LEGAL CASES
Name
Outcome
M v P
The Claimant, a doctor suffered significant injuries in a road traffic accident in 2017, as a consequence of which he suffered a traumatically induced stroke leaving him with severe mobility issues. The Claimant spent 6 months in hospital and at a specialist rehabilitation hospital before being discharged. The stroke was deemed to have been responsible for the catastrophic brain injury. We were able to secure a prompt admission of liability for the accident and secure temporary single level accommodation to facilitate the Claimant’s discharge from hospital. We appointed a case manager to organise a comprehensive rehabilitation package to allow the Claimant to make the best possible recovery. This included: Extensive private neurophysiotherapy Private wheelchair provision – powered and manual Speech and Language therapy Occupational Therapy A taxi account The purchase of a suitable vehicle Support from a rehabilitation consultant to help manage spasticity and splinting Support from an Occupational Therapist to assist in the sourcing of and adaptation of a property to meet his long term needs The provision of specialist equipment to aid mobility and activities of daily living Neuropsychological support to assist with cognitive symptoms. The Claimant was unfortunately unable to return to work as a doctor given the severity of his injuries. Some 2.5 years post-accident the Claimant moved into a new property which had been adapted to meet his long-term needs. In addition to the costs of the rehabilitation package we secured interim payments of £385,000 over the course of a 3 year period. 0345 111 5050 | www.higgsandsons.co.uk The Claimant’s claim was concluded in the sum of £4.4 million plus £354,000.
D v E
The Claimant suffered a traumatically induced stroke following a road traffic accident in January 2016 which ultimately lead to her suffering dense hemiplegia (loss of movement) in the upper and lower limb on the left hand side in addition to vertigo, mild cognitive impairment, psychological symptoms and fatigue. We were able to secure a prompt admission of liability for the accident. On her discharge from hospital we appointed a case manager to assist the Claimant with facilitating the treatment the Claimant required in order to achieve the best possible recovery in addition to securing a sizable interim payment. The Claimant received: Extensive private neuro-physiotherapy Hydrotherapy Occupational Therapy The Claimant was left with ongoing impairments and a risk of epilepsy assessed at three times the general population. We secured a £2.5 million settlement 2 years post-accident.
W v P
The Claimant, a 23 year old male was riding his motorbike when the Defendant pulled across his path. The Claimant was wearing a helmet at the time of the accident which became dislodged on impact. The Claimant was thrown into the air as a consequence of the impact landed on his head. He sustained a right temporal and occipital head injury with a laceration to the leg. The CT scan showed a right subdural generalised oedema with left midline shift of 13mm and a large right parietal scalp haematoma measuring 10.5mm. As a consequence of the accident the Claimant was left with significant fatigue, mild balance impairment, headaches, and deafness in the left ear and behavioural problems. We were able to secure a prompt admission of liability and a sizable interim payment which was used to facilitate rehabilitation and rent a more suitable property which was conducive to his rehabilitation. The Claimant received: The assistance of a case manager to co-ordinate his rehabilitation Neuro-physiotherapy Occupational Therapy Neuro-psychological treatment Input from a neuropsychiatrist A support worker Driving lessons 0345 111 5050 | www.higgsandsons.co.uk Following successful rehabilitation, many of the Claimant’s symptoms improved and he was able to better manage his symptoms. He has now ventured into property development using some of his settlement proceeds to fund the project. We secured a full and final settlement of £1.15m in addition to the costs of his rehabilitation.
O v D
The Claimant, who was 16 at the time of the accident was riding his motorcycle when the Defendant sought to overtake him as he turned into a junction. The Claimant’s helmet became dislodged on impact and he landed 20 meters from the impact site. As a result he sustained significant facial injuries, a displaced fracture through the right tibia, a fractured clavicle and a head injury. The Claimant’s facial fractures required fixation with plates and screws. A CT scan confirmed a traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage in the right cerebral hemisphere and a brain stem haematoma. His head injury was categorised as severe. We were able to secure a prompt admission of liability for the accident and a number of large interim payments in addition to appointing a case manager to co-ordinate a rehabilitation plan. Given the severity of the Claimant’s injuries the Claimant presently lacks capacity to manage his financial affairs and accordingly we appointed a professional deputy to assist him in managing his finances. The Claimant was left with significant fatigue, balance impairment, headaches, tinnitus, difficulties regulating his behaviour, cognitive impairment and communication difficulties. As part of his ongoing rehabilitation we have facilitated a comprehensive rehabilitation package which includes: A support worker Neuro-physiotherapy Neuropsychiatric input Neuropsychological input Occupational Therapy Speech and language therapy Audio-vestibular input A taxi account The case has yet to be concluded.
M v A
The Claimant, who was 80 years old at the time of the accident was involved in a road traffic accident when the vehicle in which he was travelled was struck by the Defendant’s vehicle whilst the driver was turning into a junction. As a consequence the Claimant sustained a severe head injury comprising of an acute subdural haematoma. His Glasgow Comas score was 3/15 at the scene subsequently improving to 7/15. He remained an 0345 111 5050 | www.higgsandsons.co.uk inpatient until for 3 months and was discharged home with significant short-term memory problems, a marked change in his personality, blurred vision and slurred speech. As a result of his injuries he lacks capacity to manage his financial affairs and lay and professional deputies have been appointed to assist him. We appointed a case manager to assist in co-ordinating his rehabilitation which has included: Physiotherapy Neurophysiotherapy Input from a Neuropsychologist to help the Claimant in managing his symptoms Whilst settlement has not yet been achieved, the Claimant’s claim is pleaded at £930,000 to include future treatment, case management, future care and assistance and the costs of having a professional deputy.
M v L
The Claimant, a 44 year old doctor was involved in a head on collision after the Defendant lost control of his vehicle. As a consequence the Claimant suffered a tear the carotid artery which caused a stoke. Two clots were identified in the parietal lobe and the occipital lobe and were evacuated by way of decompressive hemi-craniectomy. The Claimant also suffered a fracture to the right ulna requiring plating and a fracture to the left scapula. The Claimant remained an inpatient for a period of 6 months during which time we were able to secure an admission of liability for the accident and put in place a rehabilitation plan to assist the Claimant once he was discharged from hospital. On Discharge the Claimant had a number of significant impairments which included: Global weakness on the left side (upper and lower limbs) Fatigue Speech impairment Cognitive impairment including inattention, a reduction in visual processing, memory problems, difficulty retaining information and acalculia Visual impairment The Claimant is currently receiving extensive rehabilitation which includes: Neuro-physiotherapy Speech and language therapy A support worker Occupational Therapy As a consequence of the rehabilitation provided to date, the Claimant (who was wheelchair dependent) is now walking unaided. The case continues
J v M
The Claimant was 68 at the time of the accident. She was a pedestrian who was struck by a van whilst she was crossing the road. As a consequence of the accident she sustained the following injuries: Right acute subdural haematoma with midline shift Small left acute subdural haematoma Bilateral temporal bone fractures, sphenoid and right occipital fracture with pneumocephalus Multiple rib fractures – 2 to 9 (right) and 1 to 7 (left) Bilateral pulmonary contusions Bilateral pneumothoraces Right dislocated elbow The Claimant was admitted to hospital and underwent a decompressive craniectomy. She remained an inpatient for 12 months. As a consequence of the accident the Claimant: Is doubly incontinent Suffers significant cognitive impairment with reduced short and long term memory Has no active movement in the left upper and lower limbs Lacks capacity manager her own health, welfare and finances Requires 24 hour care Due to the significant symptoms, on discharge planning we were able to secure a private placement at a state of the art residential care home which is funded by the third party insurers. A case manager has been appointed to assist in co-ordinating a rehabilitation package which will include: Speech and language therapy Neuro-physiotherapy Input for various private consultants The ultimate intention is for the Claimant to return home. The case continues.
S v D
The Claimant who was aged 38 at the time of the accident was involved in head on collision with the Defendant’s vehicle. As a consequence the Claimant sustained significant injuries which included: A compound fracture to the left ankle A fractured left tibia Fractured hip Multiple pelvic fractures Multiple rib fractures Fractures to the cervical and lumbar spine.. The Claimant’s left foot was fused due to significant pain which left her with very limited mobility. The Claimant mobilised with walking sticks. Following our appointment we were able to appoint a case manager to co-ordinate the Claimant’s rehabilitation which primarily included physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. Due to difficulties using stairs, the Claimant required the use of single level accommodation. The Defendant’s insurance company refused to fund alternative accommodation and as a result of an application to the court we were able to secure an interim payment of £120,000 which was used to rent more appropriate accommodation. In light of the Claimant’s significant hip symptoms she required a total hip replacement but was deemed to have an excessive body mass index to enable her to proceed with surgery. She was not able to exercise to the extent that she could lose sufficient weight to proceed with the surgery. We arranged for the Claimant to have advice from a bariatric surgeon who recommended a gastric sleeve procedure which once carried out resulted in the Claimant losing in excess of 37kg (5.5 stones). This will enable her to proceed with total hip replacement. The Claimant’s claim was concluded at a Joint Settlement meeting in the sum of £1,080,000 in November 2020.
W v A
The Claimant who was 38 year old at the time of the accident was involved in a serious road traffic accident when her vehicle was struck by an HGV. As a result the Claimant sustained A comminuted open-intra-articular fracture to the right elbow with degloving injury to the arm A soft tissue injury to the right shoulder with secondary capsulitis/frozen shoulder A sub-trochanteric fracture to the right femur with degloving injury to the right thigh A fractured rib 0345 111 5050 | www.higgsllp.co.uk A fracture to the pelvis involving the superior inferior ramus and sacral ala on the right and a superior pubic ramus fracture on the left. A fracture to the transverse process of the right lumbar verterbrae Post-traumatic stress disorder Following our appointment we secured agreement for a case manager to be appointed to co-ordinate a rehabilitation package for the Claimant (pending confirmation that liability was admitted) which included: Physiotherapy Hydrotherapy Counselling Input from a pain management consultant Orthotic provision Assistance with improving the scarring The Claimant who was initially wheelchair dependent continued to make good progress. Her claim was settled in the sum of £808,000 in 2020
L v L
The Claimant who was a pre-accident below right knee amputee following a motorcycle accident 30 years ago was involved in a head on collision with another vehicle. As a result he sustained a significant fracture to his left foot leading to complex pain and disability. The medical opinion was such that the Claimant was likely to require fusion of his left foot in order to reduce his pain. The Claimant’s claim was quantified on the basis that the Claimant would not be able to depend on his NHS prosthesis given the injury to his left foot because it was poor fitting. Accordingly provision was made for the private provision of his prosthetic needs as a means of managing his symptoms. We argued that the Claimant had lost the ability to compensate for the inadequacies of his NHS prosthetic limb in view of the damage to the left foot. Provision was also made for the cost of the Claimant modifying his property to accommodate the possible use of a wheelchair. The case was concluded in the sum of £350,000
M v A
The Claimant, a self-employed dentist was involved in a road traffic accident when her vehicle was struck by the Defendant’s vehicle whilst she was turning into a junction. As a result of the accident she sustained fractured ribs, a fractured thumb, a fractured right scapulae, a soft tissue injury to the right ankle, damage to the cervical and lumbar spine and damage to the sacro-iliac joint. As a consequence of the accident she also suffered with acid reflex, irritable bowel syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder. Liability for the accident was initially disputed but eventually conceded on a 75/25% basis in favour of the Claimant. 0345 111 5050 | www.higgsllp.co.uk We appointed a case manager to assist the Claimant in co-ordinating her rehabilitation. The Claimant received extensive physiotherapy and input from a pain management consultant who provided sacro-iliac joint injections and facet joint injections. The case was concluded in the sum of £175,000
Y v S
The Claimant, a firefighter was involved in a road traffic accident when the Defendant’s vehicle lost control. As a consequence the Claimant sustained a wedge fracture to a vertebrae in his lower back and a significant four part comminuted displaced fracture to his shoulder. As a consequence of his injuries he was no longer able to continue working as a firefighter but was able to secure a position in a training role in the fire service. Following our appointment we were able to secure a prompt admission of liability and early interim payments to assist the Claimant whilst he was absent from work. We also appointed a case manager to co-ordinate the Claimant’s rehabilitation which comprised of extensive physiotherapy, further surgery, injections and psychotherapy. The Claimant’s claim was concluded as a joint settlement meeting in the sum of £300,000.
Y v B
The Claimant was involved in an accident in 2017 when the Defendant was driving at excessive speed on the wrong side of the road. As a result the Defendant’s vehicle collided with the Claimant’s vehicle head on. The Claimant who was 42 at the time of the accident sustained a complex intra-articular fracture to the right radial head which was multifragmentary. The Claimant was admitted to hospital for an open reduction and internal fixation of the radial head which required plating and screws followed by extensive physiotherapy. As a result she was left with a fixed flexion deformity of the elbow that impacted on her day to day activities. Approximately 12 months after the accident, the Claimant was re-admitted to hospital for removal of the metal work to try and improve the range of motion. The Claimant was absent from work for 13 months and was not able to return to her previous role. The Claimant was left with crepitus over the radial head in addition to limited supernation and a fixed flexion deformity of 15 to 20 degrees. Causation of her injuries was disputed and the Defendant instructed their own expert to provide an opinion for the court. We were able to establish liability in favour of the Claimant. During the course of the claim we secured interim payments to assist the Claimant whilst she was absent from work and to enable to her to access private treatment. The Claimant’s claim was concluded in the sum of £200,000 in July 2
Q v M
The Claimant was a front seat passenger involved in a road traffic accident on the 9th December 2017. As a consequence of the accident she sustained significant injuries as follows: Facial fractures – orbit of right eye and zygoma Lip lacerations Facial laceration Fractured nose with deviation Significant facial swelling Fractured little finger Psychological symptoms – panic attacks. Right shoulder pain Left mid-shaft radius fracture Right mid-shaft ulna fracture The Claimant was admitted to hospital and underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the left radius and right ulna fractures. She also underwent manipulation under anaesthetic of the nose but was left with significant post traumatic deformity due to the complexity of the fractures to the nasal bones with scarring to the upper lip and right cheek. The Claimant had surgery to remove the metalwork in her arm which was causing discomfort. The Defendant’s insurers initially denied liability on the grounds that the Defendant had a seizure which was unexpected. As a result we applied ot the Court for permission to examine the Defendant’s medical records which disclosed a previous history of seizures which had not been disclosed to the DVLA. As a consequence we were able to establish liability. We secured a sizeable interim payment to allow the Claimant to explore corrective surgery for her nasal deformity. Unfortunately due to complications with infection medical opinion was such that further surgery was not recommended. The claim was quantified on the basis that the Claimant would be left with permanent scarring and provision was made for the future costs of cosmetic camouflage to disguise the scarring. The claim was concluded in July 2021 for £165,000.
B v S
The Claimant who was 59 was injured in an accident at work when he was removing a metal bin containing scrap metal. As a result he sustained a serious injury to his lower back rendering him disabled. Prior to the accident he was very active and in good health. After the accident he depended on others to support him with day to day activities and was been unable to return to work as a tool setter. Causation of the Claimant’s injuries was in dispute and the Defendant sought to argue that but for the accident the Claimant would have developed back problems in any event. Liability for the accident was disputed but conceded in full subsequently following our intervention. A case manager was appointed to assist the Claimant with rehabilitation and the Claimant received input from a pain management consultant. Notwithstanding his symptoms remained. The case was concluded at a joint settlement meeting in the sum of £169,000.
V v L
The Claimant a 32 year old pilot was involved in a head on collision with the Defendant’s vehicle. As a result of the accident the Claimant sustain serious injury to his right knee after it impacted the dashboard. He was diagnosed with an open fracture of the right patella (kneecap). The Claimant was absent from work for 12 months and then returned to work on light duties. After returning to work he experienced ongoing swelling of the knee particularly after long-haul flights. The Claimant received extensive physiotherapy. His claim was quantified on the basis that he would require knee replacement surgery within 15 years and further revision surgery thereafter. The claim was settled in 2019 in the sum of £145,000.
A v B
The Claimant a 42 year old electrician was involved in a head on collision with the Defendant’s vehicle. The Defendant was a foreign national. Liability for the accident was negotiated successful in favour of the Claimant. As a result of the accident the Claimant sustained the following injuries: A closed fracture of the mid shaft of the left causing left shoulder symptoms A fracture of the right transverse process of T11 A closed fracture of the femoral medial condyle Damages peroneal and medial tendon damage to the ankle causing a loss of range of motion in the sub talar joint. The Claimant’s claim was quantified on the basis that he would in all probability benefit from bespoke footwear to mitigate the symptoms arising from the ankle to allow him to continue working. In addition we facilitated interim payments of £10,000 to fund physiotherapy and specialist advice from an orthopaedic consultant. The claim was compromised in 2019 in the sum of £95,000.
S v D
The Claimant who was aged 38 at the time of the accident was involved in head on collision with the Defendant’s vehicle. As a consequence the Claimant sustained significant injuries which included: A compound fracture to the left ankle A fractured left tibia Fractured hip Multiple pelvic fractures Multiple rib fractures Fractures to the cervical and lumbar spine.. The Claimant’s left foot was fused due to significant pain which left her with very limited mobility. The Claimant mobilised with walking sticks. Following our appointment we were able to appoint a case manager to co-ordinate the Claimant’s rehabilitation which primarily included physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. Due to difficulties using stairs, the Claimant required the use of single level accommodation. The Defendant’s insurance company refused to fund alternative accommodation and as a result of an application to the court we were able to secure an interim payment of £120,000 which was used to rent more appropriate accommodation. In light of the Claimant’s significant hip symptoms she required a total hip replacement but was deemed to have an excessive body mass index to enable her to proceed with surgery. She was not able to exercise to the extent that she could lose sufficient weight to proceed with the surgery. We arranged for the Claimant to have advice from a bariatric surgeon who recommended a gastric sleeve procedure which once carried out resulted in 0345 111 5050 | www.higgsllp.co.uk the Claimant losing in excess of 37kg (5.5 stones). This will enable her to proceed with total hip replacement. The Claimant’s claim was concluded at a Joint Settlement meeting in the sum of £1,080,000.
M v M
The Claimant was 50 years of age at the time of the accident. He was seriously injured when a number of steel RSJ’s toppled over and landed on him. The RSJ’s had not been stacked appropriately. Liability was denied and accordingly court proceedings were issued. Following presentation of our evidence liability was eventually conceded. The Claimant sustained fractures to both legs which required plating and pinning, a fracture to his right ankle, severed tendons in the right hand and a head injury. Despite his injuries the Claimant was able to continue working. The Claimant’s claim included provision for of care and assistance that had been provided and would be required in the future. The claim was settled at a joint settlement meeting in the sum of £200,000.
Overall opinion
My case wasn’t simple , but the firm stayed vigilant, listen to me and acted very well on my behalf.
Lawyer named in this review: Andy Shaw
A representative from Higgs LLP responded to this review on 07 May, 2024
Dear Curtis, Thank you for sharing your experience. We're glad our team could navigate your complex case effectively. If you need further assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out. Best regards, Higgs LLP
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Successful
this company from start to finish gave us 110 %. They was constantly in touch with us, never left us in the dark for information. They fought our case until the very end. Andy and his team are a credit to this company and they are highly recommended. The team constantly went out their way for myself, and was absolutely fault less from the beginning. I strongly recommend this company to anyone that needs a solicitor in there corner and I am very satisfied with there work ethic and techniques used along side all of there other work they still made me and my case a priority and that I will never forget. It was a pleasure meeting you all and thank you so much for everything. Andy and his team were fantastic at their job, they was gentle and patient, took away all my frustration. Top notch form is my final words. Thanks all
Lawyer named in this review: Andy Shaw
A representative from Higgs LLP responded to this review on 04 October, 2023
Thank you for your rating and we are pleased to hear you are happy with your Higgs experience. Andy and the team will appreciate you taking the time to leave your feedback.
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Excellent service
In November 2019 I had a very bad car accident with a very bad injury, this resulting into having surgery on my pelvis. They have approached me in the hospital and explained the whole process to me.
They visited me to provide further details and explanations.
Laura was the initial consultant who took care of my case. She was there for me whenever I would need extra clarifications or any doubts in regards to everything.
Later on, Andy and Alison took over the case but I would say this I believe that they did everything they could to get me the best offer and gave me the best advice.
I wish to thank them for their help and hard work !
I would definitely recommend their services !
Lawyer named in this review: Andy Shaw
A representative from Higgs LLP responded to this review on 29 November, 2022
We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. The team will be happy to receive your feedback.
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Motorbike Accident
Following a motorbike accident, Andy and his team went above and beyond to support me from day one, through my rehabillitation and until closure of my case. I cannot thank the team enough for supporting me, answering all my questions and advising me with professionalism and compassion at all times. There was never a moment when I felt alone in my recovery and the communication they upheld throughout all aspects of the case was second to none. I can honestly say, without Andy and all those behind the scenes, I would not be where I am now. They supported me with all my primary medical needs and proceeed to provide great service throughout my rehabilitation.
Lawyer named in this review: Andy Shaw
A representative from Higgs LLP responded to this review on 15 August, 2022
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
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Pillion involved in motorbike accident
On the 26th of September 2020
I was involved in a motorbike accident I was a pillion on my partners bike
I fractured both of my thighs and I fractured the Tibia
I had to have an operation on the following day of the accident to have rods put in both of my thighs and then I had to have a second operation May 2021 as my right thigh was uniting
Andy Shaw has been absolutely amazing I have nothing bad to say whatsoever he went above and beyond which he didn’t have to but he did
He would get back to me on the weekends and late evening
He got me a really good caseworker and got me some intense physiotherapy which was absolutely brilliant is what I needed and I wouldn’t be where I am it .
Throughout this process I was struggling I was having flashbacks panic attacks and I could not talk to anyone about it they got me in touch with psychotherapy which has been amazing and I feel like I’m getting back to my old self
And then they got in touch with a personal trainer which is helping me to get strong and with everything that they have done for me which I am so grateful I smashed one of my goals which was to climb the wrekin
Which I thought I would never do again
Andy Shaw emailed me last week asking to come out yesterday which was Tuesday.
Told me about my compensation which I broke down I wasn’t not expecting that amount and this is going to help & change my life for the better
I just want to say a big thank you to Andy and his team you don’t know how much you have helped me
I wouldn’t be where I am from the bottom of my heart thank you so much
Lawyer named in this review: Andy Shaw
A representative from Higgs LLP responded to this review on 06 April, 2022
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
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Andy Shaw and Higgs LLP
I was involved in a serious road traffic incident through no fault of my own. I had a serious injury and it was very traumatic. I picked Higgs LLP upon my insurance company’s recommendation. Initially I didn’t know much about the firm. Andy Shaw was the solicitor in charge of my case. We never met in person but during the next 4.5 years Andy was there throughout; advising me on my personal injury claim, explaining the complicated steps involved, pushing me when I didn’t feel like dealing with the litigation. He was diligent and professional and he always made me feel supported. We’ve recently reached a satisfactory settlement thanks to his efforts and I am now able to move on. I would strongly recommend Andy Shaw and his team at Higgs LLP to anyone.
Lawyer named in this review: Andy Shaw
A representative from Higgs LLP responded to this review on 06 April, 2022
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
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Thank you Andy Shaw
3 years ago I was involved in a life changing car accident. Life changing injuries to arms , face and arms. I was given The choice of 3 law firms to represent me, I chose Higgs. I met Andy and instantly knew he had the correct advise and knowledge to help me.
We finally crossed the end line today and won my claim and received an incredible amount of money that will hopefully help me move forward and begin my recovery to put this behind me and look forward to being the mum I used to be.
Andy you were always there for me taking my calls when you were off sick or had family bereavement. Such a lovely man who really does care for his clients.
Would definitely recommend this firm and especially Andy for their guidance and advise all the way through.
Kaycie Quirke & Family
Lawyer named in this review: Andy Shaw
A representative from Higgs LLP responded to this review on 06 April, 2022
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
Was this review helpful? Yes