£700,000 recovered for motorcyclist after crash leaves him with paralysed dominant left arm

Mark Bowman was instructed by Dave following a motorcycle accident on 14 June 2014. Dave had been referred to Mark by a former client of his, also a motorcyclist. Dave had been riding his motorbike along the B4425 Burford Road in Bibury, Gloucestershire, and approached a set of crossroads with the intention of riding straight ahead. The Defendant motorcyclist was travelling in the opposite direction and without warning or indicating, proceeded to turn right, causing a collision with Dave.

As a result of the collision, Dave, aged 54 suffered a severe brachial plexus injury to his dominant left arm which rendered it completely paralysed. In addition he suffered a number of other injuries including a compound fracture to his right wrist, numerous rib fractures, and a small bleed on the brain. His injuries left him in crippling and debilitating pain, which required the use of strong pain relieving medication.

Dave had previously worked as an Estate Manager on a large private estate and was keen to return to work as soon as possible following his accident. He stoically attempted a graded return to work but ultimately found that he was unable to cope with the demands of the role and resigned from his position at the end of September 2015. Dave also had a passion for motorbikes and for all things DIY related, but due to his injuries was unable to return to riding a motorbike or to undertaking many of the tasks that he would previously have relished.

Criminal proceedings were brought against the Defendant who was found guilty of riding without insurance and without due care and attention. An interim payment was obtained for Dave and a case management regime put in place to ensure he received the best possible rehabilitation. Subsequently civil proceedings were issued against the Defendant and liability was immediately admitted. Both parties were keen to see an early resolution to Dave's claim and having obtained expert evidence from an orthopaedic surgeon and care expert, we were able to secure a settlement of £700,000 for Dave, just 14 months after being instructed. This settlement will compensate Dave for his loss of earnings, allow him to employ a support worker to assist him at home, and will ensure he has sufficient funds to purchase the necessary aids and equipment that will hopefully assist him in day to day life.

At the end of the case Dave commented:

" I would just like to say how happy I've been with the service that Mark provided to both Helen and myself during what has been and still is a very tough time in our lives. This accident has been a life changing experience, one which will affect us for the rest of our lives and no money on earth will be enough to replace my arm and make me able to do what I loved to do most in life - ride bikes. It will however help us to enjoy life the best we can.

There is always someone worse off than yourself, a guy that lives one flat above my son has exactly the same injury as myself, happened about the same time and as yet has received nothing. So thanks to Mark and his team we at least have a lot more peace of mind."

Contact us

For further information about road traffic accident claims and motorcycle accident claims, please call Mark Bowman on 03304606794 or email mark.bowman@fieldfisher.com.

Alternatively

• You can speak to our personal injury solicitors on freephone 0800 358 3848
• email us: personalinjury@fieldfisher.com
• Complete the short online enquiry form

All enquiries are completely free of charge and we will investigate all funding options for you including no win, no fee.