Personal Injury Case Study
Background:
At approximately 11:00pm on Friday 24th June 2022, our client was walking along Piccadilly in York, when she was struck by a rider on an e-scooter. The rider, travelling at speed, initially collided with our client’s companion before losing control and crashing into our client. She was knocked to the ground with the rider landing on top of her.
An ambulance was called and our client was taken to York Hospital, where she was diagnosed with a fractured wrist and scaphoid - a painful and complex injury that significantly affected her daily life.
Liability and the legal challenge
The e-scooter involved was part of a rental initiative launched by York Council and operated by Tier Group, a third-party provider. Rather than pursuing the rider individually, we were able to establish that liability rested with Tier Group, whose insurers subsequently admitted fault.
This type of claim required expert legal handling due to the involvement of a corporate third-party operator rather than a private individual. Our specialist personal injury solicitors at Coles Miller were able to identify the correct route for compensation and ensure the claim was pursued appropriately.
Medical impact and prognosis
Following the incident, our client experienced:
- Ongoing pain and stiffness in her left wrist
- Difficulty with personal care, lifting, carrying items, household tasks, sleep, and intimate relationships
She was referred to a GP expert who recommended assessment by an orthopaedic consultant to determine longer-term prognosis, particularly with concerns over potential arthritic changes. The injury was deemed to be entirely caused by the e-scooter collision.
The expert also confirmed that the physiotherapy undertaken by the client was reasonable and necessary, and further imaging was advised after two years to assess the progression of symptoms.
Negotiation and outcome
We entered into negotiations with the insurers acting for Tier Group. Their initial offer of compensation was £4,500 - an amount we firmly believed did not reflect the long-term implications of the injury.
Our legal team provided strong medical evidence and advocated persistently on our client’s behalf.
After several rounds of negotiation spanning over two and a half years, we successfully secured a £30,000 settlement – a huge increase on the original offer.
Why choose Coles Miller Solicitors for your Personal Injury claim?
This case highlights the importance of having experienced legal representation when navigating complex personal injury claims - especially those involving corporate responsibility, long-term prognosis, and evolving injuries. Our Personal Injury Department specialises in claims arising from emerging technologies and shared transport schemes, including e-scooters.
We support clients through:
- Identifying responsible parties and insurers
- Access to medical experts and treatment pathways
- Transparent and determined negotiation
- Maximising compensation for both physical and emotional impact
If you’ve been injured in a similar incident, or need guidance on a personal injury claim, contact our specialists today. We’re ready to fight for the compensation that you deserve.
For more information about Coles Miller, contact Marketing Director Nick Balchin.
