JMW’s workplace accident solicitors secured £1.4 million in compensation for a woman who sustained a severe spinal injury at work. We took over the case after it had initially been handled as a low-value claim by another firm and successfully challenged the defendant’s argument that the claimant’s condition was unrelated to the accident.

The Case

Our client was delivering manual handling training at work when an employee fell against her, causing her to fall and sustain a back injury. She continued working and initially pursued a claim through her trade union. The matter was submitted via the low-value injury portal.

Over time, her symptoms deteriorated significantly. She eventually required time off work and later underwent cauda equina decompression surgery. The defendant disputed causation throughout, arguing that our client’s symptoms were constitutional rather than caused by the workplace accident.

Dissatisfied with the way her case was progressing, our client instructed JMW to take over conduct of the claim.

How Did JMW Help?

When we reviewed the case, it was clear that the seriousness of the injury and the complexity of the medical issues had not been fully addressed. We moved the claim out of the low-value process and began gathering detailed expert evidence.

We instructed leading specialists in spinal surgery, neurosurgery, pain management, psychiatry and urology. This multi-disciplinary approach allowed us to build a robust evidential foundation to counter the defendant’s constitutional argument.

The defendant made an early offer that did not reflect the extent of our client’s condition or her long-term prognosis. Following conferences with counsel and our medical experts, we maintained our position and continued to prepare the case for trial.

Our experts strongly supported the link between the accident and our client’s ongoing symptoms. As the trial approached, we engaged in a joint settlement meeting and secured substantial compensation shortly before the listed hearing.

Throughout the litigation, JMW provided clear advice at every stage and ensured our client understood the strategy being adopted. She remained in work for as long as possible, but her future earning capacity and long-term needs required careful consideration.