"I am able to take part"
Our serious injury lawyers are helping an architecture and property development student to claim compensation and regain his independence after suffering a spinal injury in a road traffic accident.
Ainsley was 21 years old and studying at Wolverhampton University when the accident happened. He was treated at the Royal Stoke University Hospital but his injuries meant that he would need a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
Ainsley and his family got in touch with our specialist spinal injury solicitors help him claim compensation and access the care and adaptive equipment he would need.
The Road To Recovery
Our team secured interim payments for Ainsley which meant that he could access a range of support while we completed his compensation claim. This ensured he had adapted accommodation and transport as well as therapy treatments available when he left hospital.
Sports played a big role in Ainsley’s rehabilitation and he took part in the Inter Spinal Unit Games. The event allows spinal injury patients to try different sports and meet other people in a similar position.
Ainsley won the archery competition and showed promise in swimming and athletics too.
New-Found Freedom
Seeing his success in other sports, a friend suggested that he tried adaptive rowing at Pengwern Boat Club in Shrewsbury.
Ainsley first tried rowing in May 2017 and, weather permitting, he has gone to every Pengwern adaptive rowing session since.
Taking part and getting out on the water has given him the opportunity to experience an element of freedom and independence.
Inspired by Ainsley and the other adaptive rowers, Pengwern Boat Club has gone on to truly embrace the sport. Not only does it now have two boats for those with disabilities, but a member has also invented equipment to make rowing more accessible.
“Ainsley’s story is a prime example of the huge difference that taking part in disability sport can make to so many lives,” said serious injury solicitor Cathy Leech. “He has faced an incredibly difficult few years but sport has allowed him to regain both his independence and confidence.”
Exciting Times Ahead
Ainsley’s passion for the sport quickly translated into him competing in rowing events but he’s still determined to try his hand at other sports too.
He has also made major progress towards regaining his independence outside the world of sports. He has moved in with his girlfriend and has applied to finish his university studies.
“It was so hard coming to terms with my injuries,” said Ainsley, “but sport has assisted with my recovery and opened me up to a whole new world of possibilities. It has helped me keep fit and meet new people, while I’ve also discovered new and unexpected interests.”
If your or a loved one has suffered a spinal injury, our serious injury lawyers may be able to help you make a compensation claim. Contact us online or speak to a member of our team on 0370 1500 100 to learn more.
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