Compensation for cyclist following collision with post office van
Mark secured the damages within one year of being instructed, despite constant delays by the defendants.
Mr Corliss was initially unable to move, and required a neck and head brace prior to emergency transportation by ambulance to Eastbourne District General Hospital. He suffered a fracture to his C6 vertebrae (the 6th vertebrae of the cervical spine), a shattered right elbow, a torn right triceps muscle and cuts and bruises to the head, right shoulder, right hip and both knees.
He had surgery on his elbow to reduce and wire the fracture. He also had to wear a Miami neck brace for 11 weeks and a plaster cast for his arm for 9 weeks.
Mr Corliss needed extensive physiotherapy and hydrotherapy as well as treatment with an osteopath. He also needed a second surgical procedure to remove the wires from his elbow.
Mark Bowman commenced a claim against the Post Office and primary liability was admitted at an early stage. An interim payment was obtained.
After liability was admitted, Mark concentrated on valuing the case. He obtained expert reports from a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, a consultant spinal surgeon and a consultant psychiatrist. Mark also obtained evidence from Mr Corliss' accountant with regards to his loss of earnings claim.
Mr Corliss was advised that he was likely to be left with reduced range of movement in his cervical spine, elbow and right shoulder and that his reluctance to get back on his bicycle was as a result of him suffering from an Adjustment Disorder.
Following negotiations with solicitors appointed by the Post Office, Mr Corliss' claim settled for £45,000. Though a full admission of liability was never received, this represented a settlement on a full liability basis.
At the end of the case Mr Corliss said:
"After my accident I was recommended to contact Mark Bowman and he came to visit me at home within a couple of days. His knowledge of cycling and cycling related incidents was immediately obvious and very reassuring, especially so as that time I was unsure about my future.
"Mark has worked diligently on my behalf to secure compensation from the Post Office and, despite a lack of communication from them, has secured me a very satisfactory compensation deal. During the last 12 months Mark has kept in regular contact, updating me about the case and has used his considerable experience to get the other party to finally agree a settlement.
"I cannot praise him highly enough and would have no hesitation in recommending his services."
Contact us
For further information about road traffic accident claims, cycling accident claims and spinal injury claims, please call Mark Bowman on 03304606794 or email mark.bowman@fieldfisher.com.
Alternatively
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