Client hit and dragged with door of vehicle receives compensation

The incident 

This claim involved our client helping to break up a fight outside a pub. The defendant had reversed his vehicle with the door open, hitting and dragging our client, and causing multiple injuries.

These injuries included soft tissue injuries to his lower back, ankle, foot and shoulder.

However, our client did not immediately approach us to make a claim. It was only when his injuries had still not resolved, a full 14 months after the incident had taken place, that he approached us for support.

The aftermath 

Although the client initially sought medical treatment at a hospital at the time of the accident, he had not sought any further medical attention since.

Our team queried the late approach, as we felt the defendant would be likely to ask about this too. We learnt that the injuries from our client’s accident had not been able to heal on their own, despite the 14 month interlude. The client at this point considered that he had suffered unfairly, which led to him making enquiries with our legal experts.

The case 

The case was handled by personal injury lawyer, Michael Taylor.

As the client has a duty to mitigate (reduce the severity of) his injuries, his legal team explained to him that the defendant could raise mitigation as an issue throughout case proceedings, as the client had not sought further medical attention to aid recovery.

However, after obtaining a medical report, the defendant raised no issues – as the report clearly showed the extent of the injuries, as a direct result of the accident. 

The defendant provided a suitable offer of £9,000 settlement, and the matter was settled.

“This was a good outcome, despite the late presentation of the claim and the fact our client didn’t seek any medical attention other than initial attendance at the time of the accident. It just goes to show the importance of always bringing a case forward if you feel you have been wronged. An expert team can always help to guide and advise you.” – Quote from lawyer on the case.

The outcome 

The client received a settlement of £9,000 to compensate for the injuries he sustained following the accident.

The client says he is happy with both how the claim was handled, and the outcome of the claim itself.

Find out more about how Fletchers Solicitors can help with pedestrian accident claims.