Mr M was 31 years old when he was a passenger in a car that left the road and collided with a tree. The crash resulted in Mr M suffering a major head injury together with soft tissue injuries to his neck and back and the loss of hearing in his left ear.
The consequences of the head injury were severe, leaving Mr M with:
- Poor memory
- Reduction in speed of thought and severe loss of concentration
- Loss of drive and motivation
- A fundamental change in his personality, reactive depression, and chronic and severe anxiety.
The Major Head Injury Altered Day to Day Life
At the time of his accident, Mr M was employed as a computer systems analyst. He was capable and ambitious, and had potential to increase his earnings. Sadly, as a consequence of the head injury he suffered, he was unable to return to paid work.
Following his discharge home, he was completely dependent on his partner who then became his carer, placing a considerable strain on their relationship. It was clear that as a result of his accident, Mr M would always require 24 hour care and assistance.
Mr M was also unable to manage his financial affairs and was made a patient of the Court of Protection and a Receiver was appointed to manage his affairs on his behalf.
Nelsons was able to secure:-
- An early admission of liability
- Funding to purchase a house so that Mr M’s accommodation needs were met
- Regular interim payments to replace his earnings and those of his partner during the progress of the case
Nelsons Pursued a Compensation Claim for the Client
As his condition did not improve with time, Nelsons arranged for a Case Manager with experience of brain injury to prepare a rehabilitation plan.
We secured funding from the insurer for a period of residential rehabilitation at a specialist brain injury unit where he received regular sessions of psychotherapy and physiotherapy, and engaged in workshops to develop new skills. He was also taught how to plan and to manage his anxiety.
Following his discharge from the unit, a care package was initiated at home and a support worker was engaged, supervised by the case manager. It was only at this point that the case became capable of settlement.
After intensive negotiations, the parties agreed settlement for the sum of £4million to include:
- Compensation for injury
- Past and future loss of earnings
- Rehabilitation costs
- Past and future care needs
- Court of Protection costs
- Loss of pension
- Future medical treatment costs
- Future domestic assistance costs
Mr M continues to live with his partner who, with help and support, remains one of his carers. While Mr M can never be how he was before the accident, the settlement will ensure that his lifetime needs are met.
Read more about the brain injury and road traffic accident cases that Nelsons handled by visiting our Personal Injury case studies page.
For advice on pursuing a claim for compensation please contact a member of our Personal Injury team.
