Loving Uncle’s Family Calls For Witnesses After He Was Knocked Over By A Car

The nieces of a man left with a devastating brain injury after he was knocked down by a driver whilst walking his dog are appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information to help piece together exactly what happened.

Ken Martin, of Woolwich, London was walking his dog on Woolwich Common on 4 September at around 10.30pm when a car swerved off the road and ploughed straight into him. He sustained severe orthopaedic fractures down the left hand side of his body, including a pelvis fracture together with a serious brain injury which will have life-long implications for him. He is currently unable to talk or walk as a result of his injuries.

The 54-year-old had brought up his three nieces Theresa, Susan, 30, and Jennifer, 25, since their mother died in 1990. Susan, Jennifer and Theresa are now joining calls from serious injury experts at law firm Irwin Mitchell for anyone who witnessed the incidence to contact the police as their evidence could prove vital in securing justice and ensure the driver is prosecuted.

The call is particularly poignant this week as the country marks Brake’s national Road Safety Week between 18 and 24 November, which this year aims to raise awareness of the dangers of distractions for motorists.

Expert lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have secured interim funds to assist the family at this stage and are now working to secure further funds for a vital care and rehabilitation package for Ken, who remains in Queen Elizabeth hospital, as he is unlikely to be able to live independently after discharge from hospital.

Laura Middleton-Guerard, a personal injury expert at Irwin Mitchell’s London office representing the family, said: “We are currently investigating the incident on behalf of very distraught family members. The incident happened in a busy area, an area where Ken should have been safe from injury. There were lots of people in close proximity who may have witnessed the incident and we urge anyone who saw what happened to contact the police.

“Ken took on the role of both parents when he was just a young man for Susan, Theresa and Jennifer and they understandably now want answers about what happened to their uncle who is sadly suffering from severe injuries including a traumatic brain injury.

“Road Safety Week is a time for all road users to really think about their actions and make sure they act appropriately to keep themselves, pedestrians and others safe on the roads.

“Irwin Mitchell has strong ties with Brake and other road safety charities such as Roadpeace and the wonderful work they do in raising awareness of safety on Britain’s roads. We truly hope this year’s road safety week makes people think twice about driving carelessly”.

Susan, of North London said: “Our uncle devoted his life to us after our mother died in 1990. He also looked after his mother and father and was a devoted family man. He raised me, Theresa and Jennifer into the people we are today and seeing him so poorly in hospital is heartbreaking.

“We are so proud of him and everything he has done. Now we just want to do right by him and get answers about what caused the incident. If anyone saw what happened we would urge them to come forward and get in touch with the police as it could prove vital in piecing together the events that resulted in his injuries.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Metropolitan police in the first instance.