Woman ‘May Not Walk For A Year’ Due To Serious Injuries

A talented costume designer from London who feels “lucky to be alive” after being seriously injured in a fatal car crash in the US on the day before Thanksgiving Day last year has instructed legal experts to investigate the incident and help her access vital funds to assist with her recovery.

Elizabeth Real, 30, who grew up in Pontypridd was on a month-long holiday in the US in November when the car she was driving in on Highway 199, Oregon, was hit head-on by another vehicle.

While the driver of the other car died on the way to the hospital, Elizabeth was left with a range of serious orthopaedic injuries to her legs, feet, kneecaps and shoulders, as well a head injury. Elizabeth required several operations, following which she also tragically suffered a post-operative stroke.

Despite recovering well from the stroke and her surgeries, due to the severity of her orthopaedic injuries the designer – who has worked on blockbusters including Guardians of the Galaxy, the Fantastic Beasts franchise and Men in Black 4 – is now facing the prospect of not being able to walk and bear weight on her legs for another 12 months.

Elizabeth has now instructed Irwin Mitchell’s specialist International Serious Injury team to investigate the crash and help her gain access to the rehabilitation and recovery services she requires.

Expert Opinion

“Elizabeth has faced an incredibly challenging and distressing few months and has now essentially been forced to put her hugely successful career on hold as she fights to recover from her injuries.

“A case of this nature undoubtedly puts a spotlight on the devastating consequences that road traffic collisions can have and it is undoubtedly an important reminder that road users should always put safety first.

“We are determined to ensure that Elizabeth is able to access the support she needs and have already commenced investigations into the circumstances of this terrible crash.” Cheryl Palmer-Hughes - Partner and Head of our International Serious Injury Desk

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling international serious injury cases  

Following the crash on November 23rd, Elizabeth was pinned to the wheel of her car and needed to be cut out by emergency services. Her inability to walk is going to have a huge impact on her ability to work and family and friends have already worked to raise funds to ensure she can be supported in the near future.

Elizabeth said: “The crash was completely devastating and I look back now and just feel lucky to be alive.

“I’m trying to remain focused on my recovery but it is worrying to think about how not being able to work may affect me and my career. I’ve had to give up my house in Croydon because I am not working. I decided to move back to Pontypridd temporarily so that my parents can help to look after me. I now need to find accommodation to rent as my home and my parents’ houses are not suitable for a wheelchair.

“However, I am determined to keep busy and am considering a Masters in performing arts as I continue my recovery.”

Elizabeth’s passenger at the time of the collision, Kelly Karaba from northern California, was also injured and suffered a fractured pelvis, legs, collarbone, elbow, kneecap, ribs and jaw as well as a punctured lung.

Elizabeth added: “It is difficult to think about just how much this collision has affected me and my friend. I hope that taking this action will ensure I can get the support I need to make the best possible recovery.”