Road traffic accident*. Shoulder, hip and leg injury

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, it’s important to know your legal options. At Murray Flynn Solicitors, we’ve helped countless people who were injured in accidents. No matter if you were driving, a passenger, walking, or biking, you may be able to file a claim if someone else caused the accident.

Further on is presented a road traffic accident. Before diving into the article, keep in mind that Murray Flynn Solicitors is an experienced team of road traffic accident claim solicitor prepared to help you if required.

Case study – shoulder, hip and leg injury

A 27 year old motorist was involved in a road traffic accident where circumstances were liability could not be an issue. He sustained injuries to his shoulder, his hip and his leg. A medical report was obtained in December 2005 and an application filed with PIAB in February 2006.

Liability

As mentioned before, the accident occurred in circumstances where liability could not be an issue. The driver was at fault, and there was no dispute about who was responsible. PIAB assessed general damages at €12,500.

Injuries suffered

The 27 year old motorist sustained injuries to his shoulder, his hip and his leg. A medical report was obtained in December 2005 and an application filed with PIAB in February 2006. Further medical reports were required and these were obtained by PIAB. It was clear, however, from these reports that our client had ongoing sequelae and a definitive prognosis could not be made by his doctors.

Treatment and effect

For our client the treatment included multiple stages. These are immobilization, pain management and physical therapy. Fortunately there was no need for surgery. Still, our client had ongoing sequelae and a definitive prognosis could not be made by his doctors.

Case Progression

Medical reports were required and were obtained by PIAB. PIAB went on to assess general damages at €12,500 despite this clear need for future reports. This assessment has been rejected and PIAB have now issued their authorisation. Without car accident legal advice, the client, who likely didn’t understand the full situation, might have agreed to the €12,500 settlement.

Case Settlement

PIAB is required to review a claim within nine months after the defendant agrees. They can extend this by six months if needed, and often do. However, many cases can’t be properly evaluated in that time, and PIAB can’t handle cases where the outcome is uncertain for more than 15 months. The case is ongoing.