Richard Biggs

Settlement for client with life-changing brain injury

I acted for a nine-year-old claimant who sustained a life-changing brain injury and significant orthopaedic injuries after being struck by an uninsured motorcyclist. Given the claimant's age and ongoing development, the claim lasted almost twelve years.

Throughout the claim, I secured funding for rehabilitation, educational support, and an independent living trial. The case settled for £3.6 million, giving long-term financial security and ensuring the claimant could continue to access the support needed to maximise her independence as she progressed through university and adulthood. I led the litigation strategy throughout and coordinated input from multiple experts and support services.

Amputee client following a workplace accident

I acted for a client in a complex serious injury claim following an accident in March 2022, after which he underwent a leg amputation.

I worked closely with a case manager and specialist multi-disciplinary team to maximise my client’s rehabilitation potential. I secured interim funding and coordinated accommodation investigations to identify and secure a suitable long-term adapted property for the client and his family.

I also ensured my client was able to try out and buy suitable prosthetics to meet his lifelong needs. The case settled for a seven-figure sum.

Brain-injured cyclist involved in a road traffic accident

I acted for a 21-year-old male, a protected party as he lacked capacity, who sustained a significant brain injury in a road traffic collision in 2020. I coordinated complex neuropsychological, care, occupational therapy and Court of Protection evidence while overseeing a large rehabilitation programme involving case management and therapeutic support.

After a Joint Settlement Meeting and court approval hearing, I secured a seven-figure settlement which will meet my client’s lifelong care, support and accommodation needs.

I believe that achieving the best outcome for a seriously injured client starts by understanding that compensation is only one part of the journey. My focus is on helping clients rebuild their lives following life-changing injuries by securing the right rehabilitation, support, and financial resources as early as possible.

I place rehabilitation at the centre of the claim. I work closely with insurers, case managers, treating clinicians and therapists to secure early intervention, treatment and support.

I maintain regular contact with my clients and their families throughout the case, ensuring they understand the process, key decisions and likely outcomes. Serious injury litigation can take several years, particularly in cases involving brain injury, amputation or complex trauma, and I believe clear communication and trust are essential to achieving the best results.

My role also extends beyond the legal claim itself. I often coordinate support from other professionals, charities and specialist organisations, helping my clients access services and opportunities that can improve their independence, wellbeing, and future prospects. I work closely with colleagues across Irwin Mitchell, including the Court of Protection team, Benefits experts, Trusts, Property and Employment specialists, to provide holistic support when needed.

Every case is different. My aim is always to combine expert legal representation with a practical understanding of the challenges faced by seriously injured people. I make sure that each of my clients receives a settlement that properly reflects their needs and gives them the best opportunity to achieve their goals and maximise their quality of life.

From the outset, I take the time to understand not only your injuries, but also how they’ve affected your family life, work, accommodation, independence and future plans. By getting to know the full impact of your injuries, I can develop a legal strategy that is tailored to your individual circumstances rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

My clients often tell me that they value my empathy, compassion and commitment to supporting them throughout their claim.

I’ll always meet you at home, or in hospital if you haven’t yet been discharged, and I will take the time to explain the claims process, likely timescales, and procedures in a clear and straightforward way. Most importantly, I’ll focus on identifying the practical steps I can take to help you immediately, ensuring you have the support you need from the very beginning.