CSP solicitors clinch financial deal with council after physio flung from bike in pothole accident
Musculoskeletal physiotherapist Luke Millward’s life is back on track after his solicitors reached a five-figure financial settlement with Essex County Council over the injuries he received after his bicycle hit a pothole in the road.
The council admitted partial responsibility in a settlement with Luke that was negotiated by London-based legal firm Thompsons, acting on behalf of his trade union, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
Luke, 45 and from Saffron Walden, suffered multiple injuries when he hit a pothole as he pedalled along Audley End Road in March 2017 and was flung over the handlebars.
Multiple injuries
Married with two children, Luke broke his arms and wrist, received soft tissue injuries to his back and hip, and had a minor head injury. He struggled to return to work due to his injuries during the following weeks and experienced several psychological sequalae, including depression and anxiety.
Though he eventually managed to return to his workplace, the incident affected his way of life and he lost the confidence to cycle there. He has only recently been able to take up his hobby of weightlifting again after a five-year hiatus.
Luke said he was grateful for the support her received from Thompsons and the CSP. ‘My solicitor, Gary [Tierney], always kept me well-informed on developments and responded promptly to my questions.
‘I used to question the worth of paying my union subscriptions, but not anymore. I now realise the importance of my trade union membership fees – without them, the legal challenge wouldn’t have been possible.’
At the time of the incident, Gary and his pregnant wife and had just bought a new home that needed work.
‘As you can imagine, having a heavily pregnant wife and no kitchen or bathroom brought a huge amount of stress and strain for me and my whole family. I wouldn’t want to go through anything like that ever again.'
I used to question the worth of paying my union subscriptions, but not anymore. I now realise the importance of my trade union membership fees – without them, the legal challenge wouldn’t have been possible [Luke Millward]
Gary Tierney, a senior lawyer at Thompsons’ London office, said: ‘This has been a very harrowing experience for Mr Millward, both regarding the physical injuries and the mental distress he’s had to endure. It’s also had a harmful impact on his young family, creating huge stress and uncertainty for them.'
Gary added: ‘I'm pleased that we could secure a positive outcome for him and his family so they can move on with their lives.’
Thompsons Solicitors has worked alongside the trade union movement to implement key legal reforms and secure compensation for ordinary people – who might otherwise have been disadvantaged or marginalised – since 1921.
Author: Ian A McMillan
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