Life-changing injury: Martin’s Story

Martin, aged 53, who worked as an HGV driver for Evri, was walking with two of his children near to his home in Bradford in March 2020. They were taking their daily exercise during the first Covid lockdown when a 16-year-old driver lost control of a car he had purchased on Facebook. He did not have a licence and was not insured to drive. As he lost control of the car, it sped drove towards Martin and his children. Fortunately, Martin’s children managed to jump out of the way and were not hit. However, the car drove into Martin, and he became trapped between the vehicle and a parked car was dragged along.

Martin sustained severe bilateral lower limb injuries leading to an above the knee amputation of his right leg, and nerve and tissue damage to his left leg. Martin was critically ill; his family were advised it was touch and go if he would survive and that he might need his left leg amputated too. Thanks to the amazing medical care provided at Leeds General Infirmary, they saved his left leg and he started to slowly recover.  

Once discharged from the hospital, Martin instructed our personal injury department to bring his claim. Within the first few months following instruction, we initiated the claim to the Motor Insurer’s Bureau (MIB) as the driver responsible was uninsured. 

Funding was agreed with the MIB for private prosthetic rehabilitation at Blatchford Clinic and inpatient stays at STEPS Rehabilitation to maximise early rehabilitation. Further interim funding was obtained to provide funds for lost earnings and other expenses. 

Additionally, an occupational therapy assessment was carried out and identified that Martin’s home was unsuitable for his needs. A property finder was instructed to locate a suitable rental home. However, as it was not possible to identify a suitable property, preliminary expert reports were obtained, and we requested a significant interim payment for a home to be purchased and adapted to provide for his long-term needs. The MIB agreed to pay a significant six-figure interim payment 11 months after the collision. Martin was able to purchase a new home which was completely adapted to suit his needs, including single level wheelchair accessible access, widened doors and accessible kitchen. The house has room for his children to stay and carers.

 Martin’s private prosthetic rehabilitation progressed well, and he was provided with a RHEO microprocessor-controlled knee, which has improved his mobility. He was also able to buy an adapted wheelchair accessible vehicle which has increased his independence.

Following receipt of detailed expert evidence about his future needs, his legal claim settled at a meeting with the MIB’s solicitors in March 2024 for a seven-figure sum. This sum included loss of earnings to reflect the fact he will not be able to return to work as an HGV driver. It also reflects future prosthetic, care, case management and other therapeutic needs.