I am delighted to say last week we were able to settle a substantial personal injury claim for a chap who broke his neck at C1 of the spinal cord 18 months ago when a youth knocked him off his scooter in a stolen car.

The accident led to my client being left without motor function or sensation in any of his limbs and being dependant on a ventilator to breathe. We obtained compensation to enable a private 24 hour ‘line of sight’ care package to be put in place and purchase of a property easily large enough to house him, his family, carers and all the additional equipment he needs for the rest of his life.  The settlement was on a periodical payments plus lump sum basis which equates to just over £5 million.

To see financial security provided to the client and his family, knowing that they will never have to compromise in the future is enormously rewarding to me and the whole reason for my being involved in this area of the law (although I wouldn’t necessarily agree with the client’s sister that I am ” the best solicitor ever”!!!!).

Well,

It is that time of year again – National RIDE TO WORK week. At Fletchers we of course have more reason than most to get involved in this project as we have dealt with more motorcycle accident claims than any other practice in the country over the last 20 years. As a result of our passion for motorcycles many of the staff ride a bike and I am no exception. Despite paraplegia stemming from a motorcycle accident in October 1999 I continue to ride a bike albeit with 3 wheels – My Trike is a ‘Ural’ which is built in Russia and converted in this country, it’s a bit agricultural but GREAT fun.

With my recently diagnosed tino synovitis and fighting a possible urine tract infection I have been put in the position of not being able to travel to London tomorrow on an important round table settlement meeting. Fortunately I have a very understanding client ( T3 complete spinal cord injury as a result of a motorcycle accident and above the knee amputee) and a good team who are fully familiar with the case and will physically be in the conference with the personal injury specialist barristers. I am to attend the conference via video conferencing or telephone when appropriate.

This just emphasises the importance of having a good team around you and having the technology in place ( vidoe conferencing facilities) for illness to be as little a hindrence as possible.