Ciaran* was out riding his motorcycle, when a vehicle collided with him. He sustained significant facial injuries, a leg fracture, a broken collar bone and a significant brain injury. He was taken to hospital and his facial fractures needed surgery requiring plates and screws.
Scanning to the head confirmed a severe bleed on the brain. He was initially kept in critical care. He was later assessed by the hospital’s physiotherapist, speech and language, and occupational therapist staff. He had limited mobility and needed help with several activities of daily living. In time he was moved to a specialist brain injury unit, before being transferred to a specialist hospital and then later going home.
Initial challenges and our support
We were able to quickly contact the insurer of the driver who had caused the crash and secured a prompt admission of liability. We then worked with the insurer to appoint a specialist case manager who understood traumatic brain injuries. They carried out an immediate needs assessment, which recommended various therapies which the insurer funded. The case manager also helped coordinate his rehabilitation plan.
In addition to this support, Ciaran needed funds as he was unable to work, and we obtained several large interim payments for him. As Ciaran lacked mental capacity, due to his brain injury, to manage his financial affairs, we appointed a professional deputy to assist him in managing his finances.
Ciaran was left with significant fatigue, impaired balance, headaches, tinnitus, difficulties regulating his behaviour, cognitive impairment and communication difficulties. To help address these issues, we were able to arrange a package of ongoing rehabilitation which included a support worker, neuro-physiotherapy, neuropsychiatric input, neuropsychological input, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, audio-vestibular input, and a taxi account.
Outcome
When we had gathered all evidence needed to support the full value of Ciaran’s claim, we initiated a settlement meeting with the insurer’s legal team. We agreed a settlement of £5.6m which will provide for Ciaran’s future care and therapy needs, as well as all his financial losses, so that he would have future financial security.
