Dean Wilson LLP Secures Substantial Settlement for Spinal Cord Injury Client

Ben Davey and Jessica Edwards of Dean Wilson LLP successfully represented a passenger who sustained life-changing spinal injuries in a light aircraft crash at Jackrell’s Farm airstrip, Horsham, in October 2022.

Background

Our client, the owner of a light aircraft, was a passenger during a permit renewal test flight piloted by the Defendant. The aircraft failed to land safely and crashed into trees just beyond the runway, resulting in significant injuries to both individuals.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) are an independent agency in the UK, responsible for investigating civil aircraft serious incidents, and carried out a review and report of the event.  

Overall, the AAIB ‘examination of the aircraft did not reveal any defects which could have affected its controllability… it did not reveal any gross defects which cause a substantial reduction in engine performance’. In conclusion the AAIB found no mechanical fault with the aircraft. 

As a result of the crash, our client suffered catastrophic spinal injuries, including complete paraplegia due to spinal cord compression, leading to lifelong wheelchair dependency.

Care and Accommodation Support

Following the accident, our client required eight months of intensive inpatient care and rehabilitation provided by the NHS. When Dean Wilson LLP was instructed, he remained in hospital. 

Dean Wilson LLP acted swiftly to secure an interim payment prior to our client’s discharge from hospital, enabling essential home adaptations and the arrangement of private care in preparation for his return. This included specialist equipment, mobility support, and assistance with daily living. Our client’s home required extensive modifications to ensure safety, accessibility, and independence. Immediate adaptations were made to create a safe environment, including the installation of an assisted bed, a hoist to facilitate transfers between bed and wheelchair, and a stair lift to support movement throughout the property.

Settlement Meeting and Collaborative Resolution

Our proactive strategy ensured steady progress from the outset, placing our client in a strong position to consider settlement at the earliest opportunity. By swiftly gathering evidence, commissioning expert reports, and initiating proceedings, we minimised delays and avoided prolonged litigation. This approach spared our client the stress and uncertainty often associated with drawn-out legal disputes, allowing him to focus on recovery and rehabilitation as quickly as possible.

The claim culminated in a settlement meeting overseen by a mediator, bringing together nearly 20 individuals—including insurers, solicitors, and barristers. The meeting fostered constructive dialogue and focused minds on achieving a resolution. A substantial settlement which provides for our client for the rest of his life.

A critical component of the claim involved securing funding for long-term care and accommodation adaptations. The settlement provided for these changes, as well as ongoing private rehabilitation services, helping our client rebuild his life with dignity and confidence. Beyond meeting his medical and physical needs, the support enabled him to reconnect with family and friends, re-engage with old hobbies and discover new ones, and focus on achieving a positive and fulfilling quality of life.

Client Testimonial

“We cannot thank you all enough for what you have achieved for us. We can't quite believe it—we're so grateful. It's an amazing feat and quite overwhelming. We all appreciate and understand the dedication, hard work, and long hours you have all spent working towards resolving the case… What else can we say but thank you ALL once again."

Legal Team and Counsel

The Claimant was represented by Ben Davey and Jessica Edwards of Dean Wilson LLP, with expert assistance from Counsel Sarah Prager KC of Deka Chambers. Sarah’s in-depth knowledge of spinal injury and aviation claims, combined with her reassuring presence, proved invaluable throughout the process. A true advocate, she fought our client’s corner with clarity and conviction.

Jessica V. Edwards, Associate Solicitor at Dean Wilson LLP, commented:

"This was a devastating incident for our client, whose life has been permanently altered. Our priority was to ensure he received the compensation and support necessary to meet his complex medical, care, and accommodation needs. Whilst the injury caused by this accident was irreversible, obtaining the support to maximise his quality of life was essential for his future."

Contact the Personal Injury Team if you have experienced a spinal injury

Dean Wilson LLP continues to advocate for individuals who have suffered serious injury due to negligence. If you or a loved one has been affected by an aviation or road traffic accident, please contact our Personal Injury team for expert legal advice.