Our client Charlie, who sustained a spinal cord injury following an incident at work in 2022, has now secured a seven-figure settlement to fund their long-term needs.

Clare Salmon, a partner in our Personal Injury department, conducted the claim, assisted by associate Huseyin Kahyalar. Gerard McDermott KC, Daniel Lawson and Grace Corby acted as counsel for our client.

The case

Charlie sustained a spinal injury following an incident at work in 2022. Before the injury, Charlie had a busy and active lifestyle, enjoying a range of outdoor activities. As a result of the incident, Charlie has been unable to return to work and can no longer participate in the outdoor lifestyle they had previously enjoyed.

Collaboration

Charlie instructed Stewarts shortly after the incident. Stewarts secured interim payments at an early stage as a result of effective collaboration with the defendant insurers, as well as significant funding under the Rehabilitation Code for Charlie’s rehabilitation and recovery.

The collaborative approach taken by the defendant insurers enabled Charlie to access a full support team under the Rehabilitation Code, including case management, occupational therapy, therapy assistants and physiotherapy. This team of experienced therapists was integral to Charlie’s recovery and rehabilitation.

In addition to rehabilitation funding vital to Charlie’s increased independence, the defendant insurer provided substantial interim payments to enable Charlie to purchase a suitable larger property to be adapted for their needs. Unfortunately, Charlie had been discharged from hospital to a micro-living environment in their pre-injury living room.

Settlement

Stewarts instructed a range of expert evidence to ensure Charlie’s prognosis and long-term needs were fully assessed.

Charlie’s case was effectively resolved within three years of the injury. While an initial joint settlement meeting proved unsuccessful, the parties were able to resolve the claim through the use of an independent third party at a mediation earlier this year. A settlement was achieved for a seven-figure lump sum, which will ensure Charlie’s lifelong needs continue to be met.

Life Beyond Injury and testimonial

The settlement will allow Charlie to begin adaptation works on the new property and continue to rebuild their life beyond injury and the litigation.

Charlie says: “I cannot thank Clare and her team enough. They kept me informed throughout and fought my corner under difficult circumstances. She set up the help I needed for my rehabilitation and made a difficult time as easy as they could.”