Man awarded compensation after cycle accident as a 15 year old
July 6th, 2016
A man has been awarded £850,000 in compensation after it was decided that a cycle accident he had when he was 15 years old had left him with brain damage which severely affected the course of his life.
The man suffered numerous injuries including a head injury after he was struck by a car on a roundabout and had to spend two weeks in intensive care. After he returned home to convalesce, his family noticed a change in his behaviour and found him to have mood swings including depression, anxiety, aggression and irritability. These symptoms are quite common among those who have suffered a brain injury.
Because of the accident, the claimant missed 6 months of school and only achieved an E and 2 F’s for his GCSE’s despite being predicted C’s and failed to complete any A levels after attending sixth form.
His mood swings and his aggressive behaviour has meant that he no longer lives with his mother and is now living with his grandmother and despite being given a basic job by his Uncle, which he left after three years due to disciplinary issues, he is currently unemployed.
As a young man, he was referred for tests by his GP and it was then that it was discovered he had in fact suffered a brain injury as a result of the accident a few years earlier which would explain some of the issues he had been experiencing. His family were unaware he had suffered a brain injury which had caused his behavioural issues.
The man was claiming for £1.7 million in compensation to cover his pain and suffering and also the loss of amenity and future earnings he had experienced. The compensation will also help go towards his future care and rehabilitation. The court held that he was partly to blame for the accident so it was halved to £850,000.
If you have been involved in a road collision or know someone who has then call us now on 01625 506 672 for an informal chat with one of our specialist solicitors. We are experts in accidents involving cyclists and can talk you through your potential compensation claim.