Imagine | Summer 2024
A digital magazine from Irwin Mitchell
Imagine | Summer 2024 A digital magazine from Irwin Mitchell
Imagine | Summer 2024
A digital magazine from Irwin Mitchell
Inspirational, courageous, determined.
Just some of the words you could use to describe our client Jon, who lives with a brain injury after he suffered a stroke. Despite this, he wants to help other stroke survivors by sharing his story.
Jon’s symptoms
In November 2018, Jon experienced a severe headache, vomiting and became sensitive to light. He took painkillers and over-the-counter anti-sickness medication hoping they’d help. Two days later his GP suggested Jon had a migraine and should take Nurofen.
Over the coming days, Jon’s symptoms worsened. His wife Michelle called the out-of-hours GP who recommended they go to hospital at once. Jon was diagnosed with a viral illness, and prescribed fluids and paracetamol. Michelle was concerned by the diagnosis and pushed for further investigations, but they weren’t arranged.
Jon was discharged and sent home.
Days later, Jon’s speech became incoherent. Michelle called an ambulance and Jon deteriorated at the hospital. A CT head scan and an MRI showed he’d had a stroke and two aneurysms. Jon needed two operations and months of rehabilitation.
A life-changing experience
The experience has been life changing for Jon and his family. He has ongoing problems with the right side of his body, including hearing impairment, and problems with his balance. His dexterity, and fine motor skills are affected, and he also struggles with communication, fatigue, and concentration. Our experts helped Jon find answers about what happened and to access the support and rehabilitation he needed.
Before his stroke, Jon worked as a gas engineer, managing over a dozen people. He loved his job and used to enjoy having a joke with his friends. Now he struggles to find the words.
“I’m struggling to find the right words for things and my wife is struggling because she doesn’t understand me, you’ve got to train your brain to do everything.”
Family, writing, and travel
Jon’s adapting to living with his brain injury. He’s changed his job role and pattern, and these days he’s more comfortable working from home.
He says he now lives for his wife and two daughters. He’s looking ahead to a more positive future, experiencing new places and travelling around the UK in his camper van. Jon’s writing a book about his experience and the journey to recovery. He hopes that sharing his story will help others in a similar position. He says, “I want to tell people who’ve had a stroke that they can read my story, and I hope that it will help them.”
Symptoms of stroke | Know the FAST test | Stroke Association
Family, writing, and travel
Jon’s adapting to living with his brain injury. He’s changed his job role and pattern, and these days he’s more comfortable working from home.
He says he now lives for his wife and two daughters. He’s looking ahead to a more positive future, experiencing new places and travelling around the UK in his camper van. Jon’s writing a book about his experience and the journey to recovery. He hopes that sharing his story will help others in a similar position. He says, “I want to tell people who’ve had a stroke that they can read my story, and I hope that it will help them.”
Symptoms of stroke | Know the FAST test | Stroke Association
If you or someone you love has suffered from a stroke or brain injury, you may want guidance and support. There are incredible charitable organisations you can reach out to. Here are some we work closely with:
Our client Jon and his solicitors Kris and Ruth.
Our client Jon and his solicitors Kris and Ruth.
Legal support
Cases like Jon’s are extremely distressing for the sufferer and their family and friends. If you don’t know where to turn for legal support, our friendly and caring team are here for you. At times like these, there’s support available.