Military Injury Lawyers Helping Dad Who Suffered Life-Changing Injury Access Specialist Support And Rehabilitation

A former Royal Marine left brain damaged in a car crash has returned home victorious from the Invictus Games after ‘throwing himself into sport’ to aid his recovery.

Ben Lukowski, from Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, sustained a serious head injury when a car crashed into his vehicle as he drove to pick up his daughter, Valentina, from a party.

Forty-two-year-old instructs specialist military injury lawyers 

Following the crash, Ben instructed expert military injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him access the support, therapies and rehabilitation he requires.  As part of his recovery, he began attending a specialist centre within the military.

More than two years on, 42-year-old Ben is now joining with his legal team in revealing how he’s using sport to get his life back.  It comes after he won two gold medals at this year’s Invictus Games.

Andrew Buckham is a specialist military injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Ben.

Expert Opinion

“Ben’s life was changed forever as a result of his brain injury, but he’s shown such courage and determination to move forward with his life without letting his disability define him.

“Ben’s story highlights how early access to specialist rehab helps maximise someone’s recovery. He’s a huge inspiration and has thrown himself into sport to help him get through what happened. The Invictus Games is yet another accolade Ben should be proud of.

“I feel privileged that we’ve played a part in helping Ben through his recovery and I look forward to seeing what he does next.” Andrew Buckham

Military injury to Invictus Games: Ben's story

Ben joined the Royal Marines in 2006. He was 16 years into his service when he was injured in this off-duty road traffic crash.

He was forced to leave the Royal Marines and utilised the Royal Navy Recovery Centre to rebuild his life.

Ben, who has a degree in sports management, found enjoyment in this as part of his recovery. This month, he even travelled to Canada to compete in the 2025 Invictus Games.

He won two golds for indoor rowing, and his team came fourth in sitting volleyball.  He also took part in alpine skiing, placing 48^th.

Dad-of-two's sporting achievements and Paralympic hopes

This isn’t the first sporting accolade to Ben’s name.  In February 2023, he came second in the Ultimate Champion at the Wounded Warriors Trials in America, alongside US Marine Corps personnel in recovery.

Later that year, he took part in the Australian Trilogy, organised by charity 65 Degrees North, which support wounded and injured service personnel. It saw Ben and his teammates parachute from 15,000 feet onto Noosa Beach, before cycling 1,000 miles into the outback, scaling Mount Kosciuszko and finishing at Sydney Opera House.

He also has his sights set on competing in rowing in the 2028 Paralympics and representing GB in sitting volleyball .

Ben lives with his wife, Claire, 41, and daughters, Valentina, nine, and Ophelia, 11.

Ben speaks out on 'incredible experience and huge milestone'

He said: “Following my accident, I could tell something wasn’t right. I was living a bit like a recluse as I struggled to understand what was going on, so it all made sense when I was finally diagnosed with a brain injury.

“When I was medically discharged from the Royal Marines   I was devastated, and it would have been easy for me to sit back and do nothing, but I threw myself into sport. It’s always been something I’ve enjoyed and I found that it really helped me.

“I’ve tried a lot of different sports, but rowing is my favourite as it’s an individual activity so it’s all on me to succeed, which I like. 

“Saying that, however, I wouldn’t have got to where I am without my family and friends supporting me.  They’re the ones who have pushed me that extra bit when I’ve needed it, and I always want to give it my all to make them proud.

“Being a part of the Invictus Games was an incredible experience and a huge milestone in my journey, of which I hope there are many more to come.”

Find out more about our expertise in handling military injury cases at the dedicated section on our website. Alternatively, to speak to an expert, contact us or call 0808 271 9815.