A former astrophysicist had her leg amputated and spent two months in hospital following a horror crash in County Durham.
Dr Alison Broadbent suffered a catalogue of injuries when she was knocked down by a Vauxhall Movano van while crossing Acacia Road in Bishop Auckland. Alison, 56, had to have her right leg amputated above the knee.
Alison, who was trapped under the vehicle and had to be freed, was taken to James Cook University Hospital. She had suffered multiple leg fractures, a fractured pelvis and collarbone as well as degloving injuries where skin was ripped from her arm, hand and leg.
Doctors ruled there was little option other than to amputate her right leg just below the hip. She also underwent a number of other operations including skin grafts.
The landscape gardener was discharged from hospital on 18 January, 2019. The driver was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving but police later decided to take no action against him.
Following the crash Alison, of Bishop Auckland, instructed expert serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate.
While police did not to charge the driver, Alison’s legal team reached an agreement on liability with the van driver’s insurers. Irwin Mitchell has now secured an undisclosed settlement from the insurers which will fund the specialist lifetime therapy and support Alison requires because of her injuries.
It will also allow her to carry out specialist adaptations to her home and to purchase various aids and equipment, allowing Alison to live as independently as possible. Alison is now using Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month to speak of her hope for the future and raise awareness of the support available to help others who have suffered serious injury.
Laura Mcilduff, the expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Alison, said: “Alison suffered truly terrible injuries in the collision which have had a profound effect on her life.
“Despite everything she’s been through and trying to come to terms with the physical and psychological impact of her injuries, Alison has always remained positive and determined to make the best recovery possible.
“While she’s made great progress she still faces many challenges and will do so for the rest of her life. We’re pleased that we’ve been able to secure this settlement which will ensure Alison can access to the best support available to live as independently as possible.
“We continue to be humbled by Alison’s attitude not to be defined by what happened to her. We join her in supporting Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month and its importance in highlighting the help and support that’s available and how people can flourish after serious injury.”
Irwin Mitchell continues to work alongside a range of people including a case manager, neuro-physiotherapist, occupational therapist, psychologist and dietician to support Alison’s needs.
After a series of appointments Alison was fitted with a custom made prosthetic leg. The leg includes a computerised knee and hydraulic ankle joint allowing Alison to walk on two feet, stand up or sit down.
She has now booked a visit to The Ritz for afternoon tea, is going to the Chelsea Flower Show and wants to achieve her dream of visiting a rainforest on holiday.
On the horrific incident, Alison said: “The last few years and coming to terms with what happened and how life would be different has been difficult. There have been some emotional times, particularly at the start of my recovery when it seemed like my life just revolved around medical appointments.
“However, I’ve always tried to be a positive person and drew on that. While I lost my leg I also feel fortunate that I didn’t lose my life in the collision.
“What happened to me is now in the past and while life may have turned out differently than I expected I still have a lot of plans for the future and things I want to achieve or enjoy.
“I’m looking forward to getting out more, particularly after the last couple of years and the pandemic. I can’t wait to visit The Ritz and the Chelsea Flower Show and I’m now looking into visiting a rainforest.
“I’ll always be forever grateful to everyone who has helped and supported me over the last few years. They have been there for me and I probably wouldn’t have been able to make the progress in my recovery that I have.
“I just hope that others who have found themselves in a similar situation to what I did don’t feel they have to suffer alone. There’s support out there which makes such a difference.”
Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month runs throughout April and aims to highlight the impact of such conditions and how those affected are rebuilding their independence.
It is supported by a number of charities including LimbPower, Limbless Association, Steel Bones and Blesma.
How will you be supporting Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month? Let us know in the comments section.
