Secured Cycling Accident Compensation for Self-Employed Professional

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges, especially for individuals requiring timely medical interventions. One of our clients, a self-employed jeweler with over 25 years of experience, faced such a predicament following a cycling accident that resulted in a significant shoulder injury. This case underscores the importance of using specialised legal representation in securing compensation for private medical expenses and loss of earnings during these trying times.

Client’s Situation: A Skilled Artisan’s Career at Risk

Our client’s accident led to:

Severe Shoulder Injury: Compromising the stability essential for intricate work as a jeweler.
Initial Subpar Surgery: Performed at Homerton Hospital, which failed to meet the required standard.
Private Surgical Intervention: Opted for private surgery to expedite recovery, incurring significant personal expenses.

Challenges Faced:

Impact on Livelihood: The injury threatened their ability to perform precise tasks vital to their profession.
Financial Strain: Private medical costs and potential long-term loss of income.

Our Approach: Comprehensive Legal and Medical Advocacy

Securing Expert Medical Evidence

Collaborated with Professor Ribbans, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, whose assessment confirmed that, despite successful private surgery, the client’s capacity to work at their pre-accident level was permanently compromised.

Quantifying Financial Losses

Worked closely with Charlotte Reynolds of 12 King’s Bench Walk, whose expertise in handling self-employed cases was instrumental in analyzing profit and loss figures to accurately calculate loss of earnings.

Strategic Negotiation with Insurers

Leveraged the impending civil court proceedings and associated costs to negotiate a substantial settlement, ensuring full compensation for medical expenses and significant lost earnings.

Outcome: A Substantial Settlement and Professional Stability

Through meticulous preparation and strategic negotiation, we secured a settlement that:

Covered Private Medical Expenses: Ensuring the client was reimbursed for the costs of necessary private surgery.
Compensated for Loss of Earnings: Reflecting the long-term impact on their ability to perform their craft.
Avoided Protracted Litigation: Achieving resolution just before the three-year limitation deadline, sparing the client the stress of court proceedings.

Key Takeaways: Insights from This Case

Timely Private Medical Treatment: In the context of the pandemic, opting for private surgery can be a prudent choice to facilitate recovery and return to work.
Specialized Legal Representation: Expertise in handling self-employed clients is crucial for accurately assessing and claiming loss of earnings.
Strategic Negotiation: Leveraging the potential costs of litigation can lead to favorable settlements without the need for court proceedings.

Secure Your Future with Expert Legal Support

If you’ve sustained injuries in a cycling accident and face challenges related to medical treatment or loss of earnings, contact Cycle Legal today for a free consultation. Our dedicated team are the UK's leading experts in cycling accident claims and we are committed to securing the compensation you deserve.