Andy’s Story: Rebuilding life after amputation

Andy was involved in a serious road traffic accident in summer 2019 when he was only 35 years old. He was riding his motorcycle when the Defendant emerged from a Petrol station exit into the road, across Andy’s path. Andy had no opportunity to avoid the collision with the Defendant’s vehicle.

As a result of the collision, Andy sustained an open fracture to left tibia and fibula with associated vascular injuries. Andy underwent a below the knee amputation due to the severity of his injuries, as well as suffering psychological injury.

At the time of the collision, Andy was employed as an Administrative Assistant where he had worked for 15 years since leaving York College.  He was unable to return to work for 3 months following the collision and when he did return, it was on a phased basis.

Andy also required assistance from family with personal care, attending appointment etc. following the collision. Further, he only had a licence to drive motorbikes, so as result of his injuries and being unable to ride, he was reliant upon taxis for transport.

Minster Law was instructed by Andy following the collision. Liability for the collision was admitted early on by the third-party insurer following Minster Law’s involvement. An immediate needs assessment was agreed and Andy benefited from the input and support from a case manager, coordinating and organising his rehabilitation, all funded by the third-party insurer. Andy learned to drive a car and passed his driving test, with the help and assistance of his rehabilitation team, as well as the purchase of an automatic vehicle funded via an interim payment. Further substantial interim payments were obtained throughout the claim, to assist Andy in purchasing appropriate accommodation, and to fund ongoing rehabilitation and equipment including prosthetic limbs.

Andy trialled various prosthetic limbs and has been able to use prosthetics very successfully, accessing the gym regularly with the assistance of a personal trainer, and walking significant distances.  After his accident and through the rehabilitation process Andy discovered a love for weightlifting and is now regular gym goer.

The case settled for a substantial sum in the summer of 2024. The settlement reached by Minster Law has provided Andy with financial security for his future, ensuring lifelong a specialist prosthetic equipment provision, as well as suitable accommodation in light of his future needs and ongoing therapy to allow him to continue to be as active as possible.

Andy’s comments

“I am really pleased with the settlement and feel like a weight has been lifted now that it has settled. Thank you, Minster Law”.

Comments from Edel Selby- Partner – Minster Law

In my line of work, there is nothing more fulfilling than reaching a good settlement for an injured client. It has been incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact that rehabilitation and support being funded throughout the claim has had on Andy’s recovery and mobility.

Knowing that the settlement has helped to alleviate Andy’s financial burdens and provide him with the means to move forward after life changing injuries is truly gratifying. I am so pleased to have been able to secure such a good settlement for this fantastic client.