Head-on Collision causes serious spinal injury

A trip to see the family changes a life

Ciaran is a bright, active 19-year-old with a passion for football, and starting out on the first stages of a happy life with his girlfriend. They had recently moved into their first home, and both of them enjoyed regular trips to Devon to see their families at weekends.

A few weeks before Christmas, Ciaran was travelling down to the West Country to visit his family. He was a passenger in the rear of his father's transit van when they were struck head on at considerable speed by an oncoming vehicle. The speed and force of the impact made avoiding the collision impossible, and Ciaran was thrown against the inside of the vehicle with such force that he sustained a serious spinal injury as a result. Immediately evacuated to hospital, it was discovered that Ciaran had suffered a complete spinal cord injury at T5 - half way down the spine.

The long road to recovery

Weeks of treatment followed, and the family, concerned for Ciaran's future, contacted a specialist firm of solicitors who were experienced in dealing with severe spinal injuries. They found the specialist firm through the Internet and asked them to represent Ciaran and the family. Realising that Ciaran's future was at stake, they asked the solicitors to travel to meet them and discuss Ciaran's case and how they could help. After several days of consultation and a detailed question and answer process, the company took on the case and the family instructed them to work on their behalf.

Within several days, the solicitors received an admittance of liability from the insurers representing the driver of the oncoming vehicle. A one-to-one case manager was appointed to assess the exact needs of Ciaran, both immediately and in the long term. Thanks to an interim payment, the solicitors were able to secure specialist housing on behalf of Ciaran and his girlfriend while Ciaran continued to undergo specialist rehabilitation at a spinal injury centre. They were also able to purchase a plot of land to enable Ciaran's property to be extended and adapted to meet his needs once he left the rehabilitation centre.

All additional equipment was put in place to make Ciaran's life easier including occupational therapy and rehabilitation machines and a specialist wheelchair. This was specifically designed to suit Ciaran's abilities and needs, using a detailed assessment of his usage and to maximise his mobility and independence.

A brighter future

Ciaran has now moved into his new home with his girlfriend and is looking forward to a brighter future. Still keen on outdoor sports, his solicitors introduced him to the Back-Up Trust, a small, dynamic charity that works to transform people's lives after spinal cord injury. Through their programme, Ciaran is able to lead a full and active life, despite his injuries. His inspirational story proves that, although a serious spinal injury can and does transform your life, with the right support from organisations who understand the difficulties faced and the challenges ahead, life can carry on and be as fulfilling and as exciting as before. Ciaran's case is proof that the key to success in spinal injuries cases is the team you have behind you, supporting and encouraging you throughout.