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1st April 2008

Leicester fire fighter who was medically retired following hit and run accident secures £280K damages

Injured after Cycle was hit by a car

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has secured over £280,000 damages for a Leicester member who had to be medically retired after he was knocked off his bike by a hit and run driver. The claim was successfully handled by personal injury specialists Thompsons Solicitors via the Motor Insurer’s Bureau (MIB) Untraced Driver’s scheme.

He was an experienced fire fighter and had worked for the Leicester Fire & Rescue Service since 1986. On the day of his accident, he was knocked off his bicycle by a driver who fled the scene. His right knee was so badly injured that he had to be retired from the fire service on the grounds of ill health.

The driver of the car didn't stop and just drove away

He explains: “I was riding my bike home from work in the evening, kitted out as usual in my cycling helmet and fluorescent banding. I’d just passed the brow of a hill when I was struck from behind by a silver car; it knocked me over and my bike landed on top of me. The driver didn’t stop and has never been identified. I’m so lucky that my trade union was able to pursue this claim for me through the MIB untraced driver’s scheme.”

He suffered a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee. The knee remained painful and swollen and he was unable to kneel properly, squat or run. He attempted to return to non-operational duties until a further operation on his knee was performed but unfortunately he was retired on medical grounds shortly afterwards.

Service is free and nothing is deducted from compensation

Paul Woolstenholmes, National Officer FBU, comments: “Not everyone is aware that successful claims can be brought where the third party driver is untraced, so our member's settlement goes to show the understated value of Trade Union membership. The service is absolutely free to members of the FBU and nothing is deducted from their compensation. We’re delighted that justice has been secured for our member.”

Representing the fire fighter, Claire White from Thompsons Solicitors in Nottingham comments: "This injury has had a devastating effect on our client ’s personal life. Before the accident he was a career fire fighter and planned to work until the normal retirement age. Instead, his career has been cut short and he has a wife and three daughters to support.”

Compensation Claim Advice

If you or anyone you know has suffered an injury as a result of a road traffic accident, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.

There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.

Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms.