£2.4 million for catastrophic injuries after motorcycle accident

In this interesting case I recently secured a settlement of £2.4 million for a client seriously injured following a motorcycle accident.

My client was riding his motorcycle ahead when a driver in an SUV vehicle turned right across his path. Sadly, my client was hit. He suffered catastrophic injuries to his right leg including a segmental fracture of the femur, a displaced open (Schatzker VI) fracture of the proximal tibia with involvement of the tibial shaft and tibial plateau, an open fracture of the right fibula and complex soft tissue wounds requiring skin grafting.

My client endured multiple surgeries to save his leg. He was discharged from hospital after several weeks with a circular frame in situ. The frame was subsequently removed but unfortunately the underlying fractures had not united. Extensive rehabilitation commenced including physiotherapy, counselling and the use of Exogen bone stimulation to aid healing. A custom full-leg orthotic was purchased to help aid weightbearing.

Despite a long period of recovery, updated imaging showed persistent non-union of the fractures and an above knee amputation was recommended. However, the position remained complex. Due to the high-level fractures, more surgery was required by way of bone grafting or exchange nailing to ensure an adequate residual stump for the prosthesis to follow. There was no guarantee of success. Therefore, despite the possibility of achieving greater function, my client was understandably reluctant to consider further surgery.

I obtained substantial interim payments for treatment and therapies, ongoing case management and to secure level access accommodation. My client’s losses were eventually presented on the basis of two scenarios; with and without amputation. As it happened, the value of the claim was largely similar across both scenarios. With amputation, the cost of prosthetics to include wet and dry limbs was substantial. Without amputation, the claim for professional care and continued support working was equally substantial.

Liability was not in dispute. Therefore, the parties resolved to meet and discuss settlement whereby my client secured a total award of just over £2.4 million. No amount of money could ever compensate the pain and suffering my client has and will continue to experience, but his substantial lump sum award will provide for his future and allow him to move forwards with his life.

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