Serious Injury Lawyers Secure Settlement To Help Him Access Rehabilitation

A Wembley man who suffered a brain injury and had three fingers amputated following a crash has spoken out on how ‘positivity’ is helping him live his life to the full.

Kaushik Chinchwadkar, 35, was a passenger in a taxi on his way home from his first day at work when it collided with another vehicle and ended up in a ditch.

He was taken to hospital, where he was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and a number of fractures including to his skull, ribs and spine.  He sustained a complex injury to his left hand which led to him having his middle, little and ring fingers amputated.  He also lost part of his thumb.

Following the crash, in May 2016, Kaushik instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the specialist rehabilitation and therapies required as part of his recovery.

He has now joined his legal team in supporting Road Safety Week by speaking out on how he’s determined to overcome his injuries and make the most out of life.  He’s also urging road users to say safe at all times.  It comes after his lawyers helped secure him an undisclosed settlement from the taxi driver’s insurers to fund the care and support he needs.

Expert Opinion

“More than six years on, Kaushik is still serious affected by what happened that day and is continuing to rebuild his life as best he can.

What he’s been through highlights the potential dangers on the roads and the consequences people can be left to face as a result of the actions of others. We’re pleased to have secured settlement for him which will help ensure him a future without uncertainty.

Road Safety Week is also an opportunity for Kaushik to share his story on how he’s determined to get his life back on track, while also encouraging road users to take care at all times.”
Chani Dhaliwal, Partner and Serious Injury Lawyer

The crash happened on 2 May 2016 when Kaushik was being driven home from his first shift with a catering company.

He was unconscious in hospital for a few weeks.  In June 2016, he began learning to walk again.

Kaushik was discharged home, with a spine jacket to wear, on 11 July 2016.  At the time, he was lodging with a family in Wembley and was provided with a carer.  He also had roommates who helped him a lot.

Since then, he has had input from a psychologist, a psychiatrist and an occupational therapist. He also had a period of residential neuro-rehabilitation.  He continues to undergo community rehabilitation.  He’s now also able to get involved in horse riding, attending live sporting events and is learning to play golf.

Kaushik now lives in his own rented apartment in Wembley.  He has a paid support worker.  His mum lives in India.

Following the crash, Kaushik has not yet been able to return to work.

He said: “When I first woke up in hospital, I thought I’d been dreaming and couldn’t believe what had happened to me.  It took time for me to realise the severity of my injuries, and it only really sunk in after speaking to my mum.

“Having to go through an amputation was incredibly difficult and I initially found it tough to live with a disfigured hand.  To this day, it still has an impact on me and how I’m feeling – some days I feel really good about life and lucky to be alive, but other days I struggle to accept what’s happened to me.

“After the accident, I didn’t think I’d ever be able to do any activities or hobbies again, but with a lot of positivity and determination, I’m finally moving forward with my life.

“I feel like I’ve now adapted well.  I still face many challenges, but I no longer let these get in the way of what I want to achieve.

“My whole life changed after the crash, but I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others in similar situations to stay positive and make the most out of life.  It’s also vital to take care on the roads; I wouldn’t want anyone else to suffer like I have.”

Road Safety Week, organised by the charity Brake, runs from 14-20 November. This year’s theme is Safe Roads For All. Find out more

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