Serious injury survivors access £750,000 in support during COVID-19 thanks to Welfare Rights team

Woman getting advice from solicitor

SURVIVORS of serious injuries were able to access nearly £750,000 in benefits support during the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to our Welfare Rights team.

Figures for 2020 show more than 150 people – including brain and spinal cord injury victims – obtained vital care packages.

The payments, some as high as £31,000 each, were more important than ever this year after other support services relied upon by accident survivors were impacted by lockdown or social distancing.

This meant serious accident survivors could continue to access the food, utilities and medical treatment they needed.

The financial support was secured by Digby Brown’s Welfare Rights team which offer this service completely free as part of the firm’s commitment to helping clients.

What is more incredible was that historic data shows the total amount secured during lockdown was largely the same as that of previous years – and all with no reduction in service despite the challenges of social distancing.

Jacqueline Lange, Welfare Rights Manager, said: “Every client we help has been injured because of the negligence of someone else with many left unable to work or in need of extra help at home.

“Our pro bono service in helping vulnerable people navigate the welfare scheme is therefore something we are really proud of.

“When lockdown started we anticipated challenges and at times I’ll admit we even felt worried about whether or not we’d be able to get each and every survivor what they were entitled to.

But at the end of this difficult year I’m glad to be able to confirm that we have indeed retained our level of service for so many people across the country so they can continue to retake control of their lives.”

Stuart Barton, Partner in the Serious Injury department, added: “The work we do is not just about recovering compensation.

“We are committed to rebuilding lives, empowering choice, building confidence and helping survivors of serious injury to access the care they need that can enhance their daily lives.

“This is why we are delighted to see the Welfare Rights team maintain their level of service throughout 2020 as this was a time when, arguably, people needed help more than ever.”