Our Personal Injury solicitors only handle a small number of cases at a time, allowing them to get to know their clients extremely well during their case, and beyond. This summer, Clare Salmon was contacted by the family of a client who had sustained a brain injury in 2014 as a result of a cycling collision.

Clare acted for Michael after he was critically injured in a road traffic collision. Michael’s life was in the balance for many weeks after his accident, as he had sustained a major traumatic brain injury as well as spinal and other orthopaedic injuries. It initially looked as though he would need lifetime care as a result.

Michael’s progress

In 2025, Michael’s proud parents reached out to Stewarts to update us about his ongoing recovery and successful promotions in his career, leading to him achieving his long-held ambition of becoming a university professor.

They remembered how Stewarts had “guided us sympathetically through the process of litigation and put in place many measures to aid Michael’s recovery, giving him the best possible chance of overcoming the odds. His recovery has since been hailed ‘miraculous’ by more than one medical professional. Having your support throughout a very difficult year was certainly a part of that miracle.”

In the 10 years since Michael’s claim was settled, he has progressed through his university career in his specialist field, moving from lecturer to senior lecturer to associate professor before learning most recently that his promotion to professor has been approved.

From his initial prognosis of catastrophic brain injury, with just “language a possibility”, Michael’s parents said his progress has been truly miraculous. He has worked hard to reach this point, much to his credit and determination, but his parents believe “the additional support he received as a result of Stewarts’ efforts was the foundation of his recovery”. This support included funding for specialist case management, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, psychology, fitness training and adaptations for his home and work.

The family remembers that when Michael’s case was settled, the barrister instructed at the time, Frank Burton KC, told Michael to “go forward, be successful and enjoy his life”. Michael is the embodiment of that philosophy.

In the first days after Michael’s injury, a close family friend, a doctor, had also offered words of hope, in that “the power of persistence and positive thought, people can and do defy their pathology.” Michael’s story reminds us that rebuilding your life after a serious injury is not only possible, but often transformative.

Michael is now happily married with an adorable daughter, who brings great joy to the couple and their wider family.

Returning to work after serious injury

It is a common misconception that the claims process discourages people from going back to work. However, Stewarts understands how important work is to people’s identity, daily routine, sense of community and social well-being. Getting back to “normal”, including work, is often one of a claimant’s main aims, albeit that they may need additional support such as an adjustment in working hours, specialist equipment or vocational retraining.

Many of the charities Stewarts supports, including Back Up and the Spinal Injuries Association, emphasise the critical role that work plays in the physical and mental health of people who have sustained serious injuries. Depending on their circumstances, that might mean returning to their previous job, trying something new by retraining or volunteering in some capacity.

Work offers stability, financial security, a sense of community and purpose. The law provides many avenues to ensure you receive the support you are entitled to when returning to work after an injury, including protection under the Equality Act, assistance through the Access to Work scheme for those with a disability, and guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).

It is essential that barriers are not put up to limit people’s opportunities to return to the workforce with a disability.

Clare comments:

“I am absolutely thrilled to hear of Michael’s progress and achievements beyond his injury and post-settlement. It is a testament to his hard work, motivation and clear focus from the outset on his academic work, as well as the support of his family and wife, that he has achieved all he has.”