Uncle Of 54-Year-Old Instructs Serious Injury Lawyers To Help Nephew Access Therapies And Rehabilitation

The uncle of a West London man left disabled after suffering a brain injury in a crash has issued a road safety warning after his nephew’s life was “turned upside down.”

Marcus Charles, known as Dexter, was a passenger in a white BMW when it crashed into a pedestrian on the pavement and into the side of a house on the North Circular Road in Neasden. The pedestrian died as a result.

Dexter, of Grenadian nationality, was taken to hospital where he was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury.  He has been left with cognitive impairments. He has also sustained a serious bilateral brachial plexus injury which has impaired the function and movement in his arms, shoulders and hands.

Dexter, 54, remained in hospital for eight months before he was transferred to a neurological rehabilitation unit. He’s now a resident in a slow stream brain injury unit.

Man and legal team issue road safety warning following North Circular crash

Following the crash, Dexter’s uncle Norman Desouza, instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help his nephew access the lifelong treatment and therapies he requires.

At a hearing in August, this year, the driver of the car, was jailed.  He previously pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Norman is now joining with his legal team in urging road users to take care.

Laura Middleton-Guerard is an expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Norman and Dexter alongside fellow lawyer Rita Alsoof.

Expert Opinion

“The past two years have been nothing short of traumatic for Dexter and his loved ones as they try to come to terms with the impact of his brain injury.

“While Dexter has access to rehabilitation, his injuries are likely to affect him for the rest of his life.

“We are therefore determined to help Norman support Dexter as the family attempt to move forward with life as best they can.

“What happened to Dexter is a stark reminder of the devastation people can be left to face following collisions and the need for everyone to stay safe on the roads at all times.” Laura Middleton-Guerard

Road accident: Dexter's story

The crash happened at around 9.30pm on 11 March 2022 on the A406 North Circular Road.

It’s understood that the driver lost control of the car, hitting the pedestrian and house, causing structural damage.

As well as a brain injury, Dexter suffered a fractured skull and damage to his lungs.  He cannot recall what happened that day, or the events leading up to it.

Since the crash, he has not been able to work, visit his family in Grenada or socialise with friends, which he greatly enjoyed.

Dexter continues to struggle with many aspects of daily life. He requires a wheelchair to mobilise.  He also has trouble with his speech and memory.

Through the claim, he has access to a case manager and a range of therapies such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy.

Dexter has four children, aged 22, 18, 14 and nine years old.

Uncle speaks out on family's "new reality"

Norman said: “Finding out that Dexter had been in an accident, and then to be told he had a brain injury, was awful. It’s not something you expect to hear about a loved one, and life has been incredibly difficult since that day.

“As I watched Dexter fight for his life in hospital, I couldn’t help but wonder that even if he survived the life he knew and enjoyed would be taken from him. The devastating impact of the crash has not only robbed him of his physical abilities, but has also cast a shadow over his future.    

“Before the crash, Dexter was a laid-back and happy-go-lucky person who enjoyed the simple things in life. Sadly, all that has changed. He’s been completely stripped of his independence and it’s been a real struggle for us all to come to terms with what he’s been through.

“Even now, I still hope that I’ll wake up one day and it’s all been a bad dream but I know that’s not possible, and all I can do for Dexter now is make his life as comfortable as it can be.  The rehabilitation he’s received has helped greatly and we’ll be forever grateful for this as we all attempt to navigate our new reality.

“I just hope that by sharing Dexter’s story, I can make others aware of how dangerous it can be on the roads.  Dexter’s life was irreversibly altered by the reckless actions of another, and I wouldn’t want anyone else to suffer like he has.”

On 2 August the driver was jailed for 10-and-a-half years for causing death by dangerous driving, and three years and three months for causing serious injury by dangerous driving.  The sentences are to run concurrently, of which two-thirds must be served in custody.  He was also banned from driving for 12 years and 11 months.