Serious Injury Lawyer Praises Determination Of Road Traffic Victim

Serious injury experts at Irwin Mitchell have praised a ‘real life superwoman’ who was hit by a car that smashed every one of her ribs, broke her back and burst her lungs – as she aims to continue her recovery by taking part in a 5km charity walk on Sunday (13 May).

Kim Bowler was given the last rites after being ploughed into in October 2009 when she was walking home in West London and it was only down to the quick actions of the London Air Ambulance, who arrived on the scene within seven minutes, that Kim survived.

She pleaded with doctors not to amputate her legs because she couldn’t feel them, and spent eight months in hospital before being discharged from the Stoke Mandeville Spinal Unit in 2010. She has since had further operations on her spine is still undergoing an intensive programme of physiotherapy and psychotherapy.

But now the 37-year-old is now raising money for the service that saved her life and got her to the Royal London Hospital intensive care unit, by walking the Doitforcharity.com Superhero 5km run in Regent’s Park, wearing a back brace and with the help of crutches.

Kim will be supported by her lawyer, Laura Middleton-Guerard from Irwin Mitchell, her personal trainer, carer, hydrotherapist and a member of the air ambulance team, each wheeling a kilometre in her wheelchair, or allowing Kim to have a break if she needs it.

Serious injury experts at Irwin Mitchell’s London office have been working with Kim since the accident to ensure she has access to the specialist rehabilitation and support she needs to live as independently as possible.

Interim payments secured by the team from the car driver’s insurance company have allowed Kim to move into a suitable wheelchair accessible flat in Swiss Cottage, Camden, with support from a dedicated case manager, carer and rehabilitation team.

The former Wembley Stadium steward and furniture store consultant: “If it wasn’t for the air ambulance staff I wouldn’t have survived, so as well as the walk being a personal goal, I wanted to do something special to thank them.

“My life is taken over by physiotherapy and psychotherapy appointments to deal with the physical and emotional trauma but the walk has given me something else to think about and aim for.

 “I’m going to do it dressed as a superhero because my friends see me as supergirl because of my positive attitude but the air ambulance staff are the real superheroes.
“My aim is to raise £5000 for them as they are a charity and desperately need support to carry on providing the same service.”

Laura Middleton-Guerard said: “Kim truly is an inspiration and has defied doctors by taking just two steps, let alone aiming to complete a 5km walk. She is like a real life Superwoman.

“I know her positive attitude will help her through and I will aim to give her as much encouragement as possible.”

The driver of the car which mounted the pavement before hitting Kim pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, receiving a fine and driving ban.

Laura added: “The driver’s car insurance company has admitted liability and is now working with us to arrange a settlement that will see Kim granted a life-long care package.

“Of course this is not about the money, and the settlement agreed will reflect the lifelong care package Kim now needs to give her the best quality of life possible.”