Early action by Shoosmiths meant that our client, who had suffered a serious brain injury, was discharged from hospital straight into appropriate supervised accommodation.

What we did

The client's relatives were seriously worried that he would be vulnerable, unable to care adequately for himself and unable to manage his finances as a result of his injuries, if, as proposed, he were discharged from hospital into his previous home.  Access Legal from Shoosmiths immediately arranged for a medical expert to visit the client in hospital and assess his condition.  Following the expert's recommendations, we made an application to the Court of Protection for a receiver to be appointed to take care of our client's finances.  We were able to find our client a place in warden-assisted accommodation ready for his discharge from hospital.

Background

In 2005, our client was the victim of an unprovoked attack, which left him with serious head injuries affecting his memory, concentration, self-motivation and judgment of risk.  He underwent an operation to remove part of the brain and remained in hospital for four months, after which time the plan was to discharge him and leave him pretty much responsible for looking after himself. 

His relatives were concerned about his ability to care adequately for himself and contacted Access Legal from Shoosmiths who arranged for a medical expert to visit the client.  Following the expert's report, a receiver was appointed by the Court of Protection and we were able to liaise with the NHS to arrange more suitable accommodation with warden supervision.  Our client remains in sheltered accommodation and has been unable to work since the attack.  We are currently making an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority on his behalf.

Case handler

The case is being handled by Barbara Woodbridge, an associate in the personal injury department at Access Legal from Shoosmiths' Northampton office.  Barbara is a solicitor specialising in complex neurological injuries, including catastrophic head and spinal injuries. She is a Member of the Law Society's Personal Injury Panel, and the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers.