Seven figure Settlement for Client Paralysed in Motorcycle Crash
Keith Barrett and Jack Sales successfully settled a claim of a man who was rendered completely paraplegic after a high-speed head-on collision with a car while riding his motorcycle.
David* was riding his motorcycle safely when a driver travelling in the opposite direction attempted to overtake traffic on a blind bend and struck him head-on. At the time, David was in his early forties, healthy, active, and employed as a machine operator. He enjoyed a wide range of hobbies including global travel, sports, festivals, hiking, and kayaking.
As a result of the driver’s negligence, David sustained catastrophic, life-changing injuries to his spine, chest, and back, leaving him permanently reliant on a wheelchair. He was initially treated at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where he underwent T1–T5 posterior spinal fixation, followed by care at Ipswich Hospital and then the Sheffield Spinal Injuries Centre. There, he required 24/7 nursing support for all personal care and daily activities. Through intensive rehabilitation, David experienced gradual functional improvements.
David’s injuries resulted in complete paraplegia, with permanent loss of sensation and movement below the upper chest. He is unable to stand or walk independently and faces a high risk of developing secondary upper limb conditions, which could increase his pain and care needs. He also suffers from neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction due to his spinal cord injury.
Unable to return to his previous home, David was discharged to a bungalow and later moved into a rental property.
The significant settlement secured for David will allow him and his wife to purchase and adapt a permanent home with live-in care provision. While he is determined to maintain as independent as possible, David will require lifelong care and therapy, with increasing needs as he ages.
During the claim, Keith and Jack appointed a Case Manager to coordinate a multidisciplinary care team, including a physiotherapist, neuropsychologist, clinical psychologist, occupational therapist, and other specialists. With their support, David has made remarkable progress—he has returned to driving and recently started playing wheelchair basketball and rugby.
After the settlement David said:
"I’m incredibly grateful to Keith and Jack for guiding me through one of the most difficult periods of my life. Their expertise and steady support made a complex and emotional process much easier to navigate.
"The settlement means I can move forward with the right care, a permanent home, and independence. I’ve even been able to get back behind the wheel and take up wheelchair sports—things I never thought possible after the crash. Thank you to the team at Fieldfisher for all your hard work."
* name changed
Contact us
For further information about road traffic accident claims or personal injury claims, please call Keith Barrett on 0330 460 6783 or email keith.barrett@fieldfisher.com or call Jack Sales on 0330 460 7328 or email jack.sales@fieldfisher.com.
Alternatively
- You can speak to our personal injury lawyers on freephone 0800 358 3848
- email us: personalinjury@fieldfisher.com
- Complete the short online enquiry form
All enquiries are completely free of charge and we will investigate all funding options for you including no win, no fee.
