Serious Injury Lawyers Secure Rehab Package For Former Sous Chef

A chef left with life-changing brain damage when a hit-and-run driver ploughed into him has continued his amazing recovery - by taking his first steps since the collision.

Gary Burvill suffered a catalogue of injuries including a traumatic brain injury, leg fractures and ruptured ligaments when a car mounted the pavement, knocking him down in Eastwood, Southend. 

The dad-of-three was in a minimally conscious state for eight months and remained in hospital for more than a year. 

Parents of Southend chef Gary asks serious injury lawyers for support

Following the crash in February 2022, the 33-year-old’s parents Graham and Jackie Burvill, aged 65 and 61, instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help their son access the specialist rehabilitation and therapies he requires to relearn many basic skills and help him live as independently as possible.

Family's legal team secure rehab package allowing Gary to continue brain injury recovery

Irwin Mitchell has secured a rehab package for Gary, who is living in a specialist care home, allowing him to continue his recovery. Various professionals, including a case manager, physio, neuropsychiatrist, speech and language therapist as well as an occupational therapist are in place. Gary also attends weekly sessions at Headway Essex. 

As a result, Gary’s mobility has vastly improved. He is now able to walk small distances, including outside, has gone for family meals and has frequent visits home to see his family, including children Lara, 14, Alexis, 12, and Leo, three. 

Sarah Griggs is the specialist serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing the family.

Expert Opinion

“The shocking injuries Gary suffered have had a devastating impact on not only his life but also the lives of his family.

“What happened to Gary vividly highlights how lives and futures can be turned upside down in a split-second because of the dangerous actions of others.

“Nothing will ever make up for what Gary and his family have been through, but his story also shows the remarkable recovery seriously injured people can make through access to rehab.

“Gary continues to astound people with the determination he shows to make the best recovery possible. However, Gary also faces many challenges and we continue to support him and his parents as he looks to regain more of his former life.” Sarah Griggs

Brain injury: Gary Burvill's story

Gary was standing on the pavement in Rayleigh Road, when the driver pulled out of The Oakwood pub car park, drove across the pavement and hit him. The driver then fled the scene by driving down the wrong side of the road.

Due to his injuries, Gary, who was a sous chef at the time, can no longer work.

Graham and Jackie are sharing their son’s story as part of Road Safety Week. This year’s theme is After the Crash and aims to raise awareness of the impact collisions have but also celebrate the work of those who support families.

Gary's parents' road safety plea as they reveal pride in son's recovery to walk again

Jackie, an office manager, said: “It’s still difficult to find the words to describe the toll the crash and the last few years have had on our family. 

“At the time Gary was doing well in his job. He had ambitions for the future and loved nothing more than spending time with his children.

“However, that all changed because of the actions of the driver. It was awful seeing Gary in hospital. There were many difficult and emotional times, especially wondering what recovery he might be able to make. 

“No matter how old your children are, as a parent all you want to do is care for your child. However, we felt so powerless. 

“However, his recovery is now starting to come on so much. To have some of the old Gary back means everything to us. It’s not the life we hoped Gary would have. He still has severe cognitive problems which means he can’t lay down any new memory, but just being able to do something like go for a walk or to the supermarket with him means so much to us. He particularly enjoys his sessions at Headway and doesn’t want to leave when it’s time to do so.

“We’re so proud of the bravery he’s shown and the recovery he’s making. We hope that by speaking out we can help inspire others who may be going through something similar to make the best recovery they can. 

“Nobody should have to go through such a life-changing experience alone as help and support are available. We also hope we can make people think about the consequences of their actions so other families don’t have to go through the life-changing experience we have.”

The driver who knocked down Gary was found guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. In September 2023, he was sentenced to four years imprisonment and handed a five-year driving ban with a mandatory retest.

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.