Case Study 1 - Spinal Injury, Accident at Work
Phillip Glessing was a farm worker and was unhinging barn doors when the post and upper door collapsed onto him, knocking him backwards into a cattle feeder. He sustained a fracture of his vertebrae and a severed spinal cord, which left him paralysed from the waist down. He is unable to walk and is dependent on a wheelchair for mobility.
Phillip received a total award of over £2 million in compensation. This award was achieved without the need to go to Court and the claim was concluded within 3 years of the accident. During this period, Phillip received a number of payments for specialist equipment and other expenses, whilst he was recovering from his accident.
Immediate care & support
Phillip spent almost six months in the Spinal Unit following his accident. Initially the focus was on providing Phillip with medical treatment for his injuries whilst a full assessment of his condition was undertaken. Following this initial period, a rehabilitation program was put into place which encompassed his current and future treatment requirements as well as the new skills and support he would require once he left the Spinal Unit. For example, Phillip was able to re-learn basic domestic skills such as how to get in and out of bed by using the living quarter facilities within the Spinal Unit.
This support was also provided to Phillip’s partner whose life was also affected by the accident and therefore needed to make a number of adjustments to her life to enable her to cope with the changes and to support Phillip.
Whilst this treatment, care and support was being provided by the Spinal Unit, investigations into the accident were being carried out and reports to support Phillip’s claim were being obtained.
Aftercare Provided
Chris Whiteley, together with his Team secured an award of compensation for the injuries sustained by Phillip which also took into account his loss of earnings, care costs, equipment, medical treatment, travel costs and other miscellaneous expenses. With this award Phillip was able to purchase and obtain the following:
- New accommodation and adaptations. A bungalow was purchased which was subsequently adapted to include:
- widened doorways, ramps allowing him access into and around the garden;
- an adapted kitchen to provide wheelchair access to the sink and cupboards so that Phillip was not reliant on other people to make him meals and drinks and do the washing up!;
- Equipment such as wheelchairs and a specialist wet room (as shown in the photos above) with appropriate equipment so that Phillip is able to look after his own personal hygiene;
- A new vehicle which Phillip could easily access and gave him the freedom and independence to get around without relying on other people;
- Medical treatment on a private basis, thus receiving treatment promptly and when needed;
Phillip has always been a keen gardener and has been able to continue with his passion with the aid of raised flowerbeds, moveable plant pots and a wheelchair friendly garden, as can be seen in the photographs above.
Additionally, funding has been provided to family and friends for the care provided by them as well as funding for the provision of specialist carers, for example a support worker to help with everyday household tasks and needs, and a case manager to oversee and manage Phillip’s support both now and in the future.
Commenting on the support he received, Phillip says, “Since my accident I have had to adjust to many changes. Chris Whiteley and the team at Trethowans have been tremendous in the many ways they have helped me and my partner. Right from the start, just after my accident, they worked tirelessly on my behalf making sure I received the right amount of damages for my accident. The compensation they got for me has enabled me to secure a good standard of living. I have bought a new home, a car and I receive all the medical support I need when I need it. Most importantly, I am able to continue to live independently.”
