Seven figure sum for cyclist who lost his leg in serious road accident involving an HGV

Jennifer Buchanan achieved a substantial settlement on behalf of a 63-year-old Polish cyclist who was catastrophically injured in Harlow, Essex in September 2017. The man, who is protected by an anonymity order, had only come to the UK and started work at meat factory six months earlier.

Our client was navigating onto a roundabout, for which he had right of way, when an HGV driver failed to give way and ploughed into him. The driver later pleaded guilty to driving a mechanically propelled vehicle without due care and attention and was fined £400 and disqualified from driving for eight months. The insurer eventually accepted full liability for the collision.

Our client was taken by Air Ambulance to the Royal London Hospital where he underwent surgery for a below-knee amputation, fasciectomy of the right forearm and carpal tunnel decompression. Along with permanent orthopaedic difficulties, he was also left with brain damage and will never be able to work.

The case was taken over from previous solicitors who hadn’t put in place the relevant arrangements for discharge. Once instructed, Jenny instructed experts in the fields of neurology, neuropsychology and orthopaedics, plus rehabilitation, prosthetics, care, occupational therapy and pain specialists to assess his immediate and long-term needs, but most importantly accessing funds to enable him to move into adapted rental accommodation with the relevant equipment, therapy and care to cope with his acquired disabilities.

Jenny issued the claim and soon after judgement was entered for the claimant, with directions given for the trial on quantum. At a pre-trial meeting six months later and following difficult negotiations, Jenny agreed settlement on behalf of her client.

Paralegal and Polish-speaker Marlena Mistak helped on the case.

Following settlement, our client said:

"My dealings with Fieldfisher and my lawyer were very quick and successful in difficult times caused by the pandemic. Thanks to their thorough and professional approach to my case, I have obtained very satisfactory settlement. Jennifer Buchanan along with other lawyers and a whole team of specialists guided us through the complexities of the process very effectively, thanks to their knowledge, commitment and accuracy in carrying out their work."

"They were always ready to answer my questions and provided help efficiently and effectively. They helped me cope with the difficult situation I found myself in. I recommend with full confidence Fieldfisher and Jennifer Buchanan."

Contact us

For further information about cycling accident claims and road traffic accident claims, please call Jennifer Buchanan on 0330 460 6774 or email jennifer.buchanan@fieldfisher.com.

Alternatively

• You can speak to our personal injury solicitors on freephone 0800 358 3848
• e-Mail them at 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. Find out more about no win no fee claims.