Brain injury case study 6

A minor

Our client was a 17-year old who had obtained excellent GCSE results and was on track to take up a place on an engineering degree course.

He was travelling in the rear seat of a friend’s car and was wearing a seat belt, when the driver lost control. The vehicle left the carriageway and rolled down a steep embankment. The roof was ripped from the car in a single piece, such was the violence of the impact. Our client was thrown clear of the car, whilst still in his seat, and landed 20 metres from the wreckage in a field.

He suffered a significant hyperflexion resulting in extensive levels of brain damage. The damage caused cognitive dysfunction, problems with anger management, difficulties in processing thoughts along with concentration and memory problems.

Initially the family instructed another law firm who were not specialists in dealing with child brain injury cases. This firm arranged no financial assistance. They did not employ any case managers to support the injured party. They obtained the incorrect medical evidence, which failed to identify the extent of the injury despite the symptoms that were clearly visible.

We were contacted by the family after they had realised that they had made a mistake in appointing this firm. Within 6 months we had instructed leading medical experts in this field to compile a series of detailed reports relating to the brain injury. We immediately put in place a team of case managers and support workers to work with all involved and ensure all medical recommendations were met. Finally we implemented a detailed strategy to ensure that our client could return to education at an appropriate level.

Today, our client is still benefiting from ongoing rehabilitation and counselling services. We have worked to secure a successful return to education where our client secured the necessary qualifications to obtain employment in a part-time engineering job. As rehabilitation continues, it is hoped that this role will progress to a full-time vocation.