Navy veteran looks to positive future after life-changing collision

David Duggan was a passenger in a car that hit a lamppost in February 2020. He suffered a fractured skull in the collision, but as a consequence of this also developed epileptic seizures.

He suffered a seizure so bad a year on from the initial collision that he needed to be resuscitated, and also dislocated both his shoulders in the incident – meaning his range of movement is now extremely limited and he cannot lift his arms above shoulder height.

While David – who worked as a chef in the Royal Navy for over 20 years, before moving into catering in care homes and at Yeovilton air base – did attempt to return to work several months after his injuries, he was unable to continue due to his restricted arm movement and ongoing pain.

David, from Gloucester, now has to face the devastation that he will not be able to return to the job he loved – nor will he be able to retire to Tenerife as planned, where he intended to continue to work in catering.

But despite all he has been through, 63-year-old David is determined to approach life with positivity.

“It is difficult, especially not being able to work. Some weeks I’d be working 72 hours, but I loved it, and not being able to go back to it has been hard. My social life has also really suffered. I had hoped to move to Tenerife to continue working and retire there, but that’s not going to happen either,” says David.

“But despite this, I do feel lucky. I’m alive. After the seizure where I was technically dead for three minutes, I have thought of this as a new life, and have lived every day in a positive way. I know I’m lucky to still be there, after the crash and then after that seizure, so I’ve just got to enjoy my life.”

David turned to serious injury specialists at Slater and Gordon for support in securing a settlement after he was involved in the collision. Senior associate Helen Gierc acted for David.

“Helen was just absolutely fantastic, and so were her team. From the first minute I spoke to her, she has gone above and beyond. She genuinely cared and worked tirelessly to get a settlement which will mean I am financially secure for life. I’ll be forever grateful,” says David.

Helen adds: “David has had his life devastated by what has happened to him, and every part of his life has been impacted by the car collision and its consequences.

“But despite everything, David approaches everything with such positivity and a desire to make the most of every day. While his retirement will not be as he planned, he has financial security as a result of his settlement, which will enable him to continue to enjoy his life. We wish him every happiness in his years ahead.”