Support From Serious Injury Lawyers Allows Former IT Sales Manager To Take Up Golf Again

A former IT sales manager left unable to walk following a crash has spoken of his determination to rebuild his life.

Niraj Haria, from Hove, was cycling with his daughter in Southwick, West Sussex. They’d paused on a pavement for a drink, when a Land Rover which had mounted the kerb ploughed into him and his bicycle.

Niraj sustained a catalogue of serious injuries

The 54-year-old sustained a catalogue of serious injuries, including a broken spine and a traumatic brain injury as well as multiple rib and other fractures. He was air lifted to hospital where he was placed in intensive care and under sedation for a month.

Niraj asks expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to take up his case

Following the collision, Niraj initially instructed a local firm of solicitors. He subsequently instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to take up his case and help him access the specialist lifelong treatment and rehabilitation he requires.

Irwin Mitchell have since secured significant interim payments for Niraj, which have enabled him to access the treatment and support necessary to aid in his recovery.

Niraj had undergone rehabilitation to help overcome the injuries. Although, as a consequence of the injuries sustained in the original crash, he developed a cyst in the spinal cord, which caused further injury and leaving him unable to walk and reliant on a wheelchair.

Niraj re-starts his old hobbies and speaks of determination to rebuild his life

As part of his rehabilitation, Niraj wanted to re-start old hobbies and thanks to the payments secured by Irwin Mitchell, he’s been able to purchase a Paramotion Golf Chair, a specialist device allowing him to resume playing golf.

Niraj has now spoken for the first time about his determination to rebuild his life and his plans to support other people with disabilities.

Peter Lorence is the specialist serious injury lawyer supporting Niraj and his family.

Expert Opinion

“The terrible injuries Niraj suffered have had a tremendous impact on not only his life but his family’s.

“While nothing can turn the clock back for Niraj, we’re committed to helping him with his ongoing recovery.

“As a keen sportsman, returning to golf and other activities is a big part of Niraj rebuilding his life, supporting his mental health as well as improving his physical fitness. While he still faces challenges, we continue to support him to maximise his recovery; we hope Niraj’s story helps inspire others going through similar experiences and demonstrates what’s possible.” Peter Lorence

Serious injury: Niraj’s story

Niraj was on a bike ride with his daughter, Jamie, now aged 19, in May 2020, when the crash happened.

He also suffered an injury to his shoulder, damage to his right lung, a broken right shoulder blade and an injury to his left knee.

Niraj underwent multiple operations, including surgery to stabilise his spine. He developed a chest infection in June 2020 which led to sepsis and he needed a tracheostomy and lost over a stone in weight while in intensive care.

Transfer to Stoke Mandeville Hospital for rehabilitation

In July 2020, Niraj was transferred to the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital for rehabilitation. From only being able to sit up in bead, Niraj began the long process to learn to walk again and he was discharged home in February 2021.

However, concerned with his progress then deteriorating, Niraj was diagnosed with syrinx, a neurological disorder where a fluid-filled cyst develops in the spinal cord. This caused further neurological damage and, as a result, Niraj is no longer able to walk and is now reliant on a wheelchair. 

The setback meant his wife, Julie, had to take months off work to help care for him. His injuries have meant Niraj has also been forced to give up his career.

Founding of Seagulls DSA

Since his injury, the Brighton and Hove Albion fan, co-founded the Seagulls Disability Supporters Association (“Seagulls DSA”) to promote the interests of disabled fans and encourage attendance at games.

Niraj reveals his hopes about making a difference and improving people’s lives

Niraj said: “The last four years have been a real challenge for both me and my family. The impact of my injuries on all of us has been profound. I went from being a heathy and active man, with a career and the peak of my physical fitness, to being unemployed, disabled and a full-time wheelchair user.

“I was focused on making a full recovery until the diagnosis of the syrinx. Surgery couldn’t correct the damage and I began to realise that I might not recover everything I’d physically lost. It’s been difficult for all of us to acknowledge and accept this new reality.

“The crash has taken its toll in other ways too. My daughter witnessed the crash and our mental health suffered, coming to terms with new realities and the things individually and as a family you can’t do anymore.

“I’m now hopeful about making a difference in what I do, to improve other people’s lives and my own. Co-founding Seagulls DSA has given me an outlet to keep busy and help others. I’m excited to pick up old and new hobbies to restore my quality of life.

“I’m so excited about the purchase of the Paramotion device. The trials with the Paramotion Golf Chair have been fantastic and it’s given me a real sense of achievement. I hope this continues and I can return to playing golf competitively. 

“My mission for the Seagulls DSA is part of this. I want to provide the information fans with disabilities really need to make attending games an enjoyable experience and one we can undertake with confidence. It’s a way to help myself and others in the same situation.

“In addition to golf, I’m hoping to try other sports, such as wheelchair tennis, basketball and shooting. I realise I’m at the start of a long journey but for the first time, I’m seeing the road ahead with renewed hope and new confidence and looking forward to what the next stage of my life will bring.”

The driver of the Land Rover pleaded guilty to the charge of careless driving.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people impacted by road traffic collisions at our dedicated section on the website. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.