James* Story: the next chapter following a spinal cord injury

How Minster Law helped a keen motorcyclist secure essential treatment, support and payments following a life-changing serious injury.

Summary

• Following a motorcycle crash that was the fault of another driver, James suffered life-changing spinal cord injuries, as well as traumatic brain injury, dental injury and psychological injury.
• Minster Law was able to put a multidisciplinary team, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists and a neuropsychologist, in place to assist James with his rehabilitation from the outset – greatly improving his outcomes.
• James’s case settled in good time for a significant sum in July 2025. The settlement will provide financial security for James and his family, ensuring lifelong access to the specialists he needs to see and the treatment he will require.
• James said: “Joanne and the team have been absolutely outstanding right from the start to finish, not only with me but with my family as well. Everything was handled for me to be able to concentrate on my rehab and recovery.”

A loving partner and father of three, 39-year-old James* had a passion for motorcycles.

James’ family mean everything to him, and they enjoyed family days out and going to the funfair. He and his partner were looking forward to their future together. While he worked full-time as a security guard, in his spare time, he enjoyed going out for rides with his friends.

On the day of the accident, James was on his way home from work on his motorbike. The Defendant driver was travelling on the opposite side of the road from James, and suddenly, without warning, she turned right into his path, causing a collision.

James’ next memory was waking up on the road and being unable to feel his left leg and both arms, a passerby called the emergency services and his partner. His partner arrived at the accident scene in minutes to be by James’ side and support him.

Following the accident, James was taken to the hospital and suffered life-changing injuries, namely:

• SCI – C4-C5 incomplete Tetraplegia
• Mild (probable) traumatic brain injury
• Dental injury
• Psychological injury

Discharged from the hospital to the care of his partner, James was unable to work because of his injuries, which led to concerns about how he would support his family.

As well as the physical injuries, James also suffered with significant levels of pain, spasms and anxiety. Because of the spinal cord injury, his bladder and bowel were also affected.

Minster Law was involved from the outset and a case manager was immediately jointly instructed with the third-party insurer. The case manager recommended that a multidisciplinary team be put in place immediately to assist James with his rehabilitation. The team included physiotherapists, occupational therapists and a Neuropsychologist.

The case manager also arranged for James to be seen by a private spinal surgeon. A private taxi account was also arranged to enable James to get to his rehabilitation appointments. Eventually, a gym membership was arranged, and James received personal training sessions.

Minster Law obtained an early interim payment to ease James’ financial concerns, and thereafter, the third-party insurers agreed to regular interim payments for the entirety of his case.

James’ comments

“Joanne and the [Minster Law] team have been absolutely outstanding right from the start to finish, not only with me but with my family as well. Everything was handled for me to be able to concentrate on my rehab and recovery, and I cannot thank them enough for all of the hard work they have done with me and behind the scenes. 

“Very highly recommended by me.”

James’ partner suffered psychological injury as a result of her attending the accident scene, and the third-party insurers agreed to fund psychological treatment to support James’ partner, something which she found to be invaluable in processing what she had witnessed and helping her to come to terms with James’ injuries.

Before the accident, James did not have a driving licence. As a result of his injuries, he was unable to return to riding a bike. Therefore, driving lessons were arranged, and an interim payment was sought to purchase a car for James. James said that this gave him his independence back as he would be no longer reliant on taxis and his partner to drive him everywhere.

James’s case settled for a significant sum in July 2025. The settlement amount that James received will provide financial security for James and his family, ensuring lifelong access to the specialists he needs to see and the treatment he will require.

 Joanne Poynton, Associate Solicitor said:

“It has been a privilege to work with James and his family and to see the progress that he has made since his accident. He has had incredible support from his partner, the Case Manager and the entire MDT team.

“James’s attitude throughout his case has been remarkable; he has always been so positive and determined to do whatever he could to get back to the person he was before the accident.

“Helping clients throughout their journey who have sustained life-changing injuries is often challenging, but when the final settlement is achieved and the Client is delighted with the outcome, it makes all the hard work worthwhile.

“It must be said that I work with an incredible team, and it is always a team effort when dealing with a Client’s case. I would also like to thank Jeremy Ford from Deka Chambers for his invaluable support and advice on this case.”

*The Client’s name has been changed to protect identities.