A String of Freak Accidents…

Earlier this year, I was driving home after investigating a claim in Manchester with my wife. We stopped off at a service station for coffee and a comfort break. As I tried to stand, my back seized up and I couldn’t move. Something was horribly wrong, and I was in absolute agony.

Somehow, I straightened it up and got back in the car, and we made it home. We spent the next few weeks seeing doctors and specialists, until a scan revealed that I had a cyst on my spine that was pressing on a major nerve in my back. That explains why it was so painful — I couldn’t lie down, sit down, or stand without feeling the pain.

It also reduced my mobility — all the way down my leg and to my feet. We planned for surgery to remove the cyst, which happened last month. It was painful and expensive, but I hope to make a full recovery. The experience put me in a place I’m not usually in myself, but one I deal with all the time – as a claimant. It’s not quite the same, but it all has to do with sorting through the fine print, which is my professional specialty.

It’s been good to be reminded what it’s like to be on this side of things. When I’m working with people who are filing property claims, they’re often in desperate need. It reminds me to pursue these claims with vigour and intensity, because the stakes are often high. We’ve had several such cases this year. Many of you will be aware that there were several major floods due to burst Thames Water mains, which turned roads and parts of London into raging torrents. We were instructed by two clients to present their claims to Thames Water. One was a wellestablished
antique shop in Islington; the other, a ladies fashion boutique in Putney. 

Another unusual claim we have been instructed on happened in January in Manchester. It seems the occupant of a house tampered with a gas main that caused a massive explosion, which led to two houses being totally demolished. Our client’s house was the next one still standing, but had suffered badly from the percussion damage,
with cracks throughout the property.

Every room will need fixing, and the roof will need to be replaced. On top of that, there are losses in rent because the tenants of the home had to move out immediately.

Both of those incidents were completely unexpected. It pays to be on the lookout for freak accidents like those — and to be prepared when they come. The same is true for my back situation. Of course I cannot prevent cysts from forming on my spine, but with the right support network around me (and of course, decent insurance), I was
prepared to deal with what life had to throw at me.

This is what we provide all our clients — a support network!

If you have a claim of you think might have grounds for a property claim we should talk.

Call me on 07782 195 455 or fill out the form here.

I’d like to thank all of my clients, colleagues, friends and family for being so supportive with all your lovely and kind wishes. I can assure you they are appreciated. It was a tough time, and a learning experience that will help me be of even greater service to all our wonderful clients.

Wishing you the happiest of Aprils!