$XY compensation for broken bones and soft tissue injury after a no-fault car accident
Lawyers win $XY for a 31-year-old man who suffered multiple injuries after a car accident in Brisbane.
Injuries: Spinal injury
The plaintiff was involved in a head-on collision with a drunk driver after the other vehicle had swerved onto the wrong side of the road.
The plaintiff was jolted forward with such force that his pelvis was broken in 4 places. He also suffered from 2 broken ribs and soft tissue damage.
He was transferred to Brisbane hospital; where the plaintiff did not undergo surgery but did remain as an inpatient for 8 weeks following the accident. 3 weeks of which he was led completely flat allowing the pelvis to heal.
Once the plaintiff was able to sit up, rehabilitation began which involved non-weight bearing activities in a swimming pool.
Follow Up Treatment
The plaintiff was discharged after 8 weeks on crutches and attended physiotherapy once a week and was allowed full weight bearing 4 weeks later.
Lifestyle impact
Previously working in the construction industry, he needed to make a career change as he was no longer able to meet the physical demands of the job.
2 years on, he still feels some discomfort, taking painkillers occasionally for the soft tissue injury.
Final Compensation Settlement
The case was settled out of court but proceeding took around 18 months before a settlement was agreed upon. After much negotiating by the lawyers, a settlement of $XY was awarded. Prior to this, the lawyers did not think that the amount of compensation being offered to the plaintiff was enough or fair considering the injuries he sustained.
The defendant admitted liability prior to the proceedings starting. However, even if they had not, there would have been no questions as to who was at fault as the defendant was intoxicated and driving on the wrong side of the road at the time of the accident.
