Our client, Joe Claridge, has reached a significant milestone in his rehabilitation by returning to Jersey after a catastrophic road traffic collision in Belgium in January 2024. The incident resulted in life‑changing injuries, including the loss of both legs, requiring a double amputation.
Joe is represented by partner Scott Rigby and paralegal Tobias Coster from Stewarts’ top‑ranked International Injury team. Scott and Tobias are also working with Belgian lawyers, Peter De Maeyer and Anne-Fleur Willems of HBSV Advocaten.
At the time of the incident, Joe was working in a two Michelin-starred restaurant, having built his career in high-end kitchens in London and Jersey. He sustained a bilateral above-knee amputation together with life-threatening abdominal injuries following the incident in Antwerp.
Joe spent almost two months in a coma while receiving emergency, life-saving treatment in Antwerp. Once medically stable, he was transferred to a specialist rehabilitation hospital in Pellenberg, where his early rehabilitation began.
Given the severity and complexity of his injuries, Stewarts instructed Jersey-based case manager Verity Boak of Boak & Associates to assemble and coordinate a specialist rehabilitation programme. Verity’s role included overseeing Joe’s transition back to Jersey, coordinating ongoing care, and managing a multi-disciplinary team tailored to his specific needs.
Working with local Jersey therapists, Verity has coordinated occupational therapy, physiotherapy and wider rehabilitation input, alongside specialist prosthetic support from Dorset Orthopaedics. A suitable single-storey rental property has been secured for Joe, with adaptations currently underway to ensure the environment fully supports his safety and independence.
Joe is highly motivated to return to his pre-injury routines. His rehabilitation team is currently supporting him with strategies to return to work as a chef and enabling him to resume an active outdoor lifestyle, including getting back out on the water fishing and kayaking during the warmer months.
In October 2025, Joe attended the Bilateral Life Camp in Oklahoma, organised by Dream Team Prosthetics. The intensive week-long programme brought together bilateral amputees from around the world and included activities such as mountain trekking, golf and hill climbing — all pursuits Joe enjoyed prior to his accident. The experience proved hugely motivational. Since returning from the United States, Joe has been using his prosthetics almost exclusively, having previously relied primarily on a wheelchair.
How Stewarts has helped
Stewarts’ International Injury team has worked closely with Joe and Verity to identify and respond to his evolving needs throughout his recovery. Interim payments secured as part of the claim have been central to funding specialist rehabilitation, therapy input, prosthetic provision and the acquisition of a suitable home where Joe can live comfortably with his family while continuing his rehabilitation in Jersey.
Scott Rigby said:
“It’s great to see Joe’s rehabilitation progressing so well as he returns to the hobbies and interests he enjoyed before his accident, including travelling to the bilateral amputee bootcamp in Oklahoma. His journey to date has been both incredible and inspirational and is a testament to his determination, the support he has received from his partner, Kamarli, and the specialist input we have been able to put in place for him.”
Verity comments:
“Joe’s life has been significantly and permanently changed as a result of his injuries. Our role is to support him to return to the things that matter most to him — being with his family, cooking, and enjoying the outdoor lifestyle that Jersey offers. Working with Stewarts and having access to funding allows us to ensure Joe has every possible opportunity to maximise his independence and long-term outcomes.”
Client testimonial
“I want to make it clear that I’ve had a really good support structure, from the hospital staff to the therapists, as well as my family — all of whom have helped me enormously. I’m very grateful.
I feel extremely lucky to have had Stewarts and HBSV Advocaten instructed on my claim. Many people don’t have access to this level of support. Everything has been planned and organised so well through them and Verity — whether that’s case management, insurance issues or interim payments. They have been amazing.”
How can we help with your claim?
If you or someone close to you has been affected by a road traffic collision, our expert International Injury team is here to assist.
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