Carpenters Group Secures £4 Million Settlement for Client Following Life-Changing Spinal Cord Injury
Carpenters Group's Serious Injury team has secured a £4 million settlement for a client who suffered a devastating spinal cord injury in a road traffic collision, helping to provide the long-term support, care and independence needed to rebuild life after catastrophic injury.
The client, a motorcyclist, sustained a complete spinal cord injury at T2 level following a collision with a car, leaving him paralysed from the chest down. The impact of the injury extended far beyond the immediate trauma, creating lifelong challenges around mobility, personal care, health management, accommodation and future financial security.
A Complex and Hard-Fought Case
Liability for the accident was heavily disputed, with key issues including speed, road position and visibility. Despite these challenges, the Serious Injury team worked tirelessly to build a strong case focused not only on securing compensation, but on ensuring the client's future needs would be fully understood and supported.
The claim considered the significant and ongoing impact of the injuries, including:
• Personal care requirements
• Mobility and daily transfers
• Bladder and bowel management
• Pain management
• Prevention and treatment of pressure sores
• Increased risk of serious health complications
• Psychological trauma and loss of independence
• The impact on family members and support networks
Securing the Best Possible Outcome
Led by Solicitor and Deputy Manager Peter Parsonage, the team sought damages to address the client's long-term needs, including:
• A substantial care package
• Specialist accommodation
• Ongoing rehabilitation, treatment and therapies
• Travel and transport requirements
• Loss of earnings and pension provision
• Provisional damages to protect against future medical complications
A particularly important aspect of the case was ensuring significant local authority funding already contributing towards the client’s care package remained protected and outside of any settlement agreement. Preserving this funding was crucial to maximising the resources available to support the client throughout his lifetime.
At a Joint Settlement Meeting, liability was agreed at 50:50 and a settlement of £4 million net of liability was secured, equating to an £8 million valuation of the claim.
Supporting Independence Beyond Settlement
Since the conclusion of the case, the client has already identified a suitable long-term property and continues to work with the specialist case manager appointed during the claim to help manage the transition to independent living and future care arrangements.
The outcome has provided greater security, stability and choice for the future, ensuring the client has access to the support and resources needed to live as independently as possible.
A Team Effort
The case was supported by leading barristers Chris Barnes KC and Chris Gutteridge of Exchange Chambers, whose expertise contributed to achieving a successful resolution.
Reflecting on the outcome, Peter Parsonage said:
"Cases involving catastrophic injuries are about far more than compensation figures. They are about securing the right support, treatment, accommodation and care to give someone the best possible quality of life following a life-changing injury. We were delighted to help our client secure an outcome that allows him to move forward with confidence and provides security for the future."
The client and a family member who supported him throughout the claim both provided glowing feedback to the team, thanking them for ‘their professionalism, guidance and dedication during an incredibly challenging period’.
At Carpenters Group, our Serious Injury team specialises in supporting people who have suffered life-changing injuries, helping them access the rehabilitation, care and financial security they need to rebuild their lives after serious accidents.
