Lawyers Secure Funds Which Will Ensure Widow’s Care Needs Are Met

The family of a 91-year-old man who died after being seriously injured in a car accident in 2014 have spoken of their relief after lawyers helped them secure funds which will ensure his widow gets on-going support for her dementia.

Adam Konopczynski, who cared for his 92-year-old wife, Erminia, died in February 2015, months after he sustained multiple fractures in the collision.

Adam was crossing the road close to his home in Harrow, London on November 25, 2014 when he was struck by a car. A police investigation concluded that the incident could not be avoided.

While he was treated at St Mary’s Hospital, London, following the crash and discharged on Christmas Eve, Adam was then admitted to Northwick Park a couple of months later after developing an infection. A post mortem examination found that the infection had entered Adam’s body through the pins of the external fixator, applied to fix the fractures to his leg.

Prior to his death, Adam instructed specialist serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the crash and, with the help of expert analysis, the legal team successfully argued that the collision could have been avoided and secured a five-figure care settlement for Erminia from the insurers of the driver involved.

Peter Lorence, the specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who represents Adam’s family, said:

Expert Opinion

“This is an extremely tragic case in which a very active, healthy and caring man has died after never fully recovering from the results of an awful road traffic collision that could have been avoided.

“Whilst nothing can change what has happened, we hope that this settlement will at least provide some comfort to the family, as it will ensure that his widow can afford the care and support she requires in Adam’s absence

“We also hope that this proves to be an important reminder on road safety and the terrible consequences that collisions can have on those involved. Behind every incident there are families and loved ones whose lives are often turned upside down by such incidents.” Peter Lorence - Senior Associate Solicitor

As well as caring for his wife, Adam Konopczynski volunteered at Northwick Park Hospital and also helped other elderly neighbours. He had been shopping for his wife when the incident occurred, at the junction of Pinner Road and Canterbury Road.

Since the crash, Adam’s granddaughter, Angelina Zachariou, and her partner, Tom, have provided extensive support to Erminia, travelling frequently from their home in Manchester to do so.

Angelina said: “The loss of my grandfather has been felt by a huge number of people and not a day goes by when we do not think about him. He was never able to fully recover from the crash and it was awful to see how he had deteriorated in the final months of his life.

“Securing this settlement is a hugely important moment, as I now know that, whatever happens, these funds will ensure that my grandmother can get the care and support she requires as a result of her condition.

“It is a weight off our shoulders that she will get the specialist help she needs and we are thankful to Irwin Mitchell for their help in ensuring that this has happened.”