Seven figure sum recovered for passenger in vehicle collision

This is a challenging story of a young client who was seriously injured while travelling as a passenger in a car that collided with a lorry. She sustained a severe brain injury, including haemorrhages on the brain and a diffuse axonal injury, as well as orthopaedic injuries. These injuries had a significant impact on how she thought, processed information and managed everyday situations.

She was left with long‑term difficulties with memory, concentration and understanding information. She also experienced changes in her behaviour and personality, including irritability, low mood and finding it harder to manage her emotions. Noise became difficult to tolerate, and she lived with ongoing headaches and fatigue.

Before the collision, the client was studying at sixth form and planning her next steps. The impact of her brain injury changed this overnight. The challenges she faced with thinking, learning and managing day‑to‑day situations meant she couldn’t continue with her studies.

These changes affected her confidence and independence at a crucial stage in her life, and she needed support to adjust to a very different future than the one she had been preparing for.

Once the full extent of her injuries was understood, Matthew Tuff, a senior associate, secured interim payments from the defendant to fund early rehabilitation. This meant treatment could begin straight away rather than waiting until the end of the case.

He obtained detailed expert evidence from specialists including a neurologist, neuropsychiatrist, neuropsychologist, orthopaedic expert, ophthalmologist, care expert and a Deputyship costs expert. This helped build a clear picture of her long‑term needs and the support she would require to manage her finances and future care.

Although liability was admitted early, the case was hard fought in other respects and settled shortly before trial. Because the client couldn’t manage the case herself due to her brain injury, her mother stepped in as her Litigation Friend. This is someone who makes decisions on behalf of a person who isn’t able to safely make those decisions themselves, ensuring their best interests are protected throughout the claim.

A short court hearing was held to approve the settlement, which reflects her long‑term care needs and the support she’ll continue to rely on.

The rehabilitation programme funded through interim payments gave the client access to specialist treatment at a crucial time in her recovery. This included neuropsychology, occupational therapy, neuropsychiatry and the recruitment of a support worker. Early intervention helped her manage cognitive difficulties, behavioural changes and fatigue, and provided structure and support during a period of significant uncertainty.

Because the claim was brought early, these services could be arranged without delay, easing pressure on her family and helping her begin to rebuild her independence.