Serious Injury Lawyers Secure Rehab Funds For Mum-Of-One Who Can No Longer Drive And Needs Help Walking Her Dogs

A former Leeds nurse who suffered brain and spinal injuries when a car crashed into a taxi has revealed the ‘devastating’ impact the collision has had on her life.

Susan Sumpner was a rear seat passenger in a taxi that was hit by a car which turned into its path at the junction of Penistone Road and Rowley Lane, in Fenay Bridge, Huddersfield.

The mum-of-one, who was going home from a night out, was taken to hospital by ambulance. Susan, 63, of Huddersfield, was found to have sustained brain and spinal injuries, as well as a fractured rib and cuts to her head. She remained in hospital for around a week. Susan has no memory of the crash which happened on 28 May, 2023.

Mum-of-one instructs serious injury lawyers

Susan instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help her access the specialist rehabilitation and therapies she requires.

Her legal team at Irwin Mitchell has now secured Susan an undisclosed settlement which will fund her ongoing care and any future treatment she needs.

As part of Road Safety Week, she’s speaking out on how she continues to be impacted by what happened. Susan, a retired NHS nurse who now works in retail, previously worked lots of overtime but in October her hours were reduced to just 15 because of her injuries.

David King is the specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who represented Susan.

Expert Opinion

“Susan’s injuries have been life-changing but she’s a stoic woman who has worked incredibly hard to be able to return to work despite her ongoing pain and fatigue.

“She continues to have difficulties but is learning to manage them, and we’re pleased to have been able to secure this settlement for her which will hopefully allow Susan to put the collision behind her.

“It’s been a pleasure to support Susan but her story is a stark reminder of the consequences that innocent road users can be left to face as a result of the careless driving of others. We therefore urge everyone to take care at all times to help prevent others from suffering like Susan has.” David King

Road Safety Week: Susan Sumpner's story

Prior to the crash, Susan would visit her 29-year-old son, Palmer weekly. She is now unable to drive, so Palmer visits her instead. Her sisters also visit and help with walking her pet Jack Russell, Peggie.

Susan lives with her husband, Kelvin, 66, who has his own health concerns and struggles with pain and mobility.

Since the collision, Susan has undergone neuropsychology and speech and language therapy.  However, she continues to experience various issues including headaches, nausea, blurred vision, vertigo and difficulties with balance and memory. She also struggles with low mood and increased frustration.

Susan reveals impact of injuries

Susan said: “Before the crash, I was a very outgoing person. I worked every hour I could and had an active social life. But I’ve found things very overwhelming since my injuries and have had to reduce my working hours. I’ve also had to drop some of the responsibilities I had in my job as I really struggle to cope with it all.

“The past 18 months have been very difficult, trying to come to terms with how different my life is, but I try to remain positive and put my all into getting better.

“All I want is for my life to be back to how it was and I hope that with the amazing support I’ve had I’ll get there. I feel like I can also now begin to look forward following the settlement.

“I also want to make others aware of what can happen on the roads. My life was devastated in a split-second and I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through it.”

The driver of the car was sentenced to 14 months in prison and disqualified from driving or holding a licence for 55 months in January 2024 for various offences in relation to the crash including causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving, failing to provide a specimen for analysis and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and without third party insurance.

Support available

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting families access rehab and specialist support following a collision at our dedicated road traffic accidents section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.  

Road Safety Week, organised by charity Brake, runs from 17 to 23 November. More information is available on the charity's website.