James sustained life-changing injuries following a road traffic collision on 8th January 2023. James, a qualified member of the Institute of Advanced Motorcyclists, was on a supervised ride when his motorcycle was struck by a vehicle, causing him to sustain extensive damage to his right foot with necrosis.

Due to the nature of James’ injuries, he was taken to the nearest major trauma centre, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (Birmingham). Despite attempts to salvage James’ right foot, he underwent a below-knee amputation on 20th January 2023.

Following his amputation, James was initially wheelchair-bound. His pre-accident family home was not suitable for his discharge. Therefore, arrangements were made for discharge to his in-law’s property.

4T4P Referral

During his hospital admission, James was referred to the 4Trauma4Patient service, which introduced him to one of our approved legal partners. James was provided with access to free legal advice from specialist serious injury solicitors. Within 17 days of the accident, James instructed one of our panel of solicitors to initiate his serious injury claim and support him.

Upon instruction, immediate contact was made with the responsible driver’s insurance. Whilst enquiries into the cause of the accident were taking place, James’ solicitor was able to secure immediate funding to allow the property to be adapted to provide for downstairs living accommodation.

In addition, a case manager was appointed in early February 2023 to prepare an assessment setting out James’ immediate needs.

The Case Manager produced a report recommending private therapies from a Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Psychologist and Dietician. As would be expected, a recommendation was also made for a private referral to a prosthetic and orthotic rehabilitation company to assist in helping James regain his independence. Funding was agreed to proceed with all recommendations.

James was extremely motivated to return to his pre-accident passion of skiing, cycling and walking and return to work. Access to privately funded treatment ultimately provided James with the best chance of returning to his pre-accident lifestyle as soon as was possible. James returned to work in March 2023.

A referral was made to a prosthetic provider at the end of March 2023, and following a number of casting appointments, James was provided with his private prosthesis in May 2023 (less than 5 months after the accident).

With continued access to interim payments and further therapeutic input, James was able to access the appropriate aids, equipment, and support to enable his recovery. His vehicle was adapted so that he was able to drive independently.

During July and August 2023, James trialled a number of microprocessor feet (powered feet) to further enhance his mobility, and funding was provided to allow him to purchase an appropriate microprocessor foot for his needs. Funding was agreed in September 2023. The foot allowed James to return to hiking and to the gym.

James’ key priorities were to return to skiing and to move into more suitable long-term accommodation.

Funding was provided for a Procarve ski limb in August 2023, and James had a number of appointments to design and provide an appropriate limb. The Procarve limb was delivered in October 2023, and James commenced rehabilitation.

With continued rehabilitation, James was able to attend his annual family skiing trip in February 2024, only 13 months after his accident.

In December 2023 (less than 12 months post-accident), James moved into his long-term accommodation, which will require suitable adaptation to not only meet his present needs but also his future needs as an amputee. The property will be wheelchair accessible to ensure that James is able to independently navigate his home when not wearing his prosthesis and access all parts of the property.

James is keen to return to mountain biking and steps are currently being taken to purchase a cycling limb to enable him to return to this. As the case progresses, James’ solicitors will continue to ensure that he receives a high level of therapeutic intervention (when needed) and that his needs are also suitably met in the future.

Comments from James on the 4Trauma4Patient service

“I would like to add that solicitors working on behalf of 4 Trauma 4 Patients, have been extremely professional, approachable, friendly and supportive. They team have worked diligently to assess all elements of my claim and have provided valuable advice while still very much keeping me and the human aspect of my case at the forefront of everything they have done. At no time have I ever felt like ‘just another case’ or a potential fee. In conjunction with my case manager, they have worked to help provide me with leading technology prosthetics by working collaboratively with, rather than against, the 3rd party insurers. This has allowed me to concentrate on my rehab and my goals of returning to normal family life, skiing and mountain biking- all within a year post-amputation. I have felt confident and comfortable with all advice provided, yet still very much in control of my decisions. I can’t thank the team enough.

“4 Trauma 4 Patients provided initial support and a “friendly face” in the hospital and immediately after leaving. I found this invaluable and really appreciated the support. They were instrumental in providing helpful information. Connor, in particular, has been great and is always an upbeat, supportive person to speak to. I am pleased to say that I have remained in contact and now support those going through life-changing amputations by visiting the hospital and sharing my experiences. This is a great service that has the ability to have a positive impact.