£2.2 million damages for paraplegic man

Stewarts Law have successfully negotiated a compensation settlement of £2.2m for its client, Mr P, after he sustained T10 paraplegia while riding his motorcycle in France during a holiday.

Scott Rigby, Senior Associate in Stewarts Law's Personal Injury department represented Mr P throughout his claim.

Mr P's motorcycle collided with an approaching motor car. Liability as to the cause of the accident was contested, as the defendant argued that Mr P was riding on the wrong side of the road and that the accident had been caused by him. However, Stewarts Law achieved a 75% recovery on liability, which meant that only 25% of the value of Mr P's claim was withheld due to contributory negligence.

We were also able to advise Mr P regarding recent changes in the European Law which meant that he was able to pursue his claim for compensation through the English Courts and to have the value of his claim quantified under English Law rather than French Law, which meant he was able to maximise the amount of compensation he recovered.

Before his accident, Mr P led an active life, enjoying outdoor pursuits; taking activities holidays and he also greatly enjoyed his job as a land surveyor. The injuries he has suffered, as a result of his accident , mean he will no longer be able to pursue many of his pre-accident interests and he will be prevented from returning to his occupation.

Speaking about the settlement, Scott Rigby stated:

"People with spinal cord injuries have many additional needs, which are simply not met by local authorities and public healthcare providers. With the Government's policy of public funding cutbacks this situation will only get worse. When liability is contested it is especially hard on those that have been injured because invariably a large proportion of a claimant's damages, needed to help meet this public funding shortfall, will not be recovered. I am therefore particularly please that we were able to achieve such a great result for Mr P. This settlement will mean that he can purchase a home, which will be adapted for his needs, he will be able to pay the additional costs of trips to see his family in Australia and he will be able to purchase disability aids and equipment, which will enable him to resume some of his pre-accident hobbies and interests. The compensation award will also ensure that he will be able to pay for the care and assistance he will need with daily living activities as he gets older".