We helped Hannah* receive a six-figure settlement after a collision with a car while riding her bike. The compensation will help Hannah access the physical and mental support she needs. It’ll also financially support her now that she can’t return to work the hours she worked before the incident.
What happened to Hannah?
Hannah was cycling through a Lincolnshire town on her way to work. She had her high visibility top on and was displaying lights on her bike.
A car driving in the opposite direction turned across her path as it intended to drive into a side road. Hannah and the car collided, and she was thrown onto the bonnet of the car before landing on the road.
She sustained a fractured femur, which needed a metal rod and nails inserting. Hannah also had injuries to her shoulder, wrist, and both knees – which aggravated her pre-existing arthritis in one of her knees.
After the incident, she also needed surgery to remove a nail and injections into her hip and knee. It's likely she’ll also need a knee replacement in the future.
How has this impacted Hannah’s life?
Before the road traffic collision, Hannah had three physically demanding jobs. She also enjoyed socialising with friends and family, going for walks, horse riding, travelling, and gardening.
Hannah now has ongoing pains, fatigue, and is unable to stand for long periods. She’s been able to continue her main role and work reduced hours in her second job. However, she’s had to stop her third role because of the physical requirements.
Hannah needed help for several months with personal care, cooking, and housework. She still needs help now with gardening and some aspects of housework she can’t do.
The accident left her with PTSD and depression. She often had flashbacks and panic attacks about the accident. Hannah also now has a fear of needles and pain related to medical treatment.
How did Irwin Mitchell help Hannah?
Louise Morgan, an Associate Solicitor in our serious injury team, worked with Hannah to help her get compensation to fund the support she needed.
Our in-house collision investigator liaised with the police to keep track of the criminal court proceedings against the driver. The driver eventually pleaded guilty to causing injury by driving without care and attention.
The driver’s insurer didn’t admit liability for the accident until almost 12 months after the collision after waiting until the criminal proceedings had finished.
Louise was able to work with the insurer to set up an assessment of Hannah’s immediate needs. The assessment showed that Hannah needed a package of support including case management, physiotherapy, and psychotherapy.
We reached an agreement with the insurer to fund the support directly via the Rehabilitation Code. This mean that the support and treatment she needed could start early. We also got Hannah interim payments that could help cover the loss of earnings she had while unable to work.
Louise settled Hannah’s claim after negotiations with the driver’s insurer. Hannah received £190,000 for the accident. This money will help her continue to access the support she needs and cover her loss of earnings because of her reduced work capability.
Hannah also worked with other teams within our firm. Our Court of Protection team set her up a personal injury trust, to make sure her compensation doesn’t impact her entitlement to any means-tested benefits.
Our Conveyancing team helped her with purchasing a property, while we also offered her support on drawing up a Will.
Finally, she worked with one of our financial planners in the Asset Management team. They gave her financial advice on ways to make sure her compensation is there when she needs it.
After the claim, Hannah told us: “I would personally recommend Irwin Mitchell. I had used Irwin Mitchell solicitors many years ago and when I enquired when I had my road traffic collision, I was sure I wouldn’t get anywhere.
“However, working with a professional solicitor firm who listened to me and kept me fully informed throughout my case, got me a very excellent result. I can’t thank Louise Morgan enough for her help and support throughout.”
On the claim, Louise said: “It has been a privilege to support Hannah throughout her claim. She had a prolonged rehabilitation, which was extremely frustrating for her, but her determination to get back to work provided a real goal, and I am delighted she reached that target. Hannah really benefitted from the physiotherapy and psychotherapy input that was arranged.
“I am grateful for the help of colleagues in other areas of the business, who have been able to ensure Hannah’s compensation will work for her into the future.”
*Not real name used.
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