Road to recovery: Mark’s story

“I was in a bit of shock, but then I went to move, and I realised that I was completely stuck… I couldn’t move my neck.”

That’s what Mark says when he looks back on the road accident that brought him years of pain and suffering.

Mark has been a physiotherapist for nearly forty years, assisting patients in recovering from injuries and managing chronic pain to enhance their quality of life. In addition to his clinical work, Mark served as a lecturer, sharing his extensive knowledge and expertise with the next generation of physiotherapists.

Mark was shocked to find himself in a situation similar to his physio patients he had treated for over thirty years.

Mark’s accident and the aftermath

One rainy night, Mark had just begun his commute home after working late as a lecturer. Taking extra care, he pulled up at a junction, waiting to turn left. Suddenly, a car behind him crashed right into the back of his car. Mark was in shock. When he tried to move, he was completely stuck.

Mark was taken to hospital via ambulance for assessment, where he was diagnosed with whiplash.

After Mark was released from the hospital, he hoped the pain would subside with painkillers and naturopathic and physiotherapy treatment. However, over the next few weeks, months, and years, Mark struggled with persistent pain and discomfort.

Mark sustained multiple injuries from the car accident, including chronic pain, stiffness and restricted movement to his neck. He also experiences day-long migraines and difficulty sleeping and finds it increasingly challenging to concentrate.

Mark had been self-managing his injuries for over four years, but it had reached a point where it was impacting many aspects of his life. It was affecting his sleep. It was affecting his family life. He had to reduce the number of patients he saw daily to manage the pain.

Mark significantly reduced his workload due to his injury, as he could no longer drive to one of his clinics or work for long periods of time without pain. This caused a significant reduction in Mark’s income, which affected his financial stability. Mark felt fortunate to be able to work, even in a reduced capacity, which is why he initially chose not to pursue legal action.

Journey to recovery

Mark had been a Maurice Blackburn referrer for many years, recommending his patients for their legal matters to the firm. Mark realised Maurice Blackburn could help him get compensation for his injuries, but initially felt guilt because he saw himself as the physio who fixes people, not those needing help.

Clients hesitate to make claims because they don’t think they deserve compensation for their injury, especially if they are still able to work – even in a reduced capacity. Compensation is available to support and recover the costs associated with an injury, not only if you are unable to work.

Once Mark started the process, he quickly realised how beneficial it was to have legal support. As Mark had sustained severe injuries in the road accident, he was eligible for compensation through the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) insurance.

Road accident compensation covers all 'reasonable' expenses related to a motor vehicle accident. For Mark, this included treatments to reduce his pain, such as consultations with neurosurgeons and pain specialists and undergoing radiofrequency denervation. Mark was also compensated for his lost wages because of the accident.

“The outcome changed my life,” says Mark.

We helped Mark get the best outcome for his recovery. Mark could treat his injuries without the financial burden, which allowed him to focus on his recovery and regain control of his life.

“You need people on your side. Maurice Blackburn does that remarkably well”, says Mark, reflecting on his experience.

Making a claim for road accident compensation

If you've been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may be eligible to make a compensation claim. This can help with treatment and expenses for physical and psychological road accident injuries. An expert road accident lawyer will be able to help you with your claim and ensure you get the compensation you're entitled to.

Our team is highly skilled and experienced in getting the best outcomes for our clients. 

Use our free road injury claim check tool to see if you are eligible, and contact us to book a consultation and find out where you stand.