Paralysed Man Thanks Lawyer for Record-Breaking Result.

After six years of intense legal battle, a young man is giving credit and thanks to his solicitor for securing the future of both himself and his miracle family.

In August 2001, teenager Anthony Burton was involved in a horrific car accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down and his girlfriend of just three months, Jenny Haynes, in need of extensive metalwork surgically implanted to hold her spine in place.

After the initial physical, mental and emotional anguish they suffered, the couple continued their relationship, moved in together and, despite all they had been told by doctors, the couple became parents in 2004 with the birth of their son, Cameron.

After a lengthy legal process, Anthony now has peace of mind that he and his family will be looked after with a record payout of £6.4 million for all his future needs.

‘After the accident I never gave up on life, but I never dreamed I could ever be this happy,’ says Anthony, 24. ‘Fighting in the courts when you are in my position was never going to be easy and I have to thank our solicitor, Allison, for everything she has done for us.’

Allison Hampshire, Head of Personal Injury and Partner at one of the South’s leading law firm’s Eric Robinson Solicitors, personally undertook every aspect of the young couple’s case and, after six years, has become the family’s ‘right-hand woman’.

Over the years, Allison, who is a member of the SIA, has been involved in all aspects of the couple’s lives, from moving house to purchasing appropriate transport so they could travel. She even arranged a charity quiz night at the Football Club of the couple’s hometown of Portsmouth long before they were given any compensation and raised over £10,000 for Anthony’s specially designed wheelchair.

‘Allison instinctively knew I would have difficulty with all the legal and financial matters my case involved, but she took the time to explain everything so carefully and make sure we understood and approved of what was happening every step of the way,’ says Anthony.

‘I like to think that I am representative of my profession,’ says Allison, modestly. ‘To hear a father who cannot hold, touch or look after his son, say how lucky he is with genuine sincerity is really humbling. A nthony and Jenny are true testimony to the SIA’s motto, ' because life needn't stop when you're paralysed'.

On the subject of the conclusion to the most involved case of her career, Allison is understandably triumphant. ‘We are obviously pleased with a result that will secure the future of a young man who was hit by the most tragic circumstances beyond his control. The amount of time it has taken to reach this point and the fact that parties involved seemed willing to subject my clients to lengthy legal proceedings after such a traumatic experience has been a great source of frustration, but the award means that Anthony is able to provide for himself, his wife and son who gives constant happiness and joy to lives that could have so easily been tainted with sadness and despondency.’

‘Allison’s support and genuine kindness above and beyond the call of duty has been invaluable to us over the years,’ says Jenny, 24. ‘I had no idea when we hired a solicitor, that we would find such an amazing friend that would be so involved in every aspect of our lives. I don’t know how other people in our situation cope without a lawyer like her.’

‘Everything we now have has been down to Allison,’ concludes Anthony. ‘She helped us find a place to live so that I could have a full time carer live with us, managed all our legal work and even helped me choose a engagement ring when I proposed to and married Jenny. It’s no exaggeration to say that Allison saved us, so if I had to give advice to anyone in my position it would be to choose your lawyer very carefully and hire someone you immediately get on with as well as we did with Allison.’