Case Study of Severe Injuries from Bicycle Accident
We recently acted for a cyclist who fell from his bicycle as a result of a large “hump” across the road caused by tree roots which had not been dealt with by the local authority.
Our client suffered significant head injuries to include skull fractures and contusions to the brain. He also suffered grand mal epilepsy, 70% hearing loss in one ear, reduction in sense of tastes and smell, nerve damage, fractured right clavicle, multiple cuts and bruises and depression.
The client approached two firms of solicitors who advised that he had little chance of success. There were several issues to overcome not least the fact that our client was not wearing a cycle helmet at the time. However, we could see that he had good prospects and were happy to act for him and did so under a Conditional Fee Agreement.
The local authority would not accept liability and disputed that the injuries were caused by the accident and so legal proceedings were issued in the High Court. Then, at a meeting with the Defendant’s solicitors six weeks before trial, we successfully negotiated a settlement of £250,000.
The client was very happy that he had not had to go to court and was extremely pleased with the settlement amount.