Man faces battle to regain mobility after being hit by flying bollard

Caius-Iosif Olah had both legs broken so badly that metal rods were inserted from the knee down in an attempt to retain his mobility. However, there are ongoing concerns he may face losing his right leg due to the severity of his injuries.

He was injured when he was a pedestrian in Handsworth, Birmingham, in September last year, when he became caught up in a collision between several cars, one of which was a police car. Investigations are ongoing into the exact circumstances of the incident, which is thought to have involved at least one vehicle being pursued by police.

Caius, 39, also suffered a catalogue of other injuries, including a head injury, significant damage to his teeth, which has impacted his ability to eat, and nerve damage. He also continues to battle the psychological impact of the incident.

The Romanian national, who had previously lived and worked in Birmingham and returned for two weeks to visit friends and renew his driving licence – spent two months in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in the city but has since returned to his native country.

However, his injuries have meant he is unable to resume his job as a delivery driver, and his mobility is severely restricted with him needing crutches to get around.

His wife Adalena also lost her job when she came to the UK after Caius was injured, meaning the couple – who have a 13-year-old son Mario – are facing growing financial hardship.

“This has had a devastating impact on my life. I cannot work and am spending so much time in the house it is affecting me physically and mentally. Everything has changed in our lives since September last year,” says Caius, who lives in Timisoara in Romania.

“We are living in financial uncertainty and this is making my mental state very bad, it is literally on the floor. I used to work two jobs but now I cannot work at all, I am used to earning money for my family. My wife lost her job when she came to the UK when I was in hospital, now she has to help me with basic tasks at home, such as showering and moving around the house. I cannot spend the quality time with my son I used to.

“I used to lead an active life and played football regularly to quite a high standard – playing football was my refuge, where all my problems would disappear – but now I do not know if I’ll be able to return to that. I am so worried about the future.

“I continue to worry about my right leg, and a doctor here told me if I’d suffered this injury in Romania I would already have lost it. I am lucky to have been treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, but I do not know what the future holds.”

Caius, who was previously employed by Papa John’s as a delivery driver when he lived in Birmingham, was only two days into his trip back to England last September when he was involved in the collision. The incident happened on Hollyhead Road close to the junction of Clarence Road. It was 6.30pm on a Sunday, the weather was good and it was still light. Caius was struck by a bollard that flew through the air after being hit by a car.

“I have no memory at all of what happened, but I remember when I woke up there were bones sticking out of my legs and there was blood on my head and hands,” he recalls.

“I was in hospital for two months and was given a lot of pain medication. I am still on a lot of different medication. Initially I had to use a wheelchair, but I am now using crutches, although I cannot get very far before my legs become swollen and very painful.

“I worry that even if I can return to driving, will I be able to carry things and walk to deliver things? Financially, I am very worried, and I also don’t know what will happen with my leg and my mobility. I can only hope things get better.”

Caius has turned to law firm Slater and Gordon for support in rebuilding his life. Gulderen Salih, a serious injury specialist, is acting on his behalf in pursuing a claim.

“Caius has always been a hardworking man and he is proud to support his family, but this incident has impacted his life – and that of his wife and son - in every way possible,” says Gulderen.

“He is suffering physically, mentally, emotionally and financially as a result of what happened, his quality of life has been ruined through something that was absolutely no fault of his own. We are keen to assist Caius as quickly and effectively as we can, in getting answers as to what happened and enabling him to access the rehabilitation and support that will allow him to look to a more positive future.”