A former Royal Marine, who had to have his leg amputated after a car accident, has obtained a significant sum of compensation with the help of Thompsons Solicitors.

48-year-old Lee Spencer, who lives in Devon, was in service with the Royal Marines for 24 years, completing three operational tours of Afghanistan.

“I’m so relieved to have had Thompsons Solicitors by my side throughout this process. The interim payments have paid for equipment and adaptions to my home, which have been essential for my rehabilitation while the case has been ongoing.”

Lee Spencer Thompsons Solicitors amputation injury client

In January 2014 he stopped on the hard shoulder of the M3 to assist a motorist who had been involved in a serious accident. Once Lee had ensured everyone was safe, another motorist collided with the stranded car, causing a piece of debris to fly towards him. 

The debris hit his right leg, causing a significant loss of blood. Lee saved his life by explaining to a fellow road user how to make a tourniquet with a belt to stop the bleeding. Once he got to hospital, his right leg needed to be amputated. In addition, Lee sustained a serious injury to his left leg which required reconstructive surgery and for which future surgery will be required.

Lee spent several weeks in the hospital recovering from his injuries and, following his discharge, many months undergoing rehabilitation. Lee was subsequently medically discharged from the Royal Marines, and Lee instructed Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim for compensation. 

Thompsons Solicitors have now secured a significant amount for his injuries, which will help Lee move on to the next phase of his life. 

Following Lee’s life changing injury we were able to secure Lee the compensation he requires to provide him with the necessary aids, equipment, adaptations and prosthetics.

Lisa Gunner Thompsons Solicitors

“I’m so relieved to have had Thompsons Solicitors by my side throughout this process,” said Lee. “The interim payments have paid for equipment and adaptions to my home, which have been essential for my rehabilitation while the case has been ongoing. Now I can focus on training for my next fundraising challenge as ‘The Rowing Marine’!” 

Since his accident, Lee has gone on to take on numerous physical trials for charity, including being a member of the world’s first physically disabled crew of 4 to row across the Atlantic in 2016. 

An image of Lee Spencer standing with his bicycle.
Lee Spencer, our serious injury client who suffered serious injury after a road traffic accident.

On 18 January 2018, Lee will attempt an unsupported solo row 3,500 miles across the Atlantic Ocean and, if successful, he will be the world’s first physically disabled person to row solo and unsupported from continental Europe to continental America. 

Serious injury expert Lisa Gunner, from Thompsons Solicitors, said: “Following Lee’s life changing injury we were able to secure Lee the compensation he requires to provide him with the necessary aids, equipment, adaptations and prosthetics. 

“We are immensely proud to represent Lee and of what he has gone on to achieve in showing that there is life beyond injury and we wish him luck for his next rowing challenge.”