Stewarts’ client Lucy received a seven-figure settlement after sustaining severe leg injuries in a road traffic collision caused by a careless driver, which resulted in an above knee amputation. Partner Nichola Fosler reviews Lucy’s claim.
Just before Christmas 2022, Lucy had been shopping with her two daughters and was standing at the rear of her car putting her shopping into the boot when the defendant, who was driving an electric car, lost control of his vehicle while pulling into a parking space. His vehicle mounted a pedestrian walkway and collided with Lucy and her vehicle.
Lucy sustained severe leg fractures, resulting in her having to undergo an amputation above the knee.
She spent over a month in hospital, undergoing several surgeries and intensive rehabilitation.
Background
The defendant had been driving an electric vehicle and alleged that there was a mechanical fault with the car, which in turn caused it to accelerate on its own accord. A preliminary opinion was obtained from an accident reconstruction expert following receipt of data from the defendant’s vehicle, which was suggestive of driver error not vehicle malfunction.
The defendant subsequently pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving and in March 2025 he received a suspended sentence and a driving ban.
How Stewarts helped
Lucy initially instructed another firm of solicitors, but as her claim and rehabilitation were not progressing as she had hoped, she transferred her case to Stewarts in July 2023.
At the time the case was transferred to Stewarts, Lucy had received some rehabilitation funded under the Rehabilitation Code and received limited interim funding of £10,000. However, she was still wearing a poorly fitted NHS prosthetic limb and living in her former home, which was not fully accessible to her. Both these factors were limiting the progress of her rehabilitation.
Interim funding
Within a few weeks of Stewarts taking over the claim, Lucy secured further interim funding of £75,000, enabling a referral to Dorset Orthopaedic, a private prosthetic centre, which eventually led to her purchasing a GeniumX4 prosthetic limb with Elan IC foot. Further interim payments followed throughout the claim.
The rehabilitation journey
A property search was made, and Lucy and her family were able to move to a single level rental property close to other family members.
Lucy was also referred to a variety of professionals for support with her rehabilitation, including an orthopaedic surgeon, a plastic surgeon, a prosthetist, a chiropractor for the provision of electro acupuncture, an occupational therapist, an orthotist, a personal trainer, amputee and musculoskeletal physiotherapists, a dietitian and a psychologist.
Some treatment was arranged via her existing private medical insurer, and the private medical insurers costs were recovered as part of the claim.
Returning to hobbies
Lucy was a highly active individual before her injury, she ran marathons, had a personal trainer, went to the gym and did regular bootcamp classes. She also enjoyed a variety of other sports, including sea swimming, cycling, kayaking and paddleboarding. She also enjoyed ice skating and had plans to go skiing with her family.
In autumn 2024, Lucy purchased a running limb and was able to return to her much loved hobby of running.
Additional support services and charities utilised
Stewarts works with many charities, including LimbPower and the Limbless Association. These charities show how important it is for someone’s long-term physical and mental wellbeing to be able to return to their previous hobbies or try new hobbies, where possible.
During the claim, Lucy was able to attend the LimbPower games, an annual event at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, and trial a wide variety of adaptive sports. She also attended the snowdome to trial skiing.
In addition, Lucy received mentoring via the charity Stride Forward.
Pregnancy and amputation
Lucy and her husband had two young children at the time of her accident and had planned for a third child in 2023. The pregnancy was delayed due to the accident. Lucy fell pregnant during the claim and gave birth to a daughter in November 2025, shortly after the claim had settled.
During the claim, professional advice was obtained to support Lucy through her pregnancy, including refitting of sockets for her prosthesis during the pregnancy. A specialist occupational therapist was employed to explore equipment and ergonomic solutions to support Lucy’s independence in caring for her baby while wearing her prosthetic limb or using a wheelchair. This included advice on adaptive equipment and environmental modifications in the home. She was also assisted in finding appropriate slings for babywearing, baby changing facilities and equipment to support bathing, feeding and weaning. She was also given help with accessing the local community and with her sleeping arrangements during pregnancy.
Returning to work after serious injury
Lucy is a business programme manager for a large rail company, and her role includes visiting outdoor sites in London and assessing them for accessibility.
Lucy’s supervisor and her employer’s HR team were supportive of her return to work and coordinated with Lucy’s case manager on her phased return. She tried to return in January 2024 but this was premature, so she took further time off work to concentrate on her rehabilitation. She returned to work again on a phased basis in November 2024.
Lucy had received company sick pay from her employer while she was absent from work, recuperating from her injury. The sick pay was included in the claim and reimbursement was made to her employer.
Settlement details
Stewarts instructed a wide range of experts to ensure that Lucy’s prognosis and long-term needs were fully assessed.
The claim settled at a settlement meeting for a seven-figure sum just over two years from Stewarts taking on the case.
Conclusion
The successful resolution of her claim has enabled Lucy and her family to focus on the future and look ahead with hope.
Client testimonial
Lucy says:
“From the very beginning of my case, my experience with Stewarts has been nothing short of exceptional. Their level of professionalism and legal expertise is remarkable. The team, particularly Nichola, demonstrated a profound understanding of the challenges I faced, providing not just legal support but also genuine empathy. They were proactive in identifying potential issues and adept at crafting effective solutions. Nichola’s comprehensive knowledge of the legal intricacies of my case was invaluable, and she skillfully broke down complex information, ensuring I fully understood the implications of every legal development.
Deciding to change solicitors six months into my claim was a significant step for me, and I can confidently say it was the right choice. The transition to Stewarts was seamless; they managed the process effortlessly, allowing me to focus on my recovery. Once the transfer was complete, I felt an immediate sense of reassurance. Nichola and her team provided the support I desperately needed, something I had been missing at the outset of my claim.
What I appreciate most about working with Stewarts is their unwavering support. The team listened attentively to my concerns and worked collaboratively to address them without ever making me feel belittled. Communication was a strong point; I was never left in the dark about the status of my case. If there were delays, they kept me informed, which significantly eased my anxiety. I felt genuinely supported by Nichola and her colleagues, and I always felt comfortable asking questions.
Overall, my impressions of Stewarts are overwhelmingly positive. Their professionalism shines through in every interaction.
Since my accident, I have slowly begun to return to activities I once cherished, such as running and attending boot camp sessions, thanks to the new prosthesis and the physiotherapy support that Stewarts helped me secure. I am particularly thrilled to be back participating in activities with my children, which I feared I would never do again. Engaging in physical activities like soft play, trampolining, and climbing has brought me immense joy and a renewed sense of purpose.
For other amputees contemplating a return to work, I advise caution. I returned to work earlier than I should have, underestimating the dedication my rehabilitation required. While I was making physical progress, it was crucial to devote time and effort to my recovery for continued success.
The settlement I received has been transformative, enabling me to return to running and actively engage with my children. It provided the means to purchase a specialised running leg, significantly enhancing my ability to participate in this beloved sport. Additionally, securing funds for advanced prosthetics like the Genium X4 allows me to move comfortably and pursue activities without pain or fatigue.
Since my injury, I have also explored new activities that I had never considered before. In early 2025, I joined the Women’s Amputee Football team, which has been a delightful surprise, as I had never previously enjoyed football. Through my prosthetic center, I have ventured into climbing and Padel boarding, both of which I hope to pursue further. While returning to my previous athletic level has been challenging, I am grateful to have discovered new sports through the amputee community.
Finally, reaching my settlement has lifted a heavy burden, allowing me to move forward without the constraints I felt post-amputation. I can now plan for the future with confidence, knowing I have the resources to secure the support, equipment, and tools necessary for living life to the fullest and maintaining my independence.”
How we can help with your claim
Stewarts has a number of personal injury specialists with experience in acting for clients who have been injured in road traffic accidents. To discuss your prospects of a successful claim, please contact us today on or complete our online enquiry form.
