Michael's Story

Whilst cycling to his job as a security guard at 4.30 in the morning Michael was knocked off his bike by a lorry propelling him into the verge at the side of the road. He was found by a passer by, the driver not having stopped.

When he arrived in hospital he was found to have suffered multiple injuries including a severe head injury, partial loss of vision, abdominal injuries, fractures of the left ankle and left forearm. He remained in hospital for 8 weeks and was then transferred to a rehabilitation unit.

After having tried first one and then another firm of local solicitors he was frustrated by lack of progress, the failure to resolve responsibility for the accident and his worsening financial position. He instructed Barratt Goff & Tomlinson in mid 2001 and within a month had received an interim payment of £5,000 and by the end of the year liability had been resolved in Michael's favour.

Shortly after this negotiations took place and the Defendants were persuaded to make an offer of just over £300,000. However, this was firmly rejected by Michael on our advice and after very lengthy negotiations with the Defendants they were persuaded to increase this to £450,000 in full and final settlement.