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.