyers secured him vital funds to support his ongoing recovery.

Conor Lynch from Hoyland, sustained the injuries in September 2017, when a car he was travelling in as a passenger collided with a wall. His injuries were so severe that doctors advised him he may never walk again.

Serious injury lawyers secure settlement for Conor

Following the collision he instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist rehabilitation, therapies and support he requires.   

His legal team has secured Conor, aged 24, a significant seven figure  settlement. Conor, who has defied expectations to walk again, has made great progress in his recovery. Due to the severity of Conor’s injuries, he was unable to return to work as a welder. He has been advised by his treating surgeon that he should not undertake work in any role which involves manual labour as it puts his back at further risk of deterioration. 
 
Conor is likely to require further complex spinal surgery in the future. His settlement provides him with funds to allow him to pay for any future surgery on a private basis to enable him to access top spinal orthopaedic specialists to carry out the surgery. In addition, Conor now has access to funds which will allow him to meet his need for further care, vital therapies and specialist equipment throughout the rest of his life. 

Settlement will fund ongoing rehabilitation and move into adapted home

The settlement funds, which are protected in a Personal Injury Trust  set up by Irwin Mitchell’s Court of Protection team, ensure  that Conor  has financial support for the rest of his life, which gives him the freedom to not work if he is in pain. 

A proportion of the funds are also being used by Conor to buy his own home which will be specifically designed to meet his needs, allowing him to live as independently as possible.

Expert Opinion

“Conor suffered devastating injuries in the crash which turned his life upside down. While he still faces many challenges, Conor has shown incredible determination to move forward with his rehabilitation, regaining more of his independence.

“It’s been fantastic to witness his ongoing progress. I first met Conor while he was still in hospital, not long after the crash, when he was completely unable to walk. I have watched him gradually recover and progress over the past five years. He’s gone from being unable to walk, to walking with crutches, then leg braces and now he can cycle. He successfully took part in the Super Hero Triathlon for disabled people in 2018 which was amazing.

“Fortunately for Conor, we were able to work collaboratively with the insurer in the claim to secure access to funds to allow Conor to receive specialist rehabilitation at a very early stage, including specialist equipment such as leg braces, which enabled him maximise his recovery.

“Conor has been on an incredible journey with many highs and lows. Conor is now looking forward to the next chapter in his life and is in the process of buying a house which has been adapted to suit his needs; it is very exciting. He has promised to cook us a Sunday dinner when he’s moved in! We truly wish him all the best for the future.

“The consequences of spinal and complex orthopaedic injuries can be catastrophic, particularly at such a young age, but Conor is proof that people who have suffered serious injury can flourish with the right support around them.” Rachel Cox - Solicitor, Healthy Mind Advocate & Wellbeing Lead for Sheffield

Spinal injury: Conor Lynch's story

Conor had just turned 20 at the time of the collision. He was discharged from hospital in a wheelchair, but shocked doctors by learning to walk again despite many medical setbacks and the likelihood of future surgery. He has also worked on independent living skills with an occupational therapist and moved into an annex in his parents’ home for a period.

As well as providing serious injury support, Irwin Mitchell has assisted Conor in other ways. Irwin Mitchell’s Asset Management has provided financial advice to Conor and members of his family, while the firm’s Residential Property arm is advising on the purchase of his home. Conor has also received advice from the firm’s family law team in relation to a co-habitation agreement for his new home and is planning to use the firm’s Wills team to help him prepare a will once he has purchased his property. 

Conor, who has bilateral foot drop, muscle wastage and walks with a limp, is supporting Limb Loss And Limb Difference Awareness Month. 

Conor reveals hope for the future

Conor said: “The crash had a major impact on my life and it still affects me in a number of ways now.  The main thing is that I still have a lot of metal work in my back from surgery after the crash. I have been told that I will need more surgery again in the future which is very risky. This is one of the most frustrating things for me as I have had to adapt my lifestyle to ensure that I can maintain my current level of activity for as long as possible. 

“The first few months after the collision and coming to terms with what happened were particularly difficult not just for me but my family. Both of my brothers witnessed the aftermath of the crash – they saw me cut out of the car and put into the ambulance. They both successfully made their own claims for the psychological injuries they suffered as a result. My mum and my stepdad have been my rocks. I couldn’t have got through the last five years without them. 

“It’s not always been easy and there have been many challenges but I am determined to remain positive and keep pushing forward with my life. I’ve worked very hard to get to this point and I just want to keep going. 

“The settlement is a major milestone for me. It gives me the reassurance that I will be looked after in the future, especially if I need more surgery. . I can’t thank everyone enough for all they’ve done for me ever since the collision. The help and support I’ve had has been amazing. 

“It’s an exciting time for me; moving into my new home will give me another boost to keep up my progress and is the start of a new chapter in my life.”

Find out more about our expertise in helping people injured in road traffic collisions at our dedicated serious injury section. Alternatively to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.

Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month runs throughout April and aims to highlight the impact of such conditions and how those affected are rebuilding their independence. It is supported by a number of charities including LimbPower, Limbless Association and Blesma.