Man Who Had To Be Resuscitated Twice And Left Struggling To Walk Reveals Determination To Look To The Future

An apprentice electrician who suffered a devastating brain injury at work has revealed his determination to look to the future after lawyers secured him compensation. 

Liam Hamilton suffered a traumatic brain injury, fractured skull and other injuries when he was struck on the head by a load which had fallen off a telehandler in windy conditions on a building site off Tayfen Road in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. He was wearing a safety helmet.

The then 19-year-old had to be resuscitated twice at the scene and was taken to hospital, where doctors initially feared he may not survive. 

Liam underwent emergency brain surgery. He spent four days in an induced coma and a month in hospital before being discharged home to live with parents Melanie and Andy, aged 49 and 61, in Ware, Hertfordshire. 

He had suffered cognitive, strength and balance problems. Liam, who had to sleep downstairs when he returned home as he was unable to walk unaided, was reliant on his parents for almost all aspects of his care. 

Liam's family ask workplace accident lawyers to investigate and secure rehab package

Following the incident, Melanie instructed expert workplace injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help investigate and secure her son access to the specialist support, and rehabilitation he requires. 

Working alongside Weston Homes plc, whose site Liam was working on when he was injured, Irwin Mitchell has secured an undisclosed out of court compensation package for the now 23-year-old. 

The funds will continue to pay for the specialist ongoing rehabilitation or medical care Liam needs to maximise his recovery and manage his ongoing health issues. 

Liam and his legal team are now using Action for Brain Injury Week to raise awareness of the impact brain injuries can have. 

Sarah Griggs is the expert brain injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Liam.

Expert Opinion

“Liam’s brain injury was in the most severe range and there was every chance he may not have survived

“His injury didn’t just affect Liam, but his whole family who have faced an incredibly difficult few years.

“What happened to Liam is a stark reminder of how lives and futures can be turned upside down in a split-second because of a brain injury.

“However, since the first time I met Liam I’ve been overwhelmed by the determination he’s shown to regain more of his independence. While his rehab progress has been remarkable, he still faces many challenges. Therefore, this final settlement will ensure that Liam has everything he needs in place to maximise his recovery.

“Liam’s an inspiration and his case highlights how crucial early access to rehab is in helping people overcome serious injury the best they can.” Sarah Griggs

Brain injury: Liam Hamilton's story

Liam had just stepped out of a doorway on 21 February, 2022, when a load, believed to have fallen from a pallet being carried on a telehandler, toppled several storeys onto him. 

Following his discharge from hospital he remained under the care of neurosurgeons, and after suffering multiple seizures, was diagnosed with epilepsy which he is on medication for. Liam has also been diagnosed with the rare condition diabetes insipidus and growth hormone deficiency as a result of his brain injury.

After Irwin Mitchell secured a substantial interim payment, a specialist rehab team was put in place. Since then, Liam’s cognitive function as well as his strength and balance problems have improved. 

His recovery has been that great, that last October, he raised £7,000 for the brain injury charity Headway by completing a 10-kilometre race in London. 

While Liam’s injuries mean he has been unable to return to work in construction he’s now looking after the social media accounts for a public relations agency. He and girlfriend Izzy O’Reilly, aged 20, have also recently moved into a new home together.

Liam reveals impact of his life-changing brain injury and rehabilitation progress 

Liam said: “When the emergency services got to the scene I was dead. When they resuscitated me I had a heart attack and I died again and had to be resuscitated again.

“I was still only a teenager when the accident happened, however, I knew my life had changed. I was desperate to get home from hospital but that was only the start of everything.   

“I was confused and angry and I was in denial for a long time about why I was in this situation. My mates were out leading normal lives, socialising and playing golf and I was stuck at home. I couldn’t even walk and talk at the same time.

“There was definitely a period of time after the injury where I had to get myself ready to accept that I may not be independent and live a normal life. 

“However, getting support and the rehab package in place was a real positive for me. From there it felt like everything started moving so quickly. 

“I could see progress from session to session and started building momentum especially when I gained the strength and coordination skills again to start running. While there were physical benefits, the most surprising thing was how much I benefited mentally. 

“Most of the things I now do in my life I never thought would be possible. However, thanks to my rehab and the support I’ve had I’ve made a completely new life. I wouldn’t change it for anything. 

“I’ll never back down from a challenge now. If you put your best efforts in, you will overcome those challenges.”

Melanie hopes son's story inspires others

Melanie added: “Seeing Liam in a critical condition in hospital was the worst experience ever. He’d been put in an induced coma and was on a ventilator and the machines and noises were overwhelming. Nothing can ever prepare you for seeing your child like that.

“The first few hours and days were just horrible, and we were just so thankful Liam survived. 

“To look back where he was then to where he is now is almost unimaginable. We’re so proud of Liam and just hope that by sharing his story others don’t feel they have to go through a similar trauma alone as help and support is available.”

A separate Health and Safety Executive investigation is ongoing into the incident.

Brain injury support available

Action for Brain Injury Week, organised by Headway, runs from 19-25 May. For more information visit the Headway website.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people following a brain injury, where through an accident or medical care at our dedicated brain injury claims sections. More information about how we support those injured at work can be found at our workplace accident section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.