Workplace Accident Lawyers Interim Payment To Help Fund Specialist Rehabilitation And Support Programme

An apprentice electrician left struggling to walk after suffering a life-threatening brain injury at work is stepping up his recovery by planning a 10K race. 

Liam Hamilton suffered a traumatic brain injury and fractured skull when he was struck on the head by a load which had fallen off a forklift truck in windy conditions on a building site off Tayfen Road in Bury St Edmunds. He was wearing a safety helmet.

The then 19-year-old had to be resuscitated at the scene and was taken to hospital, where doctors initially feared he may not survive. 

Liam underwent emergency brain surgery and spent a month in hospital before being discharged home to live with parents Melanie and Andy aged 48 and 59. Once home Liam’s parents had to look after almost all aspects of their son’s care, including washing him. He had to sleep downstairs for several months as he was too weak to get upstairs.

Ware apprentice Liam asks workplace injury lawyers to help him access specialist rehab

Following the incident, Liam, now 22, of Ware, Hertfordshire, instructed expert workplace injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help investigate and secure him access to the specialist support, and rehabilitation he requires. 

Working alongside Weston Homes plc, whose site Liam was working on when he was injured, Irwin Mitchell secured an interim payment to help fund Liam’s rehabilitation.

A dedicated rehabilitation and support team was put in place for Liam, who suffered cognitive, strength and balance problems, and who was unable to work or walk without help. 

Liam planning 10k race as he makes remarkable brain injury recovery progress

Liam’s fitness and balance have improved so much that he has now been discharged from his neuro-physiotherapist. He is now supported by a personal trainer who helps him with his gym sessions and his training.

Liam is now training to take part in a 10K run in Regents Park In London, in October to raise money for the brain injury charity Headway. 

Liam has now joined his legal team in supporting Action for Brain Injury Week. 

Sarah Griggs is the expert workplace accident lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Liam.

Expert Opinion

“Liam suffered truly devastating injuries in the incident which have had a profound effect not only on him but his family.

“Coming to terms with those life-changing injuries has been incredibly difficult for them. However, Liam’s courage and determination to overcome them has been exceptional.

“While Liam still faces many challenges, he’s made remarkable progress through early access to rehab.

“We join Liam in supporting Action for Brain Injury Week which is an incredibly important campaign in highlighting the help and support available. Nobody should be left to pick up the pieces of a brain injury alone.” Sarah Griggs

Brain injury: Liam Hamilton' story

Liam was injured in February 2022. He had just stepped out of a doorway when a load, believed to have fallen from a pallet being carried on a forklift truck, toppled several storeys onto him. 

He was taken to hospital by ambulance. Liam was put in an induced coma for four days. 

Following his discharge he remained under the care of neurosurgeons, and after suffering two seizures, was diagnosed with epilepsy. Liam is on medication for his condition and wears an epilepsy alert watch which can monitor possible seizures.

Liam’s injuries mean he is unable to work at height and it is unclear whether he will be able to work as an electrician. He is exploring office-based roles so he can return to work. 

Liam's determination to continue his recovery

Liam, a former Richard Hale school pupil, said: “The first thing I remember about the incident was waking up in hospital and being told about it. 

“From then on I knew my life had totally changed. It wasn’t a case of spending a few weeks in hospital then going home and everything would be okay. That was only the start of it.  

“I went from doing normal things for my age, like going out and playing golf, to someone a lot more withdrawn. I couldn’t really walk any distances and couldn’t walk and talk at the same time.  

“Those first few months and trying to come to terms with everything was difficult. However, I was determined to try and overcome my injuries. When I started my rehab and physio I could really see the progress I was making. 

“It gave me so much more drive to keep going. It’s hard work and there have been difficult times physically and emotionally, but I can’t thank everyone enough for the support they’ve given me. 

“While I’m still dealing with the aftereffects and on a journey of starting my life over, I feel like I can face the future more positively. 

“I’m determined to reclaim more of my old life and I keep setting myself rehab goals and the next one is the 10K. My training with my PT is going well so I’m hopeful of completing the race.

“I just hope that by sharing my story I can potentially help others going through something similar.”
  
A separate Health and Safety Executive investigation is ongoing into the incident.

Brain injury support available

Action for Brain Injury Week, organised by Headway, runs from 20-26 May. This year’s theme is A Life Re-written and aims to highlight how easily life plans can be thrown into disarray following a brain injury. More information is on the charity's website.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people who have suffered a brain injury at work at our dedicated head injury at work section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or all 0370 1500 100.