Victim Wheelchair-Bound Following Punch

News that a young mother paralysed after being punched may be denied access to vital funds to support her rehabilitation highlights the inconsistencies which exist in the legal system, a serious injury expert at Irwin Mitchell has warned.

Claire Hilton, from South Tyneside, is now wheelchair-bound and paralysed from the neck down after being attacked by Christopher Towers in a row over a spilt drink.

However, it has been revealed that she may receive compensation of no more than £55,000 to help her recover from the incident, after it was confirmed that her attacker, who is due to be sentenced in January, does not have any assets.

Irwin Mitchell’s award-winning team of specialists represent victims whose lives have been turned upside down as a result of serious injuries, helping them to secure funds which play a key role in ensuring they can access vital rehabilitation services.

Commenting on the issue, John Davis, a Partner and expert in serious injury claims at Irwin Mitchell, told the Daily Express: “Victims can make claims against their attacker but the cost is not insubstantial. If the attacker is in prison and does not have any assets, you may be awarded damages of half a million pounds but have no realistic prospect of getting it.

“With an injury of that severity the medical experts will want to wait and see the effect of rehabilitation. If you do well in recovery, the lower the payment will be.

“The importance of accessing rehabilitation and securing the optimum levels of independence in a new-found situation cannot be underestimated.”