Kane Simons was pleased to assist a severely injured man with his successful personal injury claim that was conducted recently through the Advocate pro bono scheme.
Advocate looks for free legal help from barristers for people who cannot get public funding (legal aid) and cannot afford to pay. The claimant approached Advocate with his personal injury claim after he had suffered a sustained injury at work from lifting and manoeuvring, which means he is no longer able to work.
The employer applied to strike out the claim, alleging that he failed to comply with directions for expert evidence and a schedule of loss. The employer denied that any injury took place, denied that they were to blame for any injury and denied that the claimant’s ongoing disability was linked at all to the lifting manoeuvre.
Kane assisted by advising the client and representing him at a joint settlement meeting. Despite the challenges, Kane was successful in negotiating the claim, securing approximately £160,000, of which the claimant will receive £100,000 directly, and the rest will go back to the Department for Work and Pensions for benefits received.
In addition, Kane secured an agreement that £7,500 in pro bono costs are to be paid to The Access to Justice Foundation.
The claimant was truly pleased with the result and happy that the proceedings have now concluded.
Kane said, “It was a privilege to help this severely injured man, who found himself in a difficult position without legal representation. If there are any barristers who follow me, I can strongly recommend taking on work for Advocate.”
Kane Simons is a member of the Personal Injury team at 18 St John Street Chambers. Kane practises solely in the field of high-value, complex personal injury law, acting predominantly for claimants. He specialises in claims which involve life-changing and catastrophic injuries.