A police officer who suffered devastating injuries in a road traffic collision while responding to an emergency call has secured an almost £1 million settlement following years of rehabilitation and legal support, highlighting the vital role the Police Federation plays in protecting and supporting its members.

The officer was responding to a distress call with blue lights activated in a marked police vehicle when another driver pulled out from a side road, resulting in a severe T-bone collision.

The impact left the officer with catastrophic injuries. Surgery was required and specialist treatment was delayed while an appropriate surgeon was identified.

For a period following the collision, the officer had no movement in their left wrist and hand, with uncertainty surrounding the extent of recovery, alongside the need for extensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

The long-term consequences of the incident ultimately led to the officer leaving policing on ill-health grounds.

Four-and-a-half years of support

The Police Federation referred the member's case to its panel solicitors in 2021. Over the following four years and seven months, the legal team worked closely with the member to build the case, obtain specialist medical evidence and pursue compensation.

Throughout the process, the Federation remained actively involved, seeking progress updates and ensuring the case continued to move forward.

Medical evidence was obtained from both an orthopaedic surgeon and a consultant plastic and hand surgeon, helping to establish the full extent of the officer's injuries and their long-term impact.

By 2024, solicitors had confirmed the member had reasonable prospects of successfully establishing liability and pursuing the claim. Legal proceedings were subsequently issued, with expert evidence gathered from a range of specialists.

Despite preparations being made for a potential court trial, the case was ultimately resolved before reaching that stage.

As with all personal injury claims pursued with the Police Federation, the member was able to keep 100 per cent of the damages awarded.

Acting National Secretary Mel Warnes said: “Police officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect the public, and this case highlights why Federation support is so important. Following a life-changing injury, our member faced a long and challenging road to recovery.

“Through our legal services and expert representation, they received the dedicated support needed to secure a settlement that reflects the significant impact this incident has had on their life, career and future.”