£500k settlement for 77-year-old cyclist

James Shaw was a fit and healthy retired man in his seventies and loved nothing more than a long cycle ride.  That all changed when he suffered life changing injuries following an accident with a car and he has not been able to ride his bike since.

James had set out that day on an 80-mile bike ride.  He was correctly positioned on a roundabout, when the defendant coming off the motorway failed to stop on her approach to the roundabout.  She collided with our client, and he was dragged about 20m underneath her vehicle.

His life changing injuries included an organic brain injury, multiple facial fractures; a fractured right clavicle and open right metatarsal fracture; and degloving injuries to his right foot. He was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary where he was initially treated in the Critical Care Unit and spent 4 months overall in hospital care.

Our client underwent extensive rehabilitation which included neurophysio, neuropsychology and neuropsychiatry, speech and language.  Although he has made a good neuro-psychological recovery, he still struggles with short-term memory, loss of concentration, reduced drive to do things and high levels of fatigue and has been unable to return to his previously active lifestyle.  All of which has impacted on the wider family.

Settlement funds of £586,000 have allowed for a support worker to be put in place, with an ongoing rehabilitation programme and for the family to make some alterations to their property.

The case manager said he was delighted to have been able to help the client and Shaw family.

“This is an extremely sad case involving an individual enjoying their retirement years. He was fit and healthy and took part in several sporting activities and had a loving relationship with his wife.  The effect on him and his immediate family was significant.  We were able to give the client some of his life back with a settlement that has ensured a programme of rehabilitation was put in place, despite the restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  This has allowed them to move forwards with their lives.  It was an honour to act for this family.”