We recently celebrated a significant milestone with our client, John*. Guided by our dedicated solicitor Usha Nayee, John achieved a £2.75 million compensation in his motorbike accident claim. This journey, which spanned over five years and began when John discovered our services through a Facebook advertisement, shows the power of dedication, teamwork, and building supportive relationships when dealing with personal injury claims.
This case wasn’t without its challenges – from navigating insurance issues to overcoming the personal strains of a family tragedy. However, our team’s commitment to empathy, clear communication, and professional integrity played a pivotal role in developing trust with all parties involved. In this piece, we outline how this approach not only supported John through challenging times but also proved crucial in reaching a successful outcome.
The motorbike accident
John was a pillion passenger on a motorbike that was being taken for a test drive after his brother saw it for sale. Unfortunately, his brother lost control and the vehicle collided into an oncoming car. John sustained serious injuries, including a degloving injury that led to a below-the-knee amputation, as well as a mild brain injury and fractures to his ribs, pelvis, and spine.
Despite multiple surgeries, further medical complications required an above-the-knee amputation. John continues to navigate a challenging recovery, supported by ongoing medical care and rehabilitation to manage the complex aftermath of his injuries.
Overcoming complex challenges together
At first, John’s brother believed the motorbike was under his own insurance, but following a rigorous investigation, this was found to be incorrect. The claim was then redirected to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), which helps victims of uninsured and untraced drivers. As a result, this meant there were two defendants.
John spent 10 months in hospital and initially didn’t want to make a compensation claim against his brother. They had been close before the motorbike accident, but they eventually lost contact. Things were further complicated when his brother began to serve a custodial sentence.
As John spoke Lithuanian, there was also a language barrier for him to contend with when speaking to various people about the accident. In addition, COVID-19 restrictions caused John to feel isolated as no one could see him, and it was difficult to gain trust over the phone.
There are only a handful of Lithuanian translators available in the UK. However, we rose to the challenge and managed to source them, including through Optimal Med, and they attended every medical appointment with John. We also held video calls with John during COVID-19 restrictions, which helped to improve trust.
Achieving the best outcome for a serious injury like John’s involves navigating a high level of complexity. For his compensation claim, it was essential to engage 12 experts from various fields, such as medical professionals, rehabilitation experts, and financial analysts. Each provided insights that were crucial for a comprehensive assessment and robust settlement strategy. While coordinating such a large team and managing extensive documentation was challenging, our meticulous approach ensured that every detail was accurately documented and effectively used to support John’s case.
Supporting recovery
A key focus throughout this motorbike accident claim was facilitating John’s access to leading medical care and rehabilitation services, which required us to secure regular interim payments. Optimal liaised with the Blatchford Clinic, the UK’s most comprehensive supplier of rehabilitation services to the NHS and private patients. The clinic provided a top-of-the-range prosthetic leg so that John could realise that being an amputee would not necessarily hold him back as he had initially feared.
The damages recovered also allowed John to secure new single-storey accommodation and a specially adapted vehicle to fit a wheelchair. What’s more, they covered the cost of future therapies and treatments, social and domestic assistance, and the prosthesis.
Reaching the settlement
Ultimately, building positive and trusting relationships with all parties involved was what helped achieve the optimal outcome for John – from the experts to the counsel, and even the defendant’s solicitors. Everyone had the same goal, to settle the claim fairly and promptly to alleviate the stress of the litigation process and maximise the damages recovered.
This case was far from straightforward, yet the cooperation from the defendant’s solicitors was remarkably positive, which is not always typical. They were consistently prompt in their responses, helping to minimise delays in securing interim payments and facilitating swift agreements on recommendations made by the rehabilitation firm. Such a high level of collaboration contributed to the smooth progression of the claim, allowing us to focus on achieving the best outcome for the client.
Usha’s tips for a successful serious injury claim
In personal injury cases, it’s crucial to establish a strong foundation for success from the beginning. We recommend adopting the following key strategies:
- Engage a reputable rehabilitation company early – They can perform an initial needs assessment, which will ensure every requirement is addressed quickly and the recovery journey is supported effectively.
- Use specialist experts – They can draw on their depth of knowledge and experience of the nuances of personal injury claims to understand the specific challenges and requirements of the case. This not only helps to navigate the legal complexities but also improves the overall strategy for securing the best possible outcome for the client.
Personal injury support with Optimal Solicitors
If you’ve suffered a life-changing personal injury from an accident, you’re not alone. At Optimal Solicitors, we’re committed to standing by your side, offering the support and expertise needed during these challenging times.
Our dedicated team will go above and beyond to ensure we achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today to begin your journey to recovery with a team that cares about your wellbeing and is prepared to fight for your rights every step of the way.
*Client’s name has been changed to protect their anonymity