GA’s Personal Injury Team Secures Justice and Support for a Young Road-Traffic Collision Victim
The Personal Injury law team at GA Solicitors represented a young claimant who was involved in a severe road traffic collision. The accident resulted in several serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury (TBI) classified as ‘moderate-severe’. Among his injuries, he suffered a depressed skull fracture, a dural tear, and a cerebral contusion, as well as sustaining a displaced right orbital and roof fracture. This led to a permanent displacement of his right eye, causing right ptosis, and he will require oculoplastic surgery in the future. Furthermore, he suffered a right distal radial fracture, which required surgical intervention, including manipulation under anaesthetic and the application of a plaster cast.
The Impact
The young claimant had been excelling academically before the accident, performing at an “exceeding level” in primary school. His projected academic trajectory suggested he would have achieved high grades, progressed to university, and secured a post-graduate employment position. However, the brain damage he sustained significantly altered this path and has resulted in long-term cognitive and executive function impairments, including:
- Higher-level attentional deficits
- Working memory limitations
- Impaired planning and organisation
- Reduced self-monitoring
- Indications of impulsivity and disinhibition
- Processing speed and efficiency problems
- Memory gaps in learning environments
- Fatigue
- Emotional lability and reduced emotional regulation
Unfortunately, the effect of these impairments will extend beyond his educational years, and will almost certainly have a limiting effect on potential employment opportunities in the future.
Rehabilitation and Support
From the earliest stages of recovery, GA Solicitors’ Personal Injury Specialists worked closely with the defendant’s Insurer under the Rehabilitation Code of Best Practice to ensure the claimant received immediate and long-term support. The firm coordinated a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, which included:
- Respite holidays and trips for the family
- Specialist classroom equipment, including adaptive furniture and IT resources
- Psychological and occupational therapy
- Neuropsychological assessment and ongoing support
- Sleep assessment and intervention
- The employment of a specialist one-to-one teaching assistant
- Private tutoring for additional educational support
- Professional liaison with schools, including neuropsychological training for teachers and staff to support the claimant’s learning needs
- Multi-disciplinary team meetings to monitor progress and coordinate rehabilitation efforts
To assess the claimant’s future needs and prognosis, our team of Personal Injury Solicitors consulted a range of medical and rehabilitation experts; including a Paediatric Neurologist, Neuropsychologist, Educational Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Psychologist, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Sleep Specialist, and Ophthalmologist. This has allowed us to identify the myriad of ways in which the claimant’s life will be affected in the future, and highlight opportunities to mitigate these impacts and achieve the best possible quality of life.
Legal Case and Outcome
The case was presented on the basis that the claimant was classified as disabled under the Disability Discrimination Act. GA Solicitors meticulously assessed future financial losses to ensure the settlement reflected the claimant’s lifelong needs. These included:
- Loss of earnings
- Buddy support
- Domestic and childcare assistance
- Occupational therapy
- Driving adaptations
- Support for home maintenance, including DIY and gardening
- Case management to facilitate ongoing care and rehabilitation
Following extensive negotiations, a significant compensation settlement was reached and subsequently approved by the Court as an appropriate amount to support the claimant’s future.
Client Testimonial
The claimant’s mother shared her heartfelt gratitude for the legal support provided by GA’s PI team:
“It is honestly no exaggeration to say our family would not be where we are today without you. From the very first time we met, when you came to our house and I was still reeling from what had happened, you saw us through the legal process with patience, kindness and impeccable professionalism. Right through to the excellent settlement, which has given us every hope that X has secured the best future possible. Thanks to you, X received every support he needed along the way (things we would never have thought of) from so many wonderful professionals. We will always be so grateful that you were our solicitor and by our side through the hardest time in our family’s life.”
Additional Feedback
Further feedback from the claimant’s family reinforced the high standard of care and professionalism provided by GA Solicitors; in particular the head of our Personal Injury Law Team, Matthew Sheather, who worked on the case from start to finish:
“There is honestly nothing more Matt and the (personal injury) team at GA could have done to improve our experience. Over the six years that we were Matt’s clients, nothing was ever too much trouble, and we were looked after brilliantly throughout the entire process.
In the immediate aftermath of my son’s injury, Matt was absolutely brilliant. When you are scared, in shock, and have no idea what help you need—you just know you need legal advice—Matt is exactly the person you want! He has just the right balance of compassion and professionalism and has been so patient and considerate during the difficult times. He was excellent at keeping up communication so that I always felt in the loop with where we were and the next stage that was coming up. When it came to going to court, he was fantastic at explaining everything so that there was no fear of the unknown.
Even more, Matt provided us with the care we needed as a family—he always knew the right professional to help us with every one of our needs. There is no doubt in my mind that without Matt, my son would not be the happy, positive, and enthusiastic teenager that he is today. We can’t thank Matt and his team enough for everything they’ve done for us over the last few years. GA Solicitors, and Matt in particular, has truly navigated us through the worst period of our lives with efficiency, superb professionalism, and an excellent end result—but most of all, with consistent kindness and care. Thank you so much!”
This devastating case highlights the life-changing impact that professional and compassionate legal representation can have on an individual and their family following a traumatic incident. Our team of Personal Injury solicitors ensured that the claimant not only received the financial compensation he was entitled to but also the vital support services necessary to help him navigate his future. By consulting with a panel of experts and maintaining a client-centred approach, GA Solicitors provided comprehensive advocacy and guidance, securing a settlement that will support the claimant’s long-term well-being and quality of life.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a road traffic collision or any other kind of accident resulting in a serious injury, GA Solicitors can provide expert legal support and guidance. Our Personal Injury Law team is dedicated to securing the compensation and rehabilitation services required to rebuild lives and strives to provide the highest possible level of care and assistance. Contact us today to discuss your case in confidence.
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