Van breakdown changes a life forever

View PDF | Print View
by: Neil Glover
Total views: 3
Word Count: 748
Date: Tue, 26 Jan 2010 Time: 2:03 AM
0 comments

Nobody suspects that a simple breakdown can have life-changing consequences, but that's exactly what happened to Joseph, a successful businessman and keen dancer.

Joseph ran his own wholesale food delivery company and enjoyed weekly dancing lessons with his long-term partner. Always very much a ‘hands on' kind of person, Joseph was involved in every aspect of his business, from the paperwork to making deliveries.

Even the best-laid plans can go awry, and on that fateful day, Joseph was driving the company van when the engine began to overheat. Joseph carefully pulled over onto the side of a busy duel carriageway and parked up. He stepped around to the front of the vehicle to examine the engine, and knew immediately that he would be unable to get the van moving again - he needed breakdown assistance. Standing at the front of the vehicle, he called the breakdown service, expecting to be on his way within an hour at the most.

A split second changes a life

Whilst he was on the phone to his breakdown company, his van was struck at speed from behind by another vehicle. The impact shunted the van violently forward, striking Joseph with such force that he was thrown five metres along the road, landing just off the duel carriageway. The emergency services immediately responded and Joseph was taken to the nearest intensive care unit. He had suffered serious injuries that had damaged the spinal cord - the worst kind of spinal injury. After spending 11 days at the intensive care unit, he was transferred to a spinal injuries specialist unit to undergo further treatment.

Whilst there, his partner spoke to a member of staff who recommended that Joseph and his family should investigate whether he was eligible for compensation. His partner took the nurse's advice and contacted a specialist solicitor with expertise in spinal injuries. Joseph and his partner knew that, because his injury meant a complete change in lifestyle, they would need to plan for the future. Foremost in Joseph's mind was keeping his business going, not just for himself and his partner, but for the workforce who depended on him for their jobs.

The solicitor was instructed to act on behalf of the family and immediately began working closely with crash investigators to determine exactly what had happened on the day of the accident. By recreating the events, they were able to determine that the fault lay with the driver of the vehicle that impacted Joseph's van and delivered a comprehensive report detailing the circumstances surrounding the accident. Within two weeks the solicitor had gained an admission of liability in favour of Joseph and substantial interim payments were made. This enabled Joseph and his partner not only to make changes to their living accommodation to help Joseph adapt to his new lifestyle, but more importantly, to help Joseph keep his business running.

Building a new future

With the help of a dedicated case manager, a full assessment of the accommodation requirements Joseph would need was made and within eight weeks, his home was ready and he was able to carry on an independent life once his hospital rehabilitation was complete.

Joseph now continues to run his business, thanks to the support of the legal team who acted on his behalf. Adapted technology and computer equipment means that, although Joseph cannot make deliveries any more, he can still run his business from home, safeguarding his future and that of his workforce. Joseph is now building a new future, despite his injuries.

Long term spinal injuries have a huge impact on a victim's life, but it does not mean that everything comes to a halt. Joseph is determined to ensure that everyone who depends on him for a job continues to work as before, and that his new life is every bit as fulfilling as before that fateful roadside breakdown. Thanks to the support of his legal team, he can now plan for the future. Not only did they get him the compensation he both deserved and needed, but they also supported Joseph and his partner throughout the entire, traumatic event. It is that support which is every bit as important as the financial aspect, and shows that, with a little extra effort, life can carry on even after the most devastating of injuries.

About the Author

Neil Glover
Serious injury lawyers with unrivalled expertise. Specialist services for spinal injury ,brain, head and amputation clients from the UK's leading specialised injury law practice. ng@seriouslaw.co.uk