Gavin Lawson needs 24-hour care after he was hit by speeding car in Forty Lane

A Wembley man left severely brain damaged and confined to a wheelchair after he was knocked down by a speeding driver has won a multi-million pound compensation payout.

Gavin Lawson, now 43, suffered severe bleeding to the brain, a fractured spine, ribs and pelvis, and numerous broken bones after he was hit while crossing Forty Lane near his home on March 23, 2007.

Following a five-year battle, the High Court today (Monday) awarded Mr Lawson a lump sum of �1.8m to provide him with the specialist care and necessary adaptations to allow him to move back home with his family.

He will also receive �180,000 per year for the rest of his life which has been specifically awarded to pay for his carers.

His Honour Patrick Curran QC approved the settlement with the insurance company of driver Mayuk Modessa based on the complex nature of Gavin’s injuries.

Modessa was convicted of speeding and ordered to pay a �90 fine, was given three penalty points and mad to pay �70 in court fees in 2008.

An interim payment secured by lawyers last year was used to pay for support and treatment that has seen Mr Lawson make a significant improvement

Scott Lawson, the victim’s brother, said: “Nothing will ever bring back the life Gavin had before this terrible accident but it is a huge relief knowing he will receive the best possible care for the rest of his life.

“When the driver got away with nothing more than a fine and some points on his licence, we were appalled as he was able to drive again but Gavin’s life was changed forever. It was no justice. Before the accident Gavin was a very caring man, caring for his mum and working in a nearby warehouse to provide for her. We’re pleased that now, with the necessary support, we can return the favour and see him get the care he needs.

“Initially Gavin made no progress from his brain injury because the nursing home couldn’t give him the specialist therapy he needed.

“Once liability had been settled, Irwin Mitchell could arrange funds for Gavin’s care and rehabilitation which meant he was appointed a specialist support worker, dedicated physiotherapist and occupational therapist.

“He’s made huge improvements since then and occasionally shows signs of the old Gavin. He’s now aware of what’s going on around him and can participate in a range of activities.

“He can communicate his likes and dislikes, and enjoyed his time with his support worker. For instance, she takes him to a day centre once a week where he watches films and enjoys art and dance. We never thought we’d see him improve this far and hope once he is in his own home he’ll improve even further.”

Colin Ettinger, from Irwin Mitchell represented the family, he said: “This is a horrendous case that due to the complex issues surrounding Gavin’s injuries has taken some time to resolve.

“Gavin is cared for in a nursing home but his family, social worker and the staff at the home agree that Gavin would be better cared for in his own adapted accommodation, with specialist carers, with a Case Manager to supervise the therapies and other treatment that he needs.

“The settlement agreed today means Gavin can now move into his own home to live with his dedicated brother and mum and ensures he will have all the support he needs as well as specialist therapists to help him achieve the best quality of life possible.”