Compensation and financial security after car accident

[CouchSpud]

My dh was in a car accident 2yrs ago, which has resulted in him not being able to work. He’s recently been laid off, losing a £60k job through no fault of his own.

The accident wasn’t his fault, it is currently with insurance and solicitors.

Has anyone else been in this position?… Have you managed to get through it financially?

Apologies but I am a bit confused.
The accident was 2 years ago but he just lost his job?

It's possible. Someone I worked with returned to work after a traumatic brain injury and it probably took about 2 years before it became clear even after trying various adjustments they were going to have to let him go.

They’ve kept him on ‘officially’ on long term unpaid sick. But the recent occupational health report says that he will not be able to do his job in the foreseeable, so they’ve let him go…. I didn’t put in op as it’s long winded and not relevant.

Anyone claimed compensation in a similar situation? How much did you receive?

We’re just stuck in limbo atm and can’t move on with out lives until this is over

Yes this is a legitimate head of claim your husband should pursue with his solicitor as there will be specialist evidence required to establish a disadvantage on the labour market. Figures will depend on any capacity he has for any type of work, how this compares to his old role, future prospects and age. This is not a quick process - but you could request a general interim payment offset against the claim to help with money. Document everything- make sure your husband gets all the evidence from his employers that this is why they’re letting him go

Surely if the accident was 2 years ago your insurance company will have been dealing with this already?
I do know someone that was in an RTA and it took a good couple of years to sort out his compensation, as they had to factor in the prospects of his recovery over time. He received an interim payment - but he wasn’t receiving any money from his employer apart from statutory sick pay. He then received a full and final settlement after around 3 years. He will never be able to work again as recognised by his consultants, receives disability benefits and has had his home adapted for his needs. He’s mid 40s and his full payout is around £500k, he was earning around £25k when he had his accident.

It has been going on for 2yrs with insurance company and solicitor. He’s received approx £40k in interim payments over the past 2yrs, which has basically just gone on the mortgage. It’s been tricky living since he was originally on £65k a yr.

I was just wondering what settlements people have had. Just to see what to possibly expect. I guess it’s tricky to tell?

He’s never going back to his job, as it was too physically demanding and he can’t do that now. Also he’ll never earn £65k again as he isn’t qualified in anything else and it nearly 50. He has a job interview for a supermarket in the new yr.

We just feel financially done in. It’s been so stressful, we’re worried that we’re going to have to sell the family home:

The claims process is very stressful especially when it’s this complex. Each case is dealt with on its own merits and circs. In the new year I would be pushing your husband’s solicitor to start narrowing the issues so you can start to push towards the end. Is the medical evidence complete? I suspect not in claim of this level? Ask for another but large general interim to take the pressure off. And ask his solicitor to give you can idea of what you can expect compensation wise and how this is worked out. I hate to say it but it may not settle in the next year and you’ll end up in litigation but equally it’s not something to rush and leave yourselves worse off.

We are more or less there with the medical evidence. Occupational hardly health have basically advised his employer to let him go. Which they have.

It’s just so rubbish having to ask for money every 6 months or so, to pay the mortgage. It causes so much stress as we don’t know whether he’s eligible another one, it all seems so closed book. The solicitor has been surprised how easy it’s been to get interim payments though… often without offering any evidence