Serious Injury Lawyer Recognised For Securing Vital Rehabilitation For Amputee

03/010/2011

Leading firm Irwin Mitchell has once again scooped an award for its work helping victims of serious injury get their lives back on track by helping them gain access to crucial and often life-changing rehabilitation.

This is the fourth time that Irwin Mitchell has won the Post magazine's Rehabilitation Initiative Award for the Claimant Solicitor category since it was introduced in 2008 to recognise the efforts of lawyers who support the role of rehabilitation for severely injured people.

Irwin Mitchell’s Matthew Garson, expert in serious injury, attended the award ceremony at Le Méridien Piccadilly, London, earlier this month (16 September) to claim the coveted trophy for his work helping Robin Parker, a 54-year-old Bury man , who suffered catastrophic injuries when he was struck by a vehicle as he crossed a pedestrian crossing on Radcliffe Road, Bury, in November 2009.

The injuries suffered were so severe - including catastrophic damage to his lower left leg, foot and ankle - he had to endure a below-knee amputation.

Just five weeks after taking on the case Matthew secured the help of the defendant’s insurer, NFU Mutual, to implement a co-ordinated and comprehensive rehabilitation programme for Robin, including a new flat adapted with automatic opening doors, lowered kitchen surfaces and a wet room, as he had been unable to access and use the kitchen and bathroom of his former home due to his injuries.

Robin`s rehabilitation was accelerated by the provision of a prosthetic leg and specialist physiotherapy, and the provision of specialist equipment including a lightweight wheelchair and a mobility scooter. He was also offered counselling – all services funded by NFU Mutual.

With thanks to the rehabilitation and support received, Robin has been able to get back to his hobbies, including bird watching, and now enjoys a better quality of day-to-day life.

Commenting on the award, Matthew, from Knowsley Village, Merseyside said: “I’m thrilled with the award and to have contributed to Irwin Mitchell’s winning run in the field of rehabilitation”.

He adds “More importantly, I’m delighted to have been able to make such a difference to Robin by helping to provide him with life-changing rehabilitation he needed to help him both now and in his future as he rebuilds his life.”

On announcing Irwin Mitchell as the winner in the claimant solicitor category, Lynn Rouse, Editor of the Post magazine and chair of the judging panel, said: "Judges described this winning initiative as a 'truly good news story about collaborative working' and deemed it excellent in terms of solicitors getting information to the insurer with the sole purpose of assisting and benefiting the injured individual at the heart of the process."

Jonathan Betts, Partner in the Serious Injury team at Irwin Mitchell in Manchester, said: "Rehabilitation is at the forefront of everything we do for our clients - we all strive to ensure they receive the very best levels of care and rehabilitation.

“I’m exceptionally proud of the team and everyone’s hard work and dedication; it’s great that it’s been recognised once again.”

Commenting on the help he’s received from Irwin Mitchell and NFU, and how it has changed his life, Robin said: “After the accident, my home life was in turmoil and I felt totally trapped – I couldn’t get out and about, or even go to the bathroom or cook without a huge effort. I was miserable.
 
“Now with my lightweight wheelchair and new prosthesis, which is much more comfortable, I can come and go from my flat whenever I want – I don’t need someone to tip me backwards in wheelchair to get down the steps outside!”
 
He continues: “I’ve totally got my independence back. Not just at home but socially too. I went back to college last September and want to start a digital photography course soon. I can even go on day trips independently and am looking forward to a holiday at Christmas.
 
“I can’t thank everyone enough for all the help they’ve given me, now I can look forward to the future.”