Why accommodation matters after brain injury
A brain injury can affect mobility, cognition, behaviour, communication and daily living. As a result, a person’s home may need to change significantly to support their recovery and long-term wellbeing.
For some people, adaptations to their existing home may be enough. For others, moving to a more suitable property may be necessary so that care, therapies and specialist equipment can be delivered safely and effectively.
How interim payments can support adapted accommodation
An interim payment is an advance payment of compensation that can be secured before a claim concludes. It can help meet urgent needs while the full value of a claim is still being assessed.
In brain injury claims, interim payments can be used to support practical needs such as rehabilitation, care, specialist equipment, temporary accommodation, property purchase costs and adaptation works.
When accommodation is unsuitable, the impact can be significant:
- Rehabilitation may be delayed because therapies and care cannot be delivered safely or consistently.
- Essential adaptations may be impossible or impractical.
- Specialist equipment may not fit or function properly.
- Temporary living arrangements can place considerable strain on family life, affecting wellbeing and stability.
Where the evidence shows that an adapted property is essential to support rehabilitation, care and independence, securing funding as early as possible can be critical.
Case example: securing £2 million for adapted accommodation
Our client sustained a significant brain injury and cognitive impairment as a result of the defendant’s admitted negligence. Their injuries had a long-term impact on mobility, personal care and safety.
At the time, they were living in council-owned accommodation that was too small, difficult to adapt and no longer suitable for their needs. This created practical challenges for rehabilitation, care and family life.
To support the interim payment request, we worked closely with accommodation experts, property finders and architects. Together, we assessed:
- Property size and layout
- Location and accessibility
- Rehabilitation and care requirements
- Future flexibility as needs evolve
- Current housing market conditions
We also made sure the budget accounted for all associated costs, including legal fees, stamp duty, temporary rental accommodation and adaptation works.
By working with experienced property professionals, we were able to assess potential properties quickly and accurately, making sure they met both our client’s clinical needs and practical requirements.
With detailed expert evidence in place, we were able to show that a £2 million interim payment was necessary and proportionate. Following negotiations, the defendant agreed to our request in full.
What difference did the interim payment make?
The £2 million interim payment enabled our client’s family to begin searching for a permanent home that could be adapted to support our client’s needs for years to come. A suitable property was successfully identified and purchased, and adaptation works are now underway.
The funding also allowed the family to move into more appropriate rental accommodation while the new property is being adapted. This provided immediate improvements in safety, stability and quality of life.
As a result:
- The client can engage more effectively with rehabilitation.
- Therapists have a safer and more suitable environment in which to deliver treatment.
- Care can be provided more safely and consistently.
- The family has greater certainty and peace of mind during an otherwise challenging period.
Most importantly, our client now has a clear pathway towards living in a home designed to support their health, dignity and independence. The larger property also gives the family more space and privacy away from professional carers and therapists.
Watch: how adapted accommodation can support recovery after brain injury
For another example of how the right support and adaptations can make a difference after a brain injury, watch our video about how Bolt Burdon Kemp and Adaptation Design Ltd supported Emily after her brain injury.
How our brain injury solicitors can help
Accommodation can be one of the most important issues to consider after a serious brain injury. Identifying concerns early and obtaining the right expert evidence can be key to securing the funding needed at the right time.
At Bolt Burdon Kemp, we help people affected by serious brain injury access the support they need as their claim progresses. This can include seeking interim payments for rehabilitation, care, equipment, temporary accommodation or adapted housing.
If you or a loved one needs support after a serious brain injury, our specialist brain injury solicitors can help you understand your options and whether interim funding may be available while your claim is ongoing.
